| 章 |
| 24:1 |
Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.
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| 24:2 |
When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: "We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation.
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| 24:3 |
Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.
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| 24:4 |
But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
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| 24:5 |
"We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect
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| 24:6 |
and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.
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| 24:7 |
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| 24:8 |
By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him."
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| 24:9 |
The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
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| 24:10 |
When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.
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| 24:11 |
You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
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| 24:12 |
My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.
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| 24:13 |
And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.
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| 24:14 |
However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,
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| 24:15 |
and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
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| 24:16 |
So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
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| 24:17 |
"After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings.
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| 24:18 |
I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.
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| 24:19 |
But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me.
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| 24:20 |
Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin--
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| 24:21 |
unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: `It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.' "
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| 24:22 |
Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case."
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| 24:23 |
He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
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| 24:24 |
Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.
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| 24:25 |
As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
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| 24:26 |
At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
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| 24:27 |
When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
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