Your maxims ¹  are proverbs of ashes; ²  your defenses ³  are defenses of clay. ⁴ 

Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem; ¹  he built up these fortified cities throughout Judah:

This is my defense to those who examine me.

“Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense ¹  that I now ²  make to you.”

The latter do so from love because they know that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel.

Some of the crowd concluded ¹  it was about ²  Alexander because the Jews had pushed him to the front. ³  Alexander, gesturing ⁴  with his hand, was wanting to make a defense ⁵  before the public assembly. ⁶ 

They ¹  removed the defenses ²  of Judah. At that time ³  you looked for the weapons in the House of the Forest. ⁴ 

So Agrippa ¹  said to Paul, “You have permission ²  to speak for yourself.” Then Paul held out his hand ³  and began his defense: ⁴ 

“Regarding all the things I have been accused of by the Jews, King Agrippa, ¹  I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today,

As Paul ¹  was saying these things in his defense, Festus ²  exclaimed loudly, “You have lost your mind, ³  Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!”

At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it.

For I, the Lord God of Israel, have something more to say about the houses in this city and the royal buildings which have been torn down for defenses against the siege ramps and military incursions of the Babylonians: ¹ 

Paul said in his defense, ¹  “I have committed no offense ²  against the Jewish law ³  or against the temple or against Caesar.” ⁴ 

Therefore be resolved ¹  not to rehearse ²  ahead of time how to make your defense.

When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know ¹  that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense. ² 

The Exalted God is my shield, ¹  the one who delivers the morally upright. ² 

For wisdom provides ¹  protection, ²  just as ³  money provides protection. ⁴  But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life ⁵  of its owner.

Therefore,” says the sovereign Lord, “an enemy will encircle the land. ¹  He will take away your power; ²  your fortresses will be looted.”

But when they bring you before the synagogues, ¹  the ²  rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you should make your defense ³  or what you should say,

But set Christ ¹  apart ²  as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. ³