19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedients to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus,t then to those in Jerusalemu and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles,v I preached that they should repentw and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.x 21 That is why some Jews seized mey in the temple courts and tried to kill me.z 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happena—23 that the Messiah would sufferb and, as the first to rise from the dead,c would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”d

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind,e Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learningf is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellentg Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things,h and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”i

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”j