⁵ 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)

⁶ Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees^(A) and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers,^(B) I am a Pharisee,^(C) descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.”^(D)

³ “I am a Jew,^(A) born in Tarsus^(B) of Cilicia,^(C) but brought up in this city. I studied under^(D) Gamaliel^(E) and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors.^(F) I was just as zealous^(G) for God as any of you are today.

⁵ “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots^(A) among the Jews^(B) all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene^(C) sect^(D)

⁵ as the high priest and all the Council^(A) can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates^(B) in Damascus,^(C) and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.

⁵ circumcised^(A) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(B) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(C) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;^{(D) 6} as for zeal,^(E) persecuting the church;^(F) as for righteousness based on the law,^(G) faultless.

¹⁴ However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors^(A) as a follower of the Way,^(B) which they call a sect.^(C) I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,^(D)