Acts 24:5–14

5 “For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout 1the world, and a ringleader of the asect of the Nazarenes.

6 “And he even tried to adesecrate the temple; and 1then we arrested him. [2We wanted to judge him according to our own Law.

7 “But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands,

8 ordering his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.”

9 aThe Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10 When athe governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense,

11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than atwelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 “aNeither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or bcausing 1a riot.

13 “aNor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me.

14 “But this I admit to you, that according to athe Way which they call a bsect I do serve 1cthe God of our fathers, dbelieving everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;