Paul’s Defense before Felix

¹⁰ When the governor motioned for 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.^{(A) 11} You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.^{(B) 12} They didn’t find me arguing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city.^{(C) 13} Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me. ¹⁴ But I admit this to you: I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way,^(D) which they call a sect, believing everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets.^{(E) 15} I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection,^[a](F) both of the righteous and the unrighteous.^{(G) 16} I always strive to have a clear conscience^(H) toward God and men. ¹⁷ After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people.^{(I) 18} While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar.^{(J) 19} It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. ²⁰ Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, ²¹ other than this one statement I shouted while standing among them, ‘Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.’”

The Verdict Postponed

²² Since Felix was well informed about the Way,^(K) he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” ²³ He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from meeting^[b] his needs.^(L)