Before Governor Felix

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. 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. ³We accept this always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. ⁴But so that I don't take up too much of your time, I ask that in your kindness you would hear us briefly. 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. ⁶He even tried to profane the temple, so we seized him and intended to judge him according to our law. ⁷But the commander Lysias came and with great force took him out of our hands, 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." ⁹The Jews also joined in the accusation, affirming that these things were so. 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. ¹¹As you can verify, it has been no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 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. ¹³Nor can they prove the things they are now accusing me of. 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. 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. ¹⁶Because of this, I always strive to keep my conscience without offense toward God and toward men. ¹⁷Now after many years, I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings. ¹⁸While I was doing this, certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with any crowd and not causing any disturbance. ¹⁹They are the ones who ought to be here before you to make their accusations, if they have anything against me. ²⁰Or else let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the council, 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.'" 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." 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. 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. 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." 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. ²⁷After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. And wanting to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.