Acts 24

In Acts 24, Paul stands trial before Felix, the Roman governor. The chapter details the accusations against Paul by the Jewish leaders, his defense, and the political maneuvering of Felix, who keeps Paul in custody hoping for a bribe. The narrative provides a deep look into the legal challenges Paul faces and the complexities of Roman judicial proceedings, illustrating his perseverance and the tension between Roman law and Jewish customs.

Acts 24:1-5 (NKJV) Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: "Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes."

Tertullus presents the case against Paul, beginning with flattery aimed at Governor Felix to predispose him favorably toward their plea. He accuses Paul of causing widespread disturbances among Jews everywhere and leading the sect known as the Nazarenes, framing Paul as a significant threat to Roman peace and Jewish religious unity.

Acts 24:6-9 (NKJV) He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him away from our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him." And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.

The accusers claim Paul attempted to desecrate the temple, which justified their arrest of him under Jewish law. However, they suggest that the intervention of Commander Lysias was forceful and improper, urging Felix to verify these accusations himself. This appeal underscores the Jewish leaders' attempt to regain control over the situation and ensure Paul's punishment.

Acts 24:10-13 (NKJV) Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: "Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me."

Paul begins his defense by respectfully acknowledging Felix’s authority and experience. He swiftly counters the accusations, noting the short duration of his recent visit to Jerusalem, which undermines the claim of causing long-term disturbances. Paul emphasizes that there was no evidence of him engaging in disputes or incitement during his visit, challenging the accusers to prove their claims.

Acts 24:14-16 (NKJV) But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. Therefore I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Paul acknowledges his affiliation with "the Way," which his accusers deem a sect, but frames it as a continuation of the Jewish faith, rooted in the Law and the Prophets. He shares a common belief in the resurrection, emphasized to connect with his Jewish audience on religious grounds. Paul's mention of striving for a clear conscience underlines his ethical and religious integrity, countering the portrayal of him as a troublemaker.

Acts 24:17-21 (NKJV) "Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. While I was busy with this, they found me purified in the temple, neither with a multitude nor with tumult. But some Jews from Asia — who ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. Or else let these men themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, unless it concerns this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.'"

Paul explains his purpose in Jerusalem was charitable, involving alms and offerings, activities that align with Jewish customs and laws. He highlights the absence of any tumultuous behavior and points out that his primary accusers from Asia are not present, which undermines the legitimacy of the current accusations. His challenge to the Sanhedrin's representatives to specify any legal transgressions further solidifies his stance, focusing on his proclamation about the resurrection as the true reason for his trial.

Acts 24:22-23 (NKJV) But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case." So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and not to prevent any of his friends from visiting him.

Felix, familiar with the Christian faith (the Way), defers his judgment until he can consult with Lysias, the commander who arrested Paul. This delay indicates Felix’s caution or reluctance to make a hasty decision. He grants Paul a degree of freedom, allowing him to receive visitors, which shows a level of respect or acknowledgment of Paul's rights and character, possibly reflecting Felix’s uncertainty about the validity of the charges.

Acts 24:24-26 (NKJV) And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore, he frequently sent for him and conversed with him.

Felix, intrigued or perhaps seeking spiritual insight, listens to Paul discuss core Christian values and the future judgment. Paul’s message stirs fear in Felix, reflecting the convicting power of Paul's words about ethics and divine accountability. Felix’s mixed motives are evident as he delays making a decision about Paul's case, hoping for a bribe to secure Paul’s release, which highlights the corruption within the Roman governance.

Acts 24:27 (NKJV) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

Felix leaves office without resolving Paul's case, keeping him imprisoned to maintain favor with the Jewish leaders. This act of political expediency underscores Felix's character and priorities, showing his preference for personal and political gain over justice. This decision leads into the subsequent events under Festus’s governance, continuing the theme of political manipulation and the challenges Paul faces in his missionary work.