Aramaic Peshitta Bible Repository
Lamsa Translation - Acts Chapter 24
1 ¶
AND after five days Ananias the high priest went down with the elders, together with Tertullus, the orator, and they informed the governor against Paul.2
And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, It is through you that we enjoy great tranquility, and owing to your care many excellent things have been done for this people.3
And we all, everywhere, receive your favors, O most excellent Felix.4
But while I desire not to weary you with lengthy discussions, nevertheless, I beg you to hear in brief our humble complaint.5
We have found this man to be a pestilent fellow and a worker of sedition among the Jews throughout the world, for he is the ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.6
He sought to defile our temple; therefore when we seized him, we would have judged him according to our law.7
But the chief captain Lysias came, and by force took him away out of our hands and sent him to you;8
Then he commanded his accusers to come to you. Now when you question him, you can learn for yourself concerning all these things of which we accuse him.9
The Jews also witnessed against him, declaring that these things were true.10 ¶
Then the governor beckoned to Paul to speak. Paul answered, saying, For inasmuch as I know that you have been a judge for many years to this people, therefore I do the more cheerfully answer in my own defense,11
So that you may understand that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.12
And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, nor have I had an assembly either in their synagogues or in the city;13
Nor can they prove before you the things of which they accuse me.14
But this I confess, that in that very teaching which they mention, I worship the God of my fathers, believing all the things which are written in the law and in the prophets;15
And I have the same hope in God which they themselves hold, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.16
For this reason, I labor to have always a clear conscience before God and before men.17
Now after many years, I came to my own people to distribute alms and to present an offering.18
So these men found me purifying myself in the temple, not in a crowd, nor in a riot, except the riot which was caused by the Jews who had come from Asia Minor,19
Who ought to have been here with me before you to make whatever accusations they have against me.20
Or else let these same people here say what fault they found in me when I stood before their council.21
Except it be for this one saying which I cried, standing before them. It is for the resurrection of the dead that I am tried before you this day.22 ¶
But because Felix was thoroughly familiar with this teaching, he deferred them, saying, When the chief captain comes down, I will give you a hearing.23
And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul in comfort, and that none of his acquaintances should be prevented from looking after him.24
And after a few days, Felix with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, sent for Paul and heard him concerning the Christian faith.25
And as he spoke with them concerning righteousness, holiness, and the judgment to come, Felix was filled with fear and said, You may go, and when I have opportunity I will send for you.26
Since he was expecting a bribe from Paul, he often sent for him to be brought and conversed with him.27
And when Felix had completed two years, another governor succeeded him whose name was Porcius Festus; and Felix, to do the Jews a favor, left Paul a prisoner.