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After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.
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When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that excellent measures are coming to this nation,
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we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
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But, that I don`t delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
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For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
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He even tried to profane the temple. We arrested him.
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By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."
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The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
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When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
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seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
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In the temple they didn`t find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.
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Nor can they prove to you the things whereof they now accuse me.
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But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
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having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
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Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
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Now after some years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings;
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amid which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult. But certain Jews from Asia --
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who ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.
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Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,
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unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, `Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!`"
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But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case."
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He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.
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But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
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As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will call you to me."
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He hoped that way that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him.