Acts 24:1-13 ▼

1 After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.

2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, |Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that by your foresight reforms are coming to this nation,

3 we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.

4 But, that I do not delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.

5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him. And we would have judged him according to our law,

7 but the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.|

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

10 When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, |Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,

11 seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.

12 In the temple they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.

13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.