1. |
And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and `with' an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul. |
2. |
And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by the providence evils are corrected for this nation, |
3. |
we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. |
4. |
But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. |
5. |
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: |
6. |
who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: `and we would have judged him according to our law.' |
7. |
`But the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,' |
8. |
`commanding his accusers to come before thee.' from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him. |
9. |
And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so. |
10. |
And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defense: |
11. |
Seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem: |
12. |
and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. |
13. |
Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me. |
14. |
But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; |
15. |
having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. |
16. |
Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always. |
17. |
Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: |
18. |
amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult: but `there were' certain Jews from Asia-- |
19. |
who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me. |
20. |
Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before the council, |
21. |
except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day. |
22. |
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter. |
23. |
And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him. |
24. |
But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. |
25. |
And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me. |
26. |
He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. |
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. |