[[Acts 23|<< Acts 23]] | [[Acts|Acts]] | [[Acts 25|Acts 25 >>]] ### Acts 24 1 AND after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and _with_ a certain orator _named_ Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. ^1 2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse _him_, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, ^2 3 We accept _it_ always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. ^3 4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. ^4 5 For we have found this man _a_ pestilent _fellow_, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: ^5 6 Who also has gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. ^6 7 But the chief captain Lysias came _upon_ _us_, and with great violence took _him_ away out of our hands, ^7 8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. ^8 9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. ^9 10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: ^10 11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. ^11 12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: ^12 13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. ^13 14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: ^14 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. ^15 16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and _toward_ men. ^16 17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. ^17 18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. ^18 19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. ^19 20 Or else let these same _here_ say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, ^20 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 by you this day. ^21 22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of _that_ way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. ^22 23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let _him_ have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. ^23 24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. ^24 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. ^25 26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. ^26 27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. ^27