Tertullus Prosecutes Paul

1And after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a certain orator, Tertullus, who made a representation against Paul to the governor.

2And of him having been called, Tertullus began to accuse, saying, “We are attaining great peace through you, and excellent measures are being done to this nation through your foresight. 3Both in every way and everywhere, we gladly accept it, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4But in order that I should not be a hindrance you to any longer, I implore you to hear us briefly, in your kindness.

5For we are having found this man a pest, and stirring insurrection among all the Jews in the world, and a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes 6who even attempted to profane the temple, whom also we seized.a 8Having examined him yourself, you will be able to know from him concerning all these things of which we accuse him.”

9And the Jews also agreed, declaring these things to be so.

Paul's Defense to Felix

10And the governor having made a sign to him to speak, Paul answered: “Knowing you as being judge to this nation for many years, I make a defense cheerfully to the things concerning myself. 11You are able to know that there are to me not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12And neither did they find me reasoning with anyone or making a tumultuous gathering of a crowd in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. 13Nor are they able to prove to you concerning the things of which now they accuse me.

14But I confess this to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things throughout the Law and that have been written in the Prophets, 15having a hope in God, which they themselves also await, that there is about to be a resurrection, both of the just and of the unjust. 16In this also I myself strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men through everything.

17Now after many years, I arrived to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, 18during which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd nor in tumult. But there are some Jews from Asia 19who ought to appear before you and to make accusation if they may have anything against me. 20Otherwise, let them say themselves any unrighteousness they found in me, having stood before the Council, 21other than concerning this one voice, which I cried out standing among them: ‘I am judged by you this day concerning the resurrection of the dead.’”

The Verdict Postponed

22But Felix, more precisely having knowledge of the things concerning the Way, put them off, having said, “When Lysias the commander might have come down, I will examine the things as to you,” 23having commanded the centurion to keep him and to let him have ease and not to forbid his own to minister to him.

24Then after some days, Felix, having arrived with the own wife Drusilla, being a Jewess, sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 25And of him reasoning concerning righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix, having become frightened, answered, “Go away for the present, and having found opportunity, I will call for you.” 26At the same time also he is hoping that riches will be given him by Paul. So also sending for him often, he was talking with him.

27But two years having been completed, Felix received Porcius Festus as successor, and wishing to acquire for himself favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul imprisoned.