24Acts 24

Paul Is Accused in the Court of Felix

1Five days later Ananias the high priest, together with some of their leaders and a lawyer named Tertullus, went to the governor to present their case against Paul.Select Acts 24:1

2So Paul was called in, and Tertullus stated the case against him: Honorable Felix, you have brought our people a long period of peace, and because of your concern our nation is much better off.Select Acts 24:2

3All of us are always grateful for what you have done.Select Acts 24:3

4I don't want to bother you, but please be patient with us and listen to me for just a few minutes.Select Acts 24:4

5This man has been found to be a real pest and troublemaker for our people all over the world. He is also a leader of a group called Nazarenes.Select Acts 24:5

8When he tried to disgrace the temple, we arrested him. If you question him, you will find out for yourself that our charges are true.Select Acts 24:8

9The Jewish crowd spoke up and agreed with what Tertullus had said.Select Acts 24:9

Paul Defends Himself

10The governor motioned for Paul to speak, and he began: I know that you have judged the people of our nation for many years, and I am glad to defend myself in your court.Select Acts 24:10

11It was no more than twelve days ago that I went to worship in Jerusalem. You can find this out easily enough.Select Acts 24:11

12Never once did the Jews find me arguing with anyone in the temple. I didn't cause trouble in the synagogues or in the city itself.Select Acts 24:12

13There is no way that they can prove these charges they are now bringing against me.Select Acts 24:13

14I admit that their leaders think the Lord's Way which I follow is based on wrong beliefs. But I still worship the same God that my ancestors worshiped. And I believe everything written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets.Select Acts 24:14

15I am just as sure as these people are that God will raise from death everyone, good or evil.Select Acts 24:15

16And because I am sure, I try my best to have a clear conscience in whatever I do for God or for people.Select Acts 24:16

17After being away for several years, I returned here to bring gifts for the poor people of my nation and to offer sacrifices.Select Acts 24:17

18This is what I was doing when I was found going through a ceremony in the temple. I wasn't with a crowd, and there was no uproar.Select Acts 24:18

19Some Jews from Asia were there at that time, and if they have anything to say against me, they should be here now.Select Acts 24:19

20Or ask the ones who are here. They can tell you that they didn't find me guilty of anything when I was tried by their own council.Select Acts 24:20

21The only charge they can bring against me is what I shouted out in court, when I said, “I am on trial today because I believe that the dead will be raised to life!”Select Acts 24:21

22Felix knew a lot about the Lord's Way. But he brought the trial to an end and said, “I will make my decision after Lysias the commander arrives.”Select Acts 24:22

23He then ordered the army officer to keep Paul under guard, but not to lock him up or to stop his friends from helping him.Select Acts 24:23

Paul Is Kept under Guard

24Several days later Felix and his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, went to the place where Paul was kept under guard. They sent for Paul and listened while he spoke to them about having faith in Christ Jesus.Select Acts 24:24

25But Felix was frightened when Paul started talking to them about doing right, about self-control, and about the coming judgment. So he said to Paul, “That's enough for now. You may go. But when I have time I will send for you.”Select Acts 24:25

26After this, Felix often sent for Paul and talked with him, because he hoped that Paul would offer him a bribe.Select Acts 24:26

27Two years later Porcius Festus became governor in place of Felix. But since Felix wanted to do the Jewish leaders a favor, he kept Paul in jail.Select Acts 24:27