1 “And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and with an orator, one Tertullus; and 2 they informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, 3 Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation, we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. 5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world; and a 6 ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes; who moreover assayed to profane the temple; on whom also we laid hold; and we 7 would have judged him according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him 8 away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come before thee; from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so.”
10 “And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do cheerfully make 11 my defense; seeing that thou canst take knowledge, that it is not more than twelve days since I went 12 up to worship at Jerusalem; and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogs, nor in the 13 city. Neither can they prove to thee the things 14 whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are 15 written in the prophets; having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. 16 Herein do I also exercise myself to have a conscience 17 void of offense toward God and men alway. Now after many years I came to bring alms to my 18 nation, and offerings; amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with 19 tumult; but there were certain Jews from Asia—who ought to have been here before thee, and to make 20 accusation, if they had aught against me. Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found, when I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day. 22 “But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter. And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.”
QUESTIONS.
1. Tell how it came about that Paul was sent to Felix. Who was Felix?
2. For what was Paul kept waiting before his case was heard?
3. Who came down to appear against him after five days? Who was their spokesman? Verse 1.
4. With what flattering words to the governor did Tertullus begin his accusation against Paul? V. 2.
5. What charge did he bring against Paul? What did he say that would be most likely to injure Paul’s case with a Roman governor? In what contemptuous terms did he refer to Paul’s religious connections? Verse 5.
6. What did he say Paul was about to do when they took him? In what orderly manner did he say they had been about to proceed with him? Verse 6.
7. How did he represent that Lysias, the chief captain, had stopped the course of justice? Verse 7.
8. What did Tertullus assert that the governor would himself learn by examining Paul? Verse 8.
9. What did the Jews who were present also say? Verse 9.
10. Who then had permission to speak? How did Paul begin his defense? What did he say gave him the more confidence? Verse 10.
11. How long a time had elapsed since Paul arrived at Jerusalem? What did he say was his purpose in going to Jerusalem? Verse 11. How long was he there in all?
12. What did he say as to his conduct while there? Verse 12.
13. What about the charges against him? V. 13.
14. What confession did he make? Altho called a heretic, of whom was Paul a worshiper? What did he say as to his belief? How much Scripture did he accept? Verse 14.
15. What hope did he cherish? Verse 15.
16. What did he say was his constant endeavor? Verse 16.
17. After long absence from Jerusalem, what evidence of good-will to his people did Paul show? Verse 17.
18. Under what circumstances did the Jews from Asia find him in the temple? Verse 18.
19. What showed that those Jews had nothing to bring against him? Verse 19.
20. What did Paul demand of the Jews who were present? Verse 20.
21. What was the only thing that could by any possibility be charged against Paul as creating a disturbance? Verse 21.
22. What did Felix do when he heard these things? Was he deceived by the assertions of Tertullus and the Jews? What did he say he would do? When did he say the matter should be thoroughly investigated? Verse 22.
23. What order did he issue concerning Paul? What favors did he grant him? Verse 23.
NOTES AND QUESTIONS.
1. Point out the falsehoods in the charge of Tertullus against Paul.
2. Quote evidence showing that as Paul traveled about in missionary work, he always had the needs of the poor Jews in mind. Could there be any stronger proof that he was not a raiser of sedition?
