Acts 26:4–11

4  My manner of life then from my youth, which from its commencement was passed among my nation in Jerusalem, know all the Jews, 5  who knew me before from the outset of my life, if they would bear witness, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6  And now I stand to be judged because of the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, 7  to which our whole twelve tribes serving incessantly day and night hope to arrive; about which hope, O king, I am accused of the Jews. 8  Why should it be judged a thing incredible in your sight if God raises the dead? 9  I indeed myself thought that I ought to do much against the name of Jesus the Nazaraean. 10  Which also I did in Jerusalem, and myself shut up in prisons many of the saints, having received the authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote. 11  And often punishing them in all the synagogues, I compelled them to blaspheme. And, being exceedingly furious against them, I persecuted them even to cities out of our own land.