Chapter 24

Paul defendeth his innocence before Felix, the governor. He preaches the faith to him.

1. 1

   And after five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down, with some of the ancients, and one Tertullus, an orator, who went to the governor, against Paul.

2. 2

   And Paul being cited, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Whereas through thee we live in much peace, and many things are rectified by thy provision;

3. 3

   We accept it always, and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thanksgiving.

4. 4

   But that I be no further tedious to thee, I beseech thee, of thy clemency, to hear us in a few words.

5. 5

   We have found this a pestilent man, and an exciter of seditions among all the Jews throughout the whole world, and author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes:

6. 6

   Who also attempted to profane the temple: whom we apprehended, and would have judged according to our law.

7. 7

   But Lysias, the tribune, coming upon us, took him away with great violence out of our hands,

8. 8

   Commanding his accusers to come to thee: from him, thou, judging, mayest know concerning all these things, of which we accuse him.

9. 9

   And the Jews also assented, and said that these things were so.

10. 10

    Then Paul answered, (the governor making a sign to him to speak) Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge over this nation, I will with good courage answer for myself.

11. 11

    For thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days, since I went up to adore in Jerusalem:

12. 12

    And neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man, or causing any concourse of the people, neither in the synagogues,

13. 13

    Nor in the city: neither can they prove to thee the things of which they now accuse me.

14. 14

    But this I confess to thee, that according to the way, which they call a heresy, so do I serve the Father, and my God, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets:

15. 15

    Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.

16. 16

    In this I myself also study to have always a conscience without offence towards God, and towards men.

17. 17

    Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, and vows.

18. 18

    In which they found me purified in the temple: not with a crowd, nor with a tumult.

19. 19

    But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had any thing against me:

20. 20

    Or let these men themselves say, if they found in me any iniquity, when standing before the council,

21. 21

    Except it be for this one voice only, that I cried out, standing among them: That concerning the resurrection of the dead am I judged this day by you.

22. 22

    And Felix put them off, knowing most certainly of this way, saying: When Lysias, the tribune, shall come down, I will hear you.

23. 23

    And he commanded a centurion to keep him, and to let him be easy, and that he should not hinder any of his friends to minister to him.

24. 24

    And after some days, Felix coming with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, sent for Paul, and heard from him the faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

25. 25

    And as he treated of justice, and chastity, and of the judgment to come, Felix being terrified, answered: For this time, go thy way: but at a convenient time, I will send for thee.

26. 26

    Hoping also withal, that money would be given him by Paul: on which account also frequently sending for him, he spoke with him.

27. 27

    But when two years were ended, Felix had for successor Portius Festus. And Felix being willing to gratify the Jews, left Paul bound.