 1 After five days, Ananias the high priest arrived+ with the elders and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor of the charges against Paul. 2 When he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse Paul saying: Since+ it is by you, governor, that we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done to this nation by your providence, 3 we accept this always and in all places with all thankfulness most noble Felix. 4 Nevertheless, hoping that I may not be tedious to you, I ask+ that by your patience+ you might hear a few words from us. 5 For we have found this man Paul to be a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He has gone about profaning the temple. So we took him and would have judged him according to our law. 7 But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him away out of our hands. 8 He commanded us, Paul's accusers, to come to you. By examining him yourself, you will know about all the things about which we accuse him. 9 The Jews all agreed+ by saying that these things were so. 10 Then, the governor signaled+ for Paul to speak, and he answered: Since+ I know that you have been a judge in this nation for many years, I gladly answer for myself. 11 So you may understand, it has been twelve days since I went to Jerusalem to worship. 12 They did not find me in the temple disputing with anyone. Nor did anyone find me stirring+ up people in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove the things about which they now accuse me. 14 But I confess this to you: That in following+ The Way, which they call a heresy, I also worship the God of my fathers and I believe everything+ that is written in the law and in the prophets. 15 I have hope in God, as do all who accept+ this, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous+ and unrighteous+. 16 In this hope I strive+ to always have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men. 17 Now after many years I came to bring alms~ to my nation and offerings. 18 At that time+, certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple and not with a mob+ or tumult. 19 Those people ought to have been here before you to object if they had something against me. 20 Or else let these accusers say so if they found any evil doing in me while I stood before the council. 21 It is for this one sound+ that I cried out while standing among them, touching on the resurrection of the dead, that I am called in for questioning by you this day. 22 When Felix heard these things, having straighter+ knowledge about the way from Paul he deferred the matter and said: When Lysias the chief captain comes down, I will further consider+ your matter. 23 Then Felix commanded a centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty and that he should not forbid any of his acquaintances to minister or come to him. 24 After several+ days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jew+, and he sent for Paul and wanted to hear from him concerning faith in Christ. 25 As Paul spoke+ about righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered: Go away for this time. When I have a convenient season, I will call for you. 26 Felix also hoped that Paul might give him money so that he could release him. Therefore he sent for Paul more often and conversed+ with him. 27 But after two years, Porcius Festus came into Felix' office+ and Felix, wanting+ to show the Jews a favor+, left Paul bound.
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