The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Apostles 24
1 After five days,thehighpriest, Ananias,
came down with certain elders and an
orator, one Tertullus. They informed the
governor against Paul.
2 When he was called, Tertullus began to
accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we
enjoy much peace, and that prosperity is
coming to this nation by your foresight,
3 we acceptitin all ways and in all places,
most excellent Felix, with all thank fulness.
4 But that I don’t delay you, I entreat you
to bear with us and hear a few words.
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.
6 He even tried to profane the temple,
and we arrested him.†
7 ‡
8 §By examining him yourself you may
ascertain all these things of which
we accuse him.”
9 The Jews also joined in the attack,
affirming that these things were so.
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,
11 seeing that you can verify that it is not
more than twelve days since I went up to
worship at Jerusalem.
12 In the temple they didn’t find me
disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd,
either in the synagogues or in the city.
13 Nor can they prove to you the things of
which they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess to you,that according
to 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;
15 having hope toward God, which these
also themselves look for, that there will be
a resurrection of the dead, both of the just
and unjust.
16 In this I also practice always having a
conscience void of offense toward God and
men.
17 Now after some years, I came to bring
gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
18 amid which certain Jews from Asia
found me purified in the temple, not with
a mob, nor with turmoil.
19 They ought to have been here before
you and to make accusation if they had
anything against me.
20 Or else let these men themselves say
what injustice they found in me when I
stood before the council,
21 unless it is for this one thing that I
cried standing among them, ‘Concerning
the resurrection of the dead I am being
judged before you today!’ ”
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.”
23 He ordered the centurion that Paul
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.
24 After some days, Felix came with
Drusilla his wife, who was a Jewess, and
sent for Paul and heard him concerning
the faith in Christ Jesus.
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.”
26 Meanwhile, he also hoped that money
would be given to him by Paul, that he
might release him. Therefore also he sent
for him more often and talked with him.
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.