Acts 24:1-13 ▼

1 After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with an attorney [named] Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul.

2 After [Paul] had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying [to the governor], |Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation,

3 we acknowledge [this] in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.

4 |But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing.

5 |For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

6 |And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. [We wanted to judge him according to our own Law.

7 |But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands,

8 ordering his accusers to come before you]. By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.|

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

10 When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: |Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense,

11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 |Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city [itself] did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot.

13 |Nor can they prove to you [the charges] of which they now accuse me.