3
Especially, [because I know] thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
4
My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among my own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews,
5
Who knew me from the beginning, (if they would testify) that after the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.
6
And now I stand, and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers:
7
To which [promise] our twelve tribes, assiduously serving [God] day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.
8
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
9
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against [them].
11
And I punished them often in every synagogue, and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted [them] even to foreign cities.
12
Upon which as I went to Damascus, with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13
At mid-day, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, surpassing the brightness of the sun, shining around me, and them who journeyed with me.