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