Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So, Paul motioned [to the assembly] with his hand [for attention] and began speaking in his defense:
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.
But the Lord replied to him, “Go on your way, for Saul is someone I have especially chosen to carry my name to the [unconverted] Gentiles, kings and the Israelites.