²⁵ But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth.^(A)

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings.^(A)

⁷ in all things, offering yourself as a model of good works and in your teaching offering integrity, gravity, ⁸ and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.^(A)

⁹ holding tightly to the trustworthy word of the teaching, so that he may be able both to exhort with sound instruction and to refute those who contradict it.

¹⁵ but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you,^(A)

⁹ Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.^(A)

²¹ For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.^(A)

²³ When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.^(B)

³ In every way and everywhere we welcome this with utmost gratitude.^(A)

⁴⁹ Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me.

³ I, too, decided, as one having a grasp of everything from the start,^[a] to write a well-ordered account for you, most excellent Theophilus,^(A)