- 1. After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.
- 2. When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that excellent measures are coming to this nation,
- 3. we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
- 4. But, that I don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
- 5. For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
- 6. He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.{TR adds "We wanted to judge him according to our law,"}
- 7. {TR adds "but the commanding officer, Lysias, came by and with great violence took him out of our hands,"}
- 8. {TR adds "commanding his accusers to come to you."}By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."
- 9. The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
- 10. When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
- 11. seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
- 12. In the temple they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.
- 13. Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
- 14. But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
- 15. having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
- 16. Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
- 17. Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
- 18. amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.
- 19. They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.
- 20. Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,
- 21. unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!'"
- 22. But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case."
- 23. He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.
- 24. But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
- 25. As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you."
- 26. Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him.
- 27. But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
Головна > Бібліотека > Бібліїстика > Переклади Біблії > Переклади Біблії англійською мовою > World English Bible (2003) > New Testament > Acts > Глава 24