4-8 “From the time of my youth, my life has been lived among my own people in Jerusalem. Practically every Jew in town who watched me grow up—and if they were willing to stick their necks out they’d tell you in person—knows that I lived as a strict Pharisee, the most demanding branch of our religion. It’s because I believed it and took it seriously, committed myself heart and soul to what God promised my ancestors—the identical hope, mind you, that the twelve tribes have lived for night and day all these centuries—it’s because I have held on to this tested and tried hope that I’m being called on the carpet by the Jews. They should be the ones standing trial here, not me! For the life of me, I can’t see why it’s a criminal offense to believe that God raises the dead.

Read full chapter

They have known me for a long time(A) and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect(B) of our religion, living as a Pharisee.(C) And now it is because of my hope(D) in what God has promised our ancestors(E) that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes(F) are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night.(G) King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.(H)

Read full chapter