Acts 24:1-21 ▼

1 AND after five days the high priest Ananias came down, with some of the ancients, and one Tertullus an orator, who went to the governor against Paul.

2 And Paul being called for, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Whereas through thee we live in much peace, and many things are rectified by thy providence,

3 We accept it always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thanksgiving.

4 But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy clemency to hear us in few words.

5 We have found this to be a pestilent man, and raising seditions among all the Jews throughout the world, and author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes.

6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom, we having apprehended, would also have judged according to our law.

7 But Lysias the tribune coming upon us, with great violence took him away out of our hands;

8 Commanding his accusers to come to thee: of whom thou mayest thyself, by examination, have knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

9 And the Jews also added, and said that these things were so.

10 Then Paul answered, (the governor making a sign to him to speak:) Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge over this nation, I will with good courage answer for myself.

11 For thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days, since I went up to adore in Jerusalem:

12 And neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man, or causing any concourse of the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

13 Neither can they prove unto thee the things whereof they now accuse me.

14 But this I confess to thee, that according to the way, which they call a heresy, so do I serve the Father and my God, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets:

15 Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.

16 And herein do I endeavour to have always a conscience without offence toward God, and towards men.

17 Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, and vows.

18 In which I was found purified in the temple: neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

19 But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had any thing against me:

20 Or let these men themselves say, if they found in me any iniquity, when standing before the council,

21 Except it be for this one voice only that I cried, standing among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead am I judged this day by you.