Tertullus Prosecutes Paul 1 CPDV 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. BSB BSB: Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul.
2 CPDV 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, BSB BSB: When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.
3 CPDV we acknowledge this, always and everywhere, with acts of thanksgiving for everything. BSB BSB: In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.
4 CPDV But lest I speak at too great a length, I beg you, by your clemency, to listen to us briefly. BSB BSB: But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.
5 CPDV 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. BSB BSB: We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,
6 CPDV And he has even been attempting to violate the temple. And having apprehended him, we wanted him to be judged according to our law. BSB BSB: and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.
7 CPDV But Lysias, the tribune, overwhelming us with great violence, snatched him away from our hands, BSB BSB: Not in the BSB
8 CPDV 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.” BSB BSB: By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”
9 CPDV And then the Jews interjected, saying that these things were so. BSB BSB: The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true.
Paul’s Defense to Felix 10 CPDV 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. BSB BSB: When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.
11 CPDV For, as you may realize, it has only been twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. BSB BSB: You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 CPDV 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. BSB BSB: Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city.
13 CPDV And they are not able to prove to you the things about which they now accuse me. BSB BSB: Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me.
14 CPDV 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, BSB BSB: I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,
15 CPDV having a hope in God, which these others themselves also expect, that there will be a future resurrection of the just and the unjust. BSB BSB: and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
16 CPDV And in this, I myself always strive to have a conscience that is lacking in any offense toward God and toward men. BSB BSB: In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
17 CPDV Then, after many years, I went to my nation, bringing alms and offerings and vows, BSB BSB: After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.
18 CPDV through which I obtained purification in the temple: neither with a crowd, nor with a commotion. BSB BSB: At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia
19 CPDV But certain Jews out of Asia are the ones who should have appeared before you to accuse me, if they have anything against me. BSB BSB: who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me.
20 CPDV Or let these ones here say if they have found in me any iniquity, while standing before the council. BSB BSB: Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,
21 CPDV 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.” BSB BSB: unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”
The Verdict Postponed 22 CPDV 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.” BSB BSB: Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.”
23 CPDV And he ordered a centurion to guard him, and to take rest, and not to prohibit any of his own from ministering to him. BSB BSB: He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.
24 CPDV 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. BSB BSB: After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
25 CPDV 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.” BSB BSB: As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”
26 CPDV 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. BSB BSB: At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.
27 CPDV 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. BSB BSB: After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.