And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts 24 marks a pivotal transition in Paul's ministry, shifting from a period of extensive missionary journeys to one of confinement. For years, Paul had tirelessly traversed Judea, Syria, modern-day Turkey, Macedonia, and Greece, spreading the life-transforming message of salvation through Jesus Christ. However, a series of misunderstandings and outright fabrications have led to his arrest and detention in Caesarea Maritima. This chapter details Paul's trial before Governor Felix, a key event that sets the stage for his eventual journey to Rome.
Accusations and Flattery (Acts 24:1-9)
A few days after Paul's arrival in Caesarea, Ananias the high priest, accompanied by some elders from the Sanhedrin, arrived with a lawyer named Tertullus, determined to see Paul condemned. Roman courts demanded specific protocols, and Tertullus opened the case with customary flattery—despite Felix's notoriously corrupt character. He praised Felix for bringing peace and prosperity, a stark contrast to the governor's true nature.
Tertullus then launched into his accusations, painting Paul as a troublemaker, a ringleader of the "sect of the Nazarenes" (a reference to Jesus' upbringing in Nazareth), and an attempted desecrator of the temple. These were serious charges, carrying the potential for a death sentence under Roman law. The high priest and other witnesses eagerly affirmed these accusations, hoping to sway Felix against Paul. They knew they had to make Paul guilty of something that would concern a Roman ruler. If Paul were disturbing the peace and causing riots, Rome would need to do something.
Paul's Defense: Truth and Hope (Acts 24:10-21)
Given the opportunity to respond, Paul didn't hesitate to defend himself. He respectfully acknowledged Felix's long tenure as governor, but firmly refuted the charges against him. He pointed out that he had only been in Jerusalem for a few days, hardly enough time to incite a riot or organize a rebellion. He also denied the accusation that he had caused a disturbance, whether in the temple or anywhere in the city. None of the charges they made could be proved.
Paul then addressed the core of the matter: his faith in the resurrection of the dead. He freely admitted to being a worshiper of God according to "the Way"—Christianity (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4), which these Jews rejected as a sect but which was nonetheless a fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Paul pointed out the hope that he had in common with these men: a belief in the resurrection of the dead, which had happened in Jesus Christ. He affirmed his belief in the same God and adherence to the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing the shared hope of resurrection.
Paul further highlighted that he had brought charitable gifts to his fellow Jews (Acts 24:17)—hardly something he’d do if he despised them. It was while he was delivering this offering that some hostile Jews from Asia found Paul in the temple, but he had been without a crowd and without any uproar. Then he raised a significant point: Where were those men who had seized him in the temple and accused him of wrongdoing? They hadn’t even shown up for his trial! (Acts 24:19). Moreover, the men who were there couldn’t explain what Paul had done wrong when he had stood before the Sanhedrin, except that he affirmed the resurrection of the dead (Acts 24:20-21)—something which the Pharisees in the Sanhedrin agreed with (see 23:6-8).
Felix's Delay and Paul's Witness (Acts 24:22-27)
Felix, well-acquainted with Christianity, understood the religious nuances of the dispute. He refused to render a judgment until Lysias the commander—the one who had sent Paul to Felix—arrived in Caesarea (Acts 24:22; see 23:23-30). Then he had Paul kept under guard but allowed his friends to visit and provide for him (Acts 24:23). This allowed Paul a measure of freedom and support while still remaining in custody.
Later, Felix and his Jewish wife Drusilla listened to Paul talk about faith in Christ Jesus (Acts 24:24). But when Paul spoke about the subjects of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid (Acts 24:25). Why? Because someone who is unrighteous and lacking self-control doesn’t want to hear how divine judgment will be poured out. Felix was well informed about Christianity (24:22). He was apparently interested in religious matters. But when the conversation turned to his own sins and his accountability before God, Felix squirmed in his seat.
Felix sent Paul away, but regularly invited him back to talk, always hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe to let him go (Acts 24:25-26). It’s clear Felix knew that Paul was innocent of all charges, but he was unwilling to upset the Jews by setting him free. So to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison for two years until he was succeeded by the new governor, Porcius Festus (Acts 24:27).
God's Providence in Imprisonment
Paul was unjustly imprisoned. But God providentially used this injustice to move him toward the goal of proclaiming the gospel in Rome, the center of earthly power in Paul’s day. Despite his confinement, Paul's unwavering faith and bold witness continued to impact those around him, even reaching the ears of Felix and Drusilla. This chapter reminds us that God can work through even the most difficult circumstances to advance His purposes. Even in chains, Paul remained a powerful instrument in God's hands, demonstrating that true freedom comes not from physical liberty, but from a heart devoted to Christ.
And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts 24 marks a pivotal transition in Paul's ministry, shifting from a period of extensive missionary journeys to one of confinement. For years, Paul had tirelessly traversed Judea, Syria, modern-day Turkey, Macedonia, and Greece, spreading the life-transforming message of salvation through Jesus Christ. However, a series of misunderstandings and outright fabrications have led to his arrest and detention in Caesarea Maritima. This chapter details Paul's trial before Governor Felix, a key event that sets the stage for his eventual journey to Rome.
Accusations and Flattery (Acts 24:1-9)
A few days after Paul's arrival in Caesarea, Ananias the high priest, accompanied by some elders from the Sanhedrin, arrived with a lawyer named Tertullus, determined to see Paul condemned. Roman courts demanded specific protocols, and Tertullus opened the case with customary flattery—despite Felix's notoriously corrupt character. He praised Felix for bringing peace and prosperity, a stark contrast to the governor's true nature.
Tertullus then launched into his accusations, painting Paul as a troublemaker, a ringleader of the "sect of the Nazarenes" (a reference to Jesus' upbringing in Nazareth), and an attempted desecrator of the temple. These were serious charges, carrying the potential for a death sentence under Roman law. The high priest and other witnesses eagerly affirmed these accusations, hoping to sway Felix against Paul. They knew they had to make Paul guilty of something that would concern a Roman ruler. If Paul were disturbing the peace and causing riots, Rome would need to do something.
Paul's Defense: Truth and Hope (Acts 24:10-21)
Given the opportunity to respond, Paul didn't hesitate to defend himself. He respectfully acknowledged Felix's long tenure as governor, but firmly refuted the charges against him. He pointed out that he had only been in Jerusalem for a few days, hardly enough time to incite a riot or organize a rebellion. He also denied the accusation that he had caused a disturbance, whether in the temple or anywhere in the city. None of the charges they made could be proved.
Paul then addressed the core of the matter: his faith in the resurrection of the dead. He freely admitted to being a worshiper of God according to "the Way"—Christianity (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4), which these Jews rejected as a sect but which was nonetheless a fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Paul pointed out the hope that he had in common with these men: a belief in the resurrection of the dead, which had happened in Jesus Christ. He affirmed his belief in the same God and adherence to the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing the shared hope of resurrection.
Paul further highlighted that he had brought charitable gifts to his fellow Jews (Acts 24:17)—hardly something he’d do if he despised them. It was while he was delivering this offering that some hostile Jews from Asia found Paul in the temple, but he had been without a crowd and without any uproar. Then he raised a significant point: Where were those men who had seized him in the temple and accused him of wrongdoing? They hadn’t even shown up for his trial! (Acts 24:19). Moreover, the men who were there couldn’t explain what Paul had done wrong when he had stood before the Sanhedrin, except that he affirmed the resurrection of the dead (Acts 24:20-21)—something which the Pharisees in the Sanhedrin agreed with (see 23:6-8).
Felix's Delay and Paul's Witness (Acts 24:22-27)
Felix, well-acquainted with Christianity, understood the religious nuances of the dispute. He refused to render a judgment until Lysias the commander—the one who had sent Paul to Felix—arrived in Caesarea (Acts 24:22; see 23:23-30). Then he had Paul kept under guard but allowed his friends to visit and provide for him (Acts 24:23). This allowed Paul a measure of freedom and support while still remaining in custody.
Later, Felix and his Jewish wife Drusilla listened to Paul talk about faith in Christ Jesus (Acts 24:24). But when Paul spoke about the subjects of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid (Acts 24:25). Why? Because someone who is unrighteous and lacking self-control doesn’t want to hear how divine judgment will be poured out. Felix was well informed about Christianity (24:22). He was apparently interested in religious matters. But when the conversation turned to his own sins and his accountability before God, Felix squirmed in his seat.
Felix sent Paul away, but regularly invited him back to talk, always hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe to let him go (Acts 24:25-26). It’s clear Felix knew that Paul was innocent of all charges, but he was unwilling to upset the Jews by setting him free. So to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison for two years until he was succeeded by the new governor, Porcius Festus (Acts 24:27).
God's Providence in Imprisonment
Paul was unjustly imprisoned. But God providentially used this injustice to move him toward the goal of proclaiming the gospel in Rome, the center of earthly power in Paul’s day. Despite his confinement, Paul's unwavering faith and bold witness continued to impact those around him, even reaching the ears of Felix and Drusilla. This chapter reminds us that God can work through even the most difficult circumstances to advance His purposes. Even in chains, Paul remained a powerful instrument in God's hands, demonstrating that true freedom comes not from physical liberty, but from a heart devoted to Christ.