AICNT ACTs chapter 24

24 After five days, the high priest Ananias came down with {some}[fn] elders and a certain orator named Tertullus, who presented their case against Paul to the governor. 2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Through you, we enjoy much peace, and {reforms}[fn] are taking place for this nation through your foresight. 3 In every way and everywhere, we accept this, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude. 4 But, not to detain you further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your indulgence. 5 For we have found this man to be a plague, stirring up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him [[and according to our law, we wanted to judge, 7 But Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you,]][fn] from whom you can yourself examine and learn about all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10 Then Paul, after the governor had signaled for him to speak, responded, “Knowing that you have been a judge for this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense concerning myself, 11 as you can ascertain that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12 And neither in the temple did they find me speaking with anyone or causing a commotion among the crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor throughout the city, 13 Nor can they prove to you the charges they now bring against me.

14 “But I confess this to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything written in the Law and the Prophets, 15 having hope in God, which these men themselves also await, that there is going to be a resurrection [[of the dead]][fn] of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

16 “In this, I also strive to maintain a blameless conscience before God and men at all times.

17 “Now after several years, I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings, 18 in which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd nor with commotion. 19 But some Jews from Asia, who ought to be present before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found [[in me]][fn] when I stood before the council, 21 or concerning this one statement that I cried out while standing among them: ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead, I am being judged before you today.’ ”

22 But Felix, [[when he heard these things]],[fn] having a more accurate knowledge of the Way, adjourned them, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 And he ordered the centurion to keep {him}[fn] in custody, but to grant him some freedom and not to prevent any of his own people from serving him.

24 After some days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewish woman, and he sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ [Jesus].[fn]

25 While he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and replied, “Go away for now; when I have an opportunity, I will summon you.” 26 At the same time, he was hoping that money would be given to him by Paul [[so that he might release him]];[fn] therefore, he sent for him more frequently and conversed with him.

27 But when two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul bound.[fn]

24:1, some: Some manuscripts read “the.”

24:2, reforms: Some manuscripts read “very worthy deeds.”

24:6-8, Some manuscripts include to verses 6, 7 and 8.

24:15, of the dead: Some manuscripts include.

24:20, in me: Some manuscripts include.

24:22, when he heard these things: Some manuscripts include.

24:23, him: Some manuscripts read “Paul.”

24:24, Jesus: Absent from some manuscripts.

24:26, so that he might release him: Some manuscripts include.

24:27, bound: That is in prison.

AICNT ACTs Chapter 24