5. Having known me from the beginning (if they will give testimony) that according to the most sure sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
6. And now for the hope of the promise that was made by God to the fathers, do I stand subject to judgment:
7. Unto which, our twelve tribes, serving night and day, hope to come. For which hope, O king, I am accused by the Jews.
8. Why should it be thought a thing incredible, that God should raise the dead?
9. And I indeed did formerly think, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10. Which also I did at Jerusalem, and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority of the chief priests: and when they were put to death, I brought the sentence.
11. And oftentimes punishing them, in every synagogue, I compelled them to blaspheme: and being yet more mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
12. Whereupon when I was going to Damascus with authority and permission of the chief priest,
13. At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me, and them that were in company with me.
14. And when we were all fallen down on the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goad.
15. And I said: Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord answered: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16. But rise up, and stand upon thy feet: for to this end have I appeared to thee, that I may make thee a minister, and a witness of those things which thou hast seen, and of those things wherein I will appear to thee,