Acts 24:10-27

When the governor made a sign for Paul to speak, Paul said, “Governor Felix, I know you have been a judge over this nation for a long time. So I am happy to defend myself before you. You can learn for yourself that I went to worship in Jerusalem only twelve days ago. Those who are accusing me did not find me arguing with anyone in the Temple or stirring up the people in the synagogues or in the city. They cannot prove the things they are saying against me now. But I will tell you this: I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way of Jesus. The others say that the Way of Jesus is not the right way. But I believe everything that is taught in the law of Moses and that is written in the books of the Prophets. I have the same hope in God that they have—the hope that all people, good and bad, will surely be raised from the dead. This is why I always try to do what I believe is right before God and people. “After being away from Jerusalem for several years, I went back to bring money to my people and to offer sacrifices. I was doing this when they found me in the Temple. I had finished the cleansing ceremony and had not made any trouble; no people were gathering around me. But there were some people from Asia who should be here, standing before you. If I have really done anything wrong, they are the ones who should accuse me. Or ask these people here if they found any wrong in me when I stood before the council in Jerusalem. But I did shout one thing when I stood before them: ‘You are judging me today because I believe that people will rise from the dead!’ ” Felix already understood much about the Way of Jesus. He stopped the trial and said, “When commander Lysias comes here, I will decide your case.” Felix told the officer to keep Paul guarded but to give him some freedom and to let his friends bring what he needed. After some days Felix came with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, and asked for Paul to be brought to him. He listened to Paul talk about believing in Christ Jesus. But Felix became afraid when Paul spoke about living right, self-control, and the time when God will judge the world. He said, “Go away now. When I have more time, I will call for you.” At the same time Felix hoped that Paul would give him some money, so he often sent for Paul and talked with him. But after two years, Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus as governor. But Felix had left Paul in prison to please the Jews.