11 nAnd I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul Recounts His Conversion

12 o“While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, pto make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will 2deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, qto whom I 3now send you, 18 rto open their eyes, in order sto turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, tthat they may receive forgiveness of sins and uan inheritance among those who are vsanctified 4by faith in Me.’

Paul’s Post-Conversion Life

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but wdeclared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do xworks befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those ywhich the prophets and zMoses said would come—23 athat the Christ would suffer, bthat He would be the first to rise from the dead, and cwould proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

Agrippa Parries Paul’s Challenge

24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, dyou are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

25 But he said, “I am not 5mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, eknows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”