ACTS 24 - Paul's trial before Felix

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** Be prepared for others to accuse you with lies especially when you are trying to do the will of the Father

Acts 24:1,5-6 NIV

Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. [5] “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect [6] and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.

Acts 24:24,26 NIV

Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. [26] At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

** Attending Jews affirmed the false accusations coming from the lawyer Tertullus, even though Paul had only been in Jerusalem 12 days and did not have time to break Israeli or Roman law

Acts 24:9-13 NIV

[9] The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. [10] When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. [11] You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. [12] My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. [13] And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.

• Scripture informs us to stand firm in the faith

• We are to do whatever is necessary to ‘win the cause’ against the wolves that want to devour us

Matthew 10:16 NIV

[16] “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Acts 24:15-16 NIV

[15] and I [Paul] have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. [16] So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Proverbs 26:4-5 NIV

[4] Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. [5] Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.

James 1:5-8 NIV

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Psalm 91:7 NIV

[7] A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

** Paul offered a defense and used the opportunity to present his testimony while challenging his listeners at the same time

• Paul’s reply was quite different from the accusations

• He used no flattery but stated the facts that refuted their charges

• Paul went to Jerusalem to worship and bring gifts from other Christians

• If Paul were guilty of some other charge, where were his accusers?

• Paul was put under house arrest for two years and was given opportunity to speak on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come

• While some may call Paul’s time in Jerusalem a failure, having his say and being a witness for Christ made it a success!  <R1795>

Acts 24:10-14 NIV

When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. [11] You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. [12] My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. [13] And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. [14] However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,

Acts 24:22,24-25 NIV

Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” [24] Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. [25] As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

Acts 26:24 NIV

[24] At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

** Paul was confined in prison for two years but he used that time to witness to others, nothing was lost

Acts 24:23 NIV

[23] He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.