Webster - Acts - 24

24:1  And after five days, Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

24:2  And 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,

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

24:4  Notwithstanding, that I may not be further tedious to thee, I pray thee, that thou wouldst of thy clemency hear us a few words.

24:5  For 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:

24:6  Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

24:7  But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took [him] out of our hands,

24:8  Commanding his accusers to come to thee: by examining whom, thou thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things of which we accuse him.

24:9  And the Jews also assented, saying, that these things were so.

24:10  Then 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:

24:11  That thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

24:12  And 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:

24:13  Neither can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.

24:14  But 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:

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

24:16  And in this I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense towards God, and [towards] men.

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

24:18  Upon which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

24:19  Who ought to have been here before thee, and object if they had aught against me.

24:20  Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any evil-doing in me, while I stood before the council,

24:21  Except 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.

24:22  And 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.

24:23  And 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.

24:24  And 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.

24:25  And 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.

24:26  He 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.

24:27  But after two years Porcius Festus came as successor to Felix: and Felix willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.