1 Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself." So Paul gestured with his hand and began his defense.
2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself especially fortunate that I stand before you today as I offer my defense concerning all the accusations the Jews have brought against me.
3 This is because you understand well all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I ask you to listen to me patiently.
4 Every Jew knows the way of life I have followed since my youth because, from the beginning, I was among my people and in Jerusalem.
5 They have known me for a long time. If they wanted to, they could testify that I followed the way of life set out by the most exacting group of our religion. I am a Pharisee.
6 Today I am standing trial because of the hope in the promise God gave our ancestors.
7 This is the promise our twelve tribes hope to receive as they earnestly worship night and day. The Jews are accusing me, King Agrippa, because of this hope!