Paul’s Trial Before Governor Felix

¹Five days later, the high priest Ananias went down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They presented their case against Paul to the governor.

²When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “We have experienced great peace through your rule, and your foresight has brought reforms in this ethnic group.

³We acknowledge this in every way and in every place, most excellent Felix, with deep gratitude.

⁴But so that I don’t delay you further, I request your kindness to hear a few words from us.

⁵For we have found this man to be a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the Nazarene sect.

⁶He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.

⁸When you examine him, you will be able to recognize all the things we accuse him of.”

⁹The other Jews also joined in the attack, confirming the allegation that these things were true.

¹⁰The governor motioned for him to speak, then Paul responded, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this ethnic group for many years, I gladly make my defense.

¹¹As you can verify yourself, fewer than twelve days ago I went up to worship in Jerusalem.

¹²They did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the temple or the synagogues, or anywhere in the city.

¹³Nor are they able to prove to you the things they now accuse me of doing.

¹⁴But this I admit to you that, according to the Way which they call a sect, I serve the God of our ancestors, believing everything in accordance with the Law and what is written in the prophets.

¹⁵I have hope in God, which these men also accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

¹⁶So I always strive to maintain a clear conscience before God and humans.

¹⁷“After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my ethnic group.

¹⁸While I was doing this, they came upon me in the temple, ritually purified, without a crowd or any disturbance. But some Jews from the province of Asia

¹⁹should have been here before you to bring charges if they have anything against me.

²⁰Or let these men here say what crime they found in me when I stood before the Council,

²¹unless it is for the one thing that I shouted among them, ‘I am being judged by y’all today concerning the resurrection of the dead!’”

²²But Felix adjourned the hearing, because he had detailed knowledge of the Way. He said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide y’all’s case.”

²³He ordered the centurion to guard Paul but give him some freedom and not prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs.

²⁴After several days, Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

²⁵As he discussed righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and said, “Go away for now! When I have an open time, I’ll send for you.”

²⁶At the same time, he also hoped Paul would give him a bribe, so he called on him frequently and talked with him.

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