Acts 24 - 25
1
And s after five days the high priest t Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before u the governor their case against Paul.
2
And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, v most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation,
3
in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.
4
But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
5
For we have found this man a plague, w one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of x the sect of the Nazarenes.
6
y He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.
8
By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him."
9
The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
10
And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.
11
You can verify that z it is not more than twelve days since I a went up b to worship in Jerusalem,
12
and c they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city.
13
d Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me.
14
But this I confess to you, that according to e the Way, which they call f a sect, g I worship h the God of our fathers, believing everything i laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,
15
j having k a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be l a resurrection m of both the just and the unjust.
16
So I always n take pains to have a o clear conscience toward both God and man.
17
Now p after several years q I came to bring alms to r my nation and to present s offerings.
18
While I was doing this, they found me t purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But u some Jews from Asia -
19
v they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me.
20
Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,
21
other than this one thing w that I cried out while standing among them: 'It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.'"
22
But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of x the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case."
23
Then he gave orders to the centurion that he y should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that z none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
24
After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about a faith b in Christ Jesus.
25
And as he reasoned c about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. d When I get an opportunity I will summon you."
26
At the same time he hoped e that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.
27
When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius f Festus. And g desiring to do the Jews a favor, h Felix left Paul in prison.
Acts 25
1
Now three days after Festus had arrived in i the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
2
And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews j laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him,
3
asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem - because k they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.
4
Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.
5
"So," said he, "let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him."
6
After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on l the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.
7
When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him m that they could not prove.
8
Paul argued in his defense, "Neither n against o the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor p against Caesar have I committed any offense."
9
But Festus, q wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?"
10
But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's r tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.
11
If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. s I appeal to Caesar."
12
Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, "To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go."
13
Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
14
And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, t "There is a man left prisoner by Felix,
15
and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case u against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.
16
v I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone w before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.
17
x So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on y the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.
18
When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.
19
Rather they z had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.
20
Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I b asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.
21
But c when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of d the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar."
22
Then e Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," said he, "you will hear him."
23
So on the next day f Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
24
And Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom g the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, h shouting that he ought not to live any longer.
25
But I found that i he had done nothing deserving death. And j as he himself appealed to k the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.
26
But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write.
27
For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him."
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Cross References
Acts 21:18
On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
Acts 21:27
When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him.
Acts 24:11
You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.
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Cross References
Acts 23:2
And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
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Cross References
Acts 23:24
Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.
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Cross References
Acts 23:26
Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings.
Luke 1:3
It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus.
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Cross References
Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.
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Cross References
Acts 24:14
But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.
Acts 5:17
But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy
Acts 15:5
But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.
Acts 26:5
They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.
Acts 28:22
But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.
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Cross References
Acts 21:27 - 29
When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him.
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Cross References
Acts 24:1
And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.
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Cross References
Acts 8:27
And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship
John 12:20
Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.
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Cross References
Acts 20:16
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
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Cross References
Acts 25:8
Paul argued in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.
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Cross References
Acts 25:7
When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.
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Cross References
Acts 24:22
But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.
Acts 9:2
And asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
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Cross References
Acts 24:5
For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
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Cross References
2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, ...
Acts 27:23
For this very night there stood before me an an...
Luke 1:74
That we, being delivered from the hand of our e...
Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spi...
Hebrews 9:14
How much more will the blood of Christ, who thr...
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a ki...
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Cross References
Acts 3:13
The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
Acts 22:3
I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.
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Cross References
Acts 26:22
To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:
Acts 28:23
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
Romans 3:21
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it -
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Cross References
Acts 23:6
Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.
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Cross References
Titus 2:13
Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:5
For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.
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Cross References
Luke 14:14
And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.
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Cross References
Daniel 12:2
And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
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Cross References
1 Timothy 4:7
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.
1 Timothy 4:15
Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:32
Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.
Philippians 1:10
So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
Jude 1:24
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.
Acts 23:1
And looking intently at the council, Paul said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.
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Cross References
Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
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Cross References
Romans 15:25 - 28
At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem br...
Romans 15:31
That I may be delivered from the unbelievers in...
1 Corinthians 16:1 - 3
Now concerning the collection for the saints: a...
2 Corinthians 8:1 - 4
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace ...
2 Corinthians 9:1 - 2
Now it is superfluous for me to write to you ab...
2 Corinthians 9:12
For the ministry of this service is not only su...
Galatians 2:10
Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the v...
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Cross References
Acts 26:4
My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
Acts 28:19
But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar - though I had no charge to bring against my nation.
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Cross References
Acts 24:11
You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.
Acts 20:16
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
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Cross References
Acts 21:26
Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.
Acts 26:21
For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
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Cross References
Acts 21:27
When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him.
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Cross References
Acts 23:30
And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.
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Cross References
Acts 23:6
Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.
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Cross References
Acts 24:14
But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.
Acts 9:2
And asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
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Cross References
Acts 28:16
And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
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Cross References
Acts 27:3
The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.
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Cross References
Acts 20:21
Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Cross References
Galatians 2:16
Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Romans 3:24
And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
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Cross References
Titus 2:12 - 13
Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
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Cross References
Acts 17:32
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this.
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
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Cross References
Acts 24:17
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.
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Cross References
Acts 25:1
Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
Acts 26:24
And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.
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Cross References
Acts 25:9
But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?
Acts 12:3
And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
Mark 15:15
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
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Cross References
Acts 25:14
And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man left prisoner by Felix.
Luke 21:12
But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.
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Cross References
Acts 23:34
On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia.
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Cross References
Acts 25:15
And when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.
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Cross References
Acts 9:24
But their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him.
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Cross References
Acts 25:10
But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.
Acts 25:17
So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.
Matthew 27:19
Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.
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Cross References
Acts 24:13
Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me.
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Cross References
Acts 24:12
And they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city.
Acts 28:17
After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
Acts 6:13
And they set up false witnesses who said, "This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law.
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Cross References
John 7:19
Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?
John 19:7
The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.
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Cross References
John 19:12
From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.
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Cross References
Acts 24:27
When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
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Cross References
Acts 25:6
After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.
Acts 25:17
So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.
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Cross References
Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.
Acts 28:19
But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar - though I had no charge to bring against my nation.
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Cross References
Acts 24:27
When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
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Cross References
Acts 25:2 - 3
And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him.
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Cross References
Acts 25:4 - 5
Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.
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Cross References
John 7:51
"Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?"
Acts 23:30
And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.
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Cross References
Acts 25:7
When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.
Acts 25:24
And Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.
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Cross References
Acts 25:6
After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.
Acts 25:10
But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.
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Cross References
Acts 18:15
But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.
Acts 23:29
I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.
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Cross References
Acts 17:18
Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities" - because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.
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Cross References
Acts 25:9
But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?
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Cross References
Acts 25:11
If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.
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Cross References
Acts 25:25
But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.
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Cross References
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
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Cross References
Acts 25:13
Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
Acts 26:30
Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.
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Cross References
Acts 25:2
And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him.
Acts 25:7
When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.
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Cross References
Acts 22:22
Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.
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Cross References
Acts 23:29
I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.
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Cross References
Acts 25:11 - 12
If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.
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Cross References
Acts 25:21
But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.