10. The governor motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, "I know that you have been a judge over this nation for quite a few years. So I am glad to stand up for myself.
11. About 12 days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. You can easily check on this.
12. Those bringing charges against me did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple. I wasn't stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.
13. They can't prove to you any of the charges they are making against me.
14. "It is true that I worship the God of our people. I am a follower of the Way of Jesus. Those bringing charges against me call it a cult. I believe everything that agrees with the Law. I believe everything written in the Prophets.
15. I have the same hope in God that these men have. I believe that both the godly and the ungodly will rise from the dead.
16. So I always try not to do anything wrong in the eyes of God and man.
17. "I was away for several years. Then I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for those who were poor. I also came to offer sacrifices.
18. They found me doing this in the temple courtyard. I had already been made pure and clean in the usual way. There was no crowd with me. I didn't stir up any trouble.