The Accusation Against Paul

1Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with ³⁰³the elders and an attorney named Tertullus. They presented their case against Paul to the governor.

2When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to present his case before Felix, saying, “Since we have experienced much peace because of yoʋ, and ³⁰⁴prosperity is coming to this nation by yoʋr foresight,

3both in every way and in every place we acknowledge it, most excellent Felix, with the utmost gratitude.

4But so that I may not detain yoʋ any further, I request that, in yoʋr forbearance, yoʋ would hear us briefly.

5For we have found this man to be a pestilent fellow, an instigator of ³⁰⁵dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

6He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we seized ³⁰⁶him.

8By examining him yoʋrself yoʋ will be able to learn the truth about all these accusations we are making against him.”

9The Jews also ³⁰⁷joined in the accusation, claiming that these things were so.

Paul's Defense Before Felix

10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul responded, “Knowing that yoʋ have been a ³⁰⁸judge over this nation for many years, I ³⁰⁹all the more cheerfully make my defense concerning these charges against me.

11Yoʋ can ascertain that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to ³¹⁰worship in Jerusalem.

12Neither in the temple courts, nor in the synagogues, nor anywhere in the city did they find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.

13Nor can they offer any ³¹¹proof ³¹²against me concerning the things of which they now accuse me.

14But I confess this to yoʋ, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is ³¹³written throughout the Law and in the Prophets,

15having a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection ³¹⁴of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.

16Because of this I ³¹⁵strive the way I do, always having a clear conscience before ³¹⁶God and men.

17After being away for many years, I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation along with offerings.

18While I was doing this, ³¹⁷some Jews from Asia found me in the temple courts as I was completing the rite of purification, without any crowd or commotion.

19They ought to be here before yoʋ and make an accusation if they have anything against me.

20Or these men themselves should ³¹⁸state what wrongdoing they found ³¹⁹in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,

21other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is regarding the resurrection of the dead that I am ³²⁰being tried by you today.’ ”

22³²¹After hearing these things, Felix, who knew the facts concerning the Way in great detail, had them adjourn, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

23Then he ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to allow him a certain measure of freedom and not to prevent his own people from attending to his needs ³²²or visiting him.

Paul Held in Custody

24After several days, when Felix came back with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in ³²³Christ.

25But as Paul was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said in response, “Go away for now, and when I get an opportunity I will call for yoʋ.”

26At the same time he was hoping that Paul would give him ³²⁴money, so that he might release him. So he would send for Paul quite often and converse with him.

27But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.