Five days later Jewish elders, with Ananias,
Came to Felix, bringing orator Tertullus
Who said Paul was, for all Jews, a troublemaker,
Nazarenes' sect ringleader, temple profaner.
Paul replied that he'd just come to Jerusalem
Twelve days hence, kept the law, been no trouble to them,
And spoke of his belief in the resurrection.
Felix, intrigued, had him kept by centurion,
Allowed to see friends, and when he heard Paul comment
On Christ, faith, temperance, righteousness and judgement,
Felix trembled, but kept Paul bound, hoping in vain
For a bribe. Two years passed; Portius Festus came.
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