1And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders , and with a certain orator named Tertullus , who informed the governor against Paul . 2And when he was called forth , Tertullus began to accuse him , saying , Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness , and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence , 3We accept it always , and in all places , most noble Felix , with all thankfulness . 4Notwithstanding , that I be not further tedious unto thee , I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words . 5For we have found this man a pestilent fellow , and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world , and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes : 6Who also hath gone about to profane the temple : whom we took , and would have judged according to our law . 7But the chief captain Lysias came upon us , and with great violence took him away out of our hands , 8Commanding his accusers to come unto thee : by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things , whereof we accuse him . 9And the Jews also assented , saying that these things were so .
Paul's Defense
10Then Paul , after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak , answered , Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation , I do the more cheerfully answer for myself : 11Because that thou mayest understand , that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship . 12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man , neither raising up the people , neither in the synagogues , nor in the city : 13Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me . 14But this I confess unto thee , that after the way which they call heresy , so worship I the God of my fathers , believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets : 15And have hope toward God , which they themselves also allow , that there shall be a resurrection of the dead , both of the just and unjust . 16And herein do I exercise myself , to have always a conscience void of offence toward God , and toward men . 17Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation , and offerings . 18Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple , neither with multitude , nor with tumult . 19Who ought to have been here before thee , and object , if they had ought against me . 20Or else let these same here say , if they have found any evil doing in me , while 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 by you this day .
Felix's Response and Paul’s Imprisonment
22And when Felix heard these things , having more perfect knowledge of that way , he deferred them , and said , When Lysias the chief captain shall come down , I will know the uttermost of your matter . 23And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul , and to let him have liberty , and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him . 24And after certain days , when Felix came with his wife Drusilla , which was a Jewess , he sent for Paul , and heard him concerning the faith in Christ . 25And as he reasoned of righteousness , temperance , and judgment to come , Felix trembled , and answered , Go thy way for this time ; when I have a convenient season , I will call for thee . 26He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul , that he might loose him : wherefore he sent for him the oftener , and communed with him . 27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room : and Felix , willing to shew the Jews a pleasure , left Paul bound .