"Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now."

"To them I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.'

My defense to those who examine me is this:

For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, [what] clearing [of yourselves, what] indignation, [what] fear, [what] vehement desire, [what] zeal, [what] vindication! In all [things] you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as 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.

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

for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica -- Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

I am a reproach among all my enemies, But especially among my neighbors, And [am] repulsive to my acquaintances; Those who see me outside flee from me.

For I hear the slander of many; Fear [is] on every side; While they take counsel together against me, They scheme to take away my life.

Then they all forsook Him and fled.

"Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.