The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 24
{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.[1]
{24:7} [2] {24:8} [3]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.
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Footnotes:
[1] {24:6} TR adds "We wanted to judge him according to our law,"
[2] {24:7} TR adds "but the commanding officer, Lysias, came by and
with great violence took him out of our hands,"
[3] {24:8} TR adds "commanding his accusers to come to you."
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