Lamsa(i)
22 Then A-gripÆpa said to Festus, I would like to hear this man myself; and Festus replied, Tomorrow, you shall hear him.
23 The next day A-gripÆpa and Ber-niÆce came with great pomp, and entered into the court house, accompanied by the chief captains and principal men of the city. Festus commanded and Paul was brought in.
24 Then Festus said, King A-gripÆpa and all men who are here present with us, against this man whom you see, all the Jewish people have complained to me both at Jerusalem and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and because he himself had appealed to be kept in custody for a trial before Cµsar, I commanded to send him.
26 But I do not know what to write Caesar concerning him, therefore I was pleased to bring him before you, and especially before you, O King A-gripÆpa, so that when he is questioned, I may find somewhat to write.
27 For it is not proper to send a prisoner, without writing down the charges against him.
26 1 THEN A-gripÆpa said to Paul, You have permission to speak in your own behalf. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and answered, saying,
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.