| Holman Christian Standard Bible | Christian Standard Bible |
| 1After five days 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 Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor. |
| 2When he was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: "Since we enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation by your foresight, | 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. |
| 3we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude. | 3We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude. |
| 4However, so that I will not burden you any further, I beg you in your graciousness to give us a brief hearing. | 4But, so that I will not burden you any further, I request that you would be kind enough to give us a brief hearing. |
| 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 to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. |
| 6He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we apprehended him and wanted to judge him according to our law. | 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." |
| 7But Lysias the commander came and took him from our hands with great force, | 7 |
| 8commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you will be able to discern all these things we are accusing him of." | 8 |
| 9The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were so. | 9The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were true. |
| 10When the governor motioned to 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 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. |
| 11You are able to determine that it is no more than 12 days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. | 11You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. |
| 12They didn't find me disputing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple complex or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. | 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. |
| 13Neither can they provide evidence to you of what they now bring against me. | 13Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me. |
| 14But I confess this to you: I worship my fathers' God according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing all the things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets. | 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. |
| 15And I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. | 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. |
| 16I always do my best to have a clear conscience toward God and men. | 16I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. |
| 17After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my nation, | 17After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people. |
| 18and while I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar. | 18While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar. |
| 19It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. | 19It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. |
| 20Either let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, | 20Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, |
| 21or about this one statement I cried out while standing among them, 'Today I am being judged before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.'" | 21other than this one statement I shouted while standing among them, 'Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.'" |
| 22Since Felix was accurately informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case." | 22Since Felix was well informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will 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 serving him. | 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. |
| 24After some days, 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. | 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. |
| 25Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, "Leave for now, but when I find time I'll call for you." | 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." |
| 26At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him. | 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. |
| 27After two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus, and because he wished to do a favor for the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison. | 27After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. |
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