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Acts 24
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International Standard Version
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Five days later, the high priest Ananias arrived with certain elders and Tertullus, an attorney, and they summarized their case against Paul before the governor.
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When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus opened the prosecution by saying: "Your Excellency Felix, since we are enjoying lasting peace because of you, and since reforms for this nation are being brought about through your foresight,
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we always and everywhere acknowledge it with profound gratitude.
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But so as not to detain you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.
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For we have found this man a perfect pest and an agitator among all Jews throughout the world. He is a ringleader in the sect of the Nazarenes
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and even tried to profane the Temple, but we arrested him.
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By examining him for yourself, you will be able to find out from him everything of which we accuse him."
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The Jewish leaders supported his accusations by asserting that these things were true.
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When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he replied: "Since I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I am pleased to present my defense.
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You can verify for yourself that I went up to worship in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago.
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They never found me debating with anyone in the Temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or throughout the city,
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and they cannot prove to you the charges they are now bringing against me.
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However, I admit to you that in accordance with the Way, which they call a heresy, I worship the God of our ancestors and believe in everything written in the Law and the Prophets.
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I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish—that there is to be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked.
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Therefore, I always do my best to have a clear conscience before God and people.
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After many years, I have come back to my people to bring gifts for the poor and to offer sacrifices.
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They found me in the Temple doing these things just as I had completed the purification ceremony. No crowd or noisy mob was present.
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But some Jews from Asia were there, and they should be here before you to accuse me if they have anything against me.
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Otherwise, these men themselves should tell what wrong they found when I stood before the Council —
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unless it is for the one thing I shouted as I stood among them: 'It is for the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"
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Felix was rather well informed about the Way, and so he adjourned the trial with the comment, "When Tribune Lysias arrives, I'll decide your case."
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He ordered the centurion to guard Paul but to let him have some freedom and not to keep any of his friends from caring for his needs.
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Some days later, Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Jesus the Messiah.
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As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, "For the present you may go. When I get a chance, I will send for you again."
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At the same time he was hoping to receive a bribe from Paul, and so he would send for him frequently to talk with him.
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After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Since Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1
Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY.
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