1And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders , and with an orator , one Tertullus ; and they informed the governor against Paul . 2And when he was called , Tertullus began to accuse him , saying , Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace , and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation , 3we accept it in all ways and in all places , most excellent Felix , with all thankfulness . 4But , that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words . 5For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world , and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes : 6who moreover assayed to profane the temple : on whom also we laid hold : 78from whom thou wilt be able , by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him . 9And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so .
Paul's Defense
10And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak , Paul answered , Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation , I cheerfully make my defence: 11seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem : 12and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd , nor in the synagogues , nor in the city . 13Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me . 14But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers , believing all things which are according to the law , and which are written in the prophets ; 15having hope toward God , which these also themselves look for , that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. 16Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always . 17Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation , and offerings : 18amidst which they found me purified in the temple , with no crowd , nor yet with tumult : but there were certain Jews from Asia — 19who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation , if they had aught against me . 20Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before the council , 21except it be for this one voice , that I cried standing among them , Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day .
Felix's Response and Paul’s Imprisonment
22But Felix , having more exact knowledge concerning the Way , deferred them , saying , When Lysias the chief captain shall come down , I will determine your matter . 23And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him . 24But after certain days , Felix came with Drusilla , his wife , who was a Jewess , and sent for Paul , and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus . 25And as he reasoned of righteousness , and self-control , and the judgment to come , Felix was terrified , and answered, Go thy way for this time ; and when I have a convenient season , I will call thee unto me . 26He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul : wherefore also he sent for him the oftener , and communed with him . 27But when two years were fulfilled , Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus ; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews , Felix left Paul in bonds .