24 And
after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and
with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against
Paul. 2 And
when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing
that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are
done unto this nation by thy providence, 3 We
accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Notwithstanding,
that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest
hear us of thy clemency a few words. 5 For
we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among
all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the
Nazarenes: 6 Who
also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have
judged according to our law. 7 But
the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him
away out of our hands, 8 Commanding
his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take
knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. 9 And
the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. 10 Then
Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered,
Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this
nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: 11 Because
that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since
I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. 12 And
they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising
up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 13 Neither
can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. 14 But
this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so
worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written
in the law and in the prophets:
15
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall
be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16 And
herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence
toward God, and toward men. 17 Now
after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18 Whereupon
certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude,
nor with tumult. 19 Who
ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against
me. 20 Or
else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while
I stood before the council, 21 Except
it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the
resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. 22 And
when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way,
he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down,
I will know the uttermost of your matter. 23 And
he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and
that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto
him. 24 And
after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a
Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And
as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix
trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient
season, I will call for thee. 26 He
hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might
loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27 But
after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing
to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
