Acts of the Apostles 24

CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Then, after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with some of the elders and a certain Tertullus, a speaker. And they went to the governor against Paul.	1 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an advocate, a certain Tertullus, and they presented formal charges against Paul to the governor.
2 And having summoned Paul, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Most excellent Felix, since we have much peace through you, and many things may be corrected by your providence,	2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Since we have attained much peace through you, and reforms have been accomplished in this nation through your provident care,
3 we acknowledge this, always and everywhere, with acts of thanksgiving for everything.	3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude.
4 But lest I speak at too great a length, I beg you, by your clemency, to listen to us briefly.	4 But in order not to detain you further, I ask you to give us a brief hearing with your customary graciousness.
5 We have found this man to be pestilent, to be inciting seditions among all the Jews in the entire world, and to be the author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes.	5 We found this man to be a pest; he creates dissension among Jews all over the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazoreans.
6 And he has even been attempting to violate the temple. And having apprehended him, we wanted him to be judged according to our law.	6 He even tried to desecrate our temple, but we arrested him.
7 But Lysias, the tribune, overwhelming us with great violence, snatched him away from our hands,	7
8 ordering his accusers to come to you. From them, you yourself will be able, by judging about all these things, to understand the reason that we accuse him.”	8 If you examine him you will be able to learn from him for yourself about everything of which we are accusing him."
9 And then the Jews interjected, saying that these things were so.	9 The Jews also joined in the attack and asserted that these things were so.
10 Then, since the governor had motioned for him to speak, Paul responded: “Knowing that you have been the judge over this nation for many years, I will give an explanation of myself with an honest soul.	10 Then the governor motioned to him to speak and Paul replied, "I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years and so I am pleased to make my defense before you.
11 For, as you may realize, it has only been twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.	11 As you can verify, not more than twelve days have passed since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 And they did not find me in the temple arguing with anyone, nor causing a rally of the people: neither in the synagogues, nor in the city.	12 Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor anywhere in the city did they find me arguing with anyone or instigating a riot among the people.
13 And they are not able to prove to you the things about which they now accuse me.	13 Nor can they prove to you the accusations they are now making against me.
14 But I confess this to you, that according to that sect, which they call a heresy, so do I serve my God and Father, believing all that is written in the Law and the Prophets,	14 But this I do admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors and I believe everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets.
15 having a hope in God, which these others themselves also expect, that there will be a future resurrection of the just and the unjust.	15 I have the same hope in God as they themselves have that there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous.
16 And in this, I myself always strive to have a conscience that is lacking in any offence toward God and toward men.	16 Because of this, I always strive to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
17 Then, after many years, I went to my nation, bringing alms and offerings and vows,	17 After many years, I came to bring alms for my nation and offerings.
18 through which I obtained purification in the temple: neither with a crowd, nor with a commotion.	18 While I was so engaged, they found me, after my purification, in the temple without a crowd or disturbance.
19 But certain Jews out of Asia are the ones who should have appeared before you to accuse me, if they have anything against me.	19 But some Jews from the province of Asia, who should be here before you to make whatever accusation they might have against me--
20 Or let these ones here say if they have found in me any iniquity, while standing before the council.	20 or let these men themselves state what crime they discovered when I stood before the Sanhedrin,
21 For while standing among them, I spoke out solely about this one matter: about the resurrection of the dead. It is about this that I am being judged today by you.”	21 unless it was my one outcry as I stood among them, that 'I am on trial before you today for the resurrection of the dead.'"
22 Then Felix, after having ascertained much knowledge about this Way, kept them waiting, by saying, “When Lysias the tribune has arrived, I will give you a hearing.”	22 Then Felix, who was accurately informed about the Way, postponed the trial, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I shall decide your case."
23 And he ordered a centurion to guard him, and to take rest, and not to prohibit any of his own from ministering to him.	23 He gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from caring for his needs.
24 Then, after some days, Felix, arriving with his wife Drusilla who was a Jew, called for Paul and listened to him about the faith that is in Christ Jesus.	24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He had Paul summoned and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
25 And after he discoursed about justice and chastity, and about the future judgment, Felix was trembling, and he responded: “For now, go, but remain under guard. Then, at an opportune time, I will summon you.”	25 But as he spoke about righteousness and self-restraint and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, "You may go for now; when I find an opportunity I shall summon you again."
26 He was also hoping that money might be given to him by Paul, and because of this, he frequently summoned him and spoke with him.	26 At the same time he hoped that a bribe would be offered him by Paul, and so he sent for him very often and conversed with him.
27 Then, when two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Portius Festus. And since Felix wanted to show particular favor to the Jews, he left Paul behind as a prisoner.	27 Two years passed and Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Wishing to ingratiate himself with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.