"Make up your minds, however, not to prepare a defence beforehand,

"Brethren and fathers," he said, "listen to my defence which I now make before you."

Then, at a sign from the Governor, Paul answered, "Knowing, Sir, that for many years you have administered justice to this nation, I cheerfully make my defence.

My reply was that it is not the custom among the Romans to give up any one for punishment before the accused has had his accusers face to face, and has had an opportunity of defending himself against the charge which has been brought against him.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak about yourself." So Paul, with outstretched arm, proceeded to make his defence.

"As regards all the accusations brought against me by the Jews," he said, "I think myself fortunate, King Agrippa, in being about to defend myself to-day before you,

That is how I vindicate myself to those who criticize me.

You are imagining, all this time, that we are making our defense at your bar. In reality it is as in God's presence and in communion with Christ that we speak; but, dear friends, it is all with a view to your progress in goodness.

These latter preach Him from love to me, knowing that I am here for the defence of the Good News;

At my first defence I had no one at my side, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge.