The Power of the Gospel

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is God’s saving power for everyone who believes,^[a] for the Jew first and also for the Greek.^(A)

Paul Defends Himself before Agrippa

26 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself:^(A)

² “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,

³⁸ Those who are ashamed of me and of my words^[a] in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”^(A)

¹⁴ If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory,^[a] which is the Spirit of God,^[b] is resting on you.^{[c](A) 15} But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker.^{[d](B) 16} Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.^[e]

⁸ Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, in the power of God,^(A)

²⁰ It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way but that by my speaking with all boldness Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death.^(A)

Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe

²⁴ While he was making this defense, Festus exclaimed, “You are out of your mind, Paul! Too much learning is driving you insane!”^{(A) 25} But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth.^{(B) 26} Indeed, the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely, for I am certain that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” ²⁸ Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?”^{(C) 29} Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am—except for these chains.”^(D)

¹⁸ and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the gentiles.^{(A) 19} When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you at that time,