| English Standard Version | Christian Standard Bible |
| 1And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. | 1Five days later Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor. |
| 2And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, | 2When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: "We enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation because of your foresight. |
| 3in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. | 3We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude. |
| 4But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. | 4But, so that I will not burden you any further, I request that you would be kind enough to give us a brief hearing. |
| 5For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. | 5For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. |
| 6He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. | 6He even tried to desecrate the temple, and so we apprehended him. By examining him yourself you will be able to discern the truth about these charges we are bringing against him." |
| 8By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” | 8 |
| 9The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so. | 9The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were true. |
| 10And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. | 10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me. |
| 11You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, | 11You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. |
| 12and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. | 12They didn't find me arguing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. |
| 13Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. | 13Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me. |
| 14But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, | 14But I admit this to you: I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets. |
| 15having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. | 15I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. |
| 16So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. | 16I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. |
| 17Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. | 17After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people. |
| 18While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— | 18While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar. |
| 19they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. | 19It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. |
| 20Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, | 20Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, |
| 21other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’” | 21other than this one statement I shouted while standing among them, 'Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.'" |
| 22But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” | 22Since Felix was well informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case." |
| 23Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. | 23He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs. |
| 24After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. | 24Several days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. |
| 25And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” | 25Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, "Leave for now, but when I have an opportunity I'll call for you." |
| 26At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. | 26At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would offer him money. So he sent for him quite often and conversed with him. |
| 27When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. | 27After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. |
| ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved. | The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. |
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