| 24.1 |
After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul. |
| 24.2 |
When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that excellent measures are coming to this nation, |
| 24.3 |
we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. |
| 24.4 |
But, that I don’t delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words. |
| 24.5 |
For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. |
| 24.6 |
He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him. |
| 24.8 |
By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” |
| 24.9 |
The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so. |
| 24.10 |
When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense, |
| 24.11 |
seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. |
| 24.12 |
In the temple they didn’t find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city. |
| 24.13 |
Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. |
| 24.14 |
But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; |
| 24.15 |
having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. |
| 24.16 |
Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men. |
| 24.17 |
Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings; |
| 24.18 |
amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil. |
| 24.19 |
They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me. |
| 24.20 |
Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council, |
| 24.21 |
unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!’” |
| 24.22 |
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.” |
| 24.23 |
He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him. |
| 24.24 |
But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. |
| 24.25 |
As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.” |
| 24.26 |
Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him. |
| 24.27 |
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. |
