9Then the Jews also joined in affirming, that these things were so.
10But Paul (the governor having made him a sign to speak) replied,
Knowing that for so many years thou hast been the judge of this nation, I with the more confidence offer my defence respecting the matters which concern me: 11as thou mayest be ascertained, that it is not more than twelve days ago since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12And neither in the temple found they me disputing with any man, nor raising any sedition among the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 13neither can they produce any proof of the facts of which they accuse me. 14But this I confess to thee, that after the way which they call a sect, so worship I the God of our ancestors, believing all things that are written in the law, and in the prophets: 15and having hope in God, the same which they also profess to look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust. 16For this cause indeed I exert my utmost care to keep my conscience ever unoffending towards God and towards man. 17Now after many years absence I was returned bringing alms to my countrymen, and oblations to the temple. 18In the discharge of which offices certain Jews of Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a multitude, nor with any tumult. 19Who ought to have appeared before thee, and prefer their accusation, if they had any thing against me. 20Or let the persons themselves here present say, if they found any thing criminal in me, when I stood before the sanhedrim, 21except for this one sentence, which I uttered aloud when I was standing among them, For the resurrection of the dead am I this day judged by you.
22When Felix then heard these things he put them off, (for he knew very exactly all that related to that way,) saying, When Lysias the tribune is come down, I will inquire thoroughly into the matters between you. 23And he commanded the centurion that Paul should be safe kept, yet have no close confinement, and not to hinder any of his friends from supplying his wants, or visiting him.
24Now after some days, Felix returning with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jewess, sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25And as he discoursed of righteousness, and temperance, and the judgment which is ready to be revealed, Felix being greatly terrified, replied, Go, for the present, I will some time hence take another opportunity of calling for thee. 26Indeed he had also entertained hope that money would be given him by Paul, in order to release him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and conversed with him. 27But when two years were ended, Felix had Portius Festus appointed for his successor: and willing to curry favour with the Jews, Felix left Paul in chains.
[CHAP. XXV.]
WHEN Festus then was come into the province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Cæsarea. 2And the high-priest and the principal persons among the Jews informed him against Paul, and entreated him, 3begging it as a favour from him, that he would send him back to Jerusalem, lying in wait for him to kill him on the road. 4Then Festus answered, that Paul should be kept in custody at Cæsarea, and that he himself was going thither shortly. 5Let therefore, said he, those among you who are able, go down with me, and accuse him, if there be anything criminal in this man.
6And after staying with them more than ten days, he went down to Cæsarea; and on the morrow seated on the bench, commanded Paul to be brought. 7And on his appearing, the Jews who came down from Jerusalem surrounded him, and laid many and heavy accusations against Paul, which they were not able to prove. 8But he pleaded in his defence, That neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Cæsar, have I committed the least offence.
9Then Festus, desirous of ingratiating himself with the Jews, replying to Paul, said, Wilt thou go up unto Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10Then said Paul, I am standing before the tribunal of Cæsar, where I have a right to be judged: against the Jews I have committed no offence, as thou also clearly perceivest. 11For indeed if I have committed any crime, or done aught worthy of death, I object not to be put to death: but if there is nothing in those things whereof they accuse me, no man dare gratify them by abandoning me to them. 12I appeal unto Cæsar.