Tertullus Prosecutes Paul
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer 1named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. Act 23:2Act 24:11Act 21:27Act 23:24Act 23:30Act 23:35Act 25:2Psa 11:2
When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. Pro 29:5Act 24:26-27Pro 26:28Jud 1:16Psa 10:3Psa 12:2-3 In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. Act 23:26Act 26:25Luk 1:3 But in order not to burden you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly. Heb 11:32
We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, Act 28:22Act 24:14Act 15:5Act 21:28Act 26:51Co 4:13Act 16:20-21Act 17:6-7 and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 2 Act 24:12Act 19:37Act 21:27-32Act 23:10-15Jhn 18:31Jhn 19:7-8Act 22:23 By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.” Act 23:30Act 23:35Act 25:15-16Act 25:5
The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true. 1Th 2:16Mic 7:2-3Act 6:11-13Ezk 22:27-29Isa 59:4-7Jer 9:3-6Jhn 8:44Mat 26:59-60
Paul’s Defense to Felix
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense. 1Pe 3:151Sa 2:25Act 12:17Act 13:16Act 18:15Act 19:33Act 23:24Act 26:1 You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Act 24:1Act 21:18Act 21:26-27Act 22:30Act 23:11Act 23:23Act 23:32-33Act 24:17 Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city. Act 25:8Act 24:18Act 28:17Act 24:5 Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me. Act 25:71Pe 3:16
I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, Act 9:2Rom 3:21Act 28:23Act 3:13Act 24:5Act 26:222Ti 1:3Act 13:15 and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Dan 12:2Jhn 5:28-291Th 4:14-16Job 19:25-26Rev 20:12-13Rev 20:61Co 15:12-27Php 3:21 In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. 1Ti 1:5Act 23:12Co 4:2Heb 10:22Rom 2:151Pe 3:212Co 1:121Co 4:4
After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings. Gal 2:101Co 16:1-4Rom 15:25-282Co 8:1-4Act 11:29-302Co 8:92Co 9:1-22Co 9:12 At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia 3 Act 21:26-30Act 26:21Act 24:12 who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. Act 23:30Act 25:16 Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 4 unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’” Act 23:6Act 26:6-8Act 28:20Act 4:2
The Verdict Postponed
Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.” Act 18:20Act 24:10Act 24:14Act 24:24Act 24:6Act 25:26Act 26:3Deu 19:18 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs. Act 27:3Act 28:16Act 21:8-14Act 23:16Act 23:35Act 24:26Act 28:31Pro 16:7
After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. Act 20:21Gal 2:161Jn 5:1Act 16:31Act 26:22Gal 2:20Gal 3:2Jud 1:3 As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” Jhn 16:81Pe 3:152Pe 1:6Act 10:42Gal 5:23Gal 3:22Rev 20:11-15Tit 2:11-12 At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him. 1Ti 6:9-10Pro 17:231Co 6:91Sa 12:31Sa 8:32Ch 19:72Pe 2:14-152Pe 2:3
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. Act 25:9Act 12:3Act 25:14Act 25:1Mrk 15:15Gal 1:10Act 26:32Pro 29:25