I Worship the God of Our Fathers”
Five days passed and from Jerusalem
Came Ananias again with them —
Elders gathered, lawyer skilled,
Tertullus speaking polished will.
Before Governor Felix’ seat
He flattered first with careful speech:
“Through you we’ve peace and reforms begun —
We thank you much for what you’ve done.
This man’s a plague, stirring unrest,
Among the Jews from east to west.
A ringleader of Nazarene sect,
He tried the temple to deflect.”
They claimed these charges were all true,
Pressed their case in formal view.
Paul was beckoned then to speak —
He answered firm yet mild and meek:
“I gladly make defense today,
For you’ve judged many in this way.
It’s been but twelve days since I came
To worship at Jerusalem’s name.
No riot raised, no crowd incited,
No temple clash or mob excited.
Nor can they prove the claims they make
Against the hope I now partake.
But this I do confess outright —
According to the Way I fight,
I worship the God our fathers knew,
Believing Law and Prophets true.
I hold the hope these men proclaim —
Resurrection yet to come again,
Of just and unjust both the same.
So I strive with steady aim
To keep a conscience clear before
My God and men forevermore.
After years I came to bring
Alms and offerings for offering.
In temple rites they found me pure,
No crowd around, no noise unsure.
Some from Asia should be here
To testify if charge were clear.
Let these themselves declare the wrong —
Except one word within the throng:
‘It is about the dead raised up
That I now stand before your court.’”
Felix knew of this the Way,
Adjourned the case another day:
“When Lysias comes, I’ll decide.”
Paul was kept but not denied
Visitors’ access, some relief —
No harsh restraint, no added grief.
Later Felix called him near,
With Drusilla by his chair.
Paul spoke of righteousness and grace,
Of self-control and judgment’s face.
Felix trembled at the word:
“Go away till I send for more.”
Yet hoping money might be paid,
He summoned Paul and delayed.
Two full years thus passed away,
Felix left and did not stay.
Wishing Jews to find him fair,
He left Paul bound and waiting there.
Chorus
I worship the God of our fathers’ line,
The hope of resurrection mine.
Through chains, through courts, through delay’s hand,
The risen Lord still stands.
