Acts 24:1-16 ▼

1 Five days later, the high priest Ananias arrived with certain elders and Tertullus, an attorney, and they summarized their case against Paul before the governor.

2 When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus opened the prosecution by saying: |Your Excellency Felix, since we are enjoying lasting peace because of you, and since reforms for this nation are being brought about through your foresight,

3 we always and everywhere acknowledge it with profound gratitude.

4 But so as not to detain you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.

5 For we have found this man a perfect pest and an agitator among all Jews throughout the world. He is a ringleader in the sect of the Nazarenes

6 and even tried to profane the Temple, but we arrested him.

7

8 By examining him for yourself, you will be able to find out from him everything of which we accuse him.|

9 The Jewish leaders supported his accusations by asserting that these things were true.

10 When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he replied: |Since I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I am pleased to present my defense.

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

12 They never found me debating with anyone in the Temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or throughout the city,

13 and they cannot prove to you the charges they are now bringing against me.

14 However, I admit to you that in accordance with the Way, which they call a heresy, I worship the God of our ancestors and believe in everything written in the Law and the Prophets.

15 I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish—that there is to be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked.

16 Therefore, I always do my best to have a clear conscience before God and people.