nor can they prove to you the things they are accusing me of doing.

But there are some Jews from the province of Asia who should be here before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me.

When you examine him yourself, you will be able to learn from him about all these things we are accusing him of doing.”

But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar – not that I had some charge to bring against my own people.

“So,” he said, “let your leaders go down there with me, and if this man has done anything wrong, they may bring charges against him.”

The next day, because the commanding officer wanted to know the true reason Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole council to assemble. He then brought Paul down and had him stand before them.

When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “We have experienced a lengthy time of peace through your rule, and reforms are being made in this nation through your foresight.

If then I am in the wrong and have done anything that deserves death, I am not trying to escape dying, but if not one of their charges against me is true, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone before the accused had met his accusers face to face and had been given an opportunity to make a defense against the accusation.