1Five days later the chief priest Ananias went to the city of Caesarea with some leaders of the people and an attorney named Tertullus. They reported to the governor their charges against Paul. 2When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him. He said to Felix, "Your Excellency, through your wise leadership we have lasting peace and reforms that benefit the people. 3We appreciate what you've done in every way and in every place, and we want to thank you very much. 4I don't want to keep you too long. Please listen to us. We will be brief. 5We have found this man to be a troublemaker. He starts quarrels among all Jews throughout the world. He's a ringleader of the Nazarene sect. 6He also entered the temple courtyard in a way that violates our tradition. So we arrested him. 7 8When you cross-examine him, you'll be able to find out from him that our accusations are true." 9The Jews supported Tertullus' accusations and asserted that everything Tertullus said was true.

10The governor motioned for Paul to speak. Paul responded, "I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years. So I'm pleased to present my case to you. 11You can verify for yourself that I went to Jerusalem to worship no more than twelve days ago. 12No one found me having a discussion with anyone in the temple courtyard or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues throughout the city. 13These people cannot even prove their accusations to you. 14But I'll admit to you that I'm a follower of the way [of Christ], which they call a sect. This means that I serve our ancestors' God and believe everything written in Moses' Teachings and the Prophets. 15I hope for the same thing my accusers do, that people with God's approval and those without it will come back to life. 16With this belief I always do my best to have a clear conscience in the sight of God and people. 17After many years I have come back to my people and brought gifts for the poor and offerings [for God]. 18My accusers found me in the temple courtyard doing these things after I had gone through the purification ceremony. No crowd or noisy mob was present. 19But some Jews from the province of Asia were there. They should be here in front of you to accuse me if they have anything against me. 20Otherwise, these men who are accusing me should tell what I was charged with when I stood in front of their council. 21They could accuse me of only one thing. As I stood among them, I shouted, 'I'm being tried in front of you because [I believe that] the dead will come back to life.'"

22Felix knew the way [of Christ] rather well, so he adjourned the trial. He told them, "When the officer Lysias arrives, I'll decide your case." 23Felix ordered the sergeant to guard Paul but to let him have some freedom and to let his friends take care of his needs.

24Some days later Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Christ Jesus. 25As Paul discussed the subjects of God's approval, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, "That's enough for now. You can go. When I find time, I'll send for you again." 26At the same time, Felix was hoping that Paul would give him some money. For that reason, Felix would send for Paul rather often to have friendly conversations with him. 27Two years passed. Then Porcius Festus took Felix's place. (Since Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.)