"From Cilicia," Paul answered. "I will hear thee," said Felix, "when thine accusers are also come." Paul was then put in Herod's judgment hall until his trial five days later. [Sidenote: In Confinement.] Thus had Paul's life within the short space of a few days been twice preserved from those who wanted to kill him. God had spoken to him, saying, "Be of good cheer," and although he was still a prisoner, there was peace in his soul for he knew he had done only what was right, and that God approved of his labors. Footnotes: 1. Read the entire speech as recorded in Acts 22:1-21. 2. See Acts 23:25-30. LESSON 36 TWO YEARS IN PRISON "I have a conscience void of offense toward God and all men."--Joseph Smith. BEFORE FELIX Five days after Paul had been put in the Judgment Hall, the high priest Ananias and some of his elders came to Caesarea to appear against him. They brought with them a lawyer named Tertullus. Felix, the Roman Governor, summoned the prisoner to appear before him to hear from the Jewish lawyer what things Paul had done. The hired lawyer began his speech by flattering Felix, to win his favor, and then charged Paul as follows: [Sidenote: Paul Falsely Accused.] "This man is a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader among the sect called Nazarenes. He has profaned the temple, and has done many other things for which he should be punished." And the Jews all cried out, "Yes, these things are true." When they had spoken, Felix motioned with his hand for Paul to speak in his own defense, which he did by saying: [Sidenote: Paul's Defense.] "As I know that thou hast been of many years a judge over this people, I cheerfully answer for myself these charges of the Jews. Twelve days ago, I went up to Jerusalem to worship; but I deny that I disputed with any man, or that I stirred up the people, either in the synagogues, or in the city. Neither can they prove the charges they make against me. "This, however, I do confess, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing in the law and the prophets, and in the resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust; and I try to live to have always a clear conscience void of offense toward God, and men." [Sidenote: Innocent but a Prisoner.] Paul spoke so earnestly and honestly that Felix was convinced he spoke the truth; and when he concluded, Felix knew he was innocent, but, for fear of displeasing the Jews, who, he could see, hated Paul, he told the officers to hold Paul a prisoner, but to give him his liberty, and to let his friends come to see him. So Ananias and Turtullus had to go back to Jerusalem without having seen Paul punished. They still hoped, however, to get him either scourged or killed. [Sidenote: Before Felix and Druscilla.]