Acts 24
1Five days later, the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a professional orator named Tertullus, and they presented their case against Paul before the governor. 2When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began the accusation, saying: “Because we enjoy great peace through you, and because reforms are being brought to this nation through your foresight, 3we acknowledge this in every way and in every place, Most Excellent Felix, with profound gratitude. 4But so as not to detain you any longer, I beg you in your kindness to give us a brief hearing. 5For we have found this man to be a plague—one who stirs up insurrections among all the Jews throughout the civilized world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6He even attempted to desecrate the temple, so we seized him. 8By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth of all these things of which we are accusing him.”
9The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so. 10When the governor signaled for him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully offer my own defense. 11You are able to verify for yourself that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12Neither in the temple did they find me arguing with anyone or causing a crowd to riot—nor in the synagogues, nor throughout the city. 13Nor can they prove to you the charges they are now bringing against me.
14But I do confess this to you: that according to ‘The Way’ (which they call a sect), I serve the God of my ancestors, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets. 15I have a hope in God—a hope which these men themselves also cherish—that there is going to be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16For this reason, I also discipline myself to always have a conscience free of offense toward God and toward people.
17After an absence of several years, I arrived to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings. 18It was during these rites that they found me in the temple, having been purified, not with a crowd or an uproar. 19But there were some Jews from Asia—they ought to be here before you to bring an accusation if they have anything against me. 20Or let these men here say for themselves what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21other than this one thing I shouted while standing among them: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am being judged before you today!’”
22But Felix, having a rather accurate understanding of the matters concerning The Way, adjourned the proceedings, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23He gave orders to the centurion that Paul be kept in custody but have some measure of liberty, and that none of his own people be prevented from serving his needs.
24Some days later, Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25As Paul discussed justice, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became terrified and answered, “Go away for now; when I find an opportunity, I will summon you.” 26At the same time, he was hoping that money would be given to him by Paul, which is why he used to send for him quite often to converse with him.
27When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Wishing to grant a favor to the Jews, Felix left Paul imprisoned.