Acts 24 - Amplified Bible (AMP)

Paul before Felix

24 Five days later, the high priest Ananias came down [from Jerusalem to Caesarea] with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus [acting as spokesman and counsel]. They presented to the governor their [formal] charges against Paul. 2 After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began the complaint [against him], saying to the governor:

“Since through you we have attained great peace, and since by your foresight reforms are being carried out for this nation, 3 in every way and in every place, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. 4 But so that I do not weary you further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. 5 For we have found this man to be a public menace and one who [a]instigates dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the [heretical] [b]sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, but we took him into custody [c][and we intended to judge him by our Law, 7 but Lysias the commander came, and with great force took him out of our hands, 8 and ordered his accusers to come before you.] By interrogating him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to determine [the truth about] these things with which we charge him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack, declaring and insisting that these things were so.

10 When the governor nodded for him to speak, Paul answered,

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I make my defense cheerfully and with good courage. 11 As you can easily verify, it has been no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor elsewhere in the city did they find me carrying on a discussion or disputing with anybody or causing a crowd to gather. 13 Nor can they present evidence to you to prove what they now bring against me. 14 But I confess this to you, that according to [d]the Way, which they call a [divisive and heretical] sect, I do worship and serve the God of our fathers, [confidently] believing everything that is in accordance with the Law [of Moses] and that is written in the Prophets; 15 having [the same] hope in God which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of [the dead], both of the righteous and of the wicked. 16 In view of this, I also do my best and strive always to have a clear conscience before God and before men. 17 Now after several years I came [to Jerusalem] to bring to my people charitable contributions and offerings. 18 They found me in the temple presenting these offerings, after I had undergone [the rites of] purification, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from [the west coast province of] Asia [Minor], 19 who ought to have been here before you to present their charges, if they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men tell what crime they found [me guilty of] when I stood before the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court), 21 other than for this one statement which I had shouted out as I stood among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”

22 But Felix, having a rather accurate understanding about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to let him have some freedom, and [he told the centurion] not to stop any of his friends from providing for his needs.

24 Several days later Felix came with his wife [e]Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control [honorable behavior, personal integrity], and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for now, and when I find [a convenient] time I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was also hoping to get money from Paul [as a bribe]; so he continued to send for him quite often and talked with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded [in office] by [f]Porcius Festus; and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 24:5 Inciting rebellion was a serious crime under Roman law.
  2. Acts 24:5 The Romans had forbidden the establishment of any new religion.
  3. Acts 24:6 Early mss do not contain the remainder of v 6, v 7, nor the first part of v 8.
  4. Acts 24:14 See note 9:2. Paul was probably referring to Jesus Himself.
  5. Acts 24:24 Youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I.
  6. Acts 24:27 Festus served about two years as governor (procurator). He was regarded as a fairly capable governor, superior to both his predecessor and his successor.

You Might Also Like:

Acts 24 - Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

24 And after five days came down the chief priest Ananias, with the elders, and a certain orator -- Tertullus, and they made manifest to the governor [the things] against Paul; 2 and he having been called, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, `Much peace enjoying through thee, and worthy deeds b...
Read More

Acts 24 - Wycliffe Bible (WYC)

24 And after five days, Ananias, prince of priests, came down with some elder men, and Tertullus, a fair speaker [and Tertullus, some orator, or advocate], which went to the president against Paul. 2 And when Paul was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, and said, When in much peace we do by th...
Read More

Acts 24 - Worldwide English (New Testament) (WE)

24 Five days later, Ananias the high priest came from Jerusalem. He brought with him some of the leaders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They told the ruler their complaint against Paul. 2 Paul was called in. Tertullus began to bring the complaints. `Great ruler Felix,' he said, `we have peace because...
Read More

Acts 24 - World English Bible (WEB)

24 After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul. 2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that prosperity is coming to this nation by yo...
Read More

Acts 24 - The Voice (VOICE)

24 The high priest Ananias came north to Caesarea five days later, accompanied by some elders and an attorney named Tertullus. They explained their case to Felix without Paul present. 2 When Paul was brought in, Tertullus launched into an accusation.Tertullus: Most Excellent Felix, through your est...
Read More

Acts 24 - Tree of Life Version (TLV)

Defense Before Governor Felix24 After five days, the kohen gadol Ananias came down with some of the elders and an attorney named Tertullus. They brought formal charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “We are enjoying much peace thr...
Read More

Acts 24 - Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

Paul before Felix at Caesarea24 And after five days the high priest Anani′as came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertul′lus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul; 2 and when he was called, Tertul′lus began to accuse him, saying:“Since through you we enjoy much peace, an...
Read More

Acts 24 - Revised Standard Version (RSV)

Paul before Felix at Caesarea24 And after five days the high priest Anani′as came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertul′lus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul; 2 and when he was called, Tertul′lus began to accuse him, saying:“Since through you we enjoy much peace, an...
Read More

Acts 24 - Revised Geneva Translation (RGT)

24 Now after five days, Ananias the High Priest came down with the elders and Tertullus (a certain orator), who appeared against Paul before the Governor. 2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that we have obtained great peace through you, and that many worth...
Read More

Acts 24 - New Testament for Everyone (NTE)

Bring on the Barristers24 After five days, Ananias the high priest came down to Caesarea with some of the elders, and with a barrister named Tertullus. They told the governor what they had against Paul. 2 Paul was summoned, and Tertullus began his speech of accusation.‘Most excellent Felix! We are ...
Read More

Acts 24 - New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Paul before Felix at Caesarea24 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney, a certain Tertullus, and they reported their case against Paul to the governor. 2 When Paul[a] had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:“Your Excellency,[b] because of...
Read More

Acts 24 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

Paul before Felix at Caesarea24 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney, a certain Tertullus, and they reported their case against Paul to the governor. 2 When Paul[a] had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:‘Your Excellency,[b] because of...
Read More

Acts 24 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Paul before Felix at Caesarea24 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney, a certain Tertullus, and they reported their case against Paul to the governor.(A)2 When Paul[a] had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:“Because of you, most excellen...
Read More

Acts 24 - New Matthew Bible (NMB)

Paul is accused before Felix. He answers for himself. 24 After five days, Ananias, the high priest, descended with elders and with a certain orator named Tertullus, and made representations to the governor concerning Paul. 2 When Paul was called forth, Tertullus began the case against him, saying,S...
Read More

Acts 24 - New Living Translation (NLT)

Paul Appears before Felix24 Five days later Ananias, the high priest, arrived with some of the Jewish elders and the lawyer[a] Tertullus, to present their case against Paul to the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the govern...
Read More

Acts 24 - New Life Version (NLV)

Paul Stands in Front of Felix24 Five days later Ananias came to the city of Caesarea. He was the head religious leader. Some other religious leaders and a man whose name was Tertullus came also. This man worked in courts and knew all about the laws. He told Felix what the Jews had against Paul. 2 T...
Read More

Acts 24 - New King James Version (NKJV)

Accused of Sedition24 Now after (A)five days (B)Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. 2 And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great pea...
Read More