24:1 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.
24:2 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 to this nation by thy
providence,
24:3 We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix,
with all thankfulness.
24:4 Notwithstanding, that I may not be further tedious to thee,
I pray thee, that thou wouldst of thy clemency hear us a few
words.
24:5 For we have found this a pestilent man, and a mover of
sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a
ring-leader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
24:6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we
took, and would have judged according to our law.
24:7 But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence
took [him] out of our hands,
24:8 Commanding his accusers to come to thee: by examining whom,
thou thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things of which
we accuse him.
24:9 And the Jews also assented, saying, that these things were
so.
24:10 Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned to him to
speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been for
many years a judge to this nation, I do the more cheerfully
answer for myself:
24:11 That thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve
days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
24:12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any
man, neither exciting the people to sedition, neither in the
synagogues, nor in the city:
24:13 Neither can they prove the things of which they now accuse
me.
24:14 But this I confess to thee, that after the way which they
call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all
things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
24:15 And have hope towards God, which they themselves also
allow, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of
the just and unjust.
24:16 And in this I exercise myself, to have always a conscience
void of offense towards God, and [towards] men.
24:17 Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation,
and offerings.
24:18 Upon which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the
temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
24:19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object if
they had aught against me.
24:20 Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any
evil-doing in me, while I stood before the council,
24:21 Except it is for this one voice, that I cried, standing
among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am called
in question by you this day.
24:22 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.
24:23 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 to him.
24:24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife
Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him
concerning the faith in Christ.
24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and
judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, depart for this
time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
24:26 He hoped also that money would have been given him by
Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the
oftener, and communed with him.
24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came as successor to
Felix: and Felix willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul
bound.
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