1
"Brethren and fathers, hear the defense which I now make before you."
2
And when they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew language, they were the more quiet. And he said:
3
"I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cili'cia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gama'li-el, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as you all are this day.
4
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,
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as the high priest and the whole council of elders bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brethren, and I journeyed to Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
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"As I made my journey and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me.
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And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'
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And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.'
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Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me.
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And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'
11
And when I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.