The Acts of the Apostles.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| XXIV |
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| [1] | AND after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and with an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul. |
| [2] | And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, |
| [3] | Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation, |
| [4] | we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. |
| [5] | But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. |
| [6] | For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the 1 world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: |
| [7] | who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: 2 |
| [8] | from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him. |
| [9] | And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so. |
| [10] | And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, |
| [11] | Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence: |
| [12] | seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem: |
| [13] | and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. |
| [14] | Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me. |
| [15] | But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; |
| [16] | having hope toward God, which these also themselves look 3 for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. |
| [17] | Herein 4 I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always. |
| [18] | Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: |
| [19] | amidst 5 which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult: but there were certain Jews from Asia— |
| [20] | who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me. |
| [21] | Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before the council, |
| [22] | except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day. |
| [23] | But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief 6 captain shall come down, I will determine your matter. |
| [24] | And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him. |
| [25] | But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his 7 wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. |
| [26] | And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me. |
| [27] | He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. |
| [28] | But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds. |
| | | Note 1. Gr. the inhabited earth. [back] |
| Note 2. Some ancient authorities insert and we would have judged him according to our law. 7 But the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come before thee. [back] |
| Note 3. Or, accept. [back] |
| Note 4. Or, On this account. [back] |
| Note 5. Or, in presenting which. [back] |
| Note 6. Or, military tribune.Gr. chiliarch. [back] |
| Note 7. Gr. his own wife. [back] |
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