15
I hope for the same thing my accusers do, that people with God's approval and those without it will come back to life.
16
With this belief I always do my best to have a clear conscience in the sight of God and people.
17
After many years I have come back to my people and brought gifts for the poor and offerings [for God].
18
My accusers found me in the temple courtyard doing these things after I had gone through the purification ceremony. No crowd or noisy mob was present.
19
But some Jews from the province of Asia were there. They should be here in front of you to accuse me if they have anything against me.
20
Otherwise, these men who are accusing me should tell what I was charged with when I stood in front of their council.
21
They could accuse me of only one thing. As I stood among them, I shouted, 'I'm being tried in front of you because [I believe that] the dead will come back to life.'"
22
Felix knew the way [of Christ] rather well, so he adjourned the trial. He told them, "When the officer Lysias arrives, I'll decide your case."
23
Felix ordered the sergeant to guard Paul but to let him have some freedom and to let his friends take care of his needs.
24
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.
25
As Paul discussed the subjects of God's approval, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, "That's enough for now. You can go. When I find time, I'll send for you again."