Paul Before Felix

Intro

A Shot at sharing the gospel with the most evil and corrupt leader in the United States.

Review Acts 23:12-35

Acts 23:12 (ESV) — 12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Acts 23:16–17 (ESV) — 16 Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.”

Acts 23:20–21 (ESV) — 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.”

Acts 23:23–24 (ESV) — 23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. 24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”

Acts 23:25 (ESV) — 25 And he wrote a letter...

Acts 23:31–35 (ESV) — 31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. 33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium.

As we know, Paul went on trial before the Sanhedrin. Claudius Lysias, the Roman Tribune of the Roman military, witnessed the meeting becoming violent and was afraid that Paul was going to the text says torn to pieces so Claudius removed him and took him back to the barracks in Jerusalem.

Last week Pastor Jared walked us through the Jews making a plot and committing to a very serious oath to kill Paul. The Lord uses Paul’s nephew to get into the barracks and Paul then sends him to Claudius and tell him what is being plotted.

In response, Claudius a leader in the Roman military, gathers what would be fit for the protection of a king, and sends Paul in the middle of the night to take him north to Caesarea and place him before Felix the governor. Align with Paul, Claudius sends a letter.

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They head out, present Paul, Felix reads the letter and Felix agrees to a hearing when Paul’s accusers show up. While Paul waits, he is placed in Herod’s praetorium.

This praetorium would have been built by former king of Judea, King Herod, Herod the Great who’s great granddaughter will come up later in our text today. The Praetorium was the building which served as the headquarters for military generals, governors and officials, which now holds Paul until his trial.

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This would have been the front of the Praetorium and then this is where is would have been situated.

Rose Then and Now Bible Map Atlas with Biblical Background and Culture Chapter 23: Paul: Living under Grace

A reasonable interpretation of the historical and archaeological evidence places the Praetorium in this complex of rooms surrounding a large square courtyard, adjacent to Herod’s grand “Promontory Palace” jutting into the Mediterranean Sea. If the identification is correct, it’s easy to imagine Paul hearing the waves break on the shore every day of his two-year imprisonment in Caesarea, or seeing countless ships come and go from the busy harbor just upshore. Captive in the land that still best defined his own identity, Paul longed for the day when he could sail for Rome.

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So this is where we are this week. Paul, in Caesarea, guarded on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, waiting for the arrival of his accusers, standing trial before the governor and judge for this trial of Judea, Felix who had been governor for approximately 5 years, under the emperor of the Roman Empire at the time Claudius.

He is there for 5 days and finally Ananias and his people show up to persecute Paul. Look at our first point...

Paul Prosecuted

Acts 24:1 (ESV) — 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.

5 days goes by we see based on who shows up, how serious this trial is. Ananias, the high priest with most likely the best of the best elders of the Sanhedrin and a hired spokesman named Tertullus travel 65 miles for the importance of making sure that this guy Paul is officially wiped from the face of the earth.

Like any trial in Rome and today, they lay before the governor their case against Paul. No doubt Felix reads over the case and then summons or calls for Tertullus to come forward to begin his opening statement. Before the accusations begin, the most likely well known, highly touted, best of the best attorney, who may be a Hellenistic Jew or Roman, begins by what many used to call by “buttering up” the governor. Before the accusations are brought forward, Tertullus wants to remind the most honorable Felix... just how awesome and amazing he is and has been.

If you know anything about people in power and in particular political power, its said that some of them have some rather large egos that they enjoy having stroked from time to time.

Acts 24:2–4 (ESV) — 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, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.

Most excellent Felix you are the one, it is you why we have had so much peace. You are the one who got rid of the crazy Egyptian prophet who that Claudius Lysias thought was disturbing the peace in Acts 21:38

Acts 21:38 (ESV) — 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?”

Claudius would find out Paul was not that Egyptian. Felix you have given us and sustained peace and you are reforming this nation in every way and everywhere. We can be nothing but overly grateful for your kindness to us inJerusalem and we can do nothing but bow at your feet in gratitude.

By the way from my understanding this was silly, false flattery. one historian Tacitus described him as one who “practiced every kind of cruelty and lust wielding the power of a kind. He used people and circumstances to accomplish his own agenda and to gain greater power and wealth as he suppressed the people. Wealth for himself and political prestige superceded truth and justice.”

In other words these words of flattery were outright lies which Jewish people would not actually agree with, but was the tact being used to persuade the one who at this point ultimately held the life of Paul in his decisions. Sad to say in the corrupt Roman world and government of the time it is said that it was common for court hearings to be decided by flattery, finances and falsehood instead of truth. By the way, you only use flattery and finances that much more when what you are about to resent has little to no truth.

Tertullus ends by saying, I know your time is so valuable and necessary for all that amazing things you accomplish, thank you for giving us even a few words and minutes of your time. Let the accusation begin.

Acts 24:5–9 (ESV) — 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. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.

Tertullus started real strong out of the gate like any good speaker before a politician with not much substance to what they are going to say lets start personal. This man, Paul is a plague. The NASB says Paul is a real pest. This guy is nothing but a trouble maker a menace to society. Its interesting because a couple of the guys I read mentioned how clumsy this speech was. In the original language its not only clumsy you will see its very general a vague.

Prosecution teams, who have little to no substance, but are attempting to convince someone of another's crime being committed, can only speak in vague generalities. He begins with a general “this guy is stirring up trouble and riots amongst the Jews and throughout the entire world.

When he says the entire world he is referring to the Roman world, the Roman empire.

It does appear this is tactful, because the Roman world did have this overarching rule for the pursuit of peace which they were currently in the era of the Pax Romana. Began in 27 B.C. and went all the way until 180 AD. We are in the 50’s A.D.

Those who were truly purposefully pursuing and disturbing the peace of society, would be dealt with severely.

Accusation #1 - Felix, everywhere this guy goes he is disrupting what this empire so desires, peace. Riots are bing caused by him amongst all the Jews. He is organizing rebellion against Rome. We all know this had nothing to do with Rome, nor did he pursue riots. We have seen riots in Acts. We have never seen Paul organize or pursue rebellious riots or revolts or revolutions against anyone and in particular against the Roman government, which is in reflection of the one he proclaims and follows, King Jesus Himself as he walked the earth.

The goal was never to overthrow governments or be a political Messiah. If you recall after wowing the masses healing the sick, setting across the sea and then feeding the 5000 in the book of John in John 6:14 it says

John 6:14–15 (ESV) — 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

The ESV study bible says, “Jesus did not want to be pushed into the middle of an unruly mob that would march to begin a futile, spontaneous uprising against the Romans authorities. The people did not understand that Jesus’ kingship at his first coming was spiritual not political.”

Accusation #2 This guy is stirring up riots even amongst the Jews and he is the ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Speaking on behalf of the Jews, this guy says, Paul is a religious heretic. In the Roman empire, under Roman law, the Jewish religion was permitted, but he makes the stand that this guy is a part of a non-approved religious sect. Really what the Romans wanted was you to bow ultimately to Caesar.

This guy is part of a sect of religion that is anti-Jewish and therefore is anti-under Roman law.

Accusation #3 He tried to Profane the temple and thankfully we seized him. This is a little different than the accusation made by the Jews from Asia who said he brought Trophimus into the temple and did defile the temple, Tertullus says he attempted to, but thankfully we seized him before it happened.

Before we move to verse 8, if you are holding an English Standard Version, verse 6 reads

Acts 24:6 (ESV) — 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.

However if you are holding an NASB, New American Standard Version the text reads

Acts 24:6 (NASB95) — 6 “And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. We wanted to judge him according to our own Law.

Then the NASB includes verse 7

Acts 24:7 (NASB95) — 7 “But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands...

Along with the NASB, the KJV and NKJV includes verse 7 while, the ESV and NIV withholds 6b and 7. Why?

There is much debate and textual criticism and much more than we could possibly dive into. The short of it it, from my understanding, all agree that the most original manuscripts do not include verse 6b and 7, however for those who have added it, their argument is the flow of the text does not necessarily fit and or make sense when you stop at 6b.

Why…The next verse, verse 8 says

Acts 24:8 (ESV) — 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

As we move through the text you will see in verse 22b Felix says after hearing Paul...

English Standard Version Chapter 24

When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.”

Because Felix says this, the translators of the NASB, NKJV and KJV have taken the liberty to put in parenthesis verse 6b and 7, because they are saying that the attorney and prosecutor Tertullus and the Jews are arguing they actually did the right thing and it was the Roman tribune, Claudius Lysius from the Roman military who stepped in, when he did not need to, even though the Jews wanted to judge him according to their own law, but Lysias came along and violently snatched Paul out of their hands. So they are not only saying Paul was clearly in the wrong, but Lysias was also because he did not allow them to judge Paul under their own law. In there eyes this then flows into the attorney saying, Most honorable Felix…verse 8....

Acts 24:8-9 (ESV) 8 By examining him (Lysias) yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” (including Paul) 9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

If you do not add verse 6b and 7 then the text is referring to you need to examine Paul yourself and to be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.

Again, if you do add verse 6b and 7 , You need to go and talk to Lysias and examine him about everything we accuse, not only Paul, but also Lysias.

In other words, we did everything right, it was Paul who was a plague, rebellious, caused an uproar and is part of the religious sect and profaning the temple... we seized him and tried to do the right thing, but your guy the Roman Tribune, Lysias violently took him from us. You need to talk to both these guys.

Well, after all of that explanation, I cannot dogmatically say where I land. Its one of these textual variances which I think will be battled until we are taken home. With that said, Tertullus is done and Felix looks over and gives the nod for Paul to now defend himself of the accusations Tertullus has made.

Paul’s Defense

Acts 24:10–11 (ESV) — 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. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem,

Paul does not have a hired defense attorney. Paul represents himself, but as we know Paul has the greatest defense attorney ever, which is the Spirit, which is within him as his conscious is clear.

Paul begins his defense not by flattering Felix, but simply by reminding Felix that he has been a judge over this nation for sometime, 5 years in particular, so in turn Felix knows enough to understand Jewish belief and customs.

What else does Felix know before Paul even speaks. Well remember Claudius sent that letter in chapter 23 to Felix.

Felix knows Paul is a Roman citizen,

According to Claudius, the Jews seized him and were about to kill him, but Claudius rescued him because of his Roman citizenship.

He was brought before the Sanhedrin, and it was clear that the charges being brought forth were not deserving of death for they could not be proven.

Paul then moves on in verse 11 and gives a quick timeline, to say how silly some of the accusations being made are. Felix, its been 12 days since I stepped foot in Jerusalem to then go and worship. I went to Jerusalem to worship. I landed, James and the elders greeted me, I went to the temple paid for 4 others and myself to fulfill the Nazarite vow which took 7 days, how much time did I even have to be a plague, and cause riots.

There is no such thing as social media, no texting, no twitter. What I was doing or not doing could not go viral in a matter of an hour or two or even a week. You know how long it took the Egyptian prophet to try and cause a revolt in Jerusalem, it takes time to begin to stir people up, and create a coalition to rebel to then cause riots. That is complete non-sense. He says that in verse 12.

Acts 24:12 (ESV) 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. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me.

No one can prove with objective, verifiable evidence did anyone anywhere see me disputing, arguing, or even conversing within others in the temple or synagogues. You want to know what I was doing.

I came to worship. You want to know what I was doing? I showed up in Jerusalem after years of collecting money for the church in Jerusalem and in particular the poor. For years I was traveling all over this Roman empire, Syria, Derbe, Lystra, Galatia, Troas, Philippi, Athens, Corinth Ephesus, Etc., collecting money for the poor which I finally delivered some 12 days ago.

I told this to the church in Rome when I recently wrote to them.

Romans 15:25–28 (ESV) — 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.

I told this to the church in Corinth when I wrote to them.

1 Corinthians 16:1–4 (ESV) — 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

I then went to the temple, not to stir up strife or discord, but to pay for 4 guys to complete the Nazarite vow. Before coming to Jerusalem I was in Gentile land, so I to did it right alongside them. You know enough to know that its very serious. I dont take that lightly. They cannot prove any of this any this in regards to me causing a riot or stirring up the crowd.

So in regards to law, this is the most serious that Tertullus has brought to Felix in regards to Roman law and the Pax Romana. Paul didn’t, but he could have went on and said this first one is civil and cannot be proven and the other two they have brought up are religious in nature so you are not really to handle these anyway.

But Paul goes on.

Acts 24:14-15 (ESV) 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, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

I like the NASB, I think its a bit more accurate in our language, its “this I admit.”

They call me a Nazarene. I will call it according to the Way. They Way has already been used in Acts 9:2, 19:9, 13

As a follower of the Way, as a Christian, I do worship the God of our Fathers, the one true God, Jesus Himself.

These guys who are bringing charges against me... I worship the one they say they believe in and worship...I actually believe in and worship.

If they believed everything, from the law and written in the prophets, they to would know that the Way, Jesus is continually prophesied about in the law and the prophets. ananias, and all the big shot sanhedrin says they know and believe in the scriptures, with all humility Felix, I actually know and believe the God of the scriptures, who is the Way who is Jesus.

I worship the one True God, the God who has laid down everything, and that God these guys actually accept, but they dont really fully understand and believe what they say they believe in turn they dont actually know nor believe.

verse 15 I have hope in the true God, which they accept, that there will actually, not potentially, but actually be a resurrection of the just and the unjust.

They accept it but they dont believe it for if they did believe it, they would know the clarity that is says the very hope I have is in the Messiah who has come, the Way, Jesus Himself. Felix these guys that are making these accusation... Jesus, the Way actually talked about guys like these.

John 5:39–47 (ESV) — 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from people. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

All the prophets including Moses himself was pointing to the way and he was pointing to the one who would fulfill the law and the prophets, fulfill the scripture they say they accept. The Way, Jesus Himself said,

John 13:18–20 (ESV) — 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

In other words I, Jesus, and the Father, God the Father are one. you accept the God of the Old Testament you accept me. you accept me, you accept the God of the Old Testament.

Matthew 1:22–23 (ESV) — 22

This a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14.

Felix, I truly believe in the one which they say they accept. They, Ananias and these Pharisees, accept there will be a resurrection of the just and the unjust, I, without a shadow of a doubt believe this. The Prophet Job says it in Job 19. Prophet Isaiah says it in Isaiah 26:19. Daniel the prophet says it in Daniel 12.

By the way, the Way confirms this in...

John 5:28–29 (ESV) — 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Felix this is unreal. Sinclair Ferguson said, “Paul is saying I actually believe, what these men profess to believe.”

Verse 16. My conscious is clear.

Acts 24:16 (ESV) So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.

My conscious is clear. I am not giving an inch on this. I will not waver. Paul reminds Felix once again what he was actually doing and then comes back to the resurrection. Look at verse 17.

Acts 24:17-21 (ESV) Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,

I brought the alms to Jerusalem, I presented offerings, they actually found me purified in the temple, no crowd, no commotion, no spectacle. you want to know who caused the spectacle, it was Jews who were in Asia, in particular Ephesus, when I was there. They made some silly accusation that they supposedly saw me in the Temple with a guy named Trophimus (Acts 21:29).

In verse 19 Paul says, by the way where are they. You know Felix even under Roman law, the ones making the accusations are actually supposed to be there testifying and verifying the accusation. Its interesting to me they couldn't show up. They can come all the way from Ephesus to Jerusalem, but for some reason it was impossible for them to show up here in Cesarea, to confirm such a serious accusation when my life is on the line. In other words, they think what I did was so serious and so blasphemous that they drug me out of the temple knowing that if I did that I could be killed for it, yet they can’t come here to actually affirm.

They must be pretty convinced of what they are accusing me of…or not.

Or. verse 20, what about even the guys standing before me. They hire this orator, who was no where around but for some money he’s willing to make such a serious accusation on their behalf, being vague at best while they stand here in the courts and know that what this guy is saying is lies. These guys are a part of the big bad Sanhedrin, they supposedly know the law and the prophets better than anyone, yet they sit here silent, because they know at the end of the day they have nothing to say, but in reality they want to wipe me dead over one thing… and in particular the Sadducees over one thing. Verse 21.

Acts 24:21 (ESV) other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’ ”

I didn't cause riots, actually they did. I wasn't part of some outlandish, idol worshipping sect, actually what I am a part of an d a ringleader of, is more in alignment with what they say they believe, and I didn't defile the temple. I’m here and on trial with respect to the resurrection of the dead, which under Roman law means I should not be on trial at all!

Paul finishes his defense and defends on his own, with clear conscience and in regards to the charges brought up is guiltless.

He slams the door on the hearing by finishing with what is the hinge by which Christianity stands and falls, the resurrection.

What is Felix to do?

You have the big shots of the Sanhedrin standing here.

Felix is the governor and his utmost priority is to keep the peace so he can appear to be this amazing governor.

The verdict absolutely cannot be guilty based on the vague charges and evidence presented.

The verdict is... let’s just wait a little. Look at verse 22.

Paul Turns the Tables

Acts 24:22–27 (ESV) — 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.” 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.

Felix has adequate enough knowledge about the way, Jesus, that he could internally and intellectually know that the charges brought forth were unverifiable and which had no grounds for Paul being guilty. Paul is clearly fearful of letting Paul go.

He says we must hear from Claudius.

Why? You know what Claudius thinks. He has already heard from Claudius in the letter which read,

Acts 23:29 (ESV) — 29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.

The Sanhedrin obvisouly knows nothing of this letter and as all good trials do, the case must continue.

Consider,

Proverbs 21:1 (ESV) — 1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

The Lord could have turned the governors heart to immediate free Paul and the story possibly goes in a different direction, but God had other plans for Paul. As we know, God is sovereignly in control of all things.

So Felix orders the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but clearly not as a prisoner, but with liberty, some freedom, the word used here could be translated from the original with some relaxation of custody.

I say all that knowing this was by no means a vacation for Paul. He will still be under Roman watch 24/7 but will have freedom to have friends come and go as he stays on the shore of the Mediterranean.

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Felix keeps Paul in custody to appease the Jews and it appears to protect Paul as a Roman citizen for remember Paul’s nephew said there was a group of 40 who took an oath to assassinate Paul. To rid him from the earth.

God is sovereign and working all things together for our good and His glory as He unfolds His story exactly the way in which He predetermined it to unfold.

For the next two years Paul will have the face to face opportunity, to sit with and reason from the word of God, the one who is governor and judge of Judea and to turn the tables and point him, Felix, to the one who is ultimately the Judge and Jury of his eternal state.

Look at verse 24.

Acts 24:24 (ESV)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.

Paul is detained and on the Mediterranean under the rule of Felix.

As I somewhat already noted Felix was not the most upstanding guy of the bunch. Young ladies your not wanting to bring home a guy like Felix.

Felix was a womanizer and Drusilla his now wife has also had her share of multiple husbands, this being her third.

Looking into Drusilla a little more from a historical standpoint, Drusilla came from an albeit Royal line, an evil line.

King Herod Agrippa, or Herod the Great who built the place Paul is staying, was her grandfather and Herod Agrippa the II was her dad.

She had the pleasure of coming from the line who’s grandpa was the one who was part of the Christmas story we read every year in Matthew 2.

What was he infamous for there.

Matthew 2:1–4 (ESV) — 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

We know they are warned in a dream of evil Herod.

Matthew 2:12 (ESV) — 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Matthew 2:16 (ESV) — 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.

Drusilla will always being known as the granddaughter of the one who slaughtered a multitude of babies, because He wanted to ultimately kill the creator of those babies, the Lord, King Jesus Himself.

Along with this part of the family makeup we will get to her brother and sister Bernice in chapter 25 and 26 having an immoral relationship with one another.

Yes it is her who is married to politician and governor, Felix.

What does Paul do with the time he has as these two immoral, unethical, greedy, dishonest, dishonorable, sinful couple for some reason sed for Paul and want to hear from him....

He talks politics.

He tells him what he needs to do to better protect the county.

He tells them how to reform the economic system of Rome.

How to change the wealth distribution or create more jobs.

Acts 24:25a (ESV) And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment,

Where have we heard this. In synagogue, to the market place and to anyone who would listen.

Acts 17:2–3 (ESV) — 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”

Acts 17:17 (ESV) — 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

In Corinth

Acts 18:4 (ESV) — 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

Everywhere Paul went he was ready to give a defense of the hope that was in him.

Paul Reasoned about righteousness, self-control and coming judgment.

Felix, Drusilla you know including myself, there is none righteous no not one. I know you felt pretty good about yourself as Tertullus was calling you the most excellent one and praising you for the peace in which you have given Jerusalem.

Brother, dont be so quick to forget the evil, injustice, even inhumane and brutal things you have done to the people in and around Rome. Don’t be so quick to forget how you have taken advantage of the poor. Don’t be so quick to forget how many woman you have had in your life. You are seperated from a Holy and perfect God of the universe and by the way so are you Drusilla.

Drusilla, I dont care what line of royalty you have come from, you know the evil in which your family has done and the corruption you have also been a part of. Your wealth and health and prosperity will never make you nor anyone else right with a perfect and Holy God.

You know as well as I do, if God could and does mark our iniquities, our sins in which we fall short of his perfect law, and I know you know it enough Drusilla because you are a Jew, who could stand. I mean you are a Jew and went against the law and married a Gentile. You can’t, Felix cannot and neither can I.

Truth be known, your lives laid on the table from continuing to chase after money, to luxurious living, to immoral relationships it will never be enough. You have no self control.

What has Paul done? Paul has called out their sin. Consider that this is same picture of Jesus with the women as the well. When he starts explaining to their immoral lifestyle he knows they have lived, its as if the couple sits their speechless, jaw dropped as their out of control evil life is laid on the table.

Because of that, if you do not put your faith Alone in Christ alone, as the one who took on your sin as the cross, was buried and yes was resurrected from the grave and conquered death and fulfilled the law and the prophets, there will be coming judgment.

I know you will ultimate declare the verdict on me in this earthly court, but I am presenting to you a heavenly a divine court that you will appear before, the judgement seat of the Way, the Judgment seat of Christ.

Felix, Drusilla, you must hear me and cannot plead ignorance.

Acts 17:30–31 (ESV) — 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Felix you a Gentile and Drusilla you a Jew will be judged by the almighty judge, who god has appointed, Jesus Christ and if you are not right with God by Faith in Christ you have no assurance, for sure you should not, to think the sinful life you have lived is ok, or is anywhere near enough to have you enter into eternal glory.

At that moment, Paul brought up the eternal weight of judgment and hell, Felix was completely afraid. Felix once again does what he did when he needed to give a verdict to Paul, he kicks the ball down the court a little further and puts it off. Look at verse 25b.

Acts 24:25b-27 (ESV)Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 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. 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.

Why is the resurrection of Jesus then and even now which causes such an uproar?