Acts 24

The Accusations Against Paul

24:1 After five days the high priest Ananias1 came down with some elders and an attorney2 named3 Tertullus, and they4 brought formal charges5 against Paul to the governor. 24:2 When Paul6 had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him,7 saying, “We have experienced a lengthy time8 of peace through your rule,9 and reforms10 are being made in this nation11 through your foresight.12 24:3 Most excellent Felix,13 we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way14 with all gratitude.15 24:4 But so that I may not delay16 you any further, I beg17 you to hear us briefly18 with your customary graciousness.19 24:5 For we have found20 this man to be a troublemaker,21 one who stirs up riots22 among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader23 of the sect of the Nazarenes.24 24:6 He25 even tried to desecrate26 the temple, so we arrested27 him.28 24:8 When you examine29 him yourself, you will be able to learn from him30 about all these things we are accusing him of doing.”31 24:9 The Jews also joined in the verbal attack,32 claiming33 that these things were true.

Paul’s Defense Before Felix

24:10 When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know34 that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense.35 24:11 As you can verify36 for yourself, not more than twelve days ago37 I went up to Jerusalem38 to worship. 24:12 They did not find me arguing39 with anyone or stirring up a crowd40 in the temple courts41 or in the synagogues42 or throughout the city,43 24:13 nor can they prove44 to you the things45 they are accusing me of doing.46 24:14 But I confess this to you, that I worship47 the God of our ancestors48 according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law49 and that is written in the prophets. 24:15 I have50 a hope in God (a hope51 that52 these men53 themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.54 24:16 This is the reason55 I do my best to always56 have a clear57 conscience toward God and toward people.58 24:17 After several years59 I came to bring to my people gifts for the poor60 and to present offerings,61 24:18 which I was doing when they found me in the temple, ritually purified,62 without a crowd or a disturbance.63 24:19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia64 who should be here before you and bring charges,65 if they have anything against me. 24:20 Or these men here66 should tell what crime67 they found me guilty of68 when I stood before the council,69 24:21 other than70 this one thing71 I shouted out while I stood before72 them: ‘I am on trial before you today concerning the resurrection of the dead.’”73

24:22 Then Felix,74 who understood the facts75 concerning the Way76 more accurately,77 adjourned their hearing,78 saying, “When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case.”79 24:23 He ordered the centurion80 to guard Paul,81 but to let him have some freedom,82 and not to prevent any of his friends83 from meeting his needs.84

Paul Speaks Repeatedly to Felix

24:24 Some days later, when Felix85 arrived with his wife Drusilla,86 who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him speak87 about faith in Christ Jesus.88 24:25 While Paul89 was discussing90 righteousness, self-control,91 and the coming judgment, Felix92 became93 frightened and said, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity,94 I will send for you.” 24:26 At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would give him money,95 and for this reason he sent for Paul96 as often as possible97 and talked98 with him. 24:27 After two years99 had passed, Porcius Festus100 succeeded Felix,101 and because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.102

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