The high priest Ananias and some elders, along with a speaker named Tertullus, accused Paul before Governor Felix, claiming he was a troublemaker who incited seditions among Jews and attempted to desecrate the temple. Paul defended himself, stating he had done nothing wrong and was being judged for his belief in the resurrection of the dead. Felix, familiar with Christianity, postponed the trial until Lysias the tribune arrived, and in the meantime, allowed Paul to be guarded but not mistreated. Felix later summoned Paul to discuss his faith, but was more interested in receiving a bribe from Paul, and eventually left him in prison when he was succeeded by Festus.
1 Then, after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with some of the elders and a certain Tertullus, a speaker. And they went to the governor against Paul 2 And having summoned Paul, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Most excellent Felix, since we have much peace through you, and many things may be corrected by your providence 3 we acknowledge this, always and everywhere, with acts of thanksgiving for everything 4 But lest I speak at too great a length, I beg you, by your clemency, to listen to us briefly 5 We have found this man to be pestilent, to be inciting seditions among all the Jews in the entire world, and to be the author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes 6 And he has even been attempting to violate the temple. And having apprehended him, we wanted him to be judged according to our law 7 But Lysias, the tribune, overwhelming us with great violence, snatched him away from our hands 8 ordering his accusers to come to you. From them, you yourself will be able, by judging about all these things, to understand the reason that we accuse him. 9 And then the Jews interjected, saying that these things were so 10 Then, since the governor had motioned for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that you have been the judge over this nation for many years, I will give an explanation of myself with an honest soul 11 For, as you may realize, it has only been twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem 12 And they did not find me in the temple arguing with anyone, nor causing a rally of the people: neither in the synagogues, nor in the city 13 And they are not able to prove to you the things about which they now accuse me 14 But I confess this to you, that according to that sect, which they call a heresy, so do I serve my God and Father, believing all that is written in the Law and the Prophets 15 having a hope in God, which these others themselves also expect, that there will be a future resurrection of the just and the unjust 16 And in this, I myself always strive to have a conscience that is lacking in any offense toward God and toward men 17 Then, after many years, I went to my nation, bringing alms and offerings and vows 18 through which I obtained purification in the temple: neither with a crowd, nor with a commotion 19 But certain Jews out of Asia are the ones who should have appeared before you to accuse me, if they have anything against me 20 Or let these ones here say if they have found in me any iniquity, while standing before the council 21 For while standing among them, I spoke out solely about this one matter: about the resurrection of the dead. It is about this that I am being judged today by you. 22 Then Felix, after having ascertained much knowledge about this Way, kept them waiting, by saying, "When Lysias the tribune has arrived, I will give you a hearing. 23 And he ordered a centurion to guard him, and to take rest, and not to prohibit any of his own from ministering to him 24 Then, after some days, Felix, arriving with his wife Drusilla who was a Jew, called for Paul and listened to him about the faith that is in Christ Jesus 25 And after he discoursed about justice and chastity, and about the future judgment, Felix was trembling, and he responded: "For now, go, but remain under guard. Then, at an opportune time, I will summon you. 26 He was also hoping that money might be given to him by Paul, and because of this, he frequently summoned him and spoke with him 27 Then, when two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Portius Festus. And since Felix wanted to show particular favor to the Jews, he left Paul behind as a prisoner