Acts 24
1AND after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul;
2and he having been called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done for this nation through thy providence, in every way and everywhere;
3we accept it, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
4But, not to hinder thee too long, I pray thee that thou wouldst hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5For we have found this man to be a pest, and exciting disturbance among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes;
6who also attempted to profane the temple; whom we took, [24:6][and desired to judge according to our law.
7But Lysias the chief captain came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
8commanding his accusers to come before thee;] from whom thou canst thyself ascertain, by examination, concerning all these things whereof we accuse him.
9And the Jews also joined in assailing him, saying that these things were so.
10Then Paul, the governor having beckoned to him to speak, answered: Knowing that thou hast been for many years a judge for this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself;
11inasmuch as thou mayest know, that there are not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship;
12and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any one, or causing a tumult of the people, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city;
13nor can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14But this I acknowledge to thee, that according to the way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of our fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets;
15having a hope toward God, which these themselves also look for, that there will be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
16Therefore do I also myself strive to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
17And after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18Amidst which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd, nor with tumult; but certain Jews from Asia [caused it],
19who ought to be here before thee, and make accusation, if they had aught against me.
20Or let these themselves say what crime they found in me, while I stood before the council,
21except for this one voice that I cried, standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am judged by you this day.
22And Felix put them off, knowing the things concerning the Way more accurately, saying: When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will fully inquire into your matters.
23And he commanded the centurion that he should be guarded, and should have indulgence; and to forbid none of his acquaintance to minister to him.
24And after certain days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered: Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
26He hoped also that money would be given him by Paul; wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and conversed with him.
27But after two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, left Paul bound.