Acts 24
- 1
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. Begin Abide·
- 2
When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. Begin Abide·
- 3
In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. Begin Abide·
- 4
But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly. Begin Abide·
- 5
We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, Begin Abide·
- 6
and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. Begin Abide·
- 7
- 8
By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.” Begin Abide·
- 9
The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true. Begin Abide·
- 10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense. Begin Abide·
- 11
You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Begin Abide·
- 12
Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city. Begin Abide·
- 13
Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me. Begin Abide·
- 14
I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, Begin Abide·
- 15
and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Begin Abide·
- 16
In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. Begin Abide·
- 17
After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings. Begin Abide·
- 18
At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia Begin Abide·
- 19
who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. Begin Abide·
- 20
Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, Begin Abide·
- 21
unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’” Begin Abide·
- 22
Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.” Begin Abide·
- 23
He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs. Begin Abide·
- 24
After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. Begin Abide·
- 25
As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” Begin Abide·
- 26
At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him. Begin Abide·
- 27
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. Begin Abide·