Paul’s Life as a Jew
THEN Agrippa said to Paul: “You are permitted to speak, on behalf of yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defence:
2 “I consider myself fortunate king Agrippa, because I shall defend myself this day before you, concerning all the things of which I am accused of, by the Jews.
3 Especially, because I know you to be knowledgeable in all the customs and disputes which are amongst the Jews: therefore I beseech you to hear me patiently.
4 ¶ My manner of life from my youth, which was from the beginning amongst my own nation in Jerusalem: is known to all the Jews;
5 Which knowing me for a long time, if they are willing to bear witness; that in accordance to the most strictest faction of our religion: I lived a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand judged, concerning the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers:
7 To which, our twelve tribes earnestly worship day and night: hope to come. Concerning this hope, king Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why should it be judged unbelievable among you, that God should raise the dead?
9 ¶ And I, myself supposed, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 Which I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the holy people I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my vote 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 in foreign cities.
Paul Recounts His Conversion
12 ¶ Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13 At midday, O king: I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining around me and those which journeyed together with me.
14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? it is hard for you to kick against the goads!”
15 And I said, “Who are you, Lord?” And He said: “I am Jesus whom you persecute!”
16 “But arise, and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this: to make you a servant and a witness; both of what you have seen, and that I will show to you;
17 Delivering you from the people, and the Gentiles: to whom I now send you:
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light; and from the authority of Satan, to God: that they may receive pardon of sins, and inheritance among those which are made holy by faith in me.”
Paul’s Conduct After Conversion
19 ¶ Whereupon king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision:
20 But announced what must be done, first to those of Damascus; and in Jerusalem; and throughout all the regions of Judea; and to the Gentiles: that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.
21 For these causes, the Jews seized me in the temple and attempted to kill me.
22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, I continue until this day; bearing witness both to small and great, saying nothing except that which the prophets and Moses said should come:
23 That the Christ should suffer; and that He be the first to rise from the dead; and be about to proclaim light to the people, and to the Gentiles.
Paul Appeals to Caesar
24 ¶ And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice: “Paul, you are beside yourself; your much learning has made you mad.”
25 But he said: “I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and self-control.
26 For the king knows of these things, before whom I speak boldly; for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him: for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
28 ¶ Then Agrippa said to Paul: “In a short time would you persuade me to become a Christian?”
29 And Paul said: “I pray God, in a short time, or a long time; not only you: but also all that hear me this day, be such as I am: except for these bonds.”
30 And when he had thus spoken: the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and those that sat with them:
31 And when they had gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying: “This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.”
32 Then said Agrippa to Festus: “This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed to Caesar.”