18
to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19
“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
20
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.
21
That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.
22
But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—
23
that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
24
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
25
“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.
26
The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
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King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
28
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”