Turn from Darkness to Light

Agrippa said, "You may speak for yourself." Paul said he was happy to make his defense before the king, who knew the customs well. He had lived as a Pharisee. Now he stood on trial for the hope of the promise God made to the fathers. "Why is it judged incredible with you if God does raise the dead?"

Paul said he once thought he ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. He shut many believers in prison. Going to Damascus at noon, he saw a light from the sky, brighter than the sun. Jesus said he appeared to appoint Paul a servant and a witness.

Jesus sent him to open people's eyes, so they might turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. They would receive forgiveness of sins. Paul said he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. He told people to repent and turn to God. He said nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen.

Festus shouted that Paul was crazy. Paul answered that he spoke words of truth and reasonableness. He asked Agrippa if he believed the prophets. Agrippa asked if Paul would persuade him to become a Christian so quickly. Paul prayed that all who heard him would become as he was, except for his chains. The leaders agreed that Paul might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.