Paul's Defense Before Felix

Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders and an orator named Tertullus. Tertullus praised Felix and then accused Paul of being a troublemaker and a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He said Paul tried to profane the temple.

When the governor nodded to him, Paul answered gladly. He said he had gone up to worship in Jerusalem only twelve days before. In the temple they did not find him disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd. They could not prove their charges.

Paul confessed that he served the God of his fathers according to the Way. He believed all things in the Law and the Prophets. He had hope toward God that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. "In this I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men."

Felix delayed the case. Some days later, with his wife Drusilla, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified and sent him away until a convenient time. After two years, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and Felix left Paul in bonds.