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The Accusation against Paul

¹ Five days later Ananias^(C1) the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor.^{(C2) 2} When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: “We enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation because of your foresight. ³ We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent^(C1) Felix, with utmost gratitude. ⁴ But, so that I will not burden you any further, I request that you would be kind enough to give us a brief hearing. ⁵ For we have found this man to be a plague,^(C1) an agitator^(C2) among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.^{(C3) 6} He even tried to desecrate the temple, and so we apprehended him.^(F1) By examining him yourself you will be able to discern the truth about these charges we are bringing against him.” ⁷ But Lysias the commander came and took him from our hands with great force, ⁸ commanding his accusers to come to you.]^[b] By examining him yourself you will be able to discern all these things we are accusing him of." ⁹ The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were true.

Paul’s Defense before Felix

¹⁰ When the governor motioned for 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.^{(C1) 11} You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.^{(C1) 12} They didn’t find me arguing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city.^{(C1) 13} Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me. ¹⁴ But I admit this to you: I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way,^(C1) which they call a sect, believing everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets.^{(C2) 15} I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection,^(F1)(C1) both of the righteous and the unrighteous.^{(C2) 16} I always strive to have a clear conscience^(C1) toward God and men. ¹⁷ After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people.^{(C1) 18} While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar.^{(C1) 19} It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. ²⁰ Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, ²¹ other than this one statement I shouted while standing among them, ‘Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.’”

The Verdict Postponed

²² Since Felix was well informed about the Way,^(C1) he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” ²³ 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 meeting^(F1) his needs.^(C1)

²⁴ Several days later, 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. ²⁵ Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come,^(C1) Felix became afraid and replied, “Leave for now, but when I have an opportunity I’ll call for you.” ²⁶ At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would offer him money.^(F1) So he sent for him quite often and conversed with him.

²⁷ After two years had passed, Porcius Festus^(C1) succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor,^(C2) he left Paul in prison.^(C3)