Permission to Speak

1Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak on your own behalf.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

2Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today,

3especially because you are knowledgeable about all the customs and disputes among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4So then, all the Jews know my manner of life from my youth, which from the beginning took place among my own nation and also in Jerusalem,

5They have known me from the beginning, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.

6And now I stand on trial because of the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

7to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. It is concerning this hope that I am accused by the Jews, O king.

8Why is it judged unbelievable by you if God raises the dead?