Tertullus Prosecutes Paul 1 RV And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and with an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed 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 RV And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation, 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 RV we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. BSB BSB: In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.
4 RV But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. BSB BSB: But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.
5 RV For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader 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 RV who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: BSB BSB: and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.
8 RV from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. BSB BSB: By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”
9 RV And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so. BSB BSB: The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true.
Paul’s Defense to Felix 10 RV And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do cheerfully make my defence: 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 RV seeing that thou canst take knowledge, that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem: BSB BSB: You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 RV and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor 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 RV Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me. BSB BSB: Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me.
14 RV But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in 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 RV having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and 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 RV Herein do I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men alway. BSB BSB: In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
17 RV Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: BSB BSB: After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.
18 RV amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult: but there were certain Jews from Asia— 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 RV who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me. BSB BSB: who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me.
20 RV Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found, when I stood 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 RV except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day. 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 RV But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter. 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 RV And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto 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 RV But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, which was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith 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 RV And as he reasoned of righteousness, and temperance, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me. 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 RV He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed 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 RV But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favour with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds. 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.