Acts 24

(1) Jews Press Charges Against Paul

Five days later, high priest Ananias showed up with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They went to the governor and pressed charges against Paul. After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus started his accusation. Here’s what he told the governor:

“Our society has enjoyed so much peace under your leadership, and there are a lot reforms being carried out in this nation, thanks to your vision. We acknowledge these things everywhere, and in every way—and we’re so thankful for that, most excellent Felix.

“I don’t want to take too much of your time, but I beg you to please grant us a brief hearing by your kindness. The reason is because we’ve found this man to be a real pest. He goes around stirring up disunity among Jews all over the world, and he’s a ringleader of a Nazarene sect! He even tried to desecrate our temple, which is why we arrested him. We wanted to put him on trial according to our own law, but Lysias (the commander of 1,000) came along and violently snatched him away then ordered us to come here and present our case to you. If you examine this man yourself, you’ll be able to see everything we’re accusing him of.”

The Jews also joined in, vouching for everything he said.

(10) Paul Defends Himself

Then the governor nodded at Paul, giving him permission to speak. Paul said,

“I know you’ve served as a judge for this nation for many years now, so I’m happy to present my defense.  As you know, no less than 12 days ago, I went to Jerusalem to worship. I wasn’t going around talking to anyone or causing any riots in the temple, synagogues, or the city. They can’t prove any of the things they’re accusing me of.

“But I will admit this to you: I do serve the God of our forefathers according to the Way, which they are calling a sect. But I believe all the beliefs that are aligned with our law and prophets.

“My accusers cherish hope in God, and I have a hope in God that both good people and bad people alike will be resurrected from the dead. That’s why I do my best to always keep a clean conscience—both in the eyes of God and of mankind.

“I had been living abroad for several years, so the reason I came back here was to bring charitable gifts to my country and present offerings. And that’s exactly what they found me doing at the temple. I was being purified, and there weren’t any signs of a mob or uproar to be seen. There were also some Jews from Western Turkey there, but if they had anything me, then they’d be here right now. But since they aren’t here, then my accusers who are here should explain what I did that was so offensive during that trial with the Council. The only thing I said at that trial was that I believe in the resurrection of the dead.”

(22) Felix Waits to Decide

But Felix was more familiar with the Way and put them off by saying this:

“I’ll decide your case when Lysias the commander gets here.”

Then he ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody while giving him some freedom and allowing his friends to take care of his needs.

(24) Paul Stays Imprisoned for Years

A few days later, Felix came back with his Jewish wife, Drusilla. He summoned Paul and listened him talk about trusting in Jesus the Chosen One. But when Paul started talking about integrity, self-control, and the coming day of accountability, Felix got scared and told him,

“That’s enough for now. Go away, and I’ll summon you back when I have more time.”

He was also kind of hoping for Paul to give him money, so he kept summoning him back and talking to him for the next 2 years until Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. As Felix was leaving office, he left Paul in prison to do the Jews a favor.