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Paul on Trial–Part 1
Acts 24
Turtullus and the religious leaders prosecuted Paul in the Roman court of Felix the Governor
Acts 24:1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.
Acts 24:2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation.”
Acts 24:3 “In every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.”
Acts 24:4 “But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.”
Acts 24:5 “For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.”
Acts 24:6 “He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.”
Acts 24:7 But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come before you.
Acts 24:8
“By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
Acts 24:9
The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Paul defended the faith, not himself
Acts 24:10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.”
Acts 24:11 “You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem”
Acts 24:12“And they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city.”
Acts 24:13 “Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me.”
Acts 24:14 “But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets”
Acts 24:15 “Having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.”
Acts 24:16 “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”
Paul’s Defense:
Generosity—“I brought welfare to Jerusalem”
Holiness—“I was purified in the temple”
Justice—“Where are the people from Asia who caused the riot?”
Unity—“I accept the responsibility for dividing the Sanhedrin”
Is your faith defensible?
• Daily quiet time
• Authentic prayer life
• Growing in grace and knowledge
• Acts of faith & service
• Using spiritual gifts
Felix prolonged the verdict because he desired a bribe
Acts 24:22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.”
Acts 24:23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
Acts 24:24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”
Acts 24:26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.
Acts 24:27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
Knowing what is right does not guarantee doing what is right
We do well to practice our faith