Page 24 of 28
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
(24:1)
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,
(24:2)
We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness
(24:3)
Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words
(24:4)
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:
(24:5)
Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law
(24:6)
But the chief captain Lysias came [upon us], and with great violence took [him] away out of our hands,
(24:7)
Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him
(24:8)
And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so
(24:9)
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:
(24:10)
Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship
(24:11)
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:
(24:12)
Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me
(24:13)
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:
(24:14)
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
(24:15)
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men
(24:16)
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings
(24:17)
Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult
(24:18)
Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me
(24:19)
Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
(24:20)
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
(24:21)
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
(24:22)
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
(24:23)
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
(24:24)
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
(24:25)
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
(24:26)
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound
(24:27)
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