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Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.” So Paul, gesturing with his hand, started his defense:
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“I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense today against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders,
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for I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!
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“As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem.
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If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion.
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Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors.
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In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope!