1 AND after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul;
2 and he having been called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done for this nation through thy providence, in every way and everywhere;
3 we accept it, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
4 But, not to hinder thee too long, I pray thee that thou wouldst hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man to be a pest, and exciting disturbance among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes;
6 who also attempted to profane the temple; whom we took, [and desired to judge according to our law.
7 But Lysias the chief captain came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
8 commanding his accusers to come before thee;] from whom thou canst thyself ascertain, by examination, concerning all these things whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also joined in assailing him, saying that these things were so.
10 Then Paul, the governor having beckoned to him to speak, answered: Knowing that thou hast been for many years a judge for this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself;
11 inasmuch as thou mayest know, that there are not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship;
12 and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any one, or causing a tumult of the people, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city;
13 nor can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I acknowledge to thee, that according to the way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of our fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets;
15 having a hope toward God, which these themselves also look for, that there will be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
16 Therefore do I also myself strive to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
17 And after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Amidst which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd, nor with tumult; but certain Jews from Asia 1 caused it ,
19 who ought to be here before thee, and make accusation, if they had aught against me.
20 Or let these themselves say what crime they found in me, while I stood before the council,
21 except for this one voice that I cried, standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am judged by you this day.
22 And Felix put them off, knowing the things concerning the Way more accurately, saying: When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will fully inquire into your matters.
23 And he commanded the centurion that he should be guarded, and should have indulgence; and to forbid none of his acquaintance to minister to him.
24 And after certain days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered: Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money would be given him by Paul; wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and conversed with him.
27 But after two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, left Paul bound.
Fußnoten
- 18:1 caused it
