1Then after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a certain spokesman Tertullus, who presented charges to the governor against Paul.2Then when he had been called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Since we obtain much peace through you and reforms are taking place for this nation through your foresight."3We always and everywhere acknowledge this, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude.4But so that I may not hinder you any further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.5For we have found this man to be a pestilence who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.6He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and we wished to judge him according to our law.7But Lysias the commander came and with much force took him out of our hands,8commanding his accusers to come before you; by examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the facts of which we accuse him.9The Jews also joined in the accusation, claiming that these things were so.10Then Paul answered when the governor motioned for him to speak, "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense concerning myself."11You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.12And they did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the temple or in the synagogues or throughout the city.13Nor can they prove to you the charges they now bring against me.14But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, I worship the ancestral God, believing all things according to the Law and the things written in the Prophets.15I have a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.16So I always take pains to have a clear conscience before God and man.17After several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.18While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult.19But some Jews from Asia ought to be here before you and to bring charges if they have anything against me.20Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council.21Or let them state the one statement I cried out while standing among them: "It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today."22But Felix put them off, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, saying, "When Lysias the military officer comes down, I will decide your case."23Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept, and that he should have rest, and that no one of his own should be prevented from serving him.24After some days Felix came with Drusilla his own wife, who was a Jewess, and he sent for Paul and heard him concerning faith toward Christ Jesus.25As he was reasoning about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and answered, "Go for the present; when I have opportunity I will summon you."26At the same time he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also sent for him often and conversed with him.27When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.