24 After five days the high priest Ananias came with some of the elders and an attorney named Tertullus, to present their case against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called, Tertullus began his formal accusation, saying to the governor, “We are enjoying much peace because of you, and reforms are being made in this nation because of your foresight. 3 Most Excellent Felix, we always and everywhere acknowledge this with deepest gratitude. 4 But not wanting to delay you, I ask you in your kindness to give us a brief hearing.  5 We have found this man to be a troublemaker, an instigator of insurrections of all the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect.  6 He even tried to profane the Temple, so we arrested him. [855]  8 When you examine him yourself you will find out about all these things of which we are accusing him.”  9 The Jews joined in the charges, insisting that they were true.
    10 When the governor had gestured to him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense.  11 You can verify the fact that not more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.  12 My accusers did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd either in the Temple courts or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city.  13 And they cannot prove to you what they are accusing me of doing.  14 But I confess this to you: According to the Way which they call a sect, I serve the God of our forefathers, believing everything written in the Law and the prophets.  15 I have the same hope in God as they have — that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.  16 That is why I do my best to always have a clear conscience before God and before people.  17 After some years, I came to bring gifts for the poor of my nation and to give offerings.  18 While I was doing this they found me in the Temple, ritually purified, without any crowd or disturbance.  19 But some Jews from the province of Asia ought to be here before you, to make an accusation if they have anything against me. 20 Otherwise let these men here say what crime I committed when I stood before the council,  21 other than this one statement that I shouted when I stood before them: ‘It is for the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”
    22 Then Felix, who had a more accurate understanding of the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody but to let him have some freedom, and not to forbid any of Paul’s friends from serving and visiting him.
    24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Messiah Jesus. 25 While Paul was discussing uprightness, self-control and the coming judgment, Felix became alarmed and said, “Go now, and when it is convenient for me I will send for you.”  26 He was also hoping that Paul would give him money, so Felix sent for Paul as often as possible and talked with him. 27 After two years Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.