Acts 24:1-15 ▼

1 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul.

2 When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.

3 In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.

4 But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.

5 We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,

6 and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.

7

8 By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”

9 The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true.

10 When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

11 You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city.

13 Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me.

14 I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

15 and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.