ACTS SERIES: PAUL’S DEFENSE BEFORE FELIX – ACTS 24

Summons to appear before Felix, the Roman governor, to present their case against Paul, Ananias, the high priest, members of the Sanhedrin, and Tertullus, their lawyer, arrived in Caesarea within five days.

Tertullus opened the prosecution, verbally flattering the governor before describing Paul as a profaner of the Temple, which was a capital charge that the Romans would allow the Jews to kill a person for doing this. He labeled Paul as a leader of a sect known as the Nazarenes, a seditionist, and an instigator of treason against the Roman government. Additionally, he voiced that all of this could have been avoided if Claudius Lysias, the chief captain, had not forcefully interfered, and he concluded his case with his companions, concurring with Paul’s indictment.

When Felix gave Paul an opportunity to speak, he proved the charges made against him were not substantiated. He shared that for the short length of time he was in Jerusalem, he would be unable to organize a sedition. Also, in his defense presentation, Paul admitted he believed in the Jewish laws and books of prophecy, he believed in a future resurrection of both the righteous and ungodly, and he had a clear conscience before God and man. Paul ended his defense, revealing that his mission in returning to Jerusalem was to bring financial aid to the needy and to worship God with fellow believers. Thus, when he was in the Temple following protocol and making his sacrificial offerings, he did not instigate a riot. Besides all of this, Paul noted the persons who initially brought the charges against him were not present.

Knowing the actions of Christians, Felix adjourned the proceedings and the verdict until the arrival of Lysias, the garrison commander. Meanwhile, he had Paul detained in prison with visitation privileges and provisions.

The scripture records that a few days later, Paul had the opportunity to share the faith with Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He ministered so effectively on righteousness, self-control, and future judgment that it left Felix fearful, and he sent Paul away to be called back at a later date. Over the next two years, hoping to receive some bribery money from Paul, Felix occasionally met with him, and when Porcius Festus was replacing him, he left Paul in prison to gain favor with the Jews.

Here are the nuggets I have gleaned from this chapter:

When those in authority summon you, you must appear.

Some people use flattery to gain favor with those in charge.

Unfortunately, due to jealousy, those in leadership will sometimes make false accusations about you.

People with ill intent toward you will falsely label you.

Challenging people to prove their lies about you is a must when you are innocent.

God will allow you to find favor in unexpected places.