| New King James Version | Christian Standard Bible |
| 1Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor 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 was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, | 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. |
| 3we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. | 3We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude. |
| 4Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. | 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, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and 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, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. | 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." |
| 7But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, | 7 |
| 8commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” | 8 |
| 9And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so. | 9The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were true. |
| 10Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, | 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. |
| 11because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. | 11You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. |
| 12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either 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. |
| 13Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse 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, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and 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. |
| 15I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of 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. |
| 16This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. | 16I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. |
| 17“Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, | 17After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people. |
| 18in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. | 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 have been here before you to object if they had 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 those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, | 20Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, |
| 21unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by 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 when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on 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." |
| 23So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. | 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. |
| 24And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. | 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. |
| 25Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for 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." |
| 26Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more 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. |
| 27But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. | 27After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. |
| The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. | The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. |
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