THE BOOK OF ACTS

 

Acts Chapter 24

1 ¶ Five days later Ananias the high priest went down to Caesarea along with certain elders, and an orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor of the charges against Paul.

2 And when Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor, Since we have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation,

3 We acknowledge this everywhere and in every way, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

4 But in order not to further detain you, I beg you to grant us, in your kindness, a brief hearing.

5 For we have found this man to be a real pest, and an promoter of discord among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

6 And he also tried to desecrate the temple: so we seized him, and would have judged him according to our law.

7 But Lysias the chief captain came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands,

8 Ordering his accusers to come before you: and by examining him yourself you will be able to find out all the things, that we accuse him of.

9 And the Jews also joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were so.

10 ¶ Then Paul, after the governor motioned for him to speak, replied, Since I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense:

11 It is but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship, as you can easily verify.

12 And they did not find me arguing with anyone in the temple, or stirring up the people, not in the synagogues, or anywhere else in the city:

13 Nor can they prove the things that they now accuse me of.

14 But I will admit to you, that I worship the God of my fathers, as a follower of the way that they call heresy, believing everything that is written in the law and in the prophets:

15 And I have the same hope in God, that they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 Therefore I always strive, to keep my conscience clear of any offence before God, and man.

17 Now after several years absence I came to bring my nation gifts of charity, and offerings.

18 And while I was doing this certain Jews from Asia found me occupied in the temple having been purified, without any crowd, or uproar.

19 If they have anything against me, they ought to be here before you, to bring charges.

20 Otherwise let these men tell you, if they found me guilty of anything, while I stood before the council,

21 Unless it was, that standing among them I shouted this one statement, I am on trial before you this day concerning the resurrection of the dead.

22 ¶ When Felix, who was well informed concerning the way, heard these things, he put them off, saying, When Lysias the chief captain comes down, I will make a decision in regard to your case.

23 And he ordered a centurion to keep Paul in custody, but let him have freedom within the palace, and permit his friends to visit him and minister to his needs.

24 Some days later, after Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and listened to what he had to say about faith in Christ.

25 And as Paul spoke of righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix trembled, and said, That is enough for now; when I find it convenient, I will send for you.

26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him money, to free him: therefore he sent for him frequently, and talked with him.

27 But after two years had gone by Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus: and because Felix, wanted to please the Jews, he left Paul bound.