Paul Presents His Case to Felix

1Five days later, the high priest Ananias arrived with certain elders and Tertullus, an attorney, and they summarized their case against Paul before the governor. 2When Paula had been summoned, Tertullus opened the prosecution by saying:

“Your Excellency Felix, since we are enjoying lasting peace because of you, and since reforms for this nation are being brought about through your foresight, 3we always and everywhere acknowledge it with profound gratitude. 4But so as not to detain you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. 5For 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 Nazarenesb 6and even tried to profane the Temple, but we arrested him.c 7 8By examining him for yourself, you will be able to find out from him everything of which we accuse him.”

9The Jewish leadersd supported his accusations by asserting that these things were true. 10When 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. 11You can verify for yourself that I went up to worship in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago. 12They never found me debating with anyone in the Temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or throughout the city, 13and they cannot prove to you the charges they are now bringing against me. 14However, I admit to you that in accordance with the Way, which they call a heresy,e I worship the God of our ancestors and believe in everything written in the Law and the Prophets. 15I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish—that there is to be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. 16Therefore, I always do my best to have a clear conscience before God and people. 17After many years, I have come back to my people to bring gifts for the poor and to offer sacrifices. 18They found me in the Temple doing these things just as I had completed the purification ceremony. No crowd or noisy mob was present. 19But some Jews from Asia were there, and they should be here before you to accuse me if they have anything against me. 20Otherwise, these men themselves should tell what wrong they found when I stood before the Councilf — 21unless 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.’”

22Felix was rather well informed about the Way, and so he adjourned the trial with the comment, “When Tribune Lysias arrives, I’ll decide your case.” 23He ordered the centurion to guard Paulg but to let him have some freedom and not to keep any of his friends from caring for his needs.

24Some days later, Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Jesush the Messiah.i 25As Paulj 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.” 26At the same time he was hoping to receive a bribe from Paul, and so he would send for him frequently to talk with him.

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