Acts 24:2-27

2After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor,

“Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, 3we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, 1most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you 2to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. 5For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout 3the world, and a ringleader of the 4sect of the Nazarenes. 6And he even tried to 5desecrate the temple; and 6then we arrested him. [7We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. 7But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8ordering his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.” 98The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10When 9the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11since you can take note of the fact that no more than 10twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 1211Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or 12causing 13a riot. 1314Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. 14But this I admit to you, that according to 15the Way which they call a 16sect I do serve 1718the God of our fathers, 19believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15having a hope in God, which 20these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16In view of this, 21I also 22do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. 17Now 23after several years I 24came to bring 25alms to my nation and to present offerings; 18in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been 26purified, without any 27crowd or uproar. But there were some 28Jews from 29Asia-- 19who ought to have been present before you and to 30make accusation, if they should have anything against me. 20Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before 31the 32Council, 21other than for this one statement which 33I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”

22But Felix, 34having a more exact knowledge about 35the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the 36commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be 37kept in custody and yet 38have some freedom, and not to prevent any of 39his friends from ministering to him.

24But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his 40wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about 41faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as he was discussing 42righteousness, 43self-control and 44the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.” 26At the same time too, he was hoping that 45money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him. 27But after two years had passed, Felix 46was succeeded by Porcius 47Festus, and 48wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul 49imprisoned.