Study Desk

All of us are always grateful for what you have done.

I don't want to bother you, but please be patient with us and listen to me for just a few minutes.

This man has been found to be a real pest and troublemaker for Jews all over the world. He is also a leader of a group called Nazarenes.

When he tried to disgrace the temple, we arrested him. If you question him, you will find out for yourself that our charges are true.

The governor motioned for Paul to speak, and he began: I know that you have judged the people of our nation for many years, and I am glad to defend myself in your court.

And because I am sure, I try my best to have a clear conscience in whatever I do for God or for people.

After being away for several years, I returned here to bring gifts for the poor people of my nation and to offer sacrifices.

Several days later Felix and his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, went to the place where Paul was kept under guard. They sent for Paul and listened while he spoke to them about having faith in Christ Jesus.

But Felix was frightened when Paul started talking to them about doing right, about self-control, and about the coming judgment. So he said to Paul, "That's enough for now. You may go. But when I have time I will send for you."

After this, Felix often sent for Paul and talked with him, because he hoped that Paul would offer him a bribe.

Festus stayed in Jerusalem for eight or ten more days before going to Caesarea. Then the next day he took his place as judge and had Paul brought into court.

They had been there for several days, when Festus told the king about the charges against Paul. He said: Felix left a man here in jail,

and said: King Agrippa and other guests, look at this man! Every Jew from Jerusalem and Caesarea has come to me, demanding for him to be put to death.

Agrippa told Paul, "You may now speak for yourself." Paul stretched out his hand and said:

King Agrippa, I am glad for this chance to defend myself before you today on all these charges that my own people have brought against me.

Day and night our twelve tribes have earnestly served God, waiting for his promised blessings. King Agrippa, because of this hope, the Jewish leaders have brought charges against me.

I did this first in Jerusalem, and with the authority of the chief priests I put many of God's people in jail. I even voted for them to be killed.

I often had them punished in our meeting places, and I tried to make them give up their faith. In fact, I was so angry with them, that I went looking for them in foreign cities.

Paul answered, "Whether it takes a short time or a long time, I wish you and everyone else who hears me today would become just like me! Except, of course, for these chains."

When it was time for us to sail to Rome, Captain Julius from the Emperor's special troops was put in charge of Paul and the other prisoners.