[1] Then Agrippa said unto Paul, art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: [2] I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: [3] Especially expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech to hear patiently. [4] manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews; [5] Which knew from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. [6] And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God our fathers: [7] Unto which twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king I am accused of the Jews. [8] Why should it be thought a thing incredible with 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 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 gave my voice [11] And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. [12] Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission the chief priests, [13] At midday, O king, in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about and them which journeyed with [14] all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice unto saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, why persecutest thou it is hard to kick against the pricks. [15] And I said, Who Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. [16] But rise, and stand upon feet: for for to make a minister and a witness both of these things which and of those things in the which [17] Delivering from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in [19] Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: [20] But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. [21] For the Jews caught in the temple, and went about to kill [22] therefore obtained help God, I continue unto day, both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: [23] That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. [24] And as he spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make mad. [25] But he said, not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. [26] For the king knoweth of things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none are hidden from him; for not done in a corner. [27] King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. [28] Then Agrippa unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest a Christian. [29] And Paul I would to God, that not only but also all that hear this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except bonds.