Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

¹⁹ “So then, King Agrippa, I didn’t disobey this vision from heaven. ²⁰ I preached that people should repent, and turn to God, and do the works that demonstrate repentance. I preached it first to those in Damascus, then also in Jerusalem, in the whole countryside of Judaea, and among the nations. ²¹ That is the reason the Jews seized me in the Temple and tried to slaughter me. ²² But I have had help from God, right up to this very day. And so I stand here to bear witness, to small and great alike, of nothing except what the prophets, and Moses too, said would happen: ²³ namely, that the Messiah would suffer, that he would be the first to rise from the dead, and that he would proclaim light to the people and to the nations.”

“Paul, you’re mad!”

²⁴ As Paul was making his defense in this way, Festus roared out at the top of his voice, “Paul, you’re mad! All this learning of yours has driven you crazy!”

²⁵ “I’m not mad, most excellent Festus,” responded Paul. “On the contrary, what I say is full of truth and good sense. ²⁶ The king knows about these things, and it is to him that I am speaking so boldly. I cannot believe that any of this has escaped his notice. After all, these things didn’t happen in a corner. ²⁷ Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know you believe them.”

²⁸ “You reckon you’re going to make me a Christian, then,” said Agrippa to Paul, “and pretty quick, too, by the sound of it!”

²⁹ “Whether quick or slow,” replied Paul, “I pray to God that not only you but also all who hear me today will become just as I am—apart, of course, from these chains.”