| Christian Standard Bible | International Standard Version |
| 1Five days later Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor. | 1Five days later, the high priest Ananias arrived with certain elders and Tertullus, an attorney, and they summarized their case against Paul before the governor. |
| 2When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: "We enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation because of your foresight. | 2When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus opened the prosecution by saying: "Your Excellency Felix, since we are enjoying lasting peace because of you, and since reforms for this nation are being brought about through your foresight, |
| 3We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude. | 3we always and everywhere acknowledge it with profound gratitude. |
| 4But, so that I will not burden you any further, I request that you would be kind enough to give us a brief hearing. | 4But so as not to detain you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. |
| 5For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. | 5For we have found this man a perfect pest and an agitator among all Jews throughout the world. He is a ringleader in the sect of the Nazarenes |
| 6He even tried to desecrate the temple, and so we apprehended him. By examining him yourself you will be able to discern the truth about these charges we are bringing against him." | 6and even tried to profane the Temple, but we arrested him. |
| 8 | 8By examining him for yourself, you will be able to find out from him everything of which we accuse him." |
| 9The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were true. | 9The Jewish leaders supported his accusations by asserting that these things were true. |
| 10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me. | 10When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he replied: "Since I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I am pleased to present my defense. |
| 11You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. | 11You can verify for yourself that I went up to worship in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago. |
| 12They didn't find me arguing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. | 12They never found me debating with anyone in the Temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or throughout the city, |
| 13Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me. | 13and they cannot prove to you the charges they are now bringing against me. |
| 14But I admit this to you: I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets. | 14However, I admit to you that in accordance with the Way, which they call a heresy, I worship the God of our ancestors and believe in everything written in the Law and the Prophets. |
| 15I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. | 15I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish—that there is to be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. |
| 16I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. | 16Therefore, I always do my best to have a clear conscience before God and people. |
| 17After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people. | 17After many years, I have come back to my people to bring gifts for the poor and to offer sacrifices. |
| 18While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar. | 18They found me in the Temple doing these things just as I had completed the purification ceremony. No crowd or noisy mob was present. |
| 19It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. | 19But some Jews from Asia were there, and they should be here before you to accuse me if they have anything against me. |
| 20Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, | 20Otherwise, these men themselves should tell what wrong they found when I stood before the Council — |
| 21other than this one statement I shouted while standing among them, 'Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.'" | 21unless it is for the one thing I shouted as I stood among them: 'It is for the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'" |
| 22Since Felix was well informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case." | 22Felix was rather well informed about the Way, and so he adjourned the trial with the comment, "When Tribune Lysias arrives, I'll decide your case." |
| 23He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs. | 23He ordered the centurion to guard Paul but to let him have some freedom and not to keep any of his friends from caring for his needs. |
| 24Several days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. | 24Some days later, Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Jesus the Messiah. |
| 25Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, "Leave for now, but when I have an opportunity I'll call for you." | 25As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, "For the present you may go. When I get a chance, I will send for you again." |
| 26At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would offer him money. So he sent for him quite often and conversed with him. | 26At the same time he was hoping to receive a bribe from Paul, and so he would send for him frequently to talk with him. |
| 27After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. | 27After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Since Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. |
| The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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