[1] After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain
elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against
Paul. [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, [3] we accept it in all ways and in all places, most
excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. [4] But, that I don`t delay you, I
entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words. [5] For we have found
this man a pestilent fellow, and an instigator of insurrections among all
the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the
Nazarenes. [6] He even tried to profane the temple. We arrested him. [7]
empty verses content detected by amos [8] By examining him yourself you may
ascertain all these things of which we accuse him." [9] The Jews also
joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so. [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, [11] seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve
days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. [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. [13] Nor can they prove to you the things
whereof they now accuse me. [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; [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. [16] Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of
offense toward God and men. [17] Now after some years, I came to bring alms
to my nation, and offerings; [18] amid which they found me purified in the
temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult. But certain Jews from Asia --
[19] who ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if
they had anything against me. [20] Or else let these men themselves say
what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council, [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!`" [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." [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] 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. [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 call you to me." [26] He hoped that way 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. [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.
