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Tertullus Prosecutes Paul

¹ Five days later, the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul.² When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.³ In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.⁴ But in order not to burden you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.⁵ We have found this man to be a nuisance, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,⁶ and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him^(a).⁸ By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”⁹ The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true.

Paul’s Defense to Felix

¹⁰ When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.¹¹ You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.¹² Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city.¹³ Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me.¹⁴ I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,¹⁵ and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.¹⁶ In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.¹⁷ After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.¹⁸ At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia¹⁹ who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me.²⁰ Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,²¹ unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”

The Verdict Postponed

²² Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.”²³ He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.²⁴ After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.²⁵ As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.²⁷ After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.