Paul defends his innocence before Felix the governor. He preaches the
faith to him.
24:1. And after five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with some
ancients and one Tertullus, an orator, who went to the governor against
Paul.
24:2. And Paul being called for, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:
Whereas, through thee we live in much peace and many things are
rectified by thy providence,
24:3. We accept it always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with
all thanksgiving.
24:4. But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy
clemency to hear us in a few words.
24:5. We have found this to be a pestilent man and raising seditions
among all the Jews throughout the world: and author of the sedition of
the sect of the Nazarenes.
24:6. Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom, we having
apprehended, would also have judged according to our law.
24:7. But Lysias the tribune, coming upon us with great violence, took
him away out of our hands;
24:8. Commanding his accusers to come to thee. Of whom thou mayest
thyself, by examination, have knowledge of all these things whereof we
accuse him.
24:9. And the Jews also added and said that these things were so.
24:10. Then Paul answered (the governor making a sign to him to speak):
Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge over this nation, I
will with good courage answer for myself.
24:11. For thou mayest understand that there are yet but twelve days
since I went up to adore in Jerusalem:
24:12. And neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man
or causing any concourse of the people: neither in the synagogues, nor
in the city.
24:13. Neither can they prove unto thee the things whereof they now
accuse me.
24:14. But this I confess to thee that according to the way which they
call a heresy, so do I serve the Father and my God, believing all things
which are written in the law and the prophets:
24:15. Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that
there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.
24:16. And herein do I endeavour to have always a conscience without
offence, towards God and towards men.
24:17. Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation and
offerings and vows.
24:18. In which I was found purified in the temple: neither with
multitude nor with tumult.
24:19. But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee and
to accuse, if they had anything against me:
24:20. Or let these men themselves say if they found in me any iniquity,
when standing before the council,
24:21. Except it be for this one voice only that I cried, standing among
them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead am I judged this day by
you.
24:22. And Felix put them off, having most certain knowledge of this
way, saying: When Lysias the tribune shall come down, I will hear you.
24:23. And he commanded a centurion to keep him: and that he should be
easy and that he should not prohibit any of his friends to minister unto
him.
24:24. And after some days, Felix, coming with Drusilla his wife, who
was a Jew, sent for Paul and heard of him the faith that is in Christ
Jesus.
24:25. And as he treated of justice and chastity and of the judgment to
come, Felix, being terrified, answered: For this time, go thy way: but
when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee.
24:26. Hoping also withal that money should be given him by Paul: for
which cause also oftentimes sending for him, he spoke with him.
24:27. But when two years were ended, Felix had for successor Portius
Festus. And Felix being willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul
bound.