Scripture Reading – Acts 26:1-8,24-32 - NIV    

¹ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: ² “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, ³ and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

⁴ “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. ⁵ They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. ⁶ And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. ⁷ This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. ⁸ Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

³⁰ The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them.³¹ After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”

³² Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Psalm Reading:  Psalm 33:1-12 - NIV                         

¹ Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

² Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

³ Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

⁴ For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

⁵ The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

⁶ By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

⁷ He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.

⁸ Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.

⁹ For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

¹⁰ The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

¹¹ But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

¹² Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

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Note: All Scriptures are New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted