Study Desk

At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.

But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:

and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.

But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—

The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.

Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them,

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.

The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.

so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along.

So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.

The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people.

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.