King James Version

1 And 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. 2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since we are enjoying much peace through you and reforms are taking place in this nation through your care." 3 We accept everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude. 4 But that I may not burden you further, I request that you hear us briefly in your kindness. 5 For finding this man a plague and stirring up disturbances among all the Jews throughout the world, the foremost of the sect of the Nazarenes, 6 Who also attempted to desecrate the sanctuary, whom we also restrained. 7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8 From whom you may be able, after examining all these things, to know about what we are accusing him. 9 And the Jews also joined in, claiming that these things were so. 10 Paul answered, having signaled to the governor to speak: "Since you have been a judge for this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense regarding myself." 11 You are able to know that there are no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12 And neither in the temple did they find me talking to anyone nor doing any teaching of the crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. 13 Nor can they stand against you concerning the things of which they are now accusing me. 14 I confess to you that according to the way which they call a sect, I thus worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. 15 Having hope in God, which also these receive, there is about to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 In this, I also strive to have an unblemished conscience toward God and men always. 17 For many years, I became a contributor of almsgiving to my nation and of offerings. 18 In one of them, I found myself purified in the temple, not with a crowd nor with noise. 19 But some Jews from Asia, who ought to have been present before you and to bring charges if they had anything against me, 20 Or let these men say what evil they found when I stood before the council. 21 Or concerning this one voice which I cried out while standing among them, that for the resurrection of the dead I am being judged today before you. 22 And Felix postponed them, knowing more accurately the things concerning the way, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will make a decision about you." 23 He ordered the centurion to let him have rest and not to prevent any of his own servants from serving him. 24 After some days, Felix arrived with Drusilla, his own wife, who was a Jewess, and he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And while he was discussing righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix, becoming afraid, answered: "Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will call for you." 26 At the same time hoping that money would be given to him by Paul, for this reason he frequently sent for him and talked with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix appointed Porcius Festus as his successor; and wanting to show kindness to the Jews, Felix left Paul imprisoned.