“1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the
elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who informed the
governor against Paul. 2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began
to accuse [him], saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness,
and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
3 We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all
thankfulness. 4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto
thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few
words. 5 For we have found this man [a] pestilent [fellow], and a mover
of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of
the sect of the Nazarenes: 6 Who also hath gone about to profane the
temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. 7 But
the chief captain Lysias came [upon us], and with great violence took
[him] away out of our hands, 8 Commanding his accusers to come unto
thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these
things, whereof we accuse him. 9 And the Jews also assented, saying that
these things were so.”
“10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,
answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge
unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: 11 Because
that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I
went up to Jerusalem for to worship. 12 And they neither found me in the
temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in
the synagogues, nor in the city: 13 Neither can they prove the things
whereof they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess unto thee, that after
the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers,
believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that
there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of
offence toward God, and [toward] men. 17 Now after many years I came to
bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18 Whereupon certain Jews from
Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with
tumult. 19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they
had ought against me. 20 Or else let these same [here] say, if they have
found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, 21 Except
it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the
resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.”
“22 ¶ And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge
of [that] way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain
shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. 23 And he
commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let [him] have liberty, and
that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto
him. 24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla,
which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith
in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and
judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this
time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 26 He hoped
also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose
him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix,
willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.” (Acts 24:1-27 AV)
