Acts 24

Paul before Felix

1Now after 1five days the high priest 2Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they 3brought charges against Paul to 4the governor. 2After 5Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began accusing him, saying to the governor,

“Since we have attained great peace through you, and since reforms are being carried out for this nation by your foresight, 3we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, 6most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4But, that I may not 7weary you further, I beg you 8to grant us a brief hearing, by your kindness. 5For we have found this man a public menace and one who stirs up dissensions among all the Jews throughout 9the world, and a ringleader of the 10sect of the Nazarenes. 6And he even tried to 11desecrate the temple, so indeed we arrested him.12 8By interrogating him yourself concerning all these matters, you will be able to ascertain the things of which we are accusing him.” 913The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10And when 14the 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 15twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 1216And neither in the temple did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or 17causing 18a riot, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself. 1319Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. 14But I confess this to you, that in accordance with 2021the Way, which they call a 22sect, I do serve 23the God of our fathers, 24believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and is written in the Prophets; 15having a hope in God, which 25these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16In view of this 26I also do my best to maintain a blameless conscience both before God and before other people, always. 17Now 27after several years I 28came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings, 18in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been 29purified, without any 30crowd or uproar. But there were some 31Jews from 32Asia-- 19who ought to have been present before you and to have been 33bringing charges, if they should have anything against me. 20Or else have these men themselves declare what violation they discovered when I stood before 34the 35Council, 21other than in regard to this one declaration which 36I shouted while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today!’”

22But Felix, 37having quite accurate knowledge about 3839the Way, adjourned them, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23He gave orders to the centurion for 40Paul to be 41kept in custody and yet 42have some freedom, and not to prevent any of 43his friends from providing for his needs.

24Now some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla his 44wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about 45faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as he was discussing 46righteousness, 47self-control, and 48the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and responded, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will summon you.” 26At the same time he was also hoping that 49money would be given to him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and talk with him. 27But after two years had passed, Felix 50was succeeded by Porcius 51Festus; and Felix, 52wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul 53imprisoned.