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1 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with the 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 worthy reforms 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. 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 worship in Jerusalem. 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 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 written throughout the Law and the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of the dead—of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. Acts 24:1-16, Majority Standard Bible. Public domain.
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