Tertullus Accuses Paul Before Felix

1And after five days, Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. 2And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done to this nation by thy providence, 3We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4Notwithstanding, that I may not be further tedious to thee, I pray thee, that thou wouldst of thy clemency hear us a few words. 5For we have found this a pestilent man, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ring-leader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 6Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. 7But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8Commanding his accusers to come to thee: by examining whom, thou thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things of which we accuse him. 9And the Jews also assented, saying, that these things were so.

Paul Defends His Testimony

10Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned to him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been for many years a judge to this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: 11That thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither exciting the people to sedition, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 13Neither can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 14But this I confess to thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 15And have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16And in this I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards men. 17Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18Upon which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. 19Who ought to have been here before thee, and object if they had aught against me. 20Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil-doing in me, while I stood before the council, 21Except it is for this one voice, that I cried, standing among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Felix Holds Paul in Custody

22And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. 23And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister, or come to him.

24And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, depart for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 26He hoped also that money would have been given him by Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27But after two years Porcius Festus came as successor to Felix: and Felix willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.