“Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense that I now make to you.”

This is my defense to those who examine me.

The latter do so from love because they know that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel.

At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it.

I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone before the accused had met his accusers face to face and had been given an opportunity to make a defense against the accusation.

For see what this very thing, this sadness as God intended, has produced in you: what eagerness, what defense of yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what deep concern, what punishment! In everything you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.

For it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners in God’s grace together with me.