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Acts 24
Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Accusation against Paul

24 After five days Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer[a] named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor.(A) 2 When he was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: “Since we enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation by your foresight, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent(B) Felix, with utmost gratitude. 4 However, so that I will not burden you any further, I beg you in your graciousness to give us a brief hearing. 5 For we have found this man to be a plague,(C) an agitator(D) among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes! 6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we apprehended him [and wanted to judge him according to our law. 7 But Lysias the commander came and took him from our hands with great force, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you.][b] By examining him yourself you will be able to discern all these things we are accusing him of.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were so.

Paul’s Defense before Felix

10 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: “Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me.(E) 11 You are able to determine that it is no more than 12 days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.(F) 12 They didn’t find me disputing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple complex or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city.(G) 13 Neither can they provide evidence to you of what they now bring against me. 14 But I confess this to you: I worship my fathers’ God according to the Way,(H) which they call a sect, believing all the things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets.(I) 15 And I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there is going to be a resurrection,[c](J) both of the righteous and the unrighteous.(K) 16 I always do my best to have a clear conscience(L) toward God and men. 17 After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my nation,(M) 18 and while I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar.(N) 19 It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. 20 Either let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 or about this one statement I cried out while standing among them, ‘Today I am being judged before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.’”

The Verdict Postponed

22 Since Felix was accurately informed about the Way,(O) he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered that the centurion keep Paul[d] under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from serving[e] him.(P)

24 After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. 25 Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come,(Q) Felix became afraid and replied, “Leave for now, but when I find time I’ll call for you.” 26 At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul.[f] For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him.

27 After two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus,(R) and because he wished to do a favor for the Jews,(S) Felix left Paul in prison.(T)

Footnotes

  1. Acts 24:1 In Gk, the word rhetor is similar to the Eng “rhetoric.” In this situation, a rhetorician who was skilled in public speaking in the Gk language was needed.
  2. Acts 24:8 Other mss omit bracketed text
  3. Acts 24:15 Other mss add of the dead
  4. Acts 24:23 Lit him
  5. Acts 24:23 Other mss add or visiting
  6. Acts 24:26 Other mss add so that he might release him
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Acts 24
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Chapter 24

Trial Before Felix. 1 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an advocate, a certain Tertullus, and they presented formal charges against Paul to the governor. 2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Since we have attained much peace through you, and reforms have been accomplished in this nation through your provident care, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude. 4 But in order not to detain you further, I ask you to give us a brief hearing with your customary graciousness. 5 (A)We found this man to be a pest; he creates dissension among Jews all over the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazoreans.[a] 6 He even tried to desecrate our temple, but we arrested him.(B) [7 ][b] 8 If you examine him you will be able to learn from him for yourself about everything of which we are accusing him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack and asserted that these things were so.

10 [c]Then the governor motioned to him to speak and Paul replied, “I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years and so I am pleased to make my defense before you. 11 As you can verify, not more than twelve days have passed since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor anywhere in the city did they find me arguing with anyone or instigating a riot among the people. 13 Nor can they prove to you the accusations they are now making against me. 14 But this I do admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors and I believe everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets.(C) 15 I have the same hope in God as they themselves have that there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous.(D) 16 Because of this, I always strive to keep my conscience clear before God and man.(E) 17 After many years, I came to bring alms for my nation and offerings.(F) 18 While I was so engaged, they found me, after my purification, in the temple without a crowd or disturbance.(G) 19 But some Jews from the province of Asia, who should be here before you to make whatever accusation they might have against me— 20 or let these men themselves state what crime they discovered when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 unless it was my one outcry as I stood among them, that ‘I am on trial before you today for the resurrection of the dead.’”(H)

22 Then Felix, who was accurately informed about the Way, postponed the trial, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I shall decide your case.” 23 He gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from caring for his needs.

Captivity in Caesarea. 24 [d]Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He had Paul summoned and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he spoke about righteousness and self-restraint and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now; when I find an opportunity I shall summon you again.” 26 At the same time he hoped that a bribe would be offered him by Paul, and so he sent for him very often and conversed with him.

27 Two years passed and Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Wishing to ingratiate himself with the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.[e]

Footnotes

  1. 24:5 Nazoreans: that is, followers of Jesus of Nazareth.
  2. 24:7 The Western text has added here a verse (really Acts 24:6b–8a) that is not found in the best Greek manuscripts. It reads, “and would have judged him according to our own law, but the cohort commander Lysias came and violently took him out of our hands and ordered his accusers to come before you.”
  3. 24:10–21 Whereas the advocate Tertullus referred to Paul’s activities on his missionary journeys, the apostle narrowed the charges down to the riot connected with the incident in the temple (see Acts 21:27–30; 24:17–20). In his defense, Paul stresses the continuity between Christianity and Judaism.
  4. 24:24, 25 The way of Christian discipleship greatly disquiets Felix, who has entered into an adulterous marriage with Drusilla, daughter of Herod Agrippa I. This marriage provides the background for the topics Paul speaks about and about which Felix does not want to hear.
  5. 24:27 Very little is known of Porcius Festus who was a procurator of Judea from A.D. 60 to 62.
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Acts 24
New King James Version

Accused of Sedition

24 Now after (A)five days (B)Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.

2 And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and [a]prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, 3 we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your [b]courtesy, a few words from us. 5 (C)For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 (D)He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, [c]and wanted (E)to judge him according to our law. 7 (F)But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8 (G)commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also [d]assented, maintaining that these things were so.

The Defense Before Felix

10 Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, 11 because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem (H)to worship. 12 (I)And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to (J)the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the (K)God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in (L)the Law and in the Prophets. 15 (M)I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, (N)that there will be a resurrection [e]of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. 16 (O)This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

17 “Now after many years (P)I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, 18 (Q)in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me (R)purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. 19 (S)They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. 20 Or else let those who are here themselves say [f]if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, 21 unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, (T)‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ”

Felix Procrastinates

22 But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the (U)Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When (V)Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” 23 So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and (W)told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.

24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the (X)faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 26 Meanwhile he also hoped that (Y)money would be given him by Paul, [g]that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, (Z)wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 24:2 Or reforms are
  2. Acts 24:4 graciousness
  3. Acts 24:6 NU ends the sentence here and omits the rest of v. 6, all of v. 7, and the first clause of v. 8.
  4. Acts 24:9 NU, M joined the attack
  5. Acts 24:15 NU omits of the dead
  6. Acts 24:20 NU, M what wrongdoing they found
  7. Acts 24:26 NU omits that he might release him
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Acts 24
Mounce Reverse Interlinear New Testament

24 And de after meta five pente days hēmera the ho high archiereus priest Ananias Hananias went down katabainō with meta some tis elders presbyteros and kai a prosecuting rhētōr attorney , one tis Tertullus Tertyllos; and they hostis laid emphanizō before the ho governor hēgemōn their case against kata · ho Paul Paulos. 2 And de when he autos was summoned kaleō, Tertullus Tertyllos began archō to accuse katēgoreō him, · ho saying legō: “ Since we have enjoyed tynchanō a long polys period of peace eirēnē through dia your sy rule, and kai since reforms diorthōma are being made ginomai in ho the houtos nation ethnos by dia · ho your sos foresight pronoia, 3 in every pantē way and kai everywhere pantachou we accept apodechomai them, most kratistos excellent Felix Phēlix, with meta all pas gratitude eucharistia. 4 But de, that hina I may enkoptō not mē detain enkoptō you sy any epi longer polys, I beg parakaleō you sy to hear akouō us hēmeis briefly syntomōs in ho your sos kindness epieikeia. 5 For gar we found heuriskō · ho this houtos man anēr to be a troublemaker loimos, · kai one who stirs kineō up riots stasis among all pas the ho Jews Ioudaios · ho throughout kata the ho world oikoumenē, and te a ringleader prōtostatēs of the ho sect hairesis of the ho Nazarenes Nazōraios. 6 He hos even kai tried peirazō to desecrate bebēloō the ho temple hieron, so kai we laid hold krateō of him hos. 8 When you examine anakrinō him yourself autos, you will be able dynamai to learn epiginōskō from para him hos about peri all pas these houtos things of which hos we hēmeis are accusing katēgoreō him autos.” 9 And de the ho Jews Ioudaios also kai joined the attack synepitithēmi, saying phaskō that it houtos was echō so houtōs.

10 And te Paul Paulos responded apokrinomai, · ho when the ho governor hēgemōn motioned neuō to him autos to speak legō: “ Knowing that epistamai for ek many polys years etos you sy have been eimi a judge kritēs over ho this houtos nation ethnos, gladly euthumōs do I make my own emautou defense apologeomai concerning peri these things ho. 11 As you sy are able dynamai to verify epiginōskō for yourself, it is eimi not ou more polys than twelve dōdeka days hēmera since apo hos I went anabainō up to worship proskyneō in eis Jerusalem Ierousalēm, 12 and kai they did not oute find heuriskō me egō arguing dialegomai with pros anyone tis or ē stirring up epistasis a crowd ochlos, either oute in en the ho temple hieron or oute in en the ho synagogues synagōgē or oute in kata the ho city polis. 13 Neither oude can they dynamai provide paristēmi proof to you sy regarding peri the things of which hos they are now nyni accusing katēgoreō me egō. 14 But de this houtos I confess homologeō to you sy, that hoti according kata to the ho Way hodos, which hos they call legō a sect hairesis, thus houtōs I worship latreuō the ho God theos of our fathers patrōos, believing pisteuō all pas things that ho are according kata to the ho Law nomos and kai · ho written graphō in en the ho Prophets prophētēs, 15 having echō a hope elpis in eis · ho God theos, which hos · kai these men houtos themselves autos accept prosdechomai, that there is mellō to be eimi a resurrection anastasis both te of the just dikaios and kai of the unjust adikos. 16 In en view of this houtos · kai I autos do my best askeō to have echō a clear aproskopos conscience syneidēsis toward pros · ho God theos and kai · ho men anthrōpos at all times dia.

17 “ Now de, after dia several polys years etos, I came paraginomai to eis my egō people ethnos bringing poieō gifts for the poor eleēmosynē · ho and kai presenting offerings prosphora, 18 which hos I was doing when en they found heuriskō me egō, ritually purified hagnizō in en the ho temple hieron, without ou meta a crowd ochlos and without oude a commotion thorybos. 19 But de there are some tis Jews Ioudaios from apo · ho Asia Asia who hos ought dei to be here pareimi before epi you sy and kai bring katēgoreō charges , if ei they have echō anything tis against pros me egō. 20 Or ē let these men houtos themselves autos tell legō what tis wrongdoing adikēma they found heuriskō when I egō stood histēmi before epi the ho council synedrion, 21 other ē than this houtos one heis utterance phōnē that hos I cried krazō out while standing histēmi among en them autos: ‘It is regarding peri a resurrection anastasis for the dead nekros that I egō am on trial krinō before epi you hymeis this day sēmeron.’” 22 But de · ho Felix Phēlix, knowing oida more exactly akribōs the ho facts concerning peri the ho Way hodos, put anaballō them autos off anaballō, saying legō, “ When hotan Lysias Lysias the ho commanding chiliarchos officer comes katabainō down , I will decide diaginōskō · ho your case kata.”

23 Then he commanded diatassō the ho centurion hekatontarchēs to keep tēreō him autos in custody, but te to let him have echō some freedom anesis and kai not mēdeis to prevent kōlyō any of ho his autos friends idios from taking hypēreteō care of his autos needs . 24 After meta · de some tis days hēmera Felix Phēlix arrived paraginomai · ho with syn his idios wife gynē Drusilla Drousilla, · ho who was eimi Jewish Ioudaios. He sent metapempō for · ho Paul Paulos and kai heard akouō him autos speak about peri · ho faith pistis in eis Christ Christos Jesus Iēsous. 25 And de as he autos reasoned dialegomai with him about peri righteousness dikaiosynē and kai self-control enkrateia and kai the ho judgment krima · ho to come mellō, Felix Phēlix became ginomai frightened emphobos · ho and said apokrinomai, “For the ho present nyn go away echō, but de when I find metalambanō time kairos I will send metakaleō for you sy.” 26 At the same hama time · kai he hoped elpizō that hoti money chrēma would be given didōmi to him autos by hypo · ho Paul Paulos. So dio · kai he sent for metapempō him autos frequently pyknos and conversed homileō with him autos. 27 When two years dietia · de had passed plēroō, Felix Phēlix was replaced lambanō · ho by Porcius Porkios Festus Phēstos, and te wanting thelō to curry katatithēmi favor charis with katatithēmi the ho Jews Ioudaios, · ho Felix Phēlix left kataleipō · ho Paul Paulos in prison deō.

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Acts 24
New International Version

Paul’s Trial Before Felix

24 Five days later the high priest Ananias(A) went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges(B) against Paul before the governor.(C) 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent(D) Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots(E) among the Jews(F) all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene(G) sect(H) 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple;(I) so we seized him. [7] [a] 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”

9 The other Jews joined in the accusation,(J) asserting that these things were true.

10 When the governor(K) motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days(L) ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple,(M) or stirring up a crowd(N) in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.(O) 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors(P) as a follower of the Way,(Q) which they call a sect.(R) I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,(S) 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection(T) of both the righteous and the wicked.(U) 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear(V) before God and man.

17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor(W) and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean(X) when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.(Y) 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia,(Z) who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me.(AA) 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.’”(AB)

22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way,(AC) 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(AD) but to give him some freedom(AE) and permit his friends to take care of his needs.(AF)

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.(AG) 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control(AH) and the judgment(AI) to come, Felix was afraid(AJ) 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,(AK) but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews,(AL) he left Paul in prison.(AM)

Footnotes

  1. Acts 24:7 Some manuscripts include here him, and we would have judged him in accordance with our law. 7 But the commander Lysias came and took him from us with much violence, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you.
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