Acts 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.
Five days later Ananias the high priest arrived with some of the Jewish leaders, and with a lawyer called Tertullus. They presented formal charges against Paul to the governor.
2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that prosperity is coming to this nation by your foresight,
When Paul was summoned, Tertullus began making his case against him. He said, “Your Excellency Governor Felix, we have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and as a result of your wise judgment reforms have been enacted for the benefit of the nation.
3 we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
All of us throughout the country are so very grateful to you for this.
4 But that I don’t delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
But in order not to bore you, please be so kind as to give us your attention for a short while.
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.
We discovered that this man is a real pest, stirring up rebellions among Jews all over the world, a ringleader of the Nazarene sect.
6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.
He tried to defile the Temple, so we arrested him.
8 By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.”
By interrogating him yourself you will discover the truth of our accusations.”
9 The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
The Jews joined in, saying that this was all true.
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,
The Governor motioned for Paul to respond. “Recognizing you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense,” Paul began.
11 seeing that you can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
“You can easily verify that I arrived in Jerusalem to worship just twelve days ago.
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.
Nobody found me arguing in the Temple with anyone, or inciting people to riot in any synagogue or anywhere in the city.
13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
Nor can they prove to you any of their accusations against me.
14 But this I confess to you, that according to 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;
But I will admit this to you: I serve the God of our fathers following the beliefs of the Way, which they call a heretical sect. I believe everything the law teaches and what is written in the books of 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.
I have the same hope in God that they do, believing that there will be a resurrection of the good and the wicked.
16 In this I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
Consequently I try to make sure I always have a clear conscience before God and everyone.
17 Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
Having been away for a few years I returned to bring some money to help the poor and to give offerings to God.
18 amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.
That's what they found me doing in the Temple—completing the ceremony of purification. There was no crowd and no disturbance.
19 They ought to have been here before you and to make accusation if they had anything against me.
But some Jews from the province of Asia were there, who should be present here before you today to bring their charges, if they have anything against me.
20 Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,
Otherwise let these men here explain themselves what crime they found me guilty of 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!’”
except for the time when I shouted out to them, ‘I am on trial before you today because of my belief in the resurrection of the dead.’”
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.”
Felix who was well-informed about the Way then adjourned the trial. “When Lysias the commander comes I will make my decision regarding your case,” he said.
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.
He ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody but to allow him some measure of freedom and to let Paul's friends care for him without interference.
24 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.
Some days later Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about trusting 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.”
He discussed with them about living right, self-control, and the coming judgment. Felix became alarmed and told Paul, “You can go now, and I'll send for you when I get the chance.”
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.
Hoping that Paul would give him a bribe, Felix often sent for Paul 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.
Two years passed and Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. To stay in favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.
