Paul's Defense Before Felix

10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul responded, “Knowing that yoʋ have been a [fn]judge over this nation for many years, I [fn]all the more cheerfully make my defense concerning these charges against me. 11 Yoʋ can ascertain that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to [fn]worship in Jerusalem. 12 Neither in the temple courts, nor in the synagogues, nor anywhere in the city did they find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd. 13 Nor can they offer any [fn]proof [fn]against me concerning the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But I confess this to yoʋ, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is [fn]written throughout the Law and in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection [fn]of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 Because of this I [fn]strive the way I do, always having a clear conscience before [fn]God and men. 17 After being away for many years, I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation along with offerings. 18 While I was doing this, [fn]some Jews from Asia found me in the temple courts as I was completing the rite of purification, without any crowd or commotion. 19 They ought to be here before yoʋ and make an accusation if they have anything against me. 20 Or these men themselves should [fn]state what wrongdoing they found [fn]in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is regarding the resurrection of the dead that I am [fn]being tried by you today.’ ”

22 [fn]After hearing these things, Felix, who knew the facts concerning the Way in great detail, had them adjourn, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to allow him a certain measure of freedom and not to prevent his own people from attending to his needs [fn]or visiting him.