Acts 24

Tertullus’ Charges Acts 24:3–9

³Verse 3. we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. ⁴Verse 4. But, that I don’t delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words. ⁵Verse 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. ⁶Verse 6. He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him. ⁷Verse 7. ⁸Verse 8. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.”

⁹Verse 9. The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.

Paul’s Defense Acts 24:10–21

¹⁰Verse 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, ¹¹Verse 11. seeing that you can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. ¹²Verse 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. ¹³Verse 13. Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. ¹⁴Verse 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;

¹⁵Verse 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. ¹⁶Verse 16. Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men. ¹⁷Verse 17. Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings; ¹⁸Verse 18. amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil. ¹⁹Verse 19. They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me. ²⁰Verse 20. Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,

²¹Verse 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!’”

Felix Defers Judgment Acts 24:22–23

²²Verse 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.” ²³Verse 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.

Felix Listens to Paul Acts 24:24–27

²⁴Verse 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. ²⁵Verse 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.” ²⁶Verse 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. ²⁷Verse 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.