1
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney, a certain Tertullus, and they reported their case against Paul to the governor.
2
When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Your Excellency, because of you we have long enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight.
3
We welcome this in every way and everywhere with utmost gratitude.
4
But, to detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.
5
We have, in fact, found this man a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6
He even tried to profane the temple, and so we seized him.
8
By examining him yourself you will be able to learn from him concerning everything of which we accuse him."
9
The Jews also joined in the charge by asserting that all this was true.
10
When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: "I cheerfully make my defense, knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation.