Paul before Felix

1Five days later, the high priest Ananias came down [from Jerusalem to Caesarea] with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus [acting as spokesman and counsel]. They presented to the governor their [formal] charges against Paul. 2After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began the complaint [against him], saying to the governor:

“Since through you we have attained great peace, and since by your foresight reforms are being carried out for this nation, 3in every way and in every place, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. 4But so that I do not weary you further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. 5For we have found this man to be a public menace and one who [a]instigates dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the [heretical] [b]sect of the Nazarenes. 6He even tried to desecrate the temple, but we took him into custody [c][and we intended to judge him by our Law, 7but Lysias the commander came, and with great force took him out of our hands, 8and ordered his accusers to come before you.] By interrogating him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to determine [the truth about] these things with which we charge him.” 9The Jews also joined in the attack, declaring and insisting that these things were so.

10When the governor nodded for him to speak, Paul answered,

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I make my defense cheerfully and with good courage. 11As you can easily verify, it has been no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor elsewhere in the city did they find me carrying on a discussion or disputing with anybody or causing a crowd to gather. 13Nor can they present evidence to you to prove what they now bring against me. 14But I confess this to you, that according to [d]the Way, which they call a [divisive and heretical] sect, I do worship and serve the God of our fathers, [confidently] believing everything that is in accordance with the Law [of Moses] and that is written in the Prophets; 15having [the same] hope in God which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of [the dead], both of the righteous and of the wicked. 16In view of this, I also do my best and strive always to have a clear conscience before God and before men. 17Now after several years I came [to Jerusalem] to bring to my people charitable contributions and offerings. 18They found me in the temple presenting these offerings, after I had undergone [the rites of] purification, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from [the west coast province of] Asia [Minor], 19who ought to have been here before you to present their charges, if they have anything against me. 20Or else let these men tell what crime they found [me guilty of] when I stood before the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court), 21other than for this one statement which I had shouted out as I stood among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”

22But Felix, having a rather accurate understanding about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23Then he ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to let him have some freedom, and [he told the centurion] not to stop any of his friends from providing for his needs.

24Several days later Felix came with his wife [e]Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control [honorable behavior, personal integrity], and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for now, and when I find [a convenient] time I will send for you.” 26At the same time he was also hoping to get money from Paul [as a bribe]; so he continued to send for him quite often and talked with him. 27But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded [in office] by [f]Porcius Festus; and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

[a] 5 Inciting rebellion was a serious crime under Roman law.
[b] 5 The Romans had forbidden the establishment of any new religion.
[c] 6 Early mss do not contain the remainder of v 6, v 7, nor the first part of v 8.
[d] 14 See note 9:2. Paul was probably referring to Jesus Himself.
[e] 24 Youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I.
[f] 27 Festus served about two years as governor (procurator). He was regarded as a fairly capable governor, superior to both his predecessor and his successor.