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Agrippa said to Sha'ul, "You have permission to speak on your own behalf." Then Sha'ul motioned with his hand and began his defense:
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"King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that it is before you today that I am defending myself against all the charges made against me by Jews,
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because you are so well informed about all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
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"So then! All Jews know how I lived my life from my youth on, both in my own country and in Yerushalayim.
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They have known me for a long time; and if they are willing, they can testify that I have followed the strictest party in our religion - that is, I have lived as a Parush.
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How ironic it is that I stand on trial here because of my hope in the promise made to our fathers!
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It is the fulfillment of this very promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they resolutely carry on their acts of worship night and day; yet it is in connection with this hope, your Majesty, that I am being accused by Jews!