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days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they presented their case against Paul to the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace because of you, and reforms have been made for this nation because of your foresight. 3 We welcome these always and in all places, most excellent Felix. 4 But so that I do not burden you any further, I beg you to graciously give us a brief hearing.
5 “We have found this man to be a pestilent fellow, and an agitator among the Jews throughout 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 wanted to judge him according to our law. 7 But the commander Lysias came and took him from our hands, and ordered this man’s accusers to appear before you. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth of all these charges of which we accuse him.”
9 The Jews also joined in the accusations, asserting that all these things were true.
10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, so I gladly make my defence. 11 As you may easily verify, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me disputing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up the crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you any of the charges that they now bring against me. 14 But this I confess to you: I admit that I worship the God of my fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I also believe everything that is written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15 And I have the same hope in God as these men do, that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 So I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men.
17 “Now after many years I came to bring to my nation gifts and offerings. 18 While I was doing this in the temple, I was ceremonially purified, and without any crowd or disturbance. Some Jews from the province of Asia found me there, 19 and they ought to be here before you to press charges, if they have anything against me. 20 Or these men here should state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 unless it was this one statement I cried out while standing among them, ‘Today I am being judged by you concerning the resurrection of the dead’.”
22 Since Felix was well informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from taking care of his needs.
24 After some days Felix came with his wife Priscilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and listened to him speak concerning faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and he told Paul, “Go away for the present, but when I have time, I will send you.” 26 At the same time he hoped Paul would offer him a bribe, so for that reason he sent for him often and conversed with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because he wanted to grant the Jews a favour, Felix left Paul in prison.