³ and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs^(A) and controversies.^(B) Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

¹⁴ For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place^(A) and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”^(B)

²⁶ The king is familiar with these things,^(A) 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.

² If I have the gift of prophecy^(A) and can fathom all mysteries^(B) and all knowledge,^(C) and if I have a faith^(D) that can move mountains,^(E) but do not have love, I am nothing.

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard

¹⁷ Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders.^(A) When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers,^(B) although I have done nothing against our people^(C) or against the customs of our ancestors,^(D) I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

⁷ This is the promise our twelve tribes^(A) are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night.^(B) King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.^(C)

²⁶ But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write.

¹⁹ Instead, they had some points of dispute^(A) with him about their own religion^(B) and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. ²⁰ I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.^(C)

¹⁰ When the governor^(A) motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.

⁴ But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.