Acts 22:1

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

“Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense I want to make to you.”

Cross References

Luke 12:11

And when people bring you in front of synagogue assemblies and rulers and authorities [i.e., for judgment], do not worry about how to speak or what you should say.

Luke 21:14

Determine in your hearts, therefore, not to plan ahead how you will answer them [when interrogated],

Acts 13:26

“You brothers, descendants of Abraham’s family and those of you who respect God very much, this message of salvation was intended for us.

Acts 19:33

[It appears that] Alexander was appointed out of the crowd by the Jews [i.e., to be their spokesman in defending them from the charges being made against Paul]. He motioned with his hand [to get attention] and attempted to speak to the assembly in defense [of the Jewish viewpoint].

Acts 23:1

Paul [then] looked intently at the Council [i.e., the Jewish Supreme Court called the “Sanhedrin”] and spoke [in his defense]: “Brothers, I have lived before God with a good conscience all my life.”

Acts 23:6

When Paul realized that part [of the Sanhedrin] were Sadducees and the other part were Pharisees, he lifted up his voice before the Council and said, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee. And it is concerning our hope that the dead will be raised that I have been brought to trial.”

Acts 24:10

And when the governor had motioned for him to speak, Paul answered [the charges, by saying], “I know [Your Excellency] that you have administered justice for this nation for many years, so I am glad to make my defense [before you].

Acts 25:16

I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to turn over any person [for sentencing] before he is faced by his accusers and has had the opportunity to defend himself against the charges made against him.

Acts 25:8

Paul replied in his defense, “I have not committed any sin against the law of the Jews, nor against the Temple, nor against Caesar.”

Acts 26:24

As Paul made his defense in this way, Festus said to him loudly, “Paul, you are crazy. All your education is driving you insane.”

Acts 28:17

And it happened after three days that Paul called together those who were the leading Jews, and when they assembled he said to them, “Brothers, although I had done nothing against the [Jewish] people or the customs of our forefathers, yet I was made a prisoner at Jerusalem, being placed in the custody of the Romans [while there].

Acts 7:2

And he answered, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me: Our glorious God appeared to our forefather Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, [even] before he lived in Haran

Romans 2:15

In doing this [i.e., practicing some of the requirements of the Law of Moses], they demonstrate that these requirements are written in their hearts. Their conscience tells them this, and their thoughts alternately accuse them [of wrongdoing], or else endorse them [for doing right]).

1 Corinthians 9:3

My defense to those people who [want to] examine my credentials is this:

2 Corinthians 12:19

You have been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves [have you not]? We are [simply] speaking [the truth] before God in [fellowship with] Christ. But everything [we are doing], dear friends, is to build you up [spiritually].

2 Corinthians 7:11

See how the very fact that you were made sorry from a godly motive has produced earnestness in you! [It produced] a desire to vindicate yourselves [i.e., by making amends for your wrongdoing]; an attitude of just anger [i.e., toward the wrongdoers]; a sense of fear [i.e., a fear of God for doing wrong]; an eager desire [i.e., to do the right thing]; a zeal [i.e., to correct problems]; and an attitude of avenging [i.e., that punished the wrongdoer]. You demonstrated in everything [you did] that you were pure [i.e., innocent] in this matter. [Note: This whole description of their conduct appears to be a reference to the incident mentioned in 2:1- 11].

Philippians 1:17

But the others preach Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, hoping to stir up trouble for me while I am in prison.

Philippians 1:7

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart [i.e., you are dear to me], for you people are sharing in God’s unearned favor with me [Note: Paul here refers to his ministry], both in my imprisonment and in my defense and confirmation of the Gospel [i.e., in my efforts to give proof of the Gospel’s truth].

2 Timothy 4:16

At my first defense [Note: Paul here refers to his initial hearing before the Roman court] no one supported me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

1 Peter 3:15

But instead, set aside a place in your hearts where Christ is [in full control as] Lord, and be prepared always to give a suitable reply to every person who asks you for a reason why you have an inner hope. But [be sure you do it] in a meek and respectful way, however.