Acts 24

The high priest Ananias and the orator Tertullus brought charges against Paul before Governor Felix, accusing him of being a ringleader of sedition. Paul defended himself, declaring his faith in the resurrection and his clear conscience before God. Felix heard him often over two years but left him in prison, hoping for a bribe.

v	King James Version	Modern English
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.	Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought charges against Paul before the governor.
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,	When Paul was summoned, Tertullus began the prosecution: "Since through you we enjoy great peace, and since reforms are being made for this nation through your foresight,
3	We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.	we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude.
4	Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.	But not to take up too much of your time, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
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:	We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is 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.	He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we seized him.
7	But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,	But the commander Lysias came and took him away from us by force,
8	Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.	commanding his accusers to come before you. By questioning him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we bring against him."
9	And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.	The Jews also joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
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:	When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, Paul replied, "Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I am glad to make my defense.
11	Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.	You can verify that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem 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:	My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd — not in the temple, not in the synagogues, not anywhere in the city.
13	Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.	They cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against 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:	However, I do admit this to you: I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything 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.	I have the same hope in God that these men themselves hold — that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
16	And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.	Because of this I always try to keep my conscience clear before God and before men.
17	Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.	After many years away, I came to Jerusalem to bring gifts for the poor to my nation and to present offerings.
18	Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.	Some Jews from Asia found me doing this in the temple — I had been purified and there was no crowd, no riot.
19	Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.	They are the ones who should be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything 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,	Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found when 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.	unless it was for this one thing I called out while standing among them: 'It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"
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 cause.	Felix, who had a fairly accurate understanding of the Way, adjourned the hearing. He said, "When the commander Lysias comes down, I will decide your case."
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.	He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and to allow his friends to take care of his needs.
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.	Some days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
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.	As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix grew frightened and said, "That's enough for now. When I find a convenient time, I will send for you."
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.	At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27	But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a favour, left Paul bound.	After two years, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. Wanting to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.