(17)When, therefore, they had come together here, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth; (18)and standing up around him, the accusers brought no accusation of such things as I supposed; (19)but had certain controversies with him concerning their own religion, and concerning a certain Jesus who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. (20)And I, being perplexed in regard to the dispute about these things, asked whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged concerning them. (21)But Paul having appealed, to be kept in custody for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept until I shall send him up to Caesar. (22)And Agrippa said to Festus: I would also hear the man myself. To-morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. (23)On the morrow, therefore, Agrippa and Bernice having come with great pomp, and entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at Festus' command Paul was brought forth. (24)And Festus said: King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews interceded with me, both at Jerusalem and here, Crying out that he ought not to live any longer. (25)But having found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and he himself having appealed to Augustus, I determined to send him. (26)Of whom I have nothing certain to write to my lord. Wherefore I brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, king Agrippa, in order that, the examination having been made, I may have something to write. (27)For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not also signify the charges against him. XXVI. AND Agrippa said to Paul: Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: (2)I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself before thee this day, concerning all things whereof I am accused by Jews; (3)especially since thou art expert in all the customs and questions among Jews. Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. (4)My manner of life, therefore, from my youth, which was from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all Jews know; (5)having known me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee. (6)And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to the fathers; (7)unto which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving day and night, hope to attain; concerning which hope, O king, I am accused by Jews. (8)Why is it judged incredible with you, if God, raises the dead?