| King James Bible | Christian Standard Bible |
| 1And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. | 1Five days later Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor. |
| 2And 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 unto this nation by thy providence, | 2When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: "We enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation because of your foresight. |
| 3We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. | 3We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude. |
| 4Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. | 4But, so that I will not burden you any further, I request that you would be kind enough to give us a brief hearing. |
| 5For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: | 5For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. |
| 6Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. | 6He even tried to desecrate the temple, and so we apprehended him. By examining him yourself you will be able to discern the truth about these charges we are bringing against him." |
| 7But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, | 7 |
| 8Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. | 8 |
| 9And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. | 9The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were true. |
| 10Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: | 10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me. |
| 11Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. | 11You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. |
| 12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: | 12They didn't find me arguing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. |
| 13Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. | 13Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me. |
| 14But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: | 14But I admit this to you: I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets. |
| 15And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. | 15I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. |
| 16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. | 16I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. |
| 17Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. | 17After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people. |
| 18Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. | 18While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar. |
| 19Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. | 19It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. |
| 20Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, | 20Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, |
| 21Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. | 21other than this one statement I shouted while standing among them, 'Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.'" |
| 22And 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. | 22Since Felix was well informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case." |
| 23And 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 unto him. | 23He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs. |
| 24And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. | 24Several days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. |
| 25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. | 25Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, "Leave for now, but when I have an opportunity I'll call for you." |
| 26He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. | 26At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would offer him money. So he sent for him quite often and conversed with him. |
| 27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. | 27After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. |
| King James Bible, text courtesy of BibleProtector.com. | The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. |
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