1FIVE days later Ananias the High Priest came down himself with some of the elders and a barrister by the name of Tertullus. They presented their case against Paul before the governor,
2and when Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began the prosecution in these words: "We owe it to you personally, your excellency, that we enjoy lasting peace, and we know that it is due to your foresight that the nation enjoys improved conditions of living.
3At all times, and indeed everywhere, we acknowledge these things with the deepest gratitude.
4Howeverfor I must not detain you too longI beg you to give us a brief hearing with your customary kindness.
5The simple fact is that we have found this man a pestilential disturber of the peace among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect,
6and he was on the point of desecrating the Temple when we overcame him.
8But you yourself will soon discover from the man himself all the facts about which we are accusing him."
9The Jews joined in, asserting that these were the facts.
10Then Paul, at a nod from the governor, made his reply: "I am well aware that you have been governor of this nation for many years, and I can therefore make my defence with every confidence.
11You can easily verify the fact that it is not more than twelve days ago that I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
12I was never found either arguing with anyone in the temple or gathering a crowd, either in the synagogues or anywhere in the city.
13These men are quite unable to prove the charges they are now making against me.
14I will freely admit to you, however, that I do worship the God of our fathers according to the Way which they call a sect, although in fact I believe in the scriptural authority of both the Law and the Prophets.
15I have the same hope in God which they themselves hold, that there is to be a resurrection of both good men and bad.
16With this hope before me I also do my utmost to live my whole life with a clear conscience before God and man.
17"It was after several years' absence from Jerusalem that I came back to make charitable gifts to my own nation and to make my offerings.
18It was in the middle of these duties that they found me, a man purified in the Temple. There was no mob and there was no disturbance until these Jews from Asia came,
19who should in my opinion have come before you and made their accusation, if they had anything against me.
20Or else, let these men themselves speak out now and say what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the Sanhedrin
21unless it was that one sentence that I shouted as I stood among them. All I said was this, 'It is about the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day'."
22Then Felix, who was better acquainted with the Way than most people, adjourned the case and said, "As soon as Colonel Lysias arrives I will give you my decision."
23Then he gave orders to the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to grant him reasonable liberty and allow any of his personal friends to look after his needs.
24Some days later Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, herself a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard what he had to say about faith in Christ Jesus.
25But while Paul was talking about goodness, selfcontrol and the judgment that is to come, Felix became alarmed, and said, "You may go for the present. When I find a convenient moment I will send for you again."
26At the same time he nursed a secret hope that Paul would pay him moneywhich is why Paul was frequently summoned to come and talk with him.
27However, when two full years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus and, as he wanted to remain in favor with the Jews, he left Paul still a prisoner.
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