But Paul said, "I am a Jew from Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city; and I request of you, permit me to speak to the people."

And permitting him, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying,

"Men, brothers and fathers, hear my defense to you now."

And hearing that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they granted [him] more silence. And he said:

then Agrippa said to Paul, "It is permitted for you to speak for yourself." So Paul, having extended his hand, spoke in his own defense:

I have considered myself fortunate, King Agrippa, being able to speak in my own defense today, concerning all the things of which I am accused of by the Jews,

But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and they will persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers on account of My name.

Put it then in your hearts not to practice beforehand giving your defense;

But even if you should suffer on account of righteousness, [you are] blessed. "But do not fear their threats, nor be troubled."

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be prepared with a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

This man, having been arrested by the Jews, was about to be killed by them. I came upon [them] with the detachment of soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman.

and I found that he was accused concerning questions of their law, [but] had no accusation [against him] worthy of death or chains.

For if I am doing wrong, and have done anything worthy of death, I am not trying to escape a death sentence; but if there is nothing in these things of which these [people] are accusing me, no one is able to deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."

concerning whom, when the accusers stood, they brought no accusation of the things which I was supposing,

And being uncertain [as to] the investigation concerning this, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these charges.

Now for a time of about forty years He put up with them in the wilderness.

He answered him and said, "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me."

For rulers are not a fear to good works, but to evil. And do you wish not to fear the authority? Do what is good, and you shall have praise from the same.

Oh, that you would bear with me a little in my foolishness; but indeed you do bear with me.

For if he who comes [to you] preaches another Jesus whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you did not accept, you may well put up with him!

being able to deal gently with those who sin in ignorance and go astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.