Study Desk

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

First to those in Damascus,^(ai) then to those in Jerusalem^(aj) and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles,^(ak) I preached that they should repent^(al) and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.^(am)

That is why some Jews seized me^(an) in the temple courts and tried to kill me.^(ao)

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^(ap)—

that the Messiah would suffer^(aq) and, as the first to rise from the dead,^(ar) would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles."^(as)

At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind,^(at) Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning^(au) is driving you insane."

"I am not insane, most excellent^(av) Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable.

The king is familiar with these things,^(aw) and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.

King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"^(ax)

Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."^(ay)

The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice^(az) and those sitting with them.

After they left the room, they began saying to one another, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."^(ba)

Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free^(bb) if he had not appealed to Caesar."^(bc)