Acts 24 : 1 (HCSB)
After five days Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor.
Acts 24 : 2 (HCSB)
When he was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: "Since we enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation by your foresight,
Acts 24 : 3 (HCSB)
we gratefully receive them always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
Acts 24 : 4 (HCSB)
However, so that I will not burden you any further, I beg you in your graciousness to give us a brief hearing.
Acts 24 : 5 (HCSB)
For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes!
Acts 24 : 6 (HCSB)
He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we apprehended him [[and wanted to judge him according to our law.
Acts 24 : 7 (HCSB)
But Lysias the commander came and took him from our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you.]]
Acts 24 : 8 (HCSB)
By examining him yourself you will be able to discern all these things of which we accuse him."
Acts 24 : 9 (HCSB)
The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were so.
Acts 24 : 10 (HCSB)
When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: "Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me.
Acts 24 : 11 (HCSB)
You are able to determine that it is no more than 12 days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.
Acts 24 : 12 (HCSB)
And they didn't find me disputing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple complex or in the synagogues, or anywhere in the city.
Acts 24 : 13 (HCSB)
Neither can they provide evidence to you of what they now bring against me.
Acts 24 : 14 (HCSB)
But I confess this to you: that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I worship my fathers' God, believing all the things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets.
Acts 24 : 15 (HCSB)
And I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.
Acts 24 : 16 (HCSB)
I always do my best to have a clear conscience toward God and men.
Acts 24 : 17 (HCSB)
After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my nation,
Acts 24 : 18 (HCSB)
and while I was doing this, some Jews from the province of Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar.
Acts 24 : 19 (HCSB)
It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me.
Acts 24 : 20 (HCSB)
Either let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,
Acts 24 : 21 (HCSB)
or about this one statement I cried out while standing among them, 'Today I am being judged before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.'"
Acts 24 : 22 (HCSB)
Since Felix was accurately informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case."
Acts 24 : 23 (HCSB)
He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from serving him.
Acts 24 : 24 (HCSB)
After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts 24 : 25 (HCSB)
Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, "Leave for now, but when I find time I'll call for you."
Acts 24 : 26 (HCSB)
At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him.
Acts 24 : 27 (HCSB)
After two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus, and because he wished to do a favor for the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.
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