1. Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.”So Paul, gesturing with his hand, started his defense:
2. “I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense today against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders,
3. for I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!
4. “As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem.
5. If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion.
6. Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors.
7. In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope!