⁸ He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.”^[a](A)

³ So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable^(A) Theophilus,^(B)

²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit,^[a] he was speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only John’s baptism.^(A)

¹⁵ So now you, along with the Sanhedrin, make a request to the commander that he bring him down to you^[a] as if you were going to investigate his case more thoroughly. But, before he gets near, we are ready to kill him.”^(A)

²⁰ “The Jews,” he said, “have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as though they are going to hold a somewhat more careful inquiry about him.

The Verdict Postponed

²² Since Felix was well informed about the Way,^(A) he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

Consistency in the Christian Life

¹⁵ Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—

² For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord^(A) will come just like a thief^(B) in the night.