MSB ACTs Chapter 24

Tertullus Prosecutes Paul

Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with the elders[fn] and a lawyer[fn] [named] Tertullus, who presented to the governor {their case} against Paul.

[When] [Paul] had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution“Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought worthy reforms[fn] to this nation. 3 In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge [this] with all gratitude. 4 But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.

We have found this man [to be] a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. [He is] a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, 6 [and he] even tried to desecrate the temple; [so] we seized [him].[fn] 7  8 By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn [the truth] about all our charges [against] him.”

The Jews vvv concurred, asserting that these [charges] were true.

Paul’s Defense to Felix

[When] the governor motioned for [Paul] to speak, [he] began his response:“Knowing that you have been a judge[fn] over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense 11 You can verify {for yourself} that no more than twelve days ago I went up to worship in Jerusalem.[fn] 12 Yet [my accusers] did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues [or] in the city. 13 Nor can they prove[fn] [any of] vvv vvv their charges against me.

I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is written throughout the Law and the Prophets,[fn] 15 [and] I have [the same] hope in God that they themselves cherish, [that] there will be a resurrection of the dead—[fn] of both [the] righteous and [the] wicked. 16 In this [hope], vvv I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

After several years, then, I returned [ to Jerusalem ] to bring alms to my people and to present offerings. 18 At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean vvv [and] was not {inciting} [a] crowd [or] vvv an uproar. [But there are] some Jews from [the province of] Asia[fn] 19 who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. 20 Otherwise let [these men] state for themselves any crime they found in me[fn] when I stood before the Sanhedrin,[fn] 21 unless [it was] this one thing I called out as I stood in their [presence]‘[It is] concerning [the] resurrection of [the] dead [that] I am being tried by[fn] you today.’ ”

The Verdict Postponed

On hearing these things[fn] Felix, vvv who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing [and] said,“When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide vvv vvv your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard [but] to allow him some freedom and vvv permit his [friends] to come and[fn] minister to his [needs].

After vvv several days, Felix returned with [his] wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him [speak] about faith in Christ.[fn] 25 [As] [Paul] expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened [and] said,“You may go for now. [When] I find the time, I will call for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe to release him.[fn] So he sent for [Paul] frequently [and] talked with him.

[After] two years had passed, Felix vvv was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor Felix left Paul in prison.