Bible Verses About Select Readings

But some Jews from the province of Asia — they ought to be here before you to make a charge if they have anything against me!

Or else, let these men themselves say what crime they found me guilty of when I stood in front of the Sanhedrin,

other than this one thing which I shouted out when I was standing among them: ‘I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!’”

But Felix, who had rather detailed knowledge of things connected with the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

He ordered the captain to keep Sha’ul in custody, but to let him have considerable liberty and not prevent any of his friends from taking care of his needs.

After some days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Sha’ul and listened to him as he spoke about trusting in the Messiah Yeshua.

But when Sha’ul began to discuss righteousness, self-control and the coming Judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “For the time being, go away! I will send for you when I get a chance.”

At the same time, he hoped that Sha’ul would offer him a bribe; so he sent for him rather often and kept talking with him.

After two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; but because Felix wanted to grant the Judeans a favor, he left Sha’ul still a prisoner.

Agrippa said to Sha’ul, “You have permission to speak on your own behalf.” Then Sha’ul motioned with his hand and began his defense:

“King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that it is before you today that I am defending myself against all the charges made against me by Jews,

because you are so well informed about all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

“So then! All Jews know how I lived my life from my youth on, both in my own country and in Yerushalayim.

They have known me for a long time; and if they are willing, they can testify that I have followed the strictest party in our religion — that is, I have lived as a Parush.

How ironic it is that I stand on trial here because of my hope in the promise made to our fathers!

It is the fulfillment of this very promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they resolutely carry on their acts of worship night and day; yet it is in connection with this hope, your Majesty, that I am being accused by Jews!

Why do you people consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

“I used to think it was my duty to do all I could to combat the name of Yeshua from Natzeret;

and in Yerushalayim I did so. After receiving authority from the head cohanim, I myself threw many of God’s people in prison; when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

Often I went from one synagogue to another, punishing them and trying to make them blaspheme; and in my wild fury against them, I even went so far as to persecute them in cities outside the country.

“On one such occasion, I was traveling to Dammesek with the full authority and power of the head cohanim.

I was on the road, and it was noon, your Majesty, when I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my traveling companions.

We all fell to the ground; and then I heard a voice saying to me, in Hebrew, ‘Sha’ul! Sha’ul! Why do you keep persecuting me? It’s hard on you to be kicking against the ox-goads!’

I said, ‘Who are you, sir?’ and the Lord answered, ‘I am Yeshua, and you are persecuting me!

But get up, and stand on your feet! I have appeared to you to appoint you to serve and bear witness to what you have already seen of me, and to what you will see when I appear to you in the future.