Daily Bread

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)

²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind,^(M) Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning^(N) is driving you insane.”

²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent^(O) Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things,^(P) 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. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”^(Q)

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”^(R)

³⁰ The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice^(S) and those sitting with them. ³¹ After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”^(T)

³² Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free^(U) if he had not appealed to Caesar.”^(V)