18. to open their eyes—so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of satan to God, that they may receive release from sins as well as a place among those who are made holy through trusting in Me.’
19. “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.
20. Rather, I kept declaring—first to those in Damascus, and then Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also the Gentiles—that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with that repentance.
21. “For this reason some Judeans seized me in the Temple and tried to put me to death.
22. Since I have had God’s help, to this day I have stood here testifying to both small and great. I am saying nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to happen—
23. that the Messiah was to suffer and that, being first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light both to our people and to the nations.”
24. As Paul was thus making his defense, Festus says with a loud voice, “You’re crazy, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!”
25. But Paul declares, “I am not insane, most noble Festus! Rather I am speaking the sober truth.
26. For the king knows about these things, and I speak freely to him, since I am convinced that none of these things escape his notice—for this was not done in a corner.
27. King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do believe!”
28. Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time you are trying to persuade me to be Messianic!”
29. And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would pray to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today would be such as I am—except for these chains!”
30. Then the king stood up, as well as the governor, Bernice, and those sitting with them.
31. When they had gone away, they began talking among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
32. Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free, if he had not appealed to Caesar.”