The Servant of the Lord

26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”^(A)

So Paul motioned with his hand^(B) and began his defense: ² “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you^(C) today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews,^{(D) 3} and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs^(E) and controversies.^(F) Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

⁴ “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child,^(G) from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. ⁵ They have known me for a long time^(H) and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect^(I) of our religion, living as a Pharisee.^{(J) 6} And now it is because of my hope^(K) in what God has promised our ancestors^(L) that I am on trial today. ⁷ This is the promise our twelve tribes^(M) are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night.^(N) King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.^{(O) 8} Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?^(P)

¹⁹ “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient^(A) to the vision from heaven. ²⁰ First to those in Damascus,^(B) then to those in Jerusalem^(C) and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles,^(D) I preached that they should repent^(E) and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.^{(F) 21} That is why some Jews seized me^(G) in the temple courts and tried to kill me.^{(H) 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^(I)— ²³ that the Messiah would suffer^(J) and, as the first to rise from the dead,^(K) would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”^(L)