24:1   Five days later, the high priest Ananias arrived with some elders and Tertullius, an attorney, and they presented their case against Paul before the governor.

24:2   When Paul had been summoned, Tertullius opened the prosecution by saying: "Your Excellency Felix, since we are enjoying lasting peace through you, and since reforms for this nation are being brought about through your foresight,

24:3   we always and everywhere acknowledge it with profound gratitude.

24:4   But so as not to detain you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.

24:5   For we have found this man a perfect pest and an agitator among all Jews throughout the world. He is a ringleader in the sect of the Nazarenes

24:6   and even tried to profane the temple, but we arrested him.

24:7   {\cf15\I But Tribune Lysias came along and took him out of our hands with much force, (24:8) ordering his accusers to come before you

24:8   By examining him for yourself, you will be able to find out from him everything of which we accuse him."

24:9   The Jews supported his accusations by asserting that these things were true.

24:10   When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he replied: "Since I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I am pleased to present my defense.

24:11   You can verify for yourself that I went up to worship in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago.

24:12   They never found me debating with anyone in the temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or throughout the city,

24:13   and they cannot prove to you the charges they are now bringing against me.

24:14   However, I admit to you that in accordance with the Way, which they call a heresy, I worship the God of our ancestors and believe in everything written in the Law and the Prophets.

24:15   I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish-that there is to be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked.

24:16   Therefore, I always do my best to have a clear conscience in the sight of God and people.

24:17   After many years I have come back to my people to bring gifts for the poor and to offer sacrifices.

24:18   They found me in the temple doing these things just as I had completed the purification ceremony. No crowd or noisy mob was present.

24:19   But some Jews from Asia were there, and they should be here before you to accuse me if they have anything against me.

24:20   Otherwise, these men themselves should tell what wrong they found when I stood before the Council-

24:21   unless it is for the one thing I shouted as I stood among them: 'It is for the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"

24:22   Felix was rather well informed about the Way, and so he adjourned the trial with the comment, "When Tribune Lysias arrives, I will decide your case."

24:23   He ordered the centurion to guard Paul but to let him have some freedom and not to keep any of his friends from caring for his needs.

24:24   Some days later, Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Christ Jesus.

24:25   As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, "For the present you may go. When I get a chance, I will send for you again."

24:26   At the same time he was hoping to get money from Paul, and so he would send for him frequently to talk with him.

24:27   After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Since Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.