Acts of the Apostles 24

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	DOUAI-RHEIMS
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.	1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down, with some of the ancients, and one Tertullus an orator, who went to the governor against Paul.
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,	2 And Paul being called for, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Whereas through thee we live in much peace, and many things are rectified by thy providence,
3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude.	3 We accept it always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thanksgiving.
4 But in order not to detain you further, I ask you to give us a brief hearing with your customary graciousness.	4 But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire thee of thy clemency to hear us in few words.
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.	5 We have found this to be a pestilent man, and raising seditions among all the Jews throughout the world, and author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to desecrate our temple, but we arrested him.	6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom, we having apprehended, would also have judged according to our law.
7	7 But Lysias the tribune coming upon us, with great violence took him away out of our hands;
8 If you examine him you will be able to learn from him for yourself about everything of which we are accusing him."	8 Commanding his accusers to come to thee: of whom thou mayest thyself, by examination, have knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 The Jews also joined in the attack and asserted that these things were so.	9 And the Jews also added, and said that these things were so.
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.	10 Then Paul answered, (the governor making a sign to him to speak:) Knowing that for many years thou hast been judge over this nation, I will with good courage answer for myself.
11 As you can verify, not more than twelve days have passed since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.	11 For thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days, since I went up to adore in Jerusalem:
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.	12 And neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man, or causing any concourse of the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Nor can they prove to you the accusations they are now making against me.	13 Neither can they prove unto thee the things whereof they now accuse me.
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.	14 But this I confess to thee, that according to the way, which they call a heresy, so do I serve the Father and my God, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets:
15 I have the same hope in God as they themselves have that there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous.	15 Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.
16 Because of this, I always strive to keep my conscience clear before God and man.	16 And herein do I endeavour to have always a conscience without offence toward God, and towards men.
17 After many years, I came to bring alms for my nation and offerings.	17 Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, and vows.
18 While I was so engaged, they found me, after my purification, in the temple without a crowd or disturbance.	18 In which I was found purified in the temple: neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 But some Jews from the province of Asia, who should be here before you to make whatever accusation they might have against me--	19 But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present before thee, and to accuse, if they had any thing against me:
20 or let these men themselves state what crime they discovered when I stood before the Sanhedrin,	20 Or let these men themselves say, if they found in me any iniquity, when standing before the council,
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.'"	21 Except it be for this one voice only that I cried, standing among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead am I judged this day by you.
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."	22 And Felix put them off, having most certain knowledge of this way, saying: When Lysias the tribune shall come down, I will hear you.
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.	23 And he commanded a centurion to keep him, and that he should be easy, and that he should not prohibit any of his friends to minister unto him.
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.	24 And after some days, Felix, coming with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jew, sent for Paul, and heard of him the faith, that is in Christ Jesus.
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."	25 And as he treated of justice, and chastity, and of the judgment to come, Felix being terrified, answered: For this time, go thy way: but when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee.
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.	26 Hoping also withal, that money should be given him by Paul; for which cause also oftentimes sending for him, he spoke with him.
27 Two years passed and Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Wishing to ingratiate himself with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.	27 But when two years were ended, Felix had for successor Portius Festus. And Felix being willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.