Accused of Sedition
AND after five days, Ananias the high priest went down with the elders, and with a certain attorney named Tertullus: whom brought charges to the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to bring charges against him, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and that improvements have been made to this nation through your foresight;
3 We acknowledge this always, and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
4 But, that I be not tedious to you further: I beseech you, that you would hear us, of you forbearance a few words.”
5 ¶ “For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a cause of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the faction of the Nazarenes;
6 Who also has gone about to defile the temple: whom we seized, and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the tribune Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away, out of our hands.
8 Command his accusers, to come to you; from whom, you may question concerning all these things, learning of what we accuse him.”
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
Paul’s Defence Before Felix
10 ¶ Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned to him to speak, answered: “Forasmuch as I know that you have been a judge to this nation for many years; I do the more cheerfully answer for myself.
11 So that you may know: there were no more than twelve days, since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone; nor raising up the crowd; nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.
13 Neither can they prove the things of which they now bring charges against me.”
14 ¶ “But this I confess to you: that according to ‘the way’, which they call a faction; so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope in God, which they themselves also wait for; that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous and unjust.
16 And in this, do I myself endeavour; to have always, a blameless conscience toward God and men.”
17 ¶ “And 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 crowd, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before you, and make accusations: if they had something against me.
20 Or else let these same here say: if they have found anything unjust in me, while I stood before the council?
21 Except it be for this one statement, that I cried standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead, I am called under judgement to you this day.”
Felix Procrastinates
22 ¶ Now when Felix heard these things (having a more complete knowledge of ‘the way’); he adjourned them, and said: “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will make judgement concerning your matter.”
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to let him have some liberty; and that he should prevent none of his own, to provide or come to him.
24 ¶ And after a certain number days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess: he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come; Felix was afraid, and answered: Go your way for now; when I have a convenient time, I will call for you.
26 He had also hoped, that money might have been given to him by Paul, so that he might let him go; therefore he sent for him very often, and spoke with him.
27 ¶ Now after two years, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to gain favour with the Jews: left Paul bound.