Acts 24:1-27 NET

[1] After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought formal charges against Paul to the governor. [2] When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "We have experienced a lengthy time of peace through your rule, and reforms are being made in this nation through your foresight. [3] Most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way with all gratitude. [4] But so that I may not delay you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. [5] For we have found this man to be a troublemaker, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. [6] He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him. [7] [8] When you examine him yourself, you will be able to learn from him about all these things we are accusing him of doing." [9] The Jews also joined in the verbal attack, claiming that these things were true. [10] When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, "Because I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense. [11] As you can verify for yourself, not more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. [12] They did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the temple courts or in the synagogues or throughout the city, [13] nor can they prove to you the things they are accusing me of doing. [14] But I confess this to you, that I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law and that is written in the prophets. [15] I have a hope in God (a hope that these men themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. [16] This is the reason I do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and toward people. [17] After several years I came to bring to my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings, [18] which I was doing when they found me in the temple, ritually purified, without a crowd or a disturbance. [19] But there are some Jews from the province of Asia who should be here before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. [20] Or these men here should tell what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the council, [21] other than this one thing I shouted out while I stood before them: 'I am on trial before you today concerning the resurrection of the dead.'" [22] Then Felix, who understood the facts concerning the Way more accurately, adjourned their hearing, saying, "When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case." [23] He ordered the centurion to guard Paul, but to let him have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs. [24] Some days later, when Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. [25] While Paul was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will send for you." [26] At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would give him money, and for this reason he sent for Paul as often as possible and talked with him. [27] After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.