What does Paul deny and confess, and how does Felix respond?

After five days the high priest Ananias arrives with ancients and the orator Tertullus to accuse Paul before the governor. Tertullus praises Felix for peace and rectifications through his providence, thanks him and requests a brief hearing. He alleges that Paul is pestilent, raises seditions among Jews throughout the world and leads the sedition of the Nazarenes’ sect, and attempted to profane the temple. He says they apprehended Paul to judge by their law, but Lysias took him violently and ordered the accusers before Felix. Examination, he claims, will establish the allegations. The Jews affirm these claims.

At Felix’s signal Paul answers courageously because of the governor’s years of judging. Only twelve days have passed since he came to worship at Jerusalem. He denies being found disputing or gathering crowds in the temple, synagogues or city and says the accusations cannot be proved. He confesses serving the Father and God by the way they call heresy, believing everything in the law and prophets and hoping, as they do, for the resurrection of just and unjust. He strives for a conscience without offence toward God and men. After many years he came bringing alms, offerings and vows, and was found purified without crowd or tumult. The Asian Jews should appear if they have charges; those present should identify any iniquity before the council except his resurrection declaration.

Felix, with most certain knowledge of this way, postpones matters until Lysias comes and directs the centurion to keep Paul with ease, permitting friends to minister. After some days Felix and his Jewish wife Drusilla summon Paul to hear about faith in Jesus. As Paul treats justice, chastity and future judgment, Felix is terrified and dismisses him until a convenient time. He also hopes Paul will give money, frequently summoning him for that reason. After two years Portius Festus succeeds him. Wishing to please the Jews, Felix leaves Paul bound.