And he said, "Men, brothers and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

"Men, brothers, sons of the race of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the message of this salvation has been sent.

Then Paul, looking intently at the council, said, "Men, brothers, I have lived with all good conscience toward God until this day."

But when Paul perceived that one part was of the Sadducees and the other of the Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin, "Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"

And it came to pass after three days that Paul called together those who were prominent among the Jews; and when they had come together, he said to them: "Men, brothers, though I have done nothing against the people or the customs of our forefathers, yet I was handed over as a prisoner from Jerusalem, into the hands of the Romans,

And from the crowd they brought forward Alexander, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and desired to make a defense to the people.

But Paul answered, the governor had nodded for him to speak: "Knowing that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, the more cheerfully I defend the things concerning myself,

while he defended himself, [saying], "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar did I commit any sin."

To them I answered, 'It is not a custom with Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the [one] being accused may meet his accusers face to face, and may receive an opportunity for defense concerning the charge.'

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,

Now as he spoke these things, Festus said with a loud voice, "You are mad, Paul! Your higher learning is driving you to madness!"

Now whenever they bring you to the synagogues and rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.

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

who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience witnessing with [them], and among themselves their thoughts accuse or even defend [them]),

My defense to those who examine me is this:

For behold this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner, how much diligence it produced in you, even an eagerness to defend, even indignation, even fear, even longing, even zeal, even vengeance! In all things you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in this matter.

Again, do you think that we are defending ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.

just as it is right for me to think this concerning you all, because I have you in my heart, both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be reckoned to them.

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;