Chapter 24

  After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.  

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  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,  

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  we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.  

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  But, that I don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.  

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  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.  

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  He even tried to profane the temple. We arrested him.  

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  By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.'  

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  The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.  

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  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,  

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  seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.  

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  In the temple they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.  

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  Nor can they prove to you the things whereof they now accuse me.  

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  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;  

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  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.  

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  Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.  

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  Now after some years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings;  

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  amid which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult. But certain Jews from Asia --  

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  who ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.  

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  Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,  

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  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!''  

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  But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, 'When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.'  

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  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.  

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  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.  

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  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.'  

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  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.  

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  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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