Acts 26:1-8 ▼

1 Then Agrippa told Paul, |You have permission to speak for yourself.| So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.

2 |I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, that I can defend myself today against all the accusations of the Jewish leaders,

3 since you are especially familiar with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen patiently to me.

4 All the Jews know how I lived from the earliest days of my youth with my own people and in Jerusalem.

5 They have known for a long time, if they would but testify to it, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the standards of our strictest religious party.

6 |And now I stand here on trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our ancestors.

7 Our twelve tribes, worshiping day and night with intense devotion, hope to attain it. It is because of this hope, O King, that I am accused by the Jews.

8 Why is it thought incredible by all of you that God should raise the dead?