Acts Chapter 24 Back Next{24:1} After five days, the
high priest,
Ananias, came down with certain
elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the
governor against Paul.
{24:2} 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,
{24:3} we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent
Felix, with all thankfulness.
{24:4} But, that I don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
{24:5} 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.
{24:6} He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.[
Note]
{24:7} [
Note]
{24:8} [
Note]By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."
{24:9} The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
{24:10} 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,
{24:11} seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at
Jerusalem.
{24:12} In the temple they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.
{24:13} Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
{24:14} 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;
{24:15} 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.
{24:16} Herein I also practice always having a
conscience void of offense toward God and men.
{24:17} Now after some years, I came to bring
gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
{24:18} amid which certain Jews from
Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.
{24:19} They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.
{24:20} Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the
council,
{24:21} 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!'"
{24:22} But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case."
{24:23} 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.
{24:24} 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.
{24:25} 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."
{24:26} 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.
{24:27} 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.
Acts Chapter 24 Back Next