The Jews brought against Paul the old charges of sedition and heresy, and both Jews and Romans accused him of instigating the burning of the city. While these accusations were urged against him, Paul preserved an unbroken serenity. The people and the judges looked at him in surprise. They had been present at many trials and had looked upon many a criminal, but never had they seen a man wear a look of such holy calmness as did the prisoner before them. The keen eyes of the judges, accustomed to read the countenances of prisoners, searched Paul's face in vain for some evidence of guilt. When he was permitted to speak in his own behalf, all listened with eager interest.

Jøderne fremkom med de gamle anklager mod Paulus for ophidselse til oprør og kætteri og både jøder og romere beskyldte ham for at have anstiftet byens brand. Mens disse anklager blev fremført mod Paulus, bevarede han en urokkelig sindsro. Folket og dommerne betragtede ham med forbavselse. De havde været til stede ved mange retshandlinger og havde set mange forbrydere; men aldrig havde de set en mand med et sådant udtryk af hellig fred som denne fange, der stod foran dem. Dommernes skarpe blik, der var vant til at tyde fangernes ansigtsudtryk, granskede forgæves Paulus ansigt for at finde vidnesbyrd om skyld. Da han fik tilladelse til at tale til sit forsvar, lyttede alle med spændt interesse.