Dual Panel1FIVE DAYS later, the high priest Ananias came down [from Jerusalem to Caesarea] with some elders and a certain forensic advocate Tertullus [acting as spokesman and counsel]. They presented to the governor their evidence against Paul.
2And when he was called, Tertullus began the complaint [against him] by saying: Since through you we obtain {and} enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight {and} provision wonderful reforms (amendments and improvements) are introduced {and} effected on behalf of this nation,
3In every way and in every place, most excellent Felix, we accept {and} acknowledge this with deep appreciation {and} with all gratitude.
4But not to hinder {or} detain you too long, I beg you in your clemency {and} courtesy {and} kindness to grant us a brief {and} concise hearing.
5For we have found this man a perfect pest (a real plague), an agitator {and} source of disturbance to all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the [heretical, division-producing] sect of the Nazarenes.
6He also [even] tried to desecrate {and} defile the temple, but we laid hands on him {and would have sentenced him by our Law,}
7{But the commandant Lysias came and took him from us with violence and force,}
8{And ordered his accusers to present themselves to you.} By examining {and} cross-questioning him yourself, you will be able to ascertain the truth from him about all these things with which we charge him.
9The Jews also agreed {and} joined in the accusation, declaring that all these things were exactly so.
10And when the governor had beckoned to Paul to speak, he answered: Because I know that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I find it easier to make my defense {and} do it cheerfully {and} with good courage.
11As you can readily verify, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship;
12And neither in the temple nor in the synagogues nor in the city did they find me disputing with anybody or bringing together a seditious crowd.
13Neither can they present argument {or} evidence to prove to you what they now bring against me.
14But this I confess to you, however, that in accordance with the Way [of the Lord], which they call a [heretical, division-producing] sect, I worship (serve) the God of our fathers, still persuaded of the truth of {and} believing in {and} placing full confidence in everything laid down in the Law [of Moses] {or} written in the prophets;
15Having [the same] hope in God which these themselves hold {and} look for, that there is to be a resurrection both of the righteous and the unrighteous (the just and the unjust).
16Therefore I always exercise {and} discipline myself [mortifying my body, deadening my carnal affections, bodily appetites, and worldly desires, endeavoring in all respects] to have a clear (unshaken, blameless) conscience, void of offense toward God and toward men.
17Now after several years I came up [to Jerusalem] to bring to my people contributions of charity and offerings.
18While I was engaged in presenting these, they found me [occupied in the rites of purification] in the temple, without any crowd or uproar. But some Jews from [the province of] Asia [were there],
19Who ought to be here before you and to present their charges, if they have anything against me.
20Or else let these men themselves tell of what crime {or} wrongdoing they found me guilty when I appeared before the council (Sanhedrin),
21Unless it be this one sentence which I cried out as I stood among them, In regard to the resurrection of the dead I am indicted {and} on trial before you this day!
22But Felix, having a rather accurate understanding of the Way [of the Lord], put them off {and} adjourned the trial, saying, When Lysias the commandant comes down, I will determine your case more fully.
23Then he ordered the centurion to keep [Paul] in custody, but to treat him with indulgence [giving him some liberty] and not to hinder his friends from ministering to his needs {and} serving him.
24Some days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess; and he sent for Paul and listened to him [talk] about faith in Christ Jesus.
25But as he continued to argue about uprightness, purity of life (the control of the passions), and the judgment to come, Felix became alarmed {and} terrified and said, Go away for the present; when I have a convenient opportunity, I will send for you.
26At the same time he hoped to get money from Paul, for which reason he continued to send for him and was in his company {and} conversed with him often.
27But when two years had gone by, Felix was succeeded in office by Porcius Festus; and wishing to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul still a prisoner in chains.