1 After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain
elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.
2 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, 3 we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent
Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 But, that I don't delay you, I entreat you
to bear with us and hear a few words. 5 For we have found this man to be a
plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the
world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to
profane the temple, and we arrested him.*1 7 *2
8 *3 By examining
him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."
9 The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
10 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, 11 seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than
twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. 12 In the temple they
didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the
synagogues, or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove to you the things
whereof they now accuse me. 14 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;
15 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.
16 Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense
toward God and men. 17 Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the
needy to my nation, and offerings; 18 amid which certain Jews from Asia
found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil. 19 They
ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had
anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what
injustice they found in me when I stood before the council, 21 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!'"
22 But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred
them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide
your case." 23 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. 24 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. 25 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 summon you." 26 Meanwhile, he also hoped 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. 27 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.
1 TR adds "We wanted to judge him
according to our law," 2 TR adds "but the commanding officer,
Lysias, came by and with great violence took him out of our hands," 3 TR adds "commanding his accusers to come to you."
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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