024:001

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

024:002

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness

024:003

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words

024:004

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

024:005

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law

024:006

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands

024:007

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him

024:008

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so

024:009

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

024:010

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship

024:011

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

024:012

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me

024:013

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

024:014

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

024:015

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men

024:016

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings

024:017

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult

024:018

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me

024:019

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council

024:020

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

024:021

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

024:022

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

024:023

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

024:024

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

024:025

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

024:026

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound