1. Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You have permission to speak for yourself.’So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defence:
2. ‘King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defence against all the accusations of the Jews,
3. and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4. ‘The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem.
5. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.
6. And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.