Acts 24

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

Five days later, Ananias, the high priest, arrived with the elders and a skilled speaker named Tertullus. They brought accusations against Paul to the governor.

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

When Paul was called in, Tertullus started accusing him. He said, "Thanks to you, we live in peace and our nation benefits from your wise actions."

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

With heartfelt gratitude, we embrace it everywhere and always, esteemed Felix.

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

Despite not wanting to burden you further, I kindly ask for your patience and understanding to listen to a few more words from us.

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

We've discovered this man to be a troublesome instigator, stirring up unrest among Jews globally, and a key leader of the Nazarene group.

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

He dared to disrespect our sacred temple. We caught him and intended to punish him by our own laws.

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

The commanding officer Lysias stormed in, forcefully and aggressively snatching him from our grasp.

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

He ordered his accusers to come to you: by questioning him yourself, you can personally understand all the accusations we bring against him.

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

Even the Jews agreed, affirming that this was indeed the truth.

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

When the governor signaled for Paul to speak, he responded with a smile, "Knowing you've been a fair judge to our people for years, I'm more than happy to speak up for myself."

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

Just so you know, it's only been twelve days since I journeyed to Jerusalem to express my devotion.

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

No one found me arguing in the temple or stirring up crowds, neither in the synagogues nor anywhere in the city.

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

They can't provide evidence for the accusations they're currently throwing at me.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

I admit to you, I follow the Way, which others call a sect. Yet, I passionately worship the God of my ancestors, fully trusting in the teachings of the law and the prophets.

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

I trust in God with the same hope they hold themselves: that the dead will rise again, all of them, good and bad alike.

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.

I strive daily to live a life free of guilt, always seeking to do right by God and by others.

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

After a long time, I returned to give aid and gifts to my people.

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Some Jewish folks from Asia found me in the temple, ritually purified and at peace, without any crowd or chaos around.

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

Those who had any issues with me should have come to you first to express their concerns.

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

Otherwise, let these people here speak up if they've found any wrongdoing in me while I was standing before the council.

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

You question me today simply because I passionately spoke among you about the resurrection of the dead.

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

Upon hearing these things, Felix, who knew a good deal about the Way, decided to postpone the matter. He said, "When Lysias, the chief captain, arrives, I will decide your case."

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

He ordered a guard to watch over Paul, but to also grant him freedom. He made it clear that Paul's friends were free to visit and assist him.

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

After a few days, Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, a Jewish woman. He called for Paul, eager to understand his faith in Christ.

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

As he spoke about justice, self-control, and the impending judgment, Felix was shaken with fear. He replied, "Leave now, but when it's a more suitable time, I'll summon you."

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

He wished that Paul would bribe him for his freedom, so he frequently invited him for talks.

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Two years passed before Porcius Festus replaced Felix. Wanting to win favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in chains.