How does Paul recount opposition, calling and witness before Agrippa?

Agrippa permits Paul to answer. Stretching out his hand, Paul says he is happy to answer Jewish accusations before someone knowledgeable about their customs and questions, and asks patience. The Jews know his youth in Jerusalem and, if willing to testify, his Pharisee life according to the most sure sect. He is judged for hope in God’s promise to the fathers, which the twelve tribes seek through night-and-day service. Why should God raising the dead be incredible?

Paul formerly thought he must oppose Jesus of Nazareth. With the chief priests’ authority he imprisoned saints and brought sentence when they were killed. Punishing in every synagogue, he compelled blasphemy and, increasingly mad against them, pursued them to foreign cities. Travelling toward Damascus with the chief priest’s permission, he saw midday light brighter than the sun around them all. All fell, and a Hebrew voice repeated Saul and asked why he persecuted the speaker, saying it was hard to kick against the goad. Identifying himself as Jesus, the Lord commanded Paul to stand: he appeared to make him a minister and witness of what he had seen and future appearances, delivering him from people and nations to whom he was sent. His mission would open eyes from darkness to light and Satan’s power to God, for forgiveness and a lot among the saints through faith in Jesus.

Paul was not incredulous to the heavenly vision. He preached first in Damascus and Jerusalem, throughout Judea and to Gentiles, urging penance, turning to God and works worthy of penance. For this Jews seized him in the temple and sought to kill him. With God’s help he stands witnessing to small and great, speaking only what prophets and Moses foretold: Christ would suffer, rise first from the dead and bring light to the people and Gentiles.

Festus loudly calls Paul beside himself through learning. Paul denies madness, speaking truth and soberness. He speaks confidently before the king, persuaded that none of this is hidden, since it was not done in a corner. He asks whether Agrippa believes the prophets, saying he knows that he does. Agrippa replies that in a little Paul persuades him to become a Christian. Paul wishes all hearers were as himself, in little and much, except for his bonds. The king, governor, Bernice and those seated rise and privately assess that he has done nothing deserving death or bonds. Agrippa says he might have been freed had he not appealed to Caesar. The chapter reports their assessment, rather than a formal acquittal.