| 1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain
elders, and with an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the
governor against Paul. 2 And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse
him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by the
providence evils are corrected for this nation, 3 we accept it in all ways
and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 But,
that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy
clemency a few words. 5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and
a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a
ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 6 who moreover assayed to profane
the temple: on whom also we laid hold: and we would have judged him
according to our law. 7 But the chief captain Lysias came, and
with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8 commanding
his accusers to come before thee. from whom thou wilt be able, by
examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we
accuse him. 9 And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these
things were so. 10 And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,
Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge
unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defense: 11 Seeing that thou canst
take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to
worship at Jerusalem: 12 and neither in the temple did they find me
disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in
the city. 13 Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now
accuse me. 14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they
call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which
are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; 15 having
hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a
resurrection both of the just and unjust. 16 Herein I also exercise myself
to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always. 17 Now
after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:
18 amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor
yet with tumult: but there were certain Jews from Asia-- 19 who
ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had
aught against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing
they found when I stood before the council, 21 except it be for this one
voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the
dead I am called in question before you this day. 22 But Felix, having
more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias
the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter. 23 And he
gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have
indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.
24 But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a
Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ
Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the
judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this
time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me. 26 He
hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent
for him the oftener, and communed with him. 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.
Genesis - Public
Domain
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