2. When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him. He said to Felix, “Your Excellency, through your wise leadership we have lasting peace and reforms that benefit the people.
3. We appreciate what you’ve done in every way and in every place, and we want to thank you very much.
4. I don’t want to keep you too long. Please listen to us. We will be brief.
5. We have found this man to be a troublemaker. He starts quarrels among all Jews throughout the world. He’s a ringleader of the Nazarene sect.
6. He also entered the temple courtyard in a way that violates our tradition. So we arrested him.
8. When you cross-examine him, you’ll be able to find out from him that our accusations are true.”
9. The Jews supported Tertullus’ accusations and asserted that everything Tertullus said was true.
10. The governor motioned for Paul to speak. Paul responded, “I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years. So I’m pleased to present my case to you.
11. You can verify for yourself that I went to Jerusalem to worship no more than twelve days ago.
12. No one found me having a discussion with anyone in the temple courtyard or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues throughout the city.
13. These people cannot even prove their accusations to you.
14. But I’ll admit to you that I’m a follower of the way ⌊of Christ⌋, which they call a sect. This means that I serve our ancestors’ God and believe everything written in Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets.
15. I hope for the same thing my accusers do, that people with God’s approval and those without it will come back to life.
16. With this belief I always do my best to have a clear conscience in the sight of God and people.
17. After many years I have come back to my people and brought gifts for the poor and offerings ⌊for God⌋.