Acts 24:1-11 ▼

1 After five days Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor.

2 When he was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: “Since we enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation by your foresight,

3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude.

4 However, so that I will not burden you any further, I beg you in your graciousness to give us a brief hearing.

5 For 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!

6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we apprehended him and wanted to judge him according to our law.

7 But Lysias the commander came and took him from our hands with great force,

8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you will be able to discern all these things we are accusing him of.”

9 The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were so.

10 When the governor motioned to 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.

11 You are able to determine that it is no more than 12 days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.