Caesarea,
and delivered the letter to the governor, presented Paul also before
him. And when he had read it, he asked of what province he was; and when
he understood that he was of Cilicia, "I will hear thy cause," said he,
"when thine accusers also are come": and he commanded him to be kept in
Herod's palace.

{448}

VI

THE ACCUSATION OF THE JEWS

_Paul's Defense Before the Governor. Felix Dares Not Offend the Jews,
and an Innocent Man Suffers Two Years' Imprisonment_.

And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain
elders, and a lawyer to plead their case, one Tertullus; and they
informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called, Tertullus
began to accuse him, saying,--

"Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy care evils are
corrected for this nation, we accept it in all ways and in all places,
most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. But, that I be not further
tedious unto thee, I intreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few
words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of
insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader
of the sect of the Nazarenes: who moreover attempted to profane the
temple: on whom also we laid hold: 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.

And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered:--

{449}{450}

[Illustration]
Map of land around the Mediterranean Sea showing Paul's journey.
[End illustration]

{451}
"Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this
nation, I cheerfully make my defense: seeing that thou canst take
knowledge, that it is not more than twelve days since I went 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 synagogues,
nor in the city. Neither can they prove to thee the things 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 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. Herein I
also strive to have a conscience void of offense