²⁰ First to those in Damascus,^(A) then to those in Jerusalem^(B) and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles,^(C) I preached that they should repent^(D) and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.^{(E) 21} That is why some Jews seized me^(F) in the temple courts and tried to kill me.^{(G) 22} 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^(H)— ²³ that the Messiah would suffer^(I) and, as the first to rise from the dead,^(J) would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”^(K)

²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind,^(L) Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning^(M) is driving you insane.”

²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent^(N) Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things,^(O) 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. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”^(P)

²⁹ 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.”^(Q)

³⁰ The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice^(R) and those sitting with them. ³¹ After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”^(S)

³² Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free^(T) if he had not appealed to Caesar.”^(U)