Acts.26.1
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
Acts.26.1
Agrippa spoke directly to Paul: "Go ahead--tell us about yourself." Paul took the stand and told his story.
Acts.26.1
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:
Acts.26.1
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself:
Acts.26.1
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak in your defense." So Paul, with a gesture of his hand, started his defense:
Acts.26.2
I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
Acts.26.2
"I can't think of anyone, King Agrippa, before whom I'd rather be answering all these Jewish accusations than you,
Acts.26.2
"King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews,
Acts.26.2
"I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews,
Acts.26.2
"I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders,
Acts.26.3
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
Acts.26.3
knowing how well you are acquainted with Jewish ways and all our family quarrels.
Acts.26.3
and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
Acts.26.3
especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
Acts.26.3
for I know you are an expert on Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!
Acts.26.4
My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
Acts.26.4
"From the time of my youth, my life has been lived among my own people in Jerusalem.
Acts.26.4
"The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem.
Acts.26.4
"My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know.
Acts.26.4
"As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem.
Acts.26.5
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Acts.26.5
Practically every Jew in town who watched me grow up--and if they were willing to stick their necks out they'd tell you in person--knows that I lived as a strict Pharisee, the most demanding branch of our religion.
Acts.26.5
They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.
Acts.26.5
They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Acts.26.5
If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion.
Acts.26.6
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
Acts.26.6
It's because I believed it and took it seriously,
Acts.26.6
And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today.
Acts.26.6
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers.
Acts.26.6
Now I am on trial because I am looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promise made to our ancestors.
Acts.26.7
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Acts.26.7
committed myself heart and soul to what God promised my ancestors--the identical hope, mind you, that the twelve tribes have lived for night and day all these centuries--it's because I have held on to this tested and tried hope that I'm being called on the carpet by the Jews. They should be the ones standing trial here, not me!
Acts.26.7
This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me.
Acts.26.7
To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.
Acts.26.7
In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, O king, they say it is wrong for me to have this hope!
Acts.26.8
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
Acts.26.8
For the life of me, I can't see why it's a criminal offense to believe that God raises the dead.
Acts.26.8
Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
Acts.26.8
Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
Acts.26.8
Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead?
Acts.26.9
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts.26.9
"I admit that I didn't always hold to this position. For a time I thought it was my duty to oppose this Jesus of Nazareth with all my might.
Acts.26.9
"I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts.26.9
"Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts.26.9
"I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the followers of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts.26.10
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
Acts.26.10
Backed with the full authority of the high priests, I threw these believers--I had no idea they were God's people!-into the Jerusalem jail right and left, and whenever it came to a vote, I voted for their execution.
Acts.26.10
And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.
Acts.26.10
This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.
Acts.26.10
Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many of the believers in Jerusalem to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death.
Acts.26.11
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Acts.26.11
I stormed through their meeting places, bullying them into cursing Jesus, a one-man terror obsessed with obliterating these people. And then I started on the towns outside Jerusalem.
Acts.26.11
Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.
Acts.26.11
And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
Acts.26.11
Many times I had them whipped in the synagogues to try to get them to curse Christ. I was so violently opposed to them that I even hounded them in distant cities of foreign lands.
Acts.26.12
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
Acts.26.12
"One day on my way to Damascus, armed as always with papers from the high priests authorizing my action,
Acts.26.12
"On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
Acts.26.12
"While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
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"One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests.
Acts.26.13
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
Acts.26.13
right in the middle of the day a blaze of light, light outshining the sun, poured out of the sky on me and my companions. Oh, King, it was so bright!
Acts.26.13
About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions.
Acts.26.13
at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
Acts.26.13
About noon, Your Majesty, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions.
Acts.26.14
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts.26.14
We fell flat on our faces. Then I heard a voice in Hebrew: "Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me? Why do you insist on going against the grain?'
Acts.26.14
We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
Acts.26.14
And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
Acts.26.14
We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to fight against my will. '
Acts.26.15
And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
Acts.26.15
"I said, "Who are you, Master?'"The voice answered, "I am Jesus, the One you're hunting down like an animal.
Acts.26.15
"Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?'
Acts.26.15
So I said, "Who are You, Lord?' And He said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Acts.26.15
"'Who are you, sir?' I asked. "And the Lord replied, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.
Acts.26.16
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Acts.26.16
But now, up on your feet--I have a job for you. I've handpicked you to be a servant and witness to what's happened today, and to what I am going to show you.
Acts.26.16
"'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.
Acts.26.16
But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.
Acts.26.16
Now stand up! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and my witness. You are to tell the world about this experience and about other times I will appear to you.
Acts.26.17
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
Acts.26.17
I'm sending you off
Acts.26.17
I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them
Acts.26.17
I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,
Acts.26.17
And I will protect you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am going to send you to the Gentiles,
Acts.26.18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Acts.26.18
to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.'
Acts.26.18
to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Acts.26.18
to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts.26.18
to open their eyes so they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.'
Acts.26.19
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
Acts.26.19
"What could I do, King Agrippa? I couldn't just walk away from a vision like that! I became an obedient believer on the spot.
Acts.26.19
"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
Acts.26.19
"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
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"And so, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to that vision from heaven.
Acts.26.20
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Acts.26.20
I started preaching this life-change--this radical turn to God and everything it meant in everyday life--right there in Damascus, went on to Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside, and from there to the whole world.
Acts.26.20
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Acts.26.20
but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Acts.26.20
I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must turn from their sins and turn to God--and prove they have changed by the good things they do.
Acts.26.21
For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
Acts.26.21
"It's because of this "whole world' dimension that the Jews grabbed me in the Temple that day and tried to kill me. They want to keep God for themselves.
Acts.26.21
That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.
Acts.26.21
For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
Acts.26.21
Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me.
Acts.26.22
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
Acts.26.22
But God has stood by me, just as he promised, and I'm standing here saying what I've been saying to anyone, whether king or child, who will listen. And everything I'm saying is completely in line with what the prophets and Moses said would happen:
Acts.26.22
But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen--
Acts.26.22
Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come--
Acts.26.22
But God protected me so that I am still alive today to tell these facts to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen--
Acts.26.23
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
Acts.26.23
One, the Messiah must die; two, raised from the dead, he would be the first rays of God's daylight shining on people far and near, people both godless and God-fearing."
Acts.26.23
that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
Acts.26.23
that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."
Acts.26.23
that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead as a light to Jews and Gentiles alike."
Acts.26.24
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
Acts.26.24
That was too much for Festus. He interrupted with a shout: "Paul, you're crazy! You've read too many books, spent too much time staring off into space! Get a grip on yourself, get back in the real world!"
Acts.26.24
At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
Acts.26.24
Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!"
Acts.26.24
Suddenly, Festus shouted, "Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!"
Acts.26.25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
Acts.26.25
But Paul stood his ground. "With all respect, Festus, Your Honor, I'm not crazy. I'm both accurate and sane in what I'm saying.
Acts.26.25
"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable.
Acts.26.25
But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.
Acts.26.25
But Paul replied, "I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. I am speaking the sober truth.
Acts.26.26
For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
Acts.26.26
The King knows what I'm talking about. I'm sure that nothing of what I've said sounds crazy to him. He's known all about it for a long time. You must realize that this wasn't done behind the scenes.
Acts.26.26
The king is familiar with these things, 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.
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For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.
Acts.26.26
And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak frankly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner!
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King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
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You believe the prophets, don't you, King Agrippa? Don't answer that--I know you believe."
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King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."
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King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe."
Acts.26.27
King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do--"
Acts.26.28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Acts.26.28
But Agrippa did answer: "Keep this up much longer and you'll make a Christian out of me!"
Acts.26.28
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
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Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."
Acts.26.28
Agrippa interrupted him. "Do you think you can make me a Christian so quickly?"
Acts.26.29
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Acts.26.29
Paul, still in chains, said, "That's what I'm praying for, whether now or later, and not only you but everyone listening today, to become like me--except, of course, for this prison jewelry!"
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Paul replied, "Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
Acts.26.29
And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains."
Acts.26.29
Paul replied, "Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."
Acts.26.30
And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
Acts.26.30
The king and the governor, along with Bernice and their advisors, got up
Acts.26.30
The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them.
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When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them;
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Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others stood and left.
Acts.26.31
And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
Acts.26.31
and went into the next room to talk over what they had heard. They quickly agreed on Paul's innocence, saying, "There's nothing in this man deserving prison, let alone death."
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They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."
Acts.26.31
and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, "This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains."
Acts.26.31
As they talked it over they agreed, "This man hasn't done anything worthy of death or imprisonment."
Acts.26.32
Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
Acts.26.32
Agrippa told Festus, "He could be set free right now if he hadn't requested the hearing before Caesar."
Acts.26.32
Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
Acts.26.32
Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
Acts.26.32
And Agrippa said to Festus, "He could be set free if he hadn't appealed to Caesar!"
