Study Desk

That night the Lord stood near him and said, "Have courage! For just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, you must testify in Rome, too."Acts 18:9; 27:23-24;">[xr]

Don't believe them, because more than forty of them are planning to ambush him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink before they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent."

Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, "Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o'clock tonight,from the third hour of the night">[fn] along with seventy mounted soldiers and 200 soldiers with spears.

Provide an animal for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Governor Felix."

When Paulhe">[fn] had been summoned, Tertullius opened the prosecution by saying: "Your Excellency Felix, since we are enjoying lasting peace through you, and since reforms for this nation are being brought about through your foresight,

For we have found this man a perfect pest and an agitator among all Jews throughout the world. He is a ringleader in the sect of the NazarenesNazoraios may be a word play between Heb. netser, meaning branch (see Isaiah 11:1), and the name">[fn]Luke 23:2; Acts 6:13; 16:20; 17:6; 21:28; 1 Peter 2:12,15;">[xr]

By examining him for yourself, you will be able to find out from him everything of which we accuse him."Acts 21:33; 23:30;">[xr]

When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he replied: "Since I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I am pleased to present my defense.

You can verify for yourself that I went up to worship in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago.Acts 21:26; 24:17;">[xr]

After many years I have come back to my people to bring gifts for the poor and to offer sacrifices.Acts 11:29-30; 20:16; Romans 15:25; 2 Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 2:10;">[xr]

unless it is for the one thing I shouted as I stood among them: 'It is for the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"Acts 23:6; 28:20;">[xr]

He ordered the centurion to guard Paulhim">[fn] but to let him have some freedom and not to keep any of his friends from caring for his needs.Acts 27:3; 28:16;">[xr]

Some days later, Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Christ Jesus.Jesus">[fn]

As Paulhe">[fn] talked about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, "For the present you may go. When I get a chance, I will send for you again."

At the same time he was hoping to get money from Paul, and so he would send for him frequently to talk with him.Exodus 23:8;">[xr]

Since they were staying there for several days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king. He said, "There is a man here who was left in prison by Felix.Acts 24:27;">[xr]

I answered them that it was not the Roman custom to hand over a man for punishment until the accused met his accusers face to face and had an opportunity to defend himself against the charge.Acts 25:4-5;">[xr]

For it seems to me absurd to send a prisoner without specifying the charges against him."

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.

They have known for a long time, if they would but testify to it, that I lived as a Pharisee by the standard of the strictest sect of our religion.Acts 22:3; 23:6; Philippians 3:5;">[xr]