Paul stands trial before Roman governor Felix as a hired orator named Tertullus levels three political charges against him - insurrection, sect leadership, and temple desecration. Paul’s defense is a model of calm rebuttal: he denies every charge on the facts, then openly confesses his faith in “the Way,” the God of Is

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

After five days the high priest Ananias Came down with the elders and an orator named Tertullus And they informed the governor against Paul When Paul was called Tertullus began to accuse him

Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace And that by your forethought reforms are brought about In every way and in every place most excellent Felix We accept this with all gratitude

But that I may not further burden you I beg you to hear us briefly We have found this man a plague A fomenter of insurrections among all the Jews Throughout the world and a ringleader

Of the sect of the Nazarenes He even tried to profane the temple So we seized him according to our law But the commanding officer Lysias came And with great violence took him out of our hands

Commanding his accusers to come before you By examining him yourself you may ascertain All these things of which we accuse him The Jews also assented saying that these things were so

When the governor had nodded to him to speak Paul answered concerning the things that I am accused I cheerfully make my defense before you

As you can ascertain there are yet but twelve days Since I went up to worship at Jerusalem And neither in the temple nor in the synagogues Nor in the city did they find me disputing with anyone Or stirring up a crowd

But I confess this to you that after the Way Which they call a sect so I serve the God of our fathers 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 I also do my diligence to have a conscience Without offense toward God and men always

Listen

Acts 24 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press