Acts 26:19-32 - Paul Tells Of His Work
19 "As a result of this, O King, I did not disobey [the mandate of] this vision from heaven 20 but, [instead] declared to the people of Damascus first, [then] to the people of Jerusalem, and [finally to those] throughout all of the district of Judea, as well as to the Gentiles [everywhere] that they should repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] and turn to God, doing deeds which demonstrate their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews grabbed me in the Temple and attempted to kill me. 22 But I obtained help from God and so [I am able to] stand here to this day, testifying to both the common people and to those in prominence. [I am] saying only what the prophets and Moses said would happen, 23 namely, that the Christ must suffer and be the first to rise from the dead [i.e., never to die again] and then proclaim the light [of the Gospel] to the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles."
24 As Paul made his defense in this way, Festus said to him loudly, "Paul, you are crazy. All your education is driving you insane."
25 But Paul replied, "I am not crazy, Your Excellency Festus; I am [just] speaking a message of truth and sound reason. 26 I can speak boldly of these things because the King knows [they are true]. And I am convinced that none of these things are hidden from you, for none of them have been done in a corner [i.e., secretly]. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe [the message of] the prophets? [Yes] I know you do."
28 Agrippa said to Paul, "You expect to persuade me to be a Christian with such little effort [or, in such a short time]?"
29 Paul replied, "I wish to God that, whether it would take a little or a lot, not only you, but all those who hear me today, might become [Christians] like me, except [not] with these chains."
30 Then King Agrippa, [his wife] Bernice, Governor [Festus] and [the commanders and leading men of the city, 25:23] all rose up, 31 and when they left [the room] they conferred with one another, saying, "This man is not doing anything deserving of the death penalty or [even] imprisonment."
32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been released if he had not appealed [his case] to Caesar."