Acts of the Apostles 24

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed 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 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,	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 accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.	3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.	4 But in order not to detain you further, I ask you to give us a brief hearing with your customary graciousness.
5 For 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:	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 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.	6 He even tried to desecrate our temple, but we arrested him.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,	7
8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof 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 the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.	9 The Jews also joined in the attack and asserted that these things were so.
10 Then 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:	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 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.	11 As you can verify, not more than twelve days have passed since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up 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 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.	13 Nor can they prove to you the accusations they are now making against me.
14 But 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:	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 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and 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 herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.	16 Because of this, I always strive to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.	17 After many years, I came to bring alms for my nation and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.	18 While I was so engaged, they found me, after my purification, in the temple without a crowd or disturbance.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought 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 else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,	20 or let these men themselves state what crime they discovered when I stood before the Sanhedrin,
21 Except 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.	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 And 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.	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 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.	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 And 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.	27 Two years passed and Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Wishing to ingratiate himself with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.