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

⁴ However Festus answered that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart shortly.

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

⁵¹ "Does our law judge a man, unless it first hears from him personally and knows what he does?"

³⁰ When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell."

⁴ and it be told you, and you have heard of it, then shall you inquire diligently; and, behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel,

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

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

¹³ He who gives answer before he hears, That is folly and shame to him.

¹⁷ He who pleads his cause first seems right; Until another comes and questions him.

¹ Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.