14But this I acknowledge to thee, that according to the way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of our fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets; 15having a hope toward God, which these themselves also look for, that there will be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. 16Therefore do I also myself strive to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
17And after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18Amidst which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd, nor with tumult; but certain Jews from Asia [caused it], 19who ought to be here before thee, and make accusation, if they had aught against me. 20Or let these themselves say what crime they found in me, while I stood before the council, 21except for this one voice that I cried, standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am judged by you this day.
22And Felix put them off, knowing the things concerning the Way more accurately, saying: When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will fully inquire into your matters. 23And he commanded the centurion that he should be guarded, and should have indulgence; and to forbid none of his acquaintance to minister to him.
24And after certain days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered: Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 26He hoped also that money would be given him by Paul; wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and conversed with him.
27But after two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, left Paul bound.
XXV. Festus, therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.
2And the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, 3asking for themselves a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, preparing an ambush to slay him on the way. 4But Festus answered, that Paul was to be kept a prisoner at Cæsarea, and that he himself should soon go thither. 5Let them therefore, said he, who are powerful among you, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there is any wickedness in him.
6And having tarried among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Cæsarea; and on the morrow, sitting on the judgment-seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. 7And when he was come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around, bringing many and grievous charges, which they could not prove; 8while Paul said in defense: Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Cæsar, did I commit any offense.
9But Festus, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul, and said: Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged concerning these things, before me? 10And Paul said; I stand at Cæsar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged. To Jews I did no wrong, as thou also very well knowest[10]. 11If then I am an offender, and have done anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if there be none of the things whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up to them. I appeal to Cæsar.
12Then Festus, having conferred with the council, answered: Thou hast appealed to Cæsar; to Cæsar thou shalt go.