Paul is accused before the governor Felix by the high priest and a lawyer. He answers each charge and speaks to Felix about faith and judgment. Felix delays for two years, hoping for a bribe.
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 .