Acts 26:2-11

Lamsa(i) 2 In view of all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself blessed, O King A-gripÆpa, to defend myself today before you. 3 Especially because I know you are familiar with all the customs and questions and laws of the Jews: wherefore, I beg you to hear me patiently. 4 Even the Jews themselves, if they would be willing to testify, know well my manner of life from my childhood which started first among mine own people at Jerusalem. 5 For they have been acquainted with me a long time, and know that I was brought up with the excellent doctrine of the PharÆi-sees. 6 And now I stand and am on trial for the hope of the promise made of God to our fathers. 7 It is to the fulfillment of this hope that our twelve tribes expect to come, by means of earnest prayers day and night. And for this very hopeÆs sake, I am accused by the Jews, O King A-gripÆpa. 8 How can you judge? Is it improper to believe that God can raise the dead? 9 For I at the very beginning was determined that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which I also did at Jerusalem: I cast many of the saints into prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when some were put to death, I took part with those who condemned them. 11 And I tortured them in every synagogue, thus compelling them to blaspheme the name of Jesus; and being exceedingly mad against them, I also went to other cities to persecute them.