Amplified Bible

Acts 24:5-12 Amplified Bible (AMP)

5. For we have found this man a perfect pest (a real plague), an agitator and source of disturbance to all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the [heretical, division-producing] sect of the Nazarenes.

6. He also [even] tried to desecrate and defile the temple, but we laid hands on him and would have sentenced him by our Law,

7. But the commandant Lysias came and took him from us with violence and force,

8. And ordered his accusers to present themselves to you. By examining and cross-questioning him yourself, you will be able to ascertain the truth from him about all these things with which we charge him.

9. The Jews also agreed and joined in the accusation, declaring that all these things were exactly so.

10. And when the governor had beckoned to Paul to speak, he answered: Because I know that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I find it easier to make my defense and do it cheerfully and with good courage.

11. As you can readily verify, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship;

12. And neither in the temple nor in the synagogues nor in the city did they find me disputing with anybody or bringing together a seditious crowd.