1. Five days later Ananias the high priest went down to Caesarea. Some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus went with him. They brought their charges against Paul to the governor.
2. So Paul was called in. Tertullus began to bring the charges against Paul. He said to Felix, "We have enjoyed a long time of peace while you have been ruling. You are a wise leader. You have made this a better nation.
3. Most excellent Felix, we gladly admit this everywhere and in every way. And we are very thankful.
4. I don't want to bother you. But would you be kind enough to listen to us for a short time?
5. "We have found that Paul is a troublemaker. He stirs up trouble among Jews all over the world. He is a leader of those who follow Jesus of Nazareth.
6-7. He even tried to pollute our temple. So we arrested him.
8. Question him yourself. Then you will learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him."
9. The Jews said the same thing. They agreed that the charges were true.
10. The governor motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, "I know that you have been a judge over this nation for quite a few years. So I am glad to stand up for myself.
11. About 12 days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. You can easily check on this.
12. Those bringing charges against me did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple. I wasn't stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.
13. They can't prove to you any of the charges they are making against me.
14. "It is true that I worship the God of our people. I am a follower of the Way of Jesus. Those bringing charges against me call it a cult. I believe everything that agrees with the Law. I believe everything written in the Prophets.
15. I have the same hope in God that these men have. I believe that both the godly and the ungodly will rise from the dead.
16. So I always try not to do anything wrong in the eyes of God and man.
17. "I was away for several years. Then I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for those who were poor. I also came to offer sacrifices.
18. They found me doing this in the temple courtyard. I had already been made pure and clean in the usual way. There was no crowd with me. I didn't stir up any trouble.