Acts 24 — TCENT

The Accusation Against Paul

24Verse 1Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with⁺the elders and an attorney named Tertullus. They presented their case against Paul to the governor.^{Verse 2}When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to present his case before Felix, saying, “Since we have experienced much peace because of yoʋ, and⁺prosperity is coming to this nation by yoʋr foresight,^{Verse 3}both in every way and in every place we acknowledge it, most excellent Felix, with the utmost gratitude.^{Verse 4}But so that I may not detain yoʋ any further, I request that, in yoʋr forbearance, yoʋ would hear us briefly.^{Verse 5}For we have found this man to be a pestilent fellow, an instigator of⁺dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.^{Verse 6}He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we seized⁺him.^{Verse 8}By examining him yoʋrself yoʋ will be able to learn the truth about all these accusations we are making against him.”^{Verse 9}The Jews also⁺joined in the accusation, claiming that these things were so.

Paul's Defense Before Felix

^{Verse 10}When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul responded, “Knowing that yoʋ have been a⁺judge over this nation for many years, I⁺all the more cheerfully make my defense concerning these charges against me.^{Verse 11}Yoʋ can ascertain that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to⁺worship in Jerusalem.^{Verse 12}Neither in the temple courts, nor in the synagogues, nor anywhere in the city did they find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.^{Verse 13}Nor can they offer any⁺proof⁺against me concerning the things of which they now accuse me.^{Verse 14}But I confess this to yoʋ, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is⁺written throughout the Law and in the Prophets,^{Verse 15}having a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection⁺of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.^{Verse 16}Because of this I⁺strive the way I do, always having a clear conscience before⁺God and men.^{Verse 17}After being away for many years, I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation along with offerings.^{Verse 18}While I was doing this,⁺some Jews from Asia found me in the temple courts as I was completing the rite of purification, without any crowd or commotion.^{Verse 19}They ought to be here before yoʋ and make an accusation if they have anything against me.^{Verse 20}Or these men themselves should⁺state what wrongdoing they found⁺in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,^{Verse 21}other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is regarding the resurrection of the dead that I am⁺being tried by you today.’ ”^{Verse 22+}After hearing these things, Felix, who knew the facts concerning the Way in great detail, had them adjourn, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”^{Verse 23}Then he ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to allow him a certain measure of freedom and not to prevent his own people from attending to his needs⁺or visiting him.

Paul Held in Custody

^{Verse 24}After several days, when Felix came back with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in⁺Christ.^{Verse 25}But as Paul was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said in response, “Go away for now, and when I get an opportunity I will call for yoʋ.”^{Verse 26}At the same time he was hoping that Paul would give him⁺money, so that he might release him. So he would send for Paul quite often and converse with him.^{Verse 27}But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.