Read Acts 24
Paul’s Trial Before Felix
1 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. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
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. [7] 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
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. 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, 15 and I 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.
17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin—21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 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.
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.” 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.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Go Deeper
The gospel is not convenient. Nor is it comfortable. Ask Paul. Ask Felix. Two men with two very different responses to the gospel.
Acts 24 sets us right in the middle of a courtroom. Jewish leaders bring charges against Paul. Paul replies to these accusations. Felix, the governing official, responds by not really responding.
As we study Acts as a whole, we see that when Paul is given a chance to respond to false accusations or charges against him, he always seems to seize those opportunities to share his belief in Jesus, the Way. He speaks with authority, but not accusation. He shares the gospel with boldness and courage, but never with condemnation. His proclaims Jesus clearly with words full of grace, seasoned with salt. People who were familiar with God—and even those who weren’t–were drawn to Paul.
It’s easy to read Acts 24 as one more historical data point for Paul’s tribulations, but Paul offers us insight into his perspective and attitude regarding the situation we read about in this chapter.
Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:3-6 NIV)
Reading through the lens of his perspective changes and challenges us to see interruptions and inconveniences as opportunities and openings for Jesus to be proclaimed. May we proclaim it clearly, as we should.
Questions
What dilemma did Felix face? What was Felix’s response to Paul’s message?
Is it possible to hear truth and remain unchanged or unconvicted by it? Explain your answer.
How do you handle delays and disruptions to your plan? What do you learn from Paul’s attitude and perspective?
Did You Know?
Felix’s wife, Drusilla, was the sister of Herod Agrippa II and Bernice, mentioned in Acts 25. Drusilla was beautiful, ambitious, and about 20 years old at this point. Drusilla was Felix’s third wife, whom he had married when she was 16 years old. She had previously been the wife of Azizus, the king of Emesa, a state within Syria, but Felix broke up that marriage to get her.
Think About It.
Watch this video for deeper understanding of the Apostle Paul.
