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!'"
22
Felix already understood much about the Way of Jesus. He stopped the trial and said, "When commander Lysias comes here, I will decide your case."
23
Felix told the officer to keep Paul guarded but to give him some freedom and to let his friends bring what he needed.
24
After some days Felix came with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, and asked for Paul to be brought to him. He listened to Paul talk about believing in Christ Jesus.
25
But Felix became afraid when Paul spoke about living right, self-control, and the time when God will judge the world. He said, "Go away now. When I have more time, I will call for you."
26
At the same time Felix hoped that Paul would give him some money, so he often sent for Paul and talked with him.
27
But after two years, Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus as governor. But Felix had left Paul in prison to please the Jews.