¹⁴ However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors^(A) as a follower of the Way,^(B) which they call a sect.^(C) I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,^{(D) 15} and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection^(E) of both the righteous and the wicked.^{(F) 16} So I strive always to keep my conscience clear^(G) before God and man.

¹⁷ “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor^(H) and to present offerings. ¹⁸ I was ceremonially clean^(I) when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.^{(J) 19} But there are some Jews from the province of Asia,^(K) who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me.^{(L) 20} Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— ²¹ unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”^(M)

²² Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way,^(N) adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” ²³ He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard^(O) but to give him some freedom^(P) and permit his friends to take care of his needs.^(Q)

²⁴ Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.^{(R) 25} As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control^(S) and the judgment^(T) to come, Felix was afraid^(U) and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” ²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

²⁷ When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus,^(V) but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews,^(W) he left Paul in prison.^(X)