(KJV) Acts 24¹

⥃Tertullus Prosecutes Paul

[1] And after five² days Ananias³ the high priest descended with the elders, and [with] a certain orator⁴ [named] Tertullus, who informed⁵ the governor against Paul. [2] And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, Seeing⁶ 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, most⁷ noble Felix, with all thankfulness. [4] Notwithstanding, that⁸ I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. [5] For we have⁹ found this man [a] pestilent [fellow], and a mover¹⁰ of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect¹¹ of the Nazarenes¹²: [6] Who also hath gone¹³ about to profane the temple: whom¹⁴ we took, and¹⁵ would have judged according to our law. [7] But the chief¹⁶ captain Lysias came [upon us], and with great¹⁷ violence took [him] away out of our hands, [8] Commanding¹⁸ his accusers to come unto thee: by¹⁹ 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.²⁰

⥃Paul’s Defense to Felix

[10] Then Paul, after that the governor had²¹ beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many²² years a judge²³ unto this nation, I do²⁴ the more cheerfully answer for myself: [11] Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but²⁵ twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship²⁶. [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:²⁷ [13] Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.²⁸ [14] But this I confess²⁹ unto thee, that after³⁰ the way which they call heresy³¹, so³² worship I the God³³ of my fathers, believing³⁴ all things which are written in the law³⁵ and in the prophets: [15] And have³⁶ hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that³⁷ 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.³⁸ [17] Now after many years I came to bring³⁹ alms to my nation, and offerings⁴⁰. [18] Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.⁴¹ [19] Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.⁴² [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, Touching⁴³ the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

⥃The Verdict Postponed

[22] And when Felix heard these things, having⁴⁴ more perfect knowledge of [that] way, he deferred them, and said, When⁴⁵ 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 to⁴⁶ let [him] have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his⁴⁷ acquaintance to minister or come unto him. [24] And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent⁴⁸ for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith⁴⁹ in Christ. [25] And as he⁵⁰ reasoned of righteousness⁵¹, temperance⁵², and judgment⁵³ to come, Felix⁵⁴ trembled, and answered, Go⁵⁵ thy way for this time; when⁵⁶ I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. [26] He hoped⁵⁷ also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore⁵⁸ he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. [27] But after two⁵⁹ years Porcius Festus⁶⁰ came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing⁶¹ to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.