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.NHEB — Acts 24:1

2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that by your foresight reforms are coming to this nation,NHEB — Acts 24:2

3 we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.NHEB — Acts 24:3

4 But, that I do not delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.NHEB — Acts 24:4

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.NHEB — Acts 24:5

6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him. And we would have judged him according to our law,NHEB — Acts 24:6

7 but the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,NHEB — Acts 24:7

8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."NHEB — Acts 24:8

9 The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.NHEB — Acts 24:9

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,NHEB — Acts 24:10

11 seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.NHEB — Acts 24:11

12 In the temple they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.NHEB — Acts 24:12

13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.NHEB — Acts 24:13

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;NHEB — Acts 24:14

15 having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection, both of the just and unjust.NHEB — Acts 24:15

16 This being so, I also do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and people.NHEB — Acts 24:16

17 Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;NHEB — Acts 24:17

18 amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.NHEB — Acts 24:18

19 They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.NHEB — Acts 24:19

20 Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,NHEB — Acts 24:20

21 unless it is for this one thing that I shouted out standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today.'"NHEB — Acts 24:21

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."NHEB — Acts 24:22

23 He ordered the centurion that he 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.NHEB — Acts 24:23

24 But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was Jewish, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.NHEB — Acts 24:24

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."NHEB — Acts 24:25

26 Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him.NHEB — Acts 24:26

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.NHEB — Acts 24:27