Acts 24

Five days later the high priest Ananias comes down to Caesarea with some elders and an advocate named Tertullus, who makes a formal speech to Felix the governor. Tertullus begins: we have enjoyed much peace through you, and your government has brought many reforms to this nation. We accepted this with gratitude. But not to take up too much of your time, I beg you to hear us briefly in your kindness. We have found this man to be a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to desecrate the temple, but we seized him. The Jews joining the accusation confirm that all of this is true. Felix signals for Paul to speak. Paul notes that Felix has been judge over this nation for many years and is therefore qualified to evaluate the case. Paul was in Jerusalem no more than twelve days; he did not debate in the synagogue or stir up a crowd anywhere in the city. The real point of controversy, Paul says, is his belief in the resurrection of the dead.

Felix is well acquainted with the Way and adjourns the proceedings: when Lysias the commander comes down I will decide your case. He orders the centurion to keep Paul in custody but to let him have some liberty, and not to prevent any of his friends from attending to his needs. After some days Felix comes with his wife Drusilla, who is Jewish, and he sends for Paul and hears him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talks about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix is alarmed and says: go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you. He also hopes that money will be given him by Paul, so he sends for him often and converses with him. When two years have elapsed, Felix is succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to do the Jews a favour, Felix leaves Paul in prison.