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17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles {ethnōn}. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan (the adversary) to God {Theon}, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me. 19 So then, King Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II), I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 20 First to those in Damascus (well-watered land) and Jerusalem (city of peace), then to everyone in the region of Judea (land of praise), and then to the Gentiles {ethnesin}, I declared that they should repent and turn to God {Theon}, performing deeds (acts) worthy of their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews (people of praise) seized me in the temple courts \the temple/ and tried to kill me. 22 But I have had God’s {Theou} help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses (drawn out) said would happen: 23 that the Christ (the Anointed One) would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles {ethnesin}. 24 At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus (festival) exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul (humble)! Your great learning is driving you to madness! 25 But Paul (humble) answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus (festival); I am speaking words {rhēmata} of truth and sobriety. 26 For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II), do you believe the prophets? I know you do. 28 Then Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II) said to Paul (humble), “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian? 29 “Short time or long, Paul replied, “I wish to God {Theō} that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains. 30 Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice (victorious) and those seated with them. 31 On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. 32 And Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II) said to Festus (festival), “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar (Emporer). Acts 26:17-32, Berean Annotated Bible. Public domain.
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