3
You know so much about all the Jewish customs and the things the Jews argue about, so please listen to me patiently.
4
"All the Jewish people know about my whole life, how I lived from the beginning in my own country and later in Jerusalem.
5
They have known me for a long time. If they want to, they can tell you that I was a good Pharisee. And the Pharisees obey the laws of the Jewish religion more carefully than any other group.
6
Now I am on trial because I hope for the promise that God made to our ancestors.
7
This is the promise that the twelve tribes of our people hope to receive as they serve God day and night. My king, the Jews have accused me because I hope for this same promise!
8
Why do any of you people think it is impossible for God to raise people from the dead?
9
"I, too, thought I ought to do many things against Jesus from Nazareth.
10
And that is what I did in Jerusalem. The leading priests gave me the power to put many of God's people in jail, and when they were being killed, I agreed it was a good thing.
11
In every synagogue, I often punished them and tried to make them speak against Jesus. I was so angry against them I even went to other cities to find them and punish them.
12
"One time the leading priests gave me permission and the power to go to Damascus.
13
On the way there, at noon, I saw a light from heaven. It was brighter than the sun and flashed all around me and those who were traveling with me.