Study Desk

Paul's Trial Before Felix

Five days later the high priest Ananias^(a) went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges^(b) against Paul before the governor.^(c)

When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: "We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation.

Everywhere and in every way, most excellent^(d) Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.

But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

"We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots^(e) among the Jews^(f) all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene^(g) sect^(h)

and even tried to desecrate the temple;⁽ⁱ⁾ so we seized him.

^[7][a]

By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him."

The other Jews joined in the accusation,^(j) asserting that these things were true.

When the governor^(k) motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.

You can easily verify that no more than twelve days^(l) ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple,^(m) or stirring up a crowd⁽ⁿ⁾ in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.

And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.^(o)

However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors^(p) as a follower of the Way,^(q) which they call a sect.^(r) I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,^(s)

and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection^(t) of both the righteous and the wicked.^(u)

So I strive always to keep my conscience clear^(v) before God and man.

"After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor^(w) and to present offerings.

I was ceremonially clean^(x) when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.^(y)

But there are some Jews from the province of Asia,^(z) who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me.^(aa)

Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin—

unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"^(ab)

Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way,^(ac) adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case."

He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard^(ad) but to give him some freedom^(ae) and permit his friends to take care of his needs.^(af)

Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.^(ag)

As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control^(ah) and the judgment^(ai) to come, Felix was afraid^(aj) and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."

At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus,^(ak) but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews,^(al) he left Paul in prison.^(am)