XXIV. 1909-14. The Acts of the Apostles. The Harvard Classics

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The Acts of the Apostles.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

XXIV


[1]	AND after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and with an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul.
[2]	And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying,
[3]	Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation,
[4]	we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
[5]	But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words.
[6]	For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the 1 world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
[7]	who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: 2
[8]	from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him.
[9]	And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so.
[10]	And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered,
[11]	Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence:
[12]	seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem:
[13]	and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.
[14]	Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me.
[15]	But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
[16]	having hope toward God, which these also themselves look 3 for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
[17]	Herein 4 I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
[18]	Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:
[19]	amidst 5 which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult: but there were certain Jews from Asia—
[20]	who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me.
[21]	Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before the council,
[22]	except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day.
[23]	But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief 6 captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.
[24]	And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.
[25]	But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his 7 wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
[26]	And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.
[27]	He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
[28]	But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Note 1. Gr. the inhabited earth. [back]

Note 2. Some ancient authorities insert and we would have judged him according to our law. 7 But the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come before thee. [back]

Note 3. Or, accept. [back]

Note 4. Or, On this account. [back]

Note 5. Or, in presenting which. [back]

Note 6. Or, military tribune.Gr. chiliarch. [back]

Note 7. Gr. his own wife. [back]

CONTENTS · BOOK CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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