I have a hope in God (a hope that these men themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Paul said in his defense, “I have committed no offense against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”

But I found that he had done nothing that deserved death, and when he appealed to His Majesty the Emperor, I decided to send him.

So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul held out his hand and began his defense:

When it was decided we would sail to Italy, they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius.

Now in the region around that place were fields belonging to the chief official of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably as guests for three days.

For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened.

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done.

But now, freed from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit leading to sanctification, and the end is eternal life.

And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,

As he also says in Hosea: “I will call those who were not my people, ‘My people,’ and I will call her who was unloved, ‘My beloved.’”

But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down)

But about Israel he says, “All day long I held out my hands to this disobedient and stubborn people!”

So I ask, God has not rejected his people, has he? Absolutely not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

And do this because we know the time, that it is already the hour for us to awake from sleep, for our salvation is now nearer than when we became believers.

and thus the Gentiles glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praises to your name.”

who risked their own necks for my life. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

Also greet the church in their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

The God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

None of the rulers of this age understood it. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.