¹⁶ To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man, before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and have had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him.

⁴ Howbeit Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart `thither' shortly.

⁵ Let them therefore, saith he, that are of power among you go down with me, and if there is anything amiss in the man, let them accuse him.

⁵¹ Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth?

³⁰ And when it was shown to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to thee forthwith, charging his accusers also to speak against him before thee.

⁴ and it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, then shalt thou inquire diligently; and, behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel,

¹⁷ then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges that shall be in those days;

¹⁸ and the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and have testified falsely against his brother;

¹³ He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.

¹⁷ He that pleadeth his cause first `seemeth' just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.

¹ And Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and made his defence: