WHY AM I BEING CHARGED (2)

1-9

Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and brought charges against Paul before the governor.Paul was called in , Tertullus presented his case before Felix.:

We have found this man to be a troublemaker all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and tried to desecrate the temple, so we seized him. By examining him your self , you will learn the truth about the charges against him. The other Jews joined in the accusation that these things were true.

10-13

The governor motion for Paul to speak, Paul replied : I know you have been a judge over this nation for a number of years; I gladly make my defense. you can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago , i went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, stirring up a crowd in the synagogues, or anywhere else in the city. They cannot prove to you the charges they are making against me.

14-16

I admit I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the law. I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

17-21

After several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring gifts for the poor and to present offers. I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you, if they have anything against me. Or these should state what crime they found in me when I should stand before the Sanhedrin, unless this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: “It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.”

22-23

Felix , who was well acquired with Way, adjourned the proceeding. When Lysias comes, he said, “I will decide your case.” He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but with freedom and to permit his friends to take care of his needs.

24-27

Several days later, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked with righteousness, self -control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid, and said , that’s enough you may leave. When I find it convenient I will send for you. He was hoping, Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.