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The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 24
Paul defends his innocence before Felix the governor. He preaches the faith to him.
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And after five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with some ancients and one Tertullus, an orator, who went to the governor against Paul. |
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And Paul being called for, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Whereas, through thee we live in much peace and many things are rectified by thy providence, |
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We accept it always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thanksgiving. |
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But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy clemency to hear us in a few words. |
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We have found this to be a pestilent man and raising seditions among all the Jews throughout the world: and author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes. |
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Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom, we having apprehended, would also have judged according to our law. |
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But Lysias the tribune, coming upon us with great violence, took him away out of our hands; |
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Commanding his accusers to come to thee. Of whom thou mayest thyself, by examination, have knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him. |
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And the Jews also added and said that these things were so. |
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Then Paul answered (the governor making a sign to him to speak): Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge over this nation, I will with good courage answer for myself. |
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For thou mayest understand that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to adore in Jerusalem: |
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And neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or causing any concourse of the people: neither in the synagogues, nor in the city. |
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Neither can they prove unto thee the things whereof they now accuse me. |
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But this I confess to thee that according to the way which they call a heresy, so do I serve the Father and my God, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets: |
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Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust. |
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And herein do I endeavour to have always a conscience without offence, towards God and towards men. |
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Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings and vows. |
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In which I was found purified in the temple: neither with multitude nor with tumult. |
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But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee and to accuse, if they had anything against me: |
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Or let these men themselves say if they found in me any iniquity, when standing before the council, |
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Except it be for this one voice only that I cried, standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead am I judged this day by you. |
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And Felix put them off, having most certain knowledge of this way, saying: When Lysias the tribune shall come down, I will hear you. |
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And he commanded a centurion to keep him: and that he should be easy and that he should not prohibit any of his friends to minister unto him. |
24 |
And after some days, Felix, coming with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jew, sent for Paul and heard of him the faith that is in Christ Jesus. |
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And as he treated of justice and chastity and of the judgment to come, Felix, being terrified, answered: For this time, go thy way: but when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee. |
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Hoping also withal that money should be given him by Paul: for which cause also oftentimes sending for him, he spoke with him. |
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But when two years were ended, Felix had for successor Portius Festus. And Felix being willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. |
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