^15 (A)I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, ^(B)that there will be a resurrection ^[a]of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. ^16 (C)This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

¹⁷ “Now after many years ^(D)I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, ^18 (E)in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me ^(F)purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. ^19 (G)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 ^[b]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, ^(H)‘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 ^(I)Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When ^(J)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 ^(K)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 ^(L)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 ^(M)money would be given him by Paul, ^[c]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, ^(N)wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

^8 (A)Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

^19 (A)If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

Present Condition of Israel

³⁰ What shall we say then? ^(A)That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, ^(B)even the righteousness of faith; ³¹ but Israel, ^(C)pursuing the law of righteousness, ^(D)has not attained to the law ^[a]of righteousness. ³² Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, ^[b]by the works of the law. For ^(E)they stumbled at that stumbling stone. ³³ As it is written:

Israel Needs the Gospel

10 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for ^[c]Israel is that they may be saved. ² For I bear them witness ^(H)that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. ³ For they being ignorant of ^(I)God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own ^(J)righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. ⁴ For ^(K)Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

^23 [a]gentleness, self-control. ^(A)Against such there is no law.