Thematic Bible
Acts 24:1 (show verse)
After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.
Acts 24:2 (show verse)
When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that excellent measures are coming to this nation,
Acts 24:3 (show verse)
we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
Acts 24:4 (show verse)
But, that I don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
Acts 24:5 (show verse)
For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
Acts 24:6 (show verse)
He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.
Acts 24:7 (show verse)
but the commanding officer, Lysias, came by and with great violence took him out of our hands,
Acts 24:8 (show verse)
By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."
Acts 24:9 (show verse)
The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
Acts 24:10 (show verse)
When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
Acts 24:11 (show verse)
seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
Acts 24:12 (show verse)
In the temple they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.
Acts 24:13 (show verse)
Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
Acts 24:14 (show verse)
But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
Acts 24:15 (show verse)
having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Acts 24:16 (show verse)
Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
Acts 24:17 (show verse)
Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
Acts 24:18 (show verse)
amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.
Acts 24:19 (show verse)
They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.
Acts 24:20 (show verse)
Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,
Acts 24:21 (show verse)
unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!'"
Acts 24:22 (show verse)
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case."
Acts 24:23 (show verse)
He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.
Acts 24:24 (show verse)
But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts 24:25 (show verse)
As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you."
Acts 24:26 (show verse)
Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him.
Acts 24:27 (show verse)
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.