Acts 24

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

After five days, Ananias, the main priest, came down with some older people and a speaker called Tertullus. They told the leader about Paul in a bad way.

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

When he was brought forward, Tertullus started blaming him, saying, Because of you, we have peace, and your guidance has led to good things for our country.

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

We always accept it, everywhere, dear Felix, with great gratitude.

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

Even though I don't want to bother you more, please listen to me and my friends as we briefly speak to you about our situation.

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

We discovered that this man is a troublemaker and a cause of unrest among all Jews everywhere, as well as the leader of the Nazarene group.

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

Who also tried to desecrate the temple: we captured them, and wanted to judge them based on our rules.

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

But the main leader Lysias appeared and forcefully took him from us.

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

Tell your accusers to come to you. By questioning them, you can learn about the things we accuse him of.

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

And the Jews agreed, stating that it was true.

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

Then Paul, when the governor signaled for him to talk, replied, Since I know you have been a judge for this country for a long time, I am even more happy to share information about myself.

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

So you can understand, it has only been 12 days since I went to Jerusalem to pray.

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

They didn't find me arguing with anyone at the temple or stirring up people in the synagogues or the city.

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

They cannot prove the accusations they make against me.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

But I admit, I follow the way some people call a wrong belief, to worship the same God as my ancestors. I believe everything written in their holy books.

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Hope for God's help, as everyone agrees there will be a rising of the dead, including good and bad people.

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

I work hard to always have a clear conscience, free from wronging God or people.

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Now, after a long time, I returned to give aid to my people and make sacrifices.

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Then, some Jews from Asia discovered me clean in the temple, not with a large crowd, nor with chaos.

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

Who should have been here earlier to complain, if they had any reason to be upset with me.

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

Or otherwise, let those here say if they discovered any wrongdoing from me while I was at the meeting.

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Unless it was for this one voice, speaking among them, and asking about bringing back those who have died, you all question me today about the resurrection of the dead.

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

When Felix learned about these things and understood more about that path, he delayed them and said, "Once Lysias, the top officer, arrives, I'll learn all there is to know about your situation."

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

He told a soldier to watch over Paul and allow him freedom, while also not stopping any of his friends from helping or visiting him.

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

After some time, when Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewish woman, he called for Paul and listened to him talk about believing in Christ.

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

As he talked about being good, self-controlled, and future punishment, Felix got scared and said, "Leave for now; when I find a good time, I'll summon you."

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

He wanted Paul to give him money so he could release him. That's why he kept asking for him more often and talked with him.

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

After two years, Porcius Festus arrived in Felix's room. Wanting to please the Jews, Felix kept Paul restrained.