19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared ⁿfirst to those in Damascus, ^othen in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and ^palso to the Gentiles, that they should ^qrepent and ^rturn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason ^sthe Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but ^twhat the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being ^uthe first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim ^vlight both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 ^wFor the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you ^xbelieve the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a ^yChristian?”¹ 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become ^zsuch as I am—except for these chains.”