Acts 26:2-14 in English

² I think myself happy, king Agrippa, that I am to make my defence before thee this day touching all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews:

³ especially because thou art expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

⁴ My manner of life then from my youth up, which was from the beginning among mine own nation and at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

⁵ having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ And now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers;

⁷ unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. And concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, O king!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?

⁹ I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ And this I also did in Jerusalem: and I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ And punishing them oftentimes in all the synagogues, I strove to make them blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.

¹² Whereupon as I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests,

¹³ at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them that journeyed with me.

¹⁴ And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying unto me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the goad.

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:

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.

⁴ My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

⁵ Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

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.

⁸ Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

⁹ I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

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.

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.

¹² Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

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.

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.

² I think myself happy, king Agrippa, that I am to make my defence before thee this day touching all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews:

³ especially because thou art expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

⁴ My manner of life then from my youth up, which was from the beginning among mine own nation, and at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

⁵ having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, how that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ And now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers;

⁷ unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. And concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, O king!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?

⁹ I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ And this I also did in Jerusalem: and I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death, I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ And punishing them oftentimes in all the synagogues, I strove to make them blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.

¹² Whereupon as I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests,

¹³ at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them that journeyed with me.

¹⁴ And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying unto me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the goad.

² “King Agrippa, I consider that I am fortunate that today, while you (sg) listen, I can defend myself from all the things about which the Jewish leaders SYN are accusing me.

³ I am really fortunate, because you (sg) know all about the customs of us Jews and the questions that we (exc) argue about. So I ask you, please listen patiently to what I say.”

⁴ “Many HYP of my fellow Jews know about how I have conducted my life, from the time I was a child. They know how I lived in the area where I was born and also later in Jerusalem.

⁵ They have known for many years, and they could tell you, if they wanted to, that since I was very young I obeyed the customs of our religion very carefully, just like the other Pharisees do.

⁶ Today I am being put on trial { they are putting me on trial} because I am confidently expecting that God will do what he promised our (exc) ancestors.

⁷ Our twelve tribes are also confidently waiting for God to do for us what he promised, as they respectfully worship him, day and night. Respected king, I confidently expect that God will do what he promised, and they also believe that! But that is the reason that these Jewish leaders SYN are accusing me!

⁸ They believe that God can cause those who have died to become alive again, so ◄why do any of you refuse to believe that he raised Jesus from the dead?/none of you should refuse to believe that he raised Jesus from the dead!► RHQ”

⁹ “ Formerly I, too, was sure that I should do everything that I could to oppose Jesus MTY, the man from Nazareth town.

¹⁰ So that is what I did when I lived in Jerusalem. I put many of the believers in jail, as the chief priests there had authorized me to do. When the Jewish leaders wanted those Christians killed {someone to kill those Christians}, I voted for that.

¹¹ Many times I punished the believers whom I found in Jewish meeting places. By punishing them, I tried to force them to speak evil about Jesus. I was so angry with the followers of Jesus that I even traveled to other cities to find them and do things to harm them.”

¹² “ One day, I was on my way to Damascus city to do that. The chief priests in Jerusalem had authorized and sent me to seize the believers there.

¹³ My respected king, while I was going along the road, at about noon I saw a bright light in the sky. It was even brighter than the sun! It shone all around me, and also around the men who were traveling with me.

¹⁴ We (exc) all fell to the ground. Then I heard the voice of someone speaking to me in my own Hebrew language MTY. He said ‘Saul, Saul, ◄stop causing me to suffer!/why are you causing me to suffer?► RHQ You (sg) are hurting yourself by trying to hurt me MET, like an ox kicking against its owner's goad.’

² “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,

³ especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ “Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem;

⁵ having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you if God does raise the dead?

⁹ “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² “Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.

¹⁴ When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

² “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,

³ especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ “Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem;

⁵ having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you if God does raise the dead?

⁹ “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² “Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.

¹⁴ When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

² “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defence before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,

³ especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are amongst the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ “Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning amongst my own nation and at Jerusalem;

⁵ having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you if God does raise the dead?

⁹ “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² “Whereupon as I travelled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who travelled with me.

¹⁴ When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

² In my opinion I am happy, King Agrippa, to be able to give my answer before you today to all these things which the Jews say against me:

³ The more so, because you are expert in all questions to do with the Jews and their ways: so I make my request to you to give me a hearing to the end.

⁴ All the Jews have knowledge of my way of life from my early years, as it was from the start among my nation, and at Jerusalem;

⁵ And they are able to say, if they would give witness, that I was living as a Pharisee, in that division of our religion which is most regular in the keeping of the law.

⁶ And now I am here to be judged because of the hope given by God's word to our fathers;

⁷ For the effecting of which our twelve tribes have been working and waiting night and day with all their hearts. And in connection with this hope I am attacked by the Jews, O king!

⁸ Why, in your opinion, is it outside belief for God to make the dead come to life again?

⁹ For I, truly, was of the opinion that it was right for me to do a number of things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ And this I did in Jerusalem: and numbers of the saints I put in prison, having had authority given to me from the chief priests, and when they were put to death, I gave my decision against them.

¹¹ And I gave them punishment frequently, in all the Synagogues, forcing them to say things against God; and burning with passion against them, I went after them even into far-away towns.

¹² Then, when I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and orders of the chief priests,

¹³ In the middle of the day, on the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round me and those who were journeying with me.

¹⁴ And when we had all gone down on the earth, a voice came to me, saying in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why are you attacking me so cruelly? It is hard for you to go against the impulse which is driving you.

² I count myself happy, king Agrippa, in having to answer to-day before thee concerning all of which I am accused by the Jews,

³ especially because thou art acquainted with all the customs and questions which are among the Jews; wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

⁴ My manner of life then from my youth, which from its commencement was passed among my nation in Jerusalem, know all the Jews,

⁵ who knew me before from the outset of my life, if they would bear witness, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ And now I stand to be judged because of the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ to which our whole twelve tribes serving incessantly day and night hope to arrive; about which hope, O king, I am accused of the Jews.

⁸ Why should it be judged a thing incredible in your sight if God raises the dead?

⁹ I indeed myself thought that I ought to do much against the name of Jesus the Nazaraean.

¹⁰ Which also I did in Jerusalem, and myself shut up in prisons many of the saints, having received the authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote.

¹¹ And often punishing them in all the synagogues, I compelled them to blaspheme. And, being exceedingly furious against them, I persecuted them even to cities out of our own land.

¹² And when, engaged in this, I was journeying to Damascus, with authority and power from the chief priests,

¹³ at mid-day, on the way, I saw, O king, a light above the brightness of the sun, shining from heaven round about me and those who were journeying with me.

¹⁴ And, when we were all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against goads.

² I think myself happy, O king Agrippa, that I am to answer for myself this day before thee, touching all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews.

³ Especially as thou knowest all, both customs and questions that are among the Jews: Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

⁴ And my life indeed from my youth, which was from the beginning among my own nation in Jerusalem, all the Jews do know:

⁵ Having known me from the beginning (if they will give testimony) that according to the most sure sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ And now for the hope of the promise that was made by God to the fathers, do I stand subject to judgment:

⁷ Unto which, our twelve tribes, serving night and day, hope to come. For which hope, O king, I am accused by the Jews.

⁸ Why should it be thought a thing incredible, that God should raise the dead?

⁹ And I indeed did formerly think, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ Which also I did at Jerusalem, and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority of the chief priests: and when they were put to death, I brought the sentence.

¹¹ And oftentimes punishing them, in every synagogue, I compelled them to blaspheme: and being yet more mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.

¹² Whereupon when I was going to Damascus with authority and permission of the chief priest,

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 that were in company with me.

¹⁴ And when we were all fallen down on the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goad.

² “I have considered myself fortunate, King Agrippa, being able to speak in my own defense today, concerning all the things of which I am accused of by the Jews,

³ especially since you are well versed both in all the customs and questions in relation to the Jews; therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ “Therefore my way of life from my youth, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation in Jerusalem, all the Jews know,

⁵ since they have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

⁶ And now for the hope of the promise having been made by God to the fathers, I stand before you judged,

⁷ a promise to which our twelve tribes, as they earnestly serve God night and day, hope to attain. Concerning which hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa.

⁸ Why is it considered such an unbelievable thing by you people if God raises the dead?

⁹ “Therefore I thought in myself that it was necessary to do many hostile things against the name of Jesus the Nazarene;

¹⁰ which also I did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were being put to death, I cast my vote against them.

¹¹ And I punished them often in all the synagogues, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even as far as to foreign cities.

¹² “In which pursuits also, as I traveled to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me.

¹⁴ And when we all had fallen down 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.’

² “I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, in that I am to make my defense before you this day concerning the things of which I am accused by the Jews,

³ especially because you are expert in all the Jewish customs and issues; therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ Really, the Jews all know my way of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation in Jerusalem,

⁵ since they have known me for a long time, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

⁶ And now I stand here being judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ to which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. It is because of this hope that I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa.

⁸ Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

⁹ “However, I myself thought that I had to perpetrate many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Natsorean;

¹⁰ I actually did this 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.

¹¹ Yes, I punished them often in every synagogue, trying to force them to blaspheme; I was so excessively enraged against them that I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² “It was on one of those journeys, as I was going to Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at midday, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun, blazing around me and those traveling with me.

¹⁴ Well we all fell to the ground and 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.’

² “I am delighted, King Agrippa, to make my defense before you today regarding everything I am accused of by the Jews,

³ particularly because you are an expert in all Jewish issues and customs. I beg your patient indulgence as you listen to what I have to say.

⁴ All the Jews know my life story—from my earliest days beginning in my own country and then in Jerusalem.

⁵ They have known me for a long time and can verify, if they choose to, that I have followed the religious school that observes our faith in the strictest way—I lived as a Pharisee.

⁶ Now I am standing here to be judged regarding the promised hope God gave to our fathers

⁷ that our twelve tribes hoped to receive as they continually dedicated themselves in God's service. Yes, it's because of this hope that I'm accused by the Jews, Your Majesty!

⁸ Why should any of you think it's unbelievable that God raises the dead?

⁹ Previously I was sincerely convinced I should do as much as I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ This is what I did in Jerusalem. I threw many of the believers in prison, having been given authority to do this by the chief priests. When they were sentenced to death I cast my vote against them.

¹¹ I had them punished in all the synagogues, trying to make them recant. I was so furiously opposed to them that I went to cities outside our country to persecute them.

¹² That's why one day I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and orders from the chief priests.

¹³ At about noon as I was on my way, Your Majesty, I saw a light from heaven that blazed brighter than the sun. It shone around me and those who were traveling with me.

¹⁴ All of us fell to the ground. Then I heard a voice speaking to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It's hard for you to fight against me!’

² I thinke my selfe happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answere this day before thee of all the things whereof I am accused of the Iewes.

³ Chiefly, because thou hast knowledge of all customes, and questions which are among the Iewes: wherefore I beseech thee, to heare me patiently.

⁴ As touching my life from my childhood, and what it was from the beginning among mine owne nation at Hierusalem, know all the Iewes,

⁵ Which knewe me heretofore, euen from my elders (if they would testifie) that after the most straite sect of our religion I liued a Pharise.

⁶ And now I stand and am accused for the hope of the promise made of God vnto our fathers.

⁷ Whereunto our twelue tribes instantly seruing God day and night, hope to come: for the which hopes sake, O King Agrippa, I am accused of the Iewes.

⁸ Why should it be thought a thing incredible vnto you, that God should raise againe the dead?

⁹ I also verely thought in my selfe, that I ought to doe many contrarie things against the Name of Iesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ Which thing I also did in Hierusalem: for many of the Saints I shut vp in prison, hauing receiued authoritie of the hie Priests, and when they were put to death, I gaue my sentence.

¹¹ And I punished them throughout all the Synagogues, and compelled them to blaspheme, and being more mad against them, I persecuted them, euen vnto strange cities.

¹² At which time, euen as I went to Damascus with authoritie, and commission from the hie Priests,

¹³ At midday, O King, I sawe in the way a light from heauen, passing the brightnes of the sunne, shine round about mee, and them which went with me.

¹⁴ So when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voyce speaking vnto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kicke against pricks.

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:

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.

⁴ My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

⁵ which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

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.

⁸ Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

⁹ I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

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.

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.

¹² Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

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.

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.

² I think myself happy, king Agrippa, that I am to make my defence this day before thee concerning all things of which I am accused by the Jews;

³ especially as thou art acquainted with all the customs and questions among the Jews. Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

⁴ My manner of life, then, from my youth, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem, all Jews know:

⁵ and they know, if they are willing to testify, that from the first, according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ And now I stand on trial for the hope of the promise made by God to the fathers,

⁷ which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God day and night, hope to obtain; concerning which hope, O king, I am accused by Jews.

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you if God raiseth the dead?

⁹ I indeed thought with myself that I ought to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.

¹⁰ Which I also did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints did I myself shut up in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

¹¹ And I punished them often in all the synagogues, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.

¹² And as I was going to Damascus on this business, with authority and a commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at mid-day, on the road, O king, I saw a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining around me and those who were journeying with me.

¹⁴ And when we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goads.

² “I have been congratulating myself, King Agrippa,” he said, “that it is before you that I have to make my defence today, with regard to all the charges brought against me by my own people,

³ especially as you are so well-versed in all the customs and questions of the Jewish world. I beg you therefore to give me a patient hearing.

⁴ My life, then, from youth upwards, was passed, from the very first, amongst my own nation, and in Jerusalem, and is within the knowledge of all Jews;

⁵ and they have always known — if they choose to give evidence — that, in accordance with the very strictest form of our religion, I lived a true Pharisee.

⁶ Even now, it is because of my hope in the promise given by God to our ancestors that I stand here on my trial —

⁷ A promise which our twelve tribes, by earnest service night and day, hope to see fulfilled. It is for this hope, your Majesty, that I am accused — and by Jews themselves!

⁸ Why do you all hold it incredible that God should raise the dead?

⁹ I myself, it is true, once thought it my duty to oppose in every way the name of Jesus of Nazareth;

¹⁰ and I actually did so at Jerusalem. Acting on the authority of the chief priests, I myself threw many of the people of Christ into prison, and, when it was proposed to put them to death, I gave my vote for it.

¹¹ Time after time, in every synagogue, I tried by punishments to force them to blaspheme. So frantic was I against them, that I pursued them even to towns beyond our borders.

¹² It was while I was travelling to Damascus on an errand of this kind, entrusted with full powers by the chief priests,

¹³ that at midday, your Majesty, I saw right in my path, coming from the heavens, a light brighter than the glare of the sun, which shone all around me and those travelling with me.

¹⁴ We all fell to the ground, and then I heard a voice saying to me in Hebrew — ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? By kicking against the goad you are punishing yourself.’

² “I have been congratulating myself, King Agrippa,” he said, “that it is before you that I have to make my defense today, with regard to all the charges brought against me by my own people,

³ especially as you are so well-versed in all the customs and questions of the Jewish world. I beg you therefore to give me a patient hearing.

⁴ My life, then, from youth upwards, was passed, from the very first, among my own nation, and in Jerusalem, and is within the knowledge of all Jews;

⁵ and they have always known — if they choose to give evidence — that, in accordance with the very strictest form of our religion, I lived a true Pharisee.

⁶ Even now, it is because of my hope in the promise given by God to our ancestors that I stand here on my trial —

⁷ A promise which our twelve tribes, by earnest service night and day, hope to see fulfilled. It is for this hope, your Majesty, that I am accused — and by Jews themselves!

⁸ Why do you all hold it incredible that God should raise the dead?

⁹ I myself, it is true, once thought it my duty to oppose in every way the name of Jesus of Nazareth;

¹⁰ and I actually did so at Jerusalem. Acting on the authority of the chief priests, I myself threw many of the people of Christ into prison, and, when it was proposed to put them to death, I gave my vote for it.

¹¹ Time after time, in every synagogue, I tried by punishments to force them to blaspheme. So frantic was I against them, that I pursued them even to towns beyond our borders.

¹² It was while I was traveling to Damascus on an errand of this kind, entrusted with full powers by the chief priests,

¹³ that at midday, your Majesty, I saw right in my path, coming from the heavens, a light brighter than the glare of the sun, which shone all around me and those traveling with me.

¹⁴ We all fell to the ground, and then I heard a voice saying to me in Hebrew — ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? By kicking against the goad you are punishing yourself.’

² “Big boss Agrippa, I reckon I’m lucky. You know all about the culture of us Jews, and you know the things we argue about, and today you are hearing me talk. I reckon you will understand me. You see, the Jewish leaders are blaming me for a lot of things. So I ask you, please wait and listen to me now.”

⁴ Then Paul said, “A lot of Jewish people know the way I used to live, from the time I was a young man. They know the way I lived in my home country, and also in Jerusalem.

⁵ They know that I joined the mob called the Pharisees, and I kept our law properly, like all the Pharisees do. Those Jews that are blaming me know this, and they can tell you this about me if they want to.

⁶ You see, boss, I believe that God will do everything that he promised to our grand-fathers of long ago. All of us Jews, in all of our 12 tribes, we are all waiting for God to do the thing he promised, and we show respect to him all the time. We know he will do it. And I really believe that too. But now those Jewish leaders are blaming me for believing it.

⁸ You see, you mob don’t believe that God can make dead people alive again. But he can. Why can’t you believe it?”

⁹ Paul kept talking, he said, “You know, at one time I thought I had to stop people from following Jesus, the man from Nazareth. I did a lot of things to try to stop them.

¹⁰ I started in Jerusalem. I put a lot of Christians in jail. The bosses of the Jewish ceremonies told me to do that. And if they judged any of those Christians and said, ‘Kill them,’ I agreed with them, and I said that too.

¹¹ I often punished the Christians that were in the Jewish meeting houses. I tried to get them to say bad things about Jesus. I was so angry with Jesus’s followers that I even went to other towns to get them.”

¹² Paul kept telling his story. He said, “The bosses of the Jewish ceremonies in Jerusalem said I can go to Damascus to grab the Christians there, so I started to go to Damascus to look for the Christians.

¹³ And then, boss, while I was going along the road, about the middle of the day, I saw a bright light in the sky. It was even brighter than the sun. It shone all around me, and the men that were with me.

¹⁴ We all fell down on to the ground. Then I heard the voice of somebody talking to me in the Hebrew language, he said, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you making trouble for me and hurting me? You are hurting yourself too, you know.’

² I thynke my selfe happy kynge Agrippa because I shall answere this daye before the of all the thinges wherof I am accused of the Iewes

³ namely because thou arte experte in all customes and questions which are amonge the Iewes. Wherfore I beseche the to heare me paciently.

⁴ My lyvynge of a chylde which was at the fyrst amonge myne awne nacion at Ierusalem knowe all the Iewes

⁵ which knew me from the beginnynge yf they wolde testifie it. For after the most straytest secte of oure laye lyved I a pharisaye.

⁶ And now I stond and am iudged for the hope of the promes made of God vnto oure fathers:

⁷ vnto which promes oure .xii. tribes instantly servynge God daye and nyght hope to come. For which hopes sake kynge Agrippa am I accused of the Iewes.

⁸ Why shuld it be thought a thinge vncredible vnto you that god shuld rayse agayne the deed?

⁹ I also verely thought in my selfe that I ought to do many cotrary thinges clene agaynst the name of Iesus of Nazareth:

¹⁰ which thinge I also dyd in Ierusalem. Where many of the sainctes I shut vp in preson and had receaved auctorite of the hye prestes. And when they were put to deeth I gave the sentence.

¹¹ And I punysshed them ofte in every synagoge and compelled them to blaspheme: and was yet more mad apon them and persecuted the even vnto straunge cities.

¹² About the which thinges as I went to Damasco with auctorite and licence of the hye Prestes

¹³ even at myddaye (o kynge) I sawe in the waye a lyght from heven above the brightnes of the sunne shyne rounde about me and them which iorneyed with me.

¹⁴ When we were all fallen to the erth I hearde a voyce speakynge vnto me and sayinge in the Hebrue tonge: Saul Saul why persecutest thou me? It is harde for the to kicke agaynste the pricke.

² “I regard myself as happy, King Agrippa, to make my case before you today against all the accusations of the Jews;

³ especially, because you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and questions. So I ask you to hear me patiently.

⁴ Truly, all the Jews know how I lived from my youth in my own nation and at Jerusalem.

⁵ They knew me from the beginning and they should admit that I lived as a Pharisee, the strictest party of our religion.

⁶ Now I stand here to be judged because of my certain hope in the promise made by God to our fathers.

⁷ For this is the promise that our twelve tribes sought to receive as they earnestly worshiped God night and day. It is for this certain hope, King Agrippa, that the Jews accuse me.

⁸ Why should any of you think it is unbelievable that God raises the dead?

⁹ Now indeed, I myself thought that I should do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ I did these in Jerusalem. I locked up many of the saints in prison by the authority I received from the chief priests, and when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.

¹¹ I punished them many times in all the synagogues and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was furiously enraged against them and I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² While I was doing this, I went to Damascus with authority and orders from the chief priests;

¹³ and on the way there, at midday, King, I saw a light from heaven that was brighter than the sun and it shone around both me and the men who were traveling with me.

¹⁴ When we all fell to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me that said in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick a goad.'

² “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,

³ especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ “Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem;

⁵ having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you if God does raise the dead?

⁹ “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² “Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.

¹⁴ When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

² “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defence before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,

³ especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are amongst the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ “Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning amongst my own nation and at Jerusalem;

⁵ having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you if God does raise the dead?

⁹ “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² “Whereupon as I travelled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who travelled with me.

¹⁴ When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

² I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee, concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews:

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.

⁴ My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among my own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews,

⁵ Who knew me from the beginning, (if they would testify) that after the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ And now I stand, and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers:

⁷ To which promise our twelve tribes, assiduously serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.

⁸ Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

⁹ I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

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 .

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.

¹² Upon which as I went to Damascus, with authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ At mid-day, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, surpassing the brightness of the sun, shining around me, and them who journeyed with me.

¹⁴ And when we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goads.

² “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Judeans,

³ especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ “Indeed, all Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem;

⁵ having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Judeans, King Agrippa!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you if God does raise the dead?

⁹ “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Yeshua of Nazareth.

¹⁰ I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the holy ones in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² “Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.

¹⁴ When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

² “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defence before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Judeans,

³ especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are amongst Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ “Indeed, all Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning amongst my own nation and at Jerusalem;

⁵ having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Judeans, King Agrippa!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you if God does raise the dead?

⁹ “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Yeshua of Nazareth.

¹⁰ I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the holy ones in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² “Whereupon as I travelled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who travelled with me.

¹⁴ When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

² Of all things, in which I am accused of the Jews, thou king Agrippa, I guess me blessed at thee, when I shall defend me this day;

³ mostly for thou knowest all things that be among Jews, customs and questions. For which thing, I beseech, hear me patiently.

⁴ For all Jews that before knew me from the beginning, know my life from youth;

⁵ that from the beginning was in my folk in Jerusalem, if they will bear witnessing or bear witness, that by the most certain sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ And now for the hope of repromission, that is made to our fathers of God, I stand subject in doom;

⁷ in which hope our twelve lineages, serving night and day hope to come; of which hope, sir king, I am accused of the Jews.

⁸ What unbelieveful thing is deemed at you, if God raiseth dead men?

⁹ And soothly I guessed, that I ought to do many contrary things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ Which thing also I did in Jeru-salem, and I enclosed many of the saints in prison, when I had taken power of the princes of priests. And when they were slain, I brought or I gave the sentence.

¹¹ And by all synagogues oft I punished them, and constrained to blaspheme; and more I waxed mad against them, and pursued till into alien cities.

¹² In which, the while I went to Damascus, with power and suffering of the princes of priests,

¹³ at midday, in the way I saw, sir king, that from heaven a light shined about me, passing the shining of the sun, and about them that were together with me.

¹⁴ And when we all had fallen down into the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, what persecutest or pursuest thou me? it is hard to or for thee, to kick against the prick.

² Of all (the) things, in which I am accused of the Jews, thou king Agrippa, I guess me blessed at thee, when I shall defend me this day; (Because of all the things, that I am accused of by the Jews, O King Agrippa, I believe that I am most fortunate to be before thee, when I shall defend myself today;)

³ most(ly) for thou knowest all things that be among (the) Jews, (their) customs and questions. For which thing, I beseech (thee), hear me patiently.

⁴ For all (the) Jews that before knew me from the beginning, know my life from youth;

⁵ that from the beginning was in my folk in Jerusalem, if they will bear witnessing or if they will bear witness, that by the most certain sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee. (who from the beginning was among my people in Jerusalem, and they can testify, that by the most strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.)

⁶ And now for the hope of repromission, that is made to our fathers of God, I stand subject in (the) doom (place); (And now for the hope of the promise, that was made to our fathers by God, I stand before the court;)

⁷ in which hope our twelve lineages, serving night and day hope to come; of which hope, sir king, or of which hope, thou king, I am accused of the Jews. (of which hope our twelve tribes, serving night and day hope to come; because of which hope, O King, I am now accused by these Jews.)

⁸ What unbelieveful thing is deemed at you, if God raiseth dead men? (Why is it so unbelievable in your judgement, that God raiseth the dead?)

⁹ And soothly I guessed, that I ought to do many contrary things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ Which thing(s) also I did in Jerusalem, and I enclosed many of the saints in prison, when I had taken power of the princes of (the) priests. And when they were slain, I brought the sentence or I gave the sentence. (Which things I did in Jerusalem, and I imprisoned many of God’s people, when I had been given the authority by the high priests. And when it was deemed that they should be executed, I voted for that punishment, or for that sentence.)

¹¹ And by all synagogues oft I punished them, and constrained (them) to blaspheme; and more I waxed mad against them, and pursued (them) till into alien cities. (And in all the synagogues I often punished them, and compelled them to blaspheme; and I grew more mad against them, and I persecuted them even in foreign cities.)

¹² In which, the while I went to Damascus, with power and suffering of the princes of (the) priests, (In which, while I was on my way to Damascus, with power and authority from the high priests,)

¹³ at midday, in the way I saw, sir king, or thou king, (or in the middle of the day, on the way I saw, O King), that from heaven a light shined about me, (sur)passing the shining of the sun, and about them that were together with me.

¹⁴ And when we all had fallen down into the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in (the) Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, what pursuest thou me? it is hard to thee, to kick against the prick, or it is hard for thee, to kick against the prick. (And after we all had fallen down to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee, to kick against the prod.)

² 'Concerning all things of which I am accused by Jews, king Agrippa, I have thought myself happy, being about to make a defence before thee to-day,

³ especially knowing thee to be acquainted with all things — both customs and questions — among Jews; wherefore, I beseech thee, patiently to hear me.

⁴ 'The manner of my life then, indeed, from youth — which from the beginning was among my nation, in Jerusalem — know do all the Jews,

⁵ knowing me before from the first, (if they may be willing to testify,) that after the most exact sect of our worship, I lived a Pharisee;

⁶ and now for the hope of the promise made to the fathers by God, I have stood judged,

⁷ to which our twelve tribes, intently night and day serving, do hope to come, concerning which hope I am accused, king Agrippa, by the Jews;

⁸ why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?

⁹ 'I, indeed, therefore, thought with myself, that against the name of Jesus of Nazareth it behoved me many things to do,

¹⁰ which also I did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I in prison did shut up, from the chief priests having received the authority; they also being put to death, I gave my vote against them,

¹¹ and in every synagogue, often punishing them, I was constraining them to speak evil, being also exceedingly mad against them, I was also persecuting them even unto strange cities.

¹² 'In which things, also, going on to Damascus — with authority and commission from the chief priests —

¹³ at mid-day, I saw in the way, O king, out of heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me a light — and those going on with me;

¹⁴ and we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew dialect, Saul, Saul, why me dost thou persecute? hard for thee against pricks to kick!