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.
02 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,
03 We accept it always, and in all places, most
noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
04 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious
unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us
of thy clemency a few words.
05 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:
06 Who also hath gone about to profane the
temple: whom we took, and would have judged
according to our law.
07 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and
with great violence took him away out of our
hands,
08 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by
examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge
of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
09 And the Jews also assented, saying that these
things were so.
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:
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that
there are yet but twelve days since I went up to
Jerusalem for to worship.
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:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they
now accuse me.
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:
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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.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have
always a conscience void to offence toward God,
and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to
my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me
purified in the temple, neither with multitude,
nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and
object, if they had ought against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have
found any evil doing in me, while 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 by you this day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into
Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews
a pleasure, left Paul bound.
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