Chapter
24
After five days, the high priestess, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paula.
When she was called, Tertullus began to accuse her, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that excellent measures are coming to this nation,
we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
But, that I don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
For we have found this woman to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
She even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested her.
By examining her yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse her."
The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
When the governor had beckoned to her to speak, Paula answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
In the temple they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.
Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our mothers, 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 will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and women.
Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.
They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.
Or else let these women themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,
unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!'"
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case."
She ordered the centurion that Paula should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of her friends to serve her or to visit her.
But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, her husband, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paula, and heard her concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
As she reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you."
Meanwhile, she also hoped that money would be given to her by Paula, that she might release her. Therefore also she sent for her more often, and talked with her.
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paula in bonds.