Paul’s Trial Before Felix the Governor

1Now after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, [†]with an [†]attorney named Tertullus, and they [†]brought charges to the governor against Paul. 2And after Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying,

“As we have attained much peace through you—and because by your provision reforms are being carried out for this nation— 3we welcome this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4But, that I may not weary you any further, I plead with you by your forbearance to hear us briefly. 5For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout [†]the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and [†]then we arrested him. [[†]We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8ordering his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.” 9And the Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10And when the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul answered:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11since you are able to ascertain the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12And neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor across the city did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing [†]a riot. 13Nor are they able to prove to you of what they are now accusing me. 14But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I do serve [†]the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15having a hope in God, for which these men are waiting, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16In view of this, I also [†]do my best to maintain always a conscience without fault both before God and before men. 17Now after several years I came to bring [†]alms to my nation and offerings; 18in which they found me, having been purified in the temple, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from [†]Asia— 19who ought to have been present before you and to make accusation, if they should have anything against me. 20Or else let these men themselves tell what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”

22But Felix, having a more accurate knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the [†]commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some rest, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.

24But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his [†]wife who was a Jewess, and summoned Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and answered, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will call for you.” 26At the same time, he was also hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to summon for him quite often and converse with him. 27But after two years had passed, Felix [†]was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.