Acts 24

Paul before Felix at Caesarea

1 # Acts 23.2, 30, 35 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney, a certain Tertullus, and they reported their case against Paul to the governor. 2When Paul#24.2 Gk he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

“Because of you, most excellent Felix, we have long enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight. 3#Acts 23.26; 26.25In every way and everywhere we welcome this with utmost gratitude. 4But, to detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. 5#Acts 16.20; 17.6; 21.28We have, in fact, found this man a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.#24.5 Gk Nazoreans 6#Acts 21.28He even tried to profane the temple, so we seized him.#24.6 Other ancient authorities add and we would have judged him according to our law. 7But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8commanding his accusers to come before you. 8By examining him yourself you will be able to learn from him concerning everything of which we accuse him.”

9 # 1 Thess 2.16 The Jews also joined in the charge by asserting that all this was true.

Paul’s Defense before Felix

10 # Acts 23.24 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied:

“I cheerfully make my defense, knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this people. 11#Acts 21.26As you can find out, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12#Acts 25.8; 28.17They did not find me disputing with anyone in the temple or stirring up a crowd either in the synagogues or throughout the city. 13#Acts 25.7Neither can they prove to you the charge that they now bring against me. 14#v 5; Acts 3.13; 9.2; 26.22; 28.23But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything laid down according to the law or written in the prophets. 15#Dan 12.2; Jn 5.28, 29; Acts 23.6; 28.20I have a hope in God—a hope that they themselves also accept—that there will be a resurrection of both#24.15 Other ancient authorities read of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. 16#Acts 23.1Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people. 17#Acts 11.29, 30; Rom 15.25–28; 2 Cor 8.1–4; Gal 2.10Now after some years I came to bring alms to my people and to offer sacrifices. 18#Acts 21.26, 27While I was doing this, they found me in the temple completing the rite of purification, without any crowd or disturbance. 19#Acts 23.30But there were some Jews from Asia—they ought to be here before you to make an accusation, if they have anything against me. 20Or let these men here tell what crime they had found when I stood before the council, 21#Acts 23.6unless it was this one sentence that I called out while standing before them, ‘It is about the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ”

22But Felix, who was rather well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing with the comment, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23#Acts 23.16, 35; 27.3; 28.16Then he ordered the centurion to keep him in custody but to let him have some liberty and not to prevent any of his friends from taking care of his needs.

Paul Held in Custody

24Some days later when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning faith in Christ Jesus. 25#Acts 10.42; Gal 5.23And as he discussed justice, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present; when I have an opportunity, I will send for you.” 26At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, and for that reason he used to send for him very often and converse with him.

27 # Acts 12.3; 23.35; 25.1, 4, 9, 14 After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and since he wanted to grant the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Currently Selected:

Acts 24: NRSVUE

Highlight

Copy