- Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer (named) Tertullus , who presented to the governor {their case} against - Paul.
(When) (Paul) had been called in , - Tertullus opened the prosecution - : “ Because of you , we have enjoyed a lasting peace , and - - your foresight has brought improvements to this - nation.
- In every way and everywhere , most excellent Felix , we acknowledge (this) with all gratitude.
But in order vvv not to burden you - any further , I beg - - your indulgence to hear us briefly.
- We have found this - man (to be) a pestilence , - stirring up dissension among the Jews - all over the world. (He is) a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes ,
(and he) even tried to desecrate the temple ; (so) we seized (him).
By examining - him yourself , you will be able to learn (the tRuth -) about all ... - our charges (against) him. ”
- The Jews vvv concurred , asserting that these (charges) were true.
(When) the governor motioned for (Paul) to speak , - (he) began his response : “ Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years , I gladly make my defense ... ... ... ....
You can verify {for yourself} that no - - more than twelve days ago ... I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
Yet (my accusers) did not find me debating with anyone - in the temple - or riling up ... a crowd in the synagogues (or) in the city.
Nor can they prove to you (any of) vvv vvv their charges against me.
I do confess - to you , however , that - I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way , which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and - written in the Prophets ,
(and) I have (the same) hope in - God that they themselves cherish , (that) there will be a resurrection of both (the) righteous and (the) wicked.
In this (hope) , vvv I strive always ... to maintain a clear conscience before - God and - man.
After several years , then , I returned ( to Jerusalem ) to bring alms to my - people and to present offerings.
At the time they found me in the temple , I was ceremonially clean vvv (and) was not {inciting} (a) crowd (or) vvv an uproar. But (there are) some Jews from - (the province of) Asia
who ought to appear before you and bring charges , if they have anything against me.
Otherwise ... , let (these men) state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin ,
unless (it was) ... this one - thing I called out as I stood in their (presence) - : ‘ (It is) concerning (the) resurrection of (the) dead (that) I am on trial before you today. ’”
Then - Felix , vvv who was well informed - about the Way , adjourned the hearing ... (and) said , “ When Lysias the commander comes , I will decide vvv vvv your case. ”
He ordered the centurion to keep (Paul) under guard ... , (but) to allow him some freedom and vvv permit his - (friends) to minister to his (needs).
After vvv several days , - Felix returned with (his) - wife Drusilla , who was a Jewess. He sent for - Paul and listened to him (speak) about - faith in Christ Jesus.
(As) (Paul) expounded on righteousness , - self-control , and the - coming judgment , - Felix became frightened (and) said , “ You may go ... for now. (When) I find the time , I will call for you. ”
At the same time ... , he was hoping that - - Paul would offer him a bribe. So - he sent for (Paul) frequently (and) talked with him.
(After) two years had passed , - Felix vvv was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor ... ... ... , - Felix left - Paul in prison.