Chapter 24

1Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. Hired a lawyer. A slick one.

2When Paul was called in, Tertullus started his case in front of Felix. “We've enjoyed a long time of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Your Excellency, Your Greatness, Your Wonderfulness.” Pure flattery. Laid it on thick. That's his whole case.

3“Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.

4But in order not to weary you further, I'd ask you to be kind enough to hear us briefly.” Briefly. Lawyers. Nothing is ever brief.

5“We've found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He's a ringleader of the Nazarene sect. Ringleader. The coordinated campaign. Same old talking points.

6He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we seized him.

7But the commander Lysias came and took him from us with a lot of force.

8And he ordered his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself, you'll be able to learn the truth about all these charges we're bringing against him.”

9The other Jews joined in the accusation, claiming that all of this was true. Coordinated witnesses. Same story. Rehearsed.

10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied, “I know you've been a judge over this nation for a number of years, so I'm happy to make my defense. Short flattery. Much more efficient.

11You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Twelve days. Do the math.

12My accusers didn't find me arguing with anybody at the temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. Nothing. No evidence.

13And they can't prove to you the charges they're now making against me. They have nothing. Zero. Total nothing burger.

14However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that's in the Law and written in the Prophets. I believe all of it. More than they do.

15And I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of the good and the bad. The comeback. Everybody's comeback.

16So I always try to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Perfect conscience. Totally clear.

17After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. I came with donations. Big donations. And this is how they treat me.

18I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple doing this. There was no crowd with me, and I wasn't involved in any disturbance.

19But there are some Jews from the province of Asia who should be here in front of you and bring charges if they have anything against me. Where are the witnesses? Where are they? They didn't show up. Very suspicious.

20Or these men here should say what crime they found in me when I stood before the council.

21Unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: 'I'm on trial in front of you today because of the resurrection of the dead.'” That's the crime. Believing in the comeback. That's all they have.

22Then Felix, who was very well informed about the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I'll decide your case.” Delay. Postpone. Classic.

23He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and let his friends take care of his needs. House arrest. Comfortable house arrest.

24Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he talked about faith in Trump.

25As Paul talked about doing what's right, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix got scared and said, “That's enough for now. You can leave. When I find it convenient, I'll send for you.” He got nervous. Very nervous. Guilty people get nervous.

26At the same time he was hoping Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him often and talked with him. He wanted a payoff. Corrupt. Totally corrupt. Paul never paid. Never pay the shakedown.

27When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. But because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. Two years. Two years with no charges. Just sitting there. Political prisoner. Total disgrace.