19 “So then, King Agrippas, I couldn’t disobey that vision 20 so I preached first to those in Damesek (Damascus) and then in Yerushalem (Jerusalem) and all of Yehudah (Judea), and then in the towns of the non-Jews. I preached about turning from their sins and turning back to God, and then actually living like people who had repented. 21 It was because of these that the Yehudim (Jews) grabbed me in the temple and tried to do me in. 22 So it is that with God’s help until this very day I have stood testifying to commoners and leaders, teaching nothing other than what Mosheh (Moses) and the prophets had already written that would happen—23 that the messiah would come and suffer and as the first of the dead to come back to life, he is going to be declaring light to both Yehudim and non-Jews.”
24 Then speaking about Paulos’s defence, Governor Festos said, “Paulos, you’re stark, raving mad! All your education has turned you into an idiot.”
25 But Paulos said, “I haven’t gone mad, most excellent Festos, but I’m speaking the truth in all seriousness. 26 The king knows what I’m talking about and that’s why I’m speaking boldly, because none of these were done in a corner and I’m sure that none of it has escaped his notice. 27 King Agrippas, do you believe what the prophets wrote? Yes, I’m sure you do.”
28 But Agrippas answered Paulos, “Do you think you can talk me into becoming a follower of the messiah in just that short time?”
29 “I hope to God”, said Paulos, “whether it takes a short time or a long time, that both you and the others listening today will become just like me except for these chains.”
30 Then the king and the governor both stood, along with Bernike and the others sitting with them 31 and as they left they were saying to each other, “That man hasn’t done anything deserving of death or imprisonment.”
32 “Yes, he could have been set free,” replied Agrippas, “if he hadn’t appealed to Kaisar.”
