Acts 24
1
And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and [with]
an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul.
2
And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by you
we enjoy much peace, and that by the providence evils are corrected for this nation,
3
we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
4
But, that I be not further tedious to you, I entreat you to hear us of your clemency
a few words.
5
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among
all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6
who moreover tried to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: [and we would
have judged him according to our law.]
7
[But the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him away out of our
hands,]
8
[commanding his accusers to come before you.] from whom you will be able, by examining
him yourself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him.
9
And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so.
10
And when the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, Seeing that as
I know that you have been of many years a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make
my defense:
11
Seeing that you can take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went
up to worship at Jerusalem:
12
and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a
crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.
13
Neither can they prove to you the things whereof they now accuse me.
14
But this I confess to you, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the
God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which
are written in the prophets;
15
having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be
a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
16
Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offense toward God and
men always.
17
Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:
18
among which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult:
but [there were] certain Jews from Asia--
19
who ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything
against me.
20
Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before
the council,
21
except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection
of the dead I am called in question before you this day.
22
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying,
When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.
23
And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have
indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister to him.
24
But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and
sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix
was terrified, and answered, Go your way for this time; and when I have a convenient
season, I will call you to me.
26
He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for
him the oftener, and communed with him.
27
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring
to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.