Chapter 24

  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.  

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  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,  

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  We accept it always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thanksgiving.  

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  But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy clemency to hear us in few words.  

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  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.  

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  Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom, we having apprehended, would also have judged according to our law.  

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  But Lysias the tribune coming upon us, with great violence took him away out of our hands;  

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  Commanding his accusers to come to thee: of whom thou mayest thyself, by examination, have knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.  

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  And the Jews also added, and said that these things were so.  

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  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.  

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  For thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days, since I went up to adore in Jerusalem:  

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  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:  

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  Neither can they prove unto thee the things whereof they now accuse me.  

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  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:  

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  Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.  

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  And herein do I endeavour to have always a conscience without offence toward God, and towards men.  

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  Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, and vows.  

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  In which I was found purified in the temple: neither with multitude, nor with tumult.  

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  But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had any thing against me:  

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  Or let these men themselves say, if they found in me any iniquity, when standing before the council,  

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  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.  

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  And Felix put them off, having most certain knowledge of this way, saying: When Lysias the tribune shall come down, I will hear you.  

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  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.  

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  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.  

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  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.  

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  Hoping also withal, that money should be given him by Paul; for which cause also oftentimes sending for him, he spoke with him.  

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  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.  

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