Acts 24:6-21

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

⁸When you question Paul about all these matters, you will be able to learn about these charges we are bringing against him.”

⁹The Jews also joined in the accusation, affirming that these charges were true.

¹⁰But when the governor motioned for Paul to speak, Paul answered, “I understand that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, and so I gladly explain myself to you.

¹¹You will be able to find out that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.

¹²When they found me in the temple, I did not argue with anyone, and I did not stir up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.

¹³They cannot prove to you the accusations they are now making against me.

¹⁴But I admit this to you, that according to the Way that they call a sect, in that same way I serve the God of our fathers. I am faithful to all that is in the law and the writings of the prophets.

¹⁵I have the same confident hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

¹⁶So I always strive to have a clear conscience before God and human beings.

¹⁷Now after many years I came to bring help to my nation and gifts of money.

¹⁸When I did this, certain Jews from Asia found me in a purification ceremony in the temple, not with a crowd or an uproar.

¹⁹These men ought to be before you now and say what they have against me, if they have anything.

²⁰Or else, these same men should say what wrong they found in me when I stood before the Jewish council,

²¹unless it is about this one thing that I shouted out when I stood among them, 'It is concerning the resurrection of those who have died that I am on trial before you today.'”