Paul’s Trial in Front of Felix

24 Five days later Ananias the high priest went down to Caesarea. Some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus went with him. They brought their charges against Paul to the governor. 2So Paul was called in. Tertullus began to bring the charges against Paul. He said to Felix, “We have enjoyed a long time of peace while you have been ruling. You are a wise leader. You have made this a better nation. 3Most excellent Felix, we gladly admit this everywhere and in every way. And we are very thankful. 4I don’t want to bother you. But would you be kind enough to listen to us for a short time?

5“We have found that Paul is a troublemaker. He stirs up trouble among Jews all over the world. He is a leader of those who follow Jesus of Nazareth. 6/7He even tried to pollute our temple. So we arrested him. 8Question him yourself. Then you will learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”

9The Jews said the same thing. They agreed that the charges were true.

10The governor motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, “I know that you have been a judge over this nation for quite a few years. So I am glad to stand up for myself. 11About 12 days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. You can easily check on this. 12Those bringing charges against me did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple. I wasn’t stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13They can’t prove to you any of the charges they are making against me.

14“It is true that I worship the God of our people. I am a follower of the Way of Jesus. Those bringing charges against me call it a cult. I believe everything that agrees with the Law. I believe everything written in the Prophets. 15I have the same hope in God that these men have. I believe that both the godly and the ungodly will rise from the dead. 16So I always try not to do anything wrong in the eyes of God and man.

17“I was away for several years. Then I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for those who were poor. I also came to offer sacrifices. 18They found me doing this in the temple courtyard. I had already been made pure and clean in the usual way. There was no crowd with me. I didn’t stir up any trouble.

19“But there are some other Jews who should be here in front of you. They are from Asia Minor. They should bring charges if they have anything against me. 20Let the Jews who are here tell you what crime I am guilty of. After all, I was put on trial by the Sanhedrin. 21Perhaps they blame me for what I said when I was on trial. I shouted, ‘I believe that people will rise from the dead. That is why I am on trial here today.’ ”

22Felix knew all about the Way of Jesus. So he put off the trial for the time being. “Lysias the commanding officer will come,” he said. “Then I will decide your case.” 23He ordered the commander to keep Paul under guard. He told him to give Paul some freedom. He also told him to allow Paul’s friends to take care of his needs.

24Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla. She was a Jew. Felix sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25Paul talked about how to live right. He talked about how people should control themselves. He also talked about the time when God will judge everyone. Then Felix became afraid. “That’s enough for now!” he said. “You may leave. When I find the time, I will send for you.” 26He was hoping that Paul would offer him some money to let him go. So he often sent for Paul and talked with him.

27Two years passed. Porcius Festus took the place of Felix. But Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor. So he left Paul in prison.