Acts 24

 

1 And after five days, Ananias the high priest came down with the elders, and with a speaker (attorney) named Tertullus, who brought the charges to the governor against Paul.

 

2 And when he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by you (Felix) we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done to this nation by your foresight,

3 We welcome it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

4 However, so that I may not be a further hindrance to you, I implore you to hear us with a few words of your fairness.

5 For we have found this man a pest, and stirring up insurrection among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (followers of Christ):

 

6 Who also has gone about to desecrate the temple, whom we took and would have judged according to our law.

7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great force, took him away out of our hands,

8 Commanding his accusers to come to you: so that by examining him yourself, you may know (seeing firsthand) of all these things which we accuse him.

9 And the Jews also agreed, saying that these things were so.

10 Then Paul, after that the governor had motioned to him to speak, answered, For as much as I know that you have been, for many years, a judge to this nation, I do even more gladly answer for myself:

11 So that you may understand, it has been only twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 And neither did they find me in the temple disputing with any man, or stirring up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

13 Neither can they prove the things which they do now accuse me.

14 But this I confess to you, that after the way which they call heresy, so do I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

15 And have hope toward God (alone), which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just (who have the testimony of Jesus Christ) and the unjust (who have not believed on the testimony God has given concerning them in Jesus Christ, His Son).

16 And in this do I strive, to always have a conscience which does not stumble at the truth toward God, and toward men.

17 Now, after many years, I came to bring gifts and offerings to my nation.

18 During which certain Jews from Asia found me purifying in the temple, neither with a multitude, nor with disorder.

19 Who ought to appear before you and to make an accusation if they have anything against me.

20 Or else let these same say here if they have found any wrongdoing doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21 Other than this one thing I spoke, that I cried standing among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead, am I called in question by you this day.

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more detailed knowledge concerning the way, he adjourned them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, so that he should not forbid any of his acquaintance to minister or come to him.

24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ (Jesus).

 

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the coming judgment, Felix trembled (in fear), and answered, Go away for this is not a good time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you.

26 He also hoped that money should have been given to him by Paul, so that he might let him go: for that reason, he sent for him often and communed with him.

27 But after two years, Porcius Festus came into Felix's office: and Felix, willing to show the Jews favor, left Paul bound.