Aug. 11, 12
Acts 24
Act 24:1 After five
days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an
orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.
Act 24:2 When he was
called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by
you we enjoy much peace, and that excellent measures are coming to
this nation,
Act 24:3 we accept it
in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all
thankfulness.
Act 24:4 But, that I
don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
Act 24:5 For we have
found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among
all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of
the Nazarenes.
Act 24:6 He even tried
to profane the temple, and we arrested him.
Act 24:7 but the
commanding officer, Lysias, came by and with great violence took him
out of our hands,
Act 24:8 commanding his
accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain
all these things of which we accuse him."
Act 24:9 The Jews also
joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
Act 24:10 When the
governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Because I
know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I
cheerfully make my defense,
Act 24:11 seeing that
you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went
up to worship at Jerusalem.
Act 24:12 In the temple
they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd,
either in the synagogues, or in the city.
Act 24:13 Nor can they
prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
Act 24:14 But this I
confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I
serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are
according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
Act 24:15 having hope
toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be
a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Act 24:16 Herein I also
practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and
men.
Act 24:17 Now after
some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and
offerings;
Act 24:18 amid which
certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a
mob, nor with turmoil.
Act 24:19 They ought to
have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had
anything against me.
Act 24:20 Or else let
these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood
before the council,
Act 24:21 unless it is
for this one thing that I cried standing among them, 'Concerning the
resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!' "
Act 24:22 But Felix,
having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them,
saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will
decide your case."
Act 24:23 He ordered
the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have
some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or
to visit him.
Act 24:24 But after
some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and
sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
Act 24:25 As he
reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come,
Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time,
and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you."
Act 24:26 Meanwhile, he
also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might
release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked
with him.
Act 24:27 But when two
years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and
desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.