Exploring the Book of Acts: PersecutionSample

Corrupted Justice

The last 25% of the book of Acts tells the long saga of Paul’s experience in the Roman justice system. Initially, he was taken into protective custody in Jerusalem to prevent him from being killed by factions in the temple (Acts 23:10). Due to a conspiracy to kill Paul, the Roman military commander moved Paul to Caesarea, the seat of the Roman and Herodian governments in Judea. In Caesarea, Paul was tried before Governor Felix who delayed completing the trial for more than two years because he hoped to gain a bribe. When Felix completed his term as governor, Paul's case was passed to the next administration.

Read Acts 23:33-24:27 and then consider:

1. In his trial before Felix, what was the accusation brought against Paul?
2. What do you notice about Paul’s defense? What does he emphasize?
3. What details are provided about Felix? How does he handle Paul’s trial? What is he motivated by?
4. Have you ever experienced injustice in the justice system because of your faith? If so, how does this passage speak to you? If not, how can you be a voice for our brothers and sisters around the world whose lives are impacted by corrupt courts?