The Koine Bible

After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a certain orator named Tertullus, who presented their case against Paul to the governor.

When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse, saying: Since we enjoy much peace through you and there are reforms being made to this nation through your providence,

We accept this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude.

But so that I do not trouble you further, I ask you to listen to us briefly out of your patience.

For we have found this man to be a plague and a mover of disturbances among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,

who also tried to profane the temple, whom we arrested,

From whom you yourself are able, by examining, to know about all these things of which we accuse him.

And the Jews also agreed, claiming that these things were so.

Paul answered, as the governor nodded to him, I have lived many years as a judge of this nation, and I gladly make my defense concerning myself,

You can know that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem,

And I was not found in the temple speaking with anyone or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor throughout the city,

Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.

But I confess to you that according to the way which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything that is written in the law and in the prophets.

Having a hope in God, which these also accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

In this matter I also exercise to maintain a clear conscience before God and people at all times.

But for many years I have made alms for my nation and offerings, and I have come.

in which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd nor with noise,

But some Jews from Asia, whom it was necessary for you to have here and to accuse me if they had anything against me,

Or let these themselves say what wrongdoing they found while I stood before the council.

Or concerning this one statement which I shouted among them standing, that I am being judged today before you about the resurrection of the dead.

But Felix postponed them, knowing more accurately about the way, and said, When Lysias the commander comes down, I will examine the matters concerning you.

Having ordered the centurion to keep him under guard but to grant him freedom and not to prevent any of his own people from serving him.

After some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his own wife who was a Jewess, and summoned Paul and listened to him concerning faith in Christ Jesus.

While he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, Go away for now; when I find an opportunity, I will call for you.

At the same time, hoping that money would be given to him by Paul, he sent for him more frequently and spoke with him.

When two years were completed, Felix received Porcius Festus as his successor. Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.