WEB Acts 24 Chapter
24:1
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.
24:2
And 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 to this nation by thy providence,
24:3
We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
24:4
Notwithstanding, that I may not be further tedious to thee, I pray thee, that thou wouldst of thy clemency hear us a few words.
24:5
For we have found this a pestilent man, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ring-leader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
24:6
Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
24:7
But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took [him] out of our hands,
24:8
Commanding his accusers to come to thee: by examining whom, thou thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things of which we accuse him.
24:9
And the Jews also assented, saying, that these things were so.
24:10
Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned to him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been for many years a judge to this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
24:11
That thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
24:12
And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither exciting the people to sedition, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
24:13
Neither can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.
24:14
But this I confess to thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
24:15
And have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
24:16
And in this I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense towards God, and [towards] men.
24:17
Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
24:18
Upon which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
24:19
Who ought to have been here before thee, and object if they had aught against me.
24:20
Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any evil-doing in me, while I stood before the council,
24:21
Except it is for this one voice, that I cried, standing among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
24:22
And 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.
24:23
And 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 to him.
24:24
And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, depart for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
24:26
He hoped also that money would have been given him by Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
24:27
But after two years Porcius Festus came as successor to Felix: and Felix willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.