Paul’s Defense Before Felix

24:10 When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know34 that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense.35 24:11 As you can verify36 for yourself, not more than twelve days ago37 I went up to Jerusalem38 to worship. 24:12 They did not find me arguing39 with anyone or stirring up a crowd40 in the temple courts41 or in the synagogues42 or throughout the city,43 24:13 nor can they prove44 to you the things45 they are accusing me of doing.46 24:14 But I confess this to you, that I worship47 the God of our ancestors48 according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law49 and that is written in the prophets. 24:15 I have50 a hope in God (a hope51 that52 these men53 themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.54 24:16 This is the reason55 I do my best to always56 have a clear57 conscience toward God and toward people.58 24:17 After several years59 I came to bring to my people gifts for the poor60 and to present offerings,61 24:18 which I was doing when they found me in the temple, ritually purified,62 without a crowd or a disturbance.63 24:19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia64 who should be here before you and bring charges,65 if they have anything against me. 24:20 Or these men here66 should tell what crime67 they found me guilty of68 when I stood before the council,69 24:21 other than70 this one thing71 I shouted out while I stood before72 them: ‘I am on trial before you today concerning the resurrection of the dead.’ ”73

24:22 Then Felix,74 who understood the facts75 concerning the Way76 more accurately,77 adjourned their hearing,78 saying, “When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case.”79 24:23 He ordered the centurion80 to guard Paul,81 but to let him have some freedom,82 and not to prevent any of his friends83 from meeting his needs.84