Some Jews Accuse Paul
1Five days later Ananias went to the city of Caesarea. Ananias was the high priest.
2Paul was called into the meeting, and Tertullus began to make his charges. Tertullus said, “Most Excellent Felix! Our people enjoy much peace because of you, and many wrong things in our country are being made right through your wise help.
3We are very thankful to accept these things from you. We accept these things always and in every place.
4But I don’t want to take any more of your time. So I will say only a few words. Please be patient.
5This man (Paul) is a troublemaker. He makes trouble with the Jews everywhere in the world. He is a leader of the Nazarene group.
6Also, he was trying to make the temple
7(24:6)
8(24:6)
9The other Jews agreed. They said, “These things are really true!”
Paul Defends Himself Before Felix
10The governor made a sign for Paul to speak. So Paul answered, “Governor Felix, I know that you have been a judge over this nation (Israel) for a long time. So I am happy to defend myself before you.
11I went to worship in Jerusalem only twelve days ago. You can learn for yourself that this is true.
12These Jews who are accusing me did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple.
13These Jews cannot prove the things they are saying against me now.
14But I will tell you this: I worship the God of our fathers
15I have the same hope in God that these Jews have—the hope that all people, good and bad, will be raised from death.
16This is why I always try to do what I believe is right before God and men.
17“I was away {from Jerusalem} for many years. I went back there to bring money to my people and to give some offerings (gifts).
18I was doing this when some Jews saw me at the temple.
19But some Jews from Asia
20Ask these Jews here if they found any wrong in me when I stood before the Jewish council meeting in Jerusalem.
21I did say one thing when I stood before them: I said, ‘You are judging me today because I believe that people will rise from death!’”
22Felix already understood a lot about the Way {of Jesus}. He stopped the trial and said, “When commander Lysias comes here, I will decide about these things.”
23Felix told the army officer
Paul Speaks to Felix and His Wife
24After a few days Felix came with his wife, Drusilla. She was a Jew. Felix asked for Paul to be brought to him. Felix listened to Paul talk about believing in Christ Jesus.
25But Felix became afraid when Paul spoke about things like living right, self-control, and the judgment that will come in the future. Felix said, “Go away now! When I have more time, I will call you.”
26But Felix had another reason for talking with Paul. Felix hoped that Paul would pay him a bribe.
27But after two years, Porcius Festus became governor. So Felix was no longer governor. But Felix left Paul in prison, because Felix wanted to do something to please the Jews.