Amplified Bible

Acts 26:21-31 Amplified Bible (AMP)

21. Because of these things the Jews seized me in the temple [enclosure] and tried to do away with me.

22. [But] to this day I have had the help which comes from God [as my ally], and so I stand here testifying to small and great alike, asserting nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses declared would come to pass–

23. That the Christ (the Anointed One) must suffer and that He, by being the first to rise from the dead, would declare and show light both to the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles.

24. And as he thus proceeded with his defense, Festus called out loudly, Paul, you are mad! Your great learning is driving you insane!

25. But Paul replied, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but I am uttering the straight, sound truth.

26. For the king understands about these things well enough, and [therefore] to him I speak with bold frankness and confidence. I am convinced that not one of these things has escaped his notice, for all this did not take place in a corner [in secret].

27. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? [Do you give credence to God's messengers and their words?] I perceive and know that you do believe.

28. Then Agrippa said to Paul, You think it a small task to make a Christian of me [just offhand to induce me with little ado and persuasion, at very short notice].

29. And Paul replied, Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you, but also all who are listening to me today, might become such as I am, except for these chains.

30. Then the king arose, and the governor and Bernice and all those who were seated with them;

31. And after they had gone out, they said to one another, This man is doing nothing deserving of death or [even] of imprisonment.