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          DASV: Acts 24    

1 Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some
elders and an attorney named Tertullus. They presented their
case to the governor against Paul.
2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him,
saying, "Because of your rule we have enjoyed much peace,
and reforms have been made for this nation as a result
of your foresight.
3 We, in every place and in every way acknowledge this,
most excellent Felix, with much gratitude.
4 But, so that I will not weary you further, I beg you give
us a brief hearing with your customary graciousness.
5 For we have found this man to be a troublemaker, one who
incites insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world,
and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6 He even attempted to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him.
7 [Some manuscripts have: and wanted to judge him according
to our law. But the chief commander Lysias came, and with great
violence took him out of our hands and ordered his accusers
to come before you.]
8 By examining him yourself you will become aware of all these
things that we are accusing him of."
9 The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these
things were so.

10 When the governor had motioned for him to speak, Paul
replied, "Realizing that you have been a judge over this nation
for many years, I am happy to make my defense.
11 As you can verify for yourself, it has not been more than
twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
12 They did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up
a crowd in the temple, or in the synagogues, or in the city.
13 Neither can they prove to you the things they are accusing
me of.
14 But this I do confess to you: I do serve the God of our
fathers according to the Way, which they label a sect,
believing everything according to the law and that is
written in the prophets.
15 I have hope in God, a hope which they themselves accept,
that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous
and unrighteous.
16 This is why I do my best always to maintain a clear conscience
before God and people.
17 Now after several years I have come to bring alms to my
nation and present offerings,
18 which is what I was doing when they found me ritually
purified in the temple. There was no crowd or disturbance.
19 But there were some Jews from the province of Asia who
really should be here before you to make the accusation,
if they have anything against me.
20 Let these men themselves tell you what crime they discovered
in me when I stood before the council,
21 except it is for this one thing, that I cried out while
standing among them, 'I am on trial before you today concerning
the resurrection of the dead.'"
22 But Felix, who was well informed concerning the Way,
adjourned the hearings, saying, "When Lysias the chief
commander comes down, I will decide your case."

23 He gave orders to the centurion that Paul should be kept in
custody, and should have some liberty and not restrict any
of his friends from taking care of his needs.
24 A few days later, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who
was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and listened to him speak
concerning faith in Christ Jesus.
25 While Paul was discussing righteousness, self-control and
the judgment to come, Felix was frightened, and said, "Go
your way for now; and when there is an opportunity, I
will send for you."
26 At the same time Felix was hoping Paul would give him
money. This was the reason he sent for him so often
and talked with him.
27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by
Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews,
Felix left Paul in prison.

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