Study Desk

When the governor motioned for Sha'ul to speak, he replied, "I know that you have been judge over this nation for a number of years, so I am glad to make my defense.

At the same time, he hoped that Sha'ul would offer him a bribe; so he sent for him rather often and kept talking with him.

"So," he said, "let competent men among you come down with me and press charges against the man, if he has done something wrong."

So when they arrived here with me, I did not delay, but took my seat in court the next day and ordered the man brought in.

So the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with much pageantry; they entered the audience room accompanied by military commanders and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Sha'ul was brought in.

However, I have nothing specific to write to His Majesty about him. This is why I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa — so that after we have examined him, I might have something to write.

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

"So then! All Jews know how I lived my life from my youth on, both in my own country and in Yerushalayim.

and in Yerushalayim I did so. After receiving authority from the head cohanim, I myself threw many of God's people in prison; when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

Often I went from one synagogue to another, punishing them and trying to make them blaspheme; and in my wild fury against them, I even went so far as to persecute them in cities outside the country.

to open their eyes; so that they will turn from darkness to light, from the power of the Adversary to God, and thus receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who have been separated for holiness by putting their trust in me.'

"So, King Agrippa, I did not disobey the vision from heaven!

However, I have had God's help; so to this day, I stand testifying to both small and great, saying nothing but what both the prophets and Moshe said would happen —

But just as he reached this point in his defense, Festus shouted at the top of his voice, "Sha'ul, you're out of your mind! So much learning is driving you crazy!"

For the king understands these matters, so to him I express myself freely, because I am sure that none of these things have been hidden from him. After all, they didn't happen in some back alley.

then across the open sea along the coasts of Cilicia and Pamphylia; and so we reached Myra in Lycia.

For a number of days we made little headway, and we arrived off Cnidus only with difficulty. The wind would not let us continue any farther along the direct route; so we ran down along the sheltered side of Crete from Cape Salmone;

When a gentle southerly breeze began to blow, they thought that they had their goal within grasp; so they raised the anchor and started coasting by Crete close to shore.

The ship was caught up and unable to face the wind, so we gave way to it and were driven along.

So, men, take heart! For I trust God and believe that what I have been told will come true.