Shared Word Translation

Acts 24

Paul Before Felix at Caesarea

And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a certain spokesman, Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

in every way and everywhere we accept this, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude.

But so that I may not detain you further, I urge you to hear us briefly in your kindness. For we have found this man a pest and one stirring up riots among all the Jews throughout the inhabited world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

He even attempted to profane the temple, and we seized him.

By examining him yourself you will be able to know about all these things of which we accuse him.”

And the Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.

Paul’s Defense Before Felix

And when the governor had motioned for him to speak, Paul answered:

since you are able to verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.

And they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, neither in the temple nor in the synagogues nor in the city. Nor are they able to prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.

But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything that is according to the Law and written in the Prophets, having hope in God, which these themselves also accept, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Therefore I also exercise myself always to have a blameless conscience toward God and toward men.

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings, in which they found me purified in the temple, without crowd or uproar. But some Jews from Asia— who ought to be here before you and to make accusation, if they have anything against me—

or else let these themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, other than this one statement that I cried out while standing among them: ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you today.’”

Felix Delays Judgment

But Felix, having a more accurate knowledge concerning the Way, adjourned them, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” And he ordered the centurion to keep him in custody, but to have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his own from serving him.

And after some days Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him concerning faith in Christ Jesus. And as he was reasoning about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and answered, “Go away for the present; when I find an opportunity, I will call for you.”

At the same time he was hoping that money would be given to him by Paul; therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.

But when two years had been completed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in custody.