Acts 24
1 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with the elders and an attorney named Tertullus. They presented their case against Paul to the governor.
And after five days the high priest Ananias came down, with some of the ancients, and one Tertullus an orator, who went to the governor against Paul.
2 When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to present his case before Felix, saying, “Since we have experienced much peace because of yoʋ, and prosperity is coming to this nation by yoʋr foresight,
And Paul being called for, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Whereas through thee we live in much peace, and many things are rectified by thy providence,
3 both in every way and in every place we acknowledge it, most excellent Felix, with the utmost gratitude.
We accept it always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thanksgiving.
4 But so that I may not detain yoʋ any further, I request that, in yoʋr forbearance, yoʋ would hear us briefly.
But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy clemency to hear us in few words.
5 For we have found this man to be a pestilent fellow, an instigator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
We have found this to be a pestilent man, and raising seditions among all the Jews throughout the world, and author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we seized him.
Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom, we having apprehended, would also have judged according to our law.
But Lysias the tribune coming upon us, with great violence took him away out of our hands;
8 By examining him yoʋrself yoʋ will be able to learn the truth about all these accusations we are making against him.”
Commanding his accusers to come to thee: of whom thou mayest thyself, by examination, have knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 The Jews also joined in the accusation, claiming that these things were so.
And the Jews also added, and said that these things were so.
10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul responded, “Knowing that yoʋ have been a judge over this nation for many years, I all the more cheerfully make my defense concerning these charges against me.
Then Paul answered, (the governor making a sign to him to speak: ) Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge over this nation, I will with good courage answer for myself.
11 Yoʋ can ascertain that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.
For thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days, since I went up to adore in Jerusalem:
12 Neither in the temple courts, nor in the synagogues, nor anywhere in the city did they find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.
And neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man, or causing any concourse of the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Nor can they offer any proof against me concerning the things of which they now accuse me.
Neither can they prove unto thee the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But I confess this to yoʋ, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is written throughout the Law and in the Prophets,
But this I confess to thee, that according to the way, which they call a heresy, so do I serve the Father and my God, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets:
15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.
Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.
16 Because of this I strive the way I do, always having a clear conscience before God and men.
And herein do I endeavour to have always a conscience without offence toward God, and towards men.
17 After being away for many years, I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation along with offerings.
Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, and vows.
18 While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me in the temple courts as I was completing the rite of purification, without any crowd or commotion.
In which I was found purified in the temple: neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 They ought to be here before yoʋ and make an accusation if they have anything against me.
But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had any thing against me:
20 Or these men themselves should state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,
Or let these men themselves say, if they found in me any iniquity, when standing before the council,
21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is regarding the resurrection of the dead that I am being tried by you today.’”
Except it be for this one voice only that I cried, standing among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead am I judged this day by you.
22 After hearing these things, Felix, who knew the facts concerning the Way in great detail, had them adjourn, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”
And Felix put them off, having most certain knowledge of this way, saying: When Lysias the tribune shall come down, I will hear you.
23 Then he ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to allow him a certain measure of freedom and not to prevent his own people from attending to his needs or visiting him.
And he commanded a centurion to keep him, and that he should be easy, and that he should not prohibit any of his friends to minister unto him.
24 After several days, when Felix came back with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ.
And after some days, Felix, coming with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jew, sent for Paul, and heard of him the faith, that is in Christ Jesus.
25 But as Paul was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said in response, “Go away for now, and when I get an opportunity I will call for yoʋ.”
And as he treated of justice, and chastity, and of the judgment to come, Felix being terrified, answered: For this time, go thy way: but when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee.
26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would give him money, so that he might release him. So he would send for Paul quite often and converse with him.
Hoping also withal, that money should be given him by Paul; for which cause also oftentimes sending for him, he spoke with him.
27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.
But when two years were ended, Felix had for successor Portius Festus. And Felix being willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
