Acts 24:4-26

4But, that I may not 1weary you further, I beg you 2to 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 3the world, and a ringleader of the 4sect of the Nazarenes. 6And he even tried to 5desecrate the temple, so indeed we arrested him.6 8By interrogating him yourself concerning all these matters, you will be able to ascertain the things of which we are accusing him.” 97The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10And when 8the 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 9twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 1210And neither in the temple did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or 11causing 12a riot, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself. 1313Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. 14But I confess this to you, that in accordance with 1415the Way, which they call a 16sect, I do serve 17the God of our fathers, 18believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and is written in the Prophets; 15having a hope in God, which 19these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16In view of this 20I also do my best to maintain a blameless conscience both before God and before other people, always. 17Now 21after several years I 22came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings, 18in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been 23purified, without any 24crowd or uproar. But there were some 25Jews from 26Asia-- 19who ought to have been present before you and to have been 27bringing charges, if they should have anything against me. 20Or else have these men themselves declare what violation they discovered when I stood before 28the 29Council, 21other than in regard to this one declaration which 30I shouted while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today!’”

22But Felix, 31having quite accurate knowledge about 3233the Way, adjourned them, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23He gave orders to the centurion for 34Paul to be 35kept in custody and yet 36have some freedom, and not to prevent any of 37his friends from providing for his needs.

24Now some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla his 38wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about 39faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as he was discussing 40righteousness, 41self-control, and 42the 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 43money would be given to him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and talk with him.