Acts 24:5-27 ▼

5 We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews (people of praise) 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. [And we would have judged him according to our law. 7 But Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you.]

7

8 By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.

9 The Jews (people of praise) 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 {ethnei} 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 Jerusalem (city of peace) to worship.

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 to you any of their charges against me.

14 I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God {Theō} of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

15 and I have the same hope in God {Theon} that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection (rising again) of both the righteous and the wicked.

16 In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God {Theon} and man.

17 After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people {ethnos} and to present offerings.

18 At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews (people of praise) from the province of Asia \from Asia/

19 who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me.

20 Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin (the Council),

21 unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection (rising again) of the dead that I am on trial before you⁺ today.

22 Then Felix (lucky), who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander (of a thousand men) comes, I will decide your⁺ case.

23 He ordered the centurion (commander of a hundred) to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.

24 After several days, Felix (lucky) returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul (humble) and listened to him speak about faith in Christ (the Anointed One) Jesus (YHWH saves).

25 As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix (lucky) became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.

26 At the same time, he was hoping that Paul (humble) would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.

27 After two years had passed, Felix (lucky) was succeeded by Porcius Festus (festival). And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul (humble) in prison.