RKJNT - Acts - 24

24:1  And after five days Ananias the high priest came down with some of the elders, and with a certain lawyer named Tertullus, who informed the governor of their charges against Paul.

24:2  And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that because of you we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy reforms are done for this nation by your provision,

24:3  We accept this always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

24:4  But, that I may not be further tedious to you, I ask that by your clemency you would hear a few words from us.

24:5  For we have found this man to be a pestilent fellow, and a agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

24:6  He has also tried to profane the temple: but we seized him, [and would have judged him according to our law.

24:7  But Lysias the commander came upon us, and with great violence took him out of our hands,

24:8  Commanding his accusers to come to you.] By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth of all these things of which we accuse him.

24:9  And the Jews agreed with the accusation, saying that these things were so.

24:10  Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned for him to speak, answered: Because I know that you have been for many years a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defence.

24:11  As you may ascertain, it has been no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

24:12  And neither in the temple, or in the synagogues, or in the city did they find me disputing with any man, or stirring up the people:

24:13  Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.

24:14  But this I confess to you, that according to the way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets,

24:15  And have hope toward God, which they themselves also have, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

24:16  So I discipline myself, to always have a clear conscience before God and men.

24:17  Now, after many years, I came to bring to my nation alms and offerings.

24:18  I was purified when they found me doing this in the temple, without a crowd or a tumult. But certain Jews from Asia were there,

24:19  Who ought to be here before you, and object, if they have anything against me.

24:20  Or else let these men here say if they found any wrongdoing in me when I stood before the council,

24:21  Unless it be for this one thing, that I cried out while standing among them, For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you this day.

24:22  And Felix, having a more accurate knowledge of the way, put them off, saying, When Lysias the commander shall come down, I will decide your case.

24:23  And he commanded a centurion to guard Paul, and to let him have some liberty, and that he should not prevent his friends from ministering to him.

24:24  And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning faith in Christ Jesus.

24:25  And as he reasoned with them about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was frightened, and answered, Go your way for now; when I have a convenient opportunity, I will call for you.

24:26  He also hoped that Paul would give him money: therefore he sent for him often, and conversed with him.

24:27  But after two years Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus: and Felix, wanting to do a favour for the Jews, left Paul imprisoned.