Prisoners: Permitted to Make Defense

When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”

I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.

Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.