Acts 24

1Five 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.⁠※*Or an orator 2When 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.⁠※ 3In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. 4But in order not to burden you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly. 5We 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,⁠※ 6and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.⁠※*BYZ and TR include and we would have judged him according to our law. 7 But Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you. 8By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”⁠※ 9The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true.⁠※

Paul’s Defense to Felix

10When 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.⁠※ 11You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.⁠※ 12Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city.⁠※ 13Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me.⁠※ 14I 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, 15and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.⁠※ 16In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.⁠※ 17After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings. 18At 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※*Literally from Asia; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey. 19who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me.⁠※ 20Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,*Or the Council 21unless 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.’”⁠※

The Verdict Postponed

22Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.”⁠※ 23He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.⁠※ 24After 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.⁠※ 25As 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.”⁠※ 26At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.⁠※ 27After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.⁠※