Paul’s Trial Before Governor Felix

Acts 24

Five days later, the high priest Ananias went down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They presented their case against Paul to the governor. When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “We have experienced great peace through your rule, and your foresight has brought reforms in this ethnic group. We acknowledge this in every way and in every place, most excellent Felix, with deep gratitude. But so that I don’t delay you further, I request your kindness to hear a few words from us.

For we have found this man to be a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader the Nazarene sect. He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.+24:6 Some manuscripts include these words in verses 6-8: “We wanted to judge him according to our law, but commander Lysias came and took him out of our hands with great violence, ordering his accusers come to you.” When you examine him, you will be able recognize all the things we accuse him of.”

The other Jews also joined in the attack, confirming the allegation that these things were true.

The governor motioned for him to speak, then Paul responded, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this ethnic group for many years, I gladly make my defense. As you can verify yourself, fewer than twelve days ago I went up to worship in Jerusalem. They did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the temple or the synagogues, or anywhere in the city. Nor are they able to prove to you the things they now accuse me of doing. But this I admit to you that, according to the Way which they call a sect, I serve the God of our ancestors, believing everything in accordance with the Law and what is written in the prophets. I have hope in God, which these men also accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. So I always strive to maintain a clear conscience before God and humans.

“After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my ethnic group. While I was doing this, they came upon me in the temple, ritually purified, without a crowd or any disturbance. But some Jews from the province of Asia should have been here before you to bring charges if they have anything against me. Or let these men here say what crime they found in me when I stood before the Council, unless it is for the one thing that I shouted among them, ‘I am being judged by y’all today concerning the resurrection of the dead!’”

But Felix adjourned the hearing, because he had detailed knowledge of the Way. He said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide y’all’s case.” He ordered the centurion to guard Paul but give him some freedom and not prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs.

After several days, Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. As he discussed righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and said, “Go away for now! When I have an open time, I’ll send for you.” At the same time, he also hoped Paul would give him a bribe, so he called on him frequently and talked with him.

After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.