A spirit of justice for him who sits in judgment,
A strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

“He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy;
Then it was well.
Is not that what it means to know Me?”
Declares the Lord.

Hear now what the Lord is saying,
“Arise, plead your case before the mountains,
And let the hills hear your voice.

So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;

“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.”

When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense,

I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges.

Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense:

“In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today;

My defense to those who examine me is this:

All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved.

the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.