1
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself:
2
"I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews,
3
especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
4
My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know.
5
They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to 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 this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.
8
Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9
Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10
This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.