Acts 24

All 27 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

Read Acts 24 in the Bible reader, with audio →

1. 1Five days later, Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they presented their case against Paul to the governor.
2. 2When Paul was brought in, Tertullus began his accusation: "Because of you, we have enjoyed a long period of peace, and your foresight has brought about worthy reforms for this nation.
3. 3We accept this always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
4. 4But so that I don't take up too much of your time, I ask that in your kindness you would hear us briefly.
5. 5We have found this man to be a plague, stirring up sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6. 6He even tried to profane the temple, so we seized him and intended to judge him according to our law.
7. 7But the commander Lysias came and with great force took him out of our hands,
8. 8ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all these things we are accusing him of."
9. 9The Jews also joined in the accusation, affirming that these things were so.
10. 10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.
11. 11As you can verify, it has been no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12. 12They did not find me arguing with anyone in the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues, or anywhere else in the city.
13. 13Nor can they prove the things they are now accusing me of.
14. 14But I confess this to you: according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers, believing everything that is written in the Law and in the Prophets.
15. 15I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also hold, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.
16. 16Because of this, I always strive to keep my conscience without offense toward God and toward men.
17. 17Now after many years, I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings.
18. 18While I was doing this, certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with any crowd and not causing any disturbance.
19. 19They are the ones who ought to be here before you to make their accusations, if they have anything against me.
20. 20Or else let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the council,
21. 21unless it is for this one statement I cried out while standing among them: 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.'"
22. 22Felix, who had a fairly thorough knowledge of the Way, adjourned the proceedings, saying, "When Commander Lysias comes down, I will decide your case fully."
23. 23He commanded a centurion to keep Paul, but to let him have liberty, and not to forbid any of his acquaintance to minister to him or come to him.
24. 24Some days later, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ.
25. 25But as Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and answered, "Go away for now. When I find a convenient time, I will send for you."
26. 26At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would give him money so he could release him. So he sent for him often and talked with him.
27. 27After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. And wanting to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.