Acts 24:1-16 ▼

1 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney, a certain Tertullus, and they reported their case against Paul to the governor.

2 When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Your Excellency, because of you we have long enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight.

3 We welcome this in every way and everywhere with utmost gratitude.

4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.

5 We have, in fact, found this man a pestilent fellow, an agitator 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 so we seized him.

7

8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn from him concerning everything of which we accuse him.”

9 The Jews also joined in the charge by asserting that all this was true.

10 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: “I cheerfully make my defense, knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation.

11 As you can find out, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.

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

13 Neither can they prove to you the charge that they now bring against me.

14 But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything laid down according to the law or written in the prophets.

15 I have a hope in God—a hope that they themselves also accept—that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

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