Acts Chapter 24
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- And after five days the high priest Ananias came down, with some of the ancients, and one Tertullus an orator, who went to the governor against Paul.
- And Paul being called for, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Whereas through thee we live in much peace, and many things are rectified by thy providence,
- We accept it always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thanksgiving.
- But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy clemency to hear us in few words.
- We have found this to be a pestilent man, and raising seditions among all the Jews throughout the world, and author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes.
- Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom, we having apprehended, would also have judged according to our law.
- But Lysias the tribune coming upon us, with great violence took him away out of our hands;
- Commanding his accusers to come to thee: of whom thou mayest thyself, by examination, have knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
- And the Jews also added, and said that these things were so.
- Then Paul answered, (the governor making a sign to him to speak:) Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge over this nation, I will with good courage answer for myself.
- For thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days, since I went up to adore in Jerusalem:
- And neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man, or causing any concourse of the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
- Neither can they prove unto thee the things whereof they now accuse me.
- But this I confess to thee, that according to the way, which they call a heresy, so do I serve the Father and my God, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets:
- Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.
- And herein do I endeavour to have always a conscience without offence toward God, and towards men.
- Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, and vows.
- In which I was found purified in the temple: neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
- But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had any thing against me:
- Or let these men themselves say, if they found in me any iniquity, when standing before the council,
- Except it be for this one voice only that I cried, standing among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead am I judged this day by you.
- And Felix put them off, having most certain knowledge of this way, saying: When Lysias the tribune shall come down, I will hear you.
- And he commanded a centurion to keep him, and that he should be easy, and that he should not prohibit any of his friends to minister unto him.
- And after some days, Felix, coming with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jew, sent for Paul, and heard of him the faith, that is in Christ Jesus.
- And as he treated of justice, and chastity, and of the judgment to come, Felix being terrified, answered: For this time, go thy way: but when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee.
- Hoping also withal, that money should be given him by Paul; for which cause also oftentimes sending for him, he spoke with him.
- But when two years were ended, Felix had for successor Portius Festus. And Felix being willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.