10
When the governor made a sign for Paul to speak, Paul said, "Governor Felix, I know you have been a judge over this nation for a long time. So I am happy to defend myself before you.
11
You can learn for yourself that I went to worship in Jerusalem only twelve days ago.
12
Those who are accusing me did not find me arguing with anyone in the Temple or stirring up the people in the synagogues or in the city.
13
They cannot prove the things they are saying against me now.
14
But I will tell you this: I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way of Jesus. The Jews say that the Way of Jesus is not the right way. But I believe everything that is taught in the law of Moses and that is written in the books of the Prophets.
15
I have the same hope in God that they have -- the hope that all people, good and bad, will surely be raised from the dead.
16
This is why I always try to do what I believe is right before God and people.
17
"After being away from Jerusalem for several years, I went back to bring money to my people and to offer sacrifices.
18
I was doing this when they found me in the Temple. I had finished the cleansing ceremony and had not made any trouble; no people were gathering around me.
19
But there were some Jews from the country of Asia who should be here, standing before you. If I have really done anything wrong, they are the ones who should accuse me.
20
Or ask these Jews here if they found any wrong in me when I stood before the Jewish council in Jerusalem.
21
But I did shout one thing when I stood before them: 'You are judging me today because I believe that people will rise from the dead!'"