12. These Jews who are accusing me did not find me arguing with anyone at the Temple or making trouble with the people. And I was not making trouble or arguing in the synagogues or any other place in the city.
13. These men cannot prove the things they are saying against me now.
14. “But I will tell you this: I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which these Jews say is not the right way, and I believe everything that is taught in the Law of Moses and all that is written in the books of the prophets.
15. I have the same hope in God that these Jews have—the hope that all people, good and bad, will be raised from death.
16. This is why I always try to do what I believe is right before God and before everyone.
17-18. “I was away from Jerusalem for many years. I went back there to take money to help my people. I also had some gifts to offer at the Temple. I was doing this when some Jews saw me there. I had finished the cleansing ceremony. I had not made any trouble, and no one was gathering around me.
19. But some Jews from Asia were there. They should be here, standing before you. If I have really done anything wrong, they are the ones who should accuse me. They were there!
20. Ask these men here if they found any wrong in me when I stood before the high council meeting in Jerusalem.