Acts 24:1-16 ▼

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 prosperity is coming to this nation by your foresight,

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

4 But that I don’t 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.

7

8 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 verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.

12 In the temple they didn’t 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.

14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;

15 having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 In this I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.