Acts 24
24
1 Then, after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with some of the elders and a certain Tertullus, a speaker. And they went to the governor against Paul.
2 And having summoned Paul, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Most excellent Felix, since we have much peace through you, and many things may be corrected by your providence,
3 we acknowledge this, always and everywhere, with acts of thanksgiving for everything.
4 But lest I speak at too great a length, I beg you, by your clemency, to listen to us briefly.
5 We have found this man to be pestilent, to be inciting seditions among all the Jews in the entire world, and to be the author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6 And he has even been attempting to violate the temple. And having apprehended him, we wanted him to be judged according to our law.
7 But Lysias, the tribune, overwhelming us with great violence, snatched him away from our hands,
8 ordering his accusers to come to you. From them, you yourself will be able, by judging about all these things, to understand the reason that we accuse him."
9 And then the Jews interjected, saying that these things were so.
10 Then, since the governor had motioned for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that you have been the judge over this nation for many years, I will give an explanation of myself with an honest soul.
11 For, as you may realize, it has only been twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.
12 And they did not find me in the temple arguing with anyone, nor causing a rally of the people: neither in the synagogues, nor in the city.
13 And they are not able to prove to you the things about which they now accuse me.
14 But I confess this to you, that according to that sect, which they call a heresy, so do I serve my God and Father, believing all that is written in the Law and the Prophets,
15 having a hope in God, which these others themselves also expect, that there will be a future resurrection of the just and the unjust.
16 And in this, I myself always strive to have a conscience that is lacking in any offence toward God and toward men.
17 Then, after many years, I went to my nation, bringing alms and offerings and vows,
18 through which I obtained purification in the temple: neither with a crowd, nor with a commotion.
19 But certain Jews out of Asia are the ones who should have appeared before you to accuse me, if they have anything against me.
20 Or let these ones here say if they have found in me any iniquity, while standing before the council.
21 For while standing among them, I spoke out solely about this one matter: about the resurrection of the dead. It is about this that I am being judged today by you."
22 Then Felix, after having ascertained much knowledge about this Way, kept them waiting, by saying, "When Lysias the tribune has arrived, I will give you a hearing."
23 And he ordered a centurion to guard him, and to take rest, and not to prohibit any of his own from ministering to him.
24 Then, after some days, Felix, arriving with his wife Drusilla who was a Jew, called for Paul and listened to him about the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
25 And after he discoursed about justice and chastity, and about the future judgment, Felix was trembling, and he responded: "For now, go, but remain under guard. Then, at an opportune time, I will summon you."
26 He was also hoping that money might be given to him by Paul, and because of this, he frequently summoned him and spoke with him.
27 Then, when two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Portius Festus. And since Felix wanted to show particular favor to the Jews, he left Paul behind as a prisoner.
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Acts 24: CPDV
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Acts 24
24
1Five days later Ananias the high priest arrived with some of the Jewish leaders, and with a lawyer called Tertullus. They presented formal charges against Paul to the governor. 2When Paul was summoned, Tertullus began making his case against him. He said, “Your Excellency Governor Felix, we have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and as a result of your wise judgment, reforms have been enacted for the benefit of the nation. 3All of us throughout the country are so very grateful to you for this.
4But in order not to bore you, please be so kind as to give us your attention for a short while. 5We discovered that this man is a real pest,#24:5. Literally, “plague.” stirring up rebellions among Jews all over the world, a ringleader of the Nazarene sect. 6He tried to defile the Temple, so we arrested him. 7#24:7. There is doubt as to the originality of verses 24:6b-8a. 8By interrogating him yourself you will discover the truth of our accusations.” 9The Jews joined in, saying that this was all true.
10The Governor motioned for Paul to respond. “Recognizing you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense,” Paul began. 11“You can easily verify that I arrived in Jerusalem to worship just twelve days ago. 12Nobody found me arguing in the Temple with anyone, or inciting people to riot in any synagogue or anywhere in the city. 13Nor can they prove to you any of their accusations against me.
14But I will admit this to you: I serve the God of our fathers following the beliefs of the Way, which they call a heretical sect. I believe everything the law teaches and what is written in the books of the prophets. 15I have the same hope in God that they do, believing that there will be a resurrection of the good and the wicked. 16Consequently I try to make sure I always have a clear conscience before God and everyone.
17Having been away for a few years I returned to bring some money to help the poor and to give offerings to God. 18That's what they found me doing in the Temple—completing the ceremony of purification. There was no crowd and no disturbance. 19But some Jews from the province of Asia were there, who should be present here before you today to bring their charges, if they have anything against me. 20Otherwise let these men here explain themselves what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the council, 21except for the time when I shouted out to them, ‘I am on trial before you today because of my belief in the resurrection of the dead.’”
22Felix who was well-informed about the Way then adjourned the trial. “When Lysias the commander comes I will make my decision regarding your case,” he said. 23He ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody but to allow him some measure of freedom and to let Paul's friends care for him without interference.
24Some days later Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about trusting in Christ Jesus. 25He discussed with them about living right, self-control, and the coming judgment. Felix became alarmed and told Paul, “You can go now, and I'll send for you when I get the chance.” 26Hoping that Paul would give him a bribe, Felix often sent for Paul and talked with him. 27Two years passed and Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. To stay in favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.
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Dr. Jonathan Gallagher. Released under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Unported License. Version 4.3. For corrections send email to jonathangallagherfbv@gmail.com