Paul Before Tertullus And Felix
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Pastoral Prayer
Pray for God’s glory to shine in our church family.
Pray for confession of sin.
Pray for VBS
Pray for spiritual maturity at OBC
Announcement:
I want to invite the Jorge family to come forward.
Today will be their last Sunday with us as they will be moving to Calgary (TOMORROW). They have been with us since the beginning 2022. They have been regularly active in our church family.
Jorge Family: We’re excited for you as you embark in your new adventure. We are also sad because we will greatly miss you.
After the service in the Vernon Hall, there will be a light lunch. So I encourage you to spend that time encouraging the Jorge Family.
Of course, this is not a “Good Bye.” For those of us who are in Christ, it’s more like “See You Later.” We hope that you’ll visit us whenever you’re in Vancouver.
Let’s pray.
[SLIDE 1] Introduction
If you have your Bible, then please turn to Acts 24:1-27.
If you personally enjoy legal dramas, then this chapter is especially an exciting and thrilling drama.
Today’s title is called: “Paul Before Tertullus and Felix.”
Illustration
Biblical Theology
Context
We remember that the Apostle Paul back in Acts 21 got into trouble with the Jewish people. He was then falsely accused of a few things that got him into trial before the Jewish council.
And in the previous passage, some of the Jews plotted to ambush and kill Paul, so Claudius safely sent Paul from Jerusalem all the way to Caesarea.
I’m going to talk about how the Apostle Paul will stand on trial in the court before Tertullus and Felix.
Certainly, there were more people watching and observing the trial.
But the focus of this message will be on these three characters.
Some of the important people in the courtroom are:
The Judge - who is Felix the Governor
The Prosecutor - who is Tertullus
Defendant - The Apostle Paul
Plaintiff - the Jewish council and high priest who are bringing the lawsuit against Paul.
Paul doesn’t have a defense attorney. He has no one to defend him. He’s also outnumbered by his opponents.
Nevertheless, there are two things that Paul has on his side.
He has the truth on his side and he has God on his side.
Martin Luther quite possibly said this, “One with God is a majority.” This certainly relates to Paul here.
With that said, there are three characters we can observe as we unfold this dramatic passage. First...
Exposition
[SLIDE 2] 1. Tertullus: The False Accuser (vv.1-9)
What I mean by “The False Accuser” is in reference to someone who makes accusations that are false.
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.
This event took place 5 days after Paul arrived in Caesarea.
We’re introduced to a character called Tertullus.
He was a spokesman. This means that he’s an attorney, a lawyer.
Regarding his background, he was probably a Hellenistic Jew because his name was Greek.
And the Jewish council and the high priest hired Tertullus to advocate for them and state their case against the Apostle Paul because he knew the Roman law.
And when Felix summoned Tertullus, he begins sucking up to the governor in verses 2-3. [SLIDE 3]
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.
Tertullus opens the statement with a praise to Felix for improving peace that he and the Jews get to enjoy under his authority.
But, is this really true? I don’t think so according to historical commentators. The Jewish leadership actually did not like him.
Here’s a brief historical background of Felix.
His full name was Antonius Felix.
He used to be a slave until he obtained his freedom as a freed slave.
Felix eventually rose to power through his connections with Roman Emperor Claudius.
Because of Emperor Claudius, Felix became the Roman Procurator of Judea from AD 52-60.
A Procurator was a governor who was responsible for managing a specific Roman territory on behalf of a higher authority (namely, Roman Emperor).
According to a Roman historian, Tacitus, Felix ruled as a tyrant and unjust governor.
He’s portrayed as an evil man who wielded power insensitively.
Some have commented that he ruled as a governor with the spirit or mind of a slave.
Furthermore, his rule over Palestine was marked by turmoil and civil unrest.
He dealt with an insurrection by crucifying hundreds of rebels.
So, that’s the context of Felix and who Tertullus was addressing.
[SLIDE 4] After “smooching” on Felix, Tertullus states in verse 4.
4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
Detain can also be translated as “weary” or “hinder.” It carries the idea of making the progress slow or difficult.
Tertullus may have said to Felix, “Oh governor, I don’t want to make the progress slow for you and take up too much of your time, so allow me to get to straight to the point and make this case rather brief.”
If I am reading between the lines, I think maybe Tertullus was afraid to stand before Felix.
[SLIDE 5] So, he launches his accusation against the Apostle Paul.
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. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
So, Tertullus presents his case before Felix, and all the Jews in verse 9 were probably standing at the back and just nodding their heads and affirming Tertullus’ charge.
The whole point of this accusation is to get Felix to move into action, examine Paul and execute him because Paul is a disrupter of peace.
What were the charges? What’s the accusation? Well, Tertullus spent more time attacking Paul and his character rather than presenting evidences.
He calls Paul a plague, a disease, a pest, a troublemaker.
What an insult! By calling Paul a plague, it shows that the Jews hated Paul deeply and resorted to attacking his character.
Like, how was Paul a plague?
Tertellus says, “This guy stirs up riots among ALL the Jews throughout the world. (Acts 21:28) He causes problems in everything he touches!”
Tertullus was falsely accusing Paul of being a political agitator…the one who’s causing division, riots, and uproars; thus, disturbing the peace throughout the world.
I mean talk about gross exaggeration: all the Jews throughout the world?
Certainly, Paul was involved in riots, but he wasn’t the instigator of the riots, but a victim.
And Tertullus did not provide a specific place where the riot occurred. There is no evidence from him.
He generalizes and broadbrushes everything, which is really a poor and fallacious argument.
He further calls Paul a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
The word, “Ringleader,” means the first to stand as the leader. It carries a negative connotation.
He’s a leader of a dangerous group or movement (or a sect) of the Nazarenes, which was the early form of Christianity because Jesus came from Nazareth. (And many in the Jewish culture had negative views on Nazareth.)
Finally, Tertullus brings a charge against what Paul actually did as an example of how he’s a plague and political agitator.
He profaned the temple. Okay, that’s the charge.
But the Jews seized him.
This was the originally the reason why Paul was arrested back in Acts 21:27-28.
We remember that the Jews from Asia accused Paul of bringing in a Greek or Gentile into the temple.
But, Paul didn’t do that.
And Tertullus doesn’t provide any sort of evidence or proof in his false accusation.
Many are like Tertullus. You don’t need to be a lawyer like him to be a professional liar. (of course, not all lawyers are liars, right Masao).
People use dishonesty, deceit, and manipulation to achieve personal or malicious goals.
And this is absolutely wrong.
I don’t care if you call it half-truth or white lie, but lying is lying, and God knows the truth.
It is contrary to the principles of Christian ethics.
It is contrary to what it means to be a follower of Jesus because Jesus always spoke the truth.
So, this is a reminder for believers to walk in honesty and integrity by trusting in the words of Jesus.
Jesus said Let our yes be yes and our no be no, anything more than this comes from evil.
And brothers and sisters, if you have stumbled in this area, by God’s grace, you can confess your sins before our Lord Jesus and ask Him cleanse you from all unrighteousness and renew your heart and spirit.
So, we have learned the 1st character: Tertullus: The False Accuser. Next...
[SLIDE 6] 2. Paul: The Faithful Defender (vv.10-21)
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.
Instead of charging Paul, Felix gives him an opportunity to speak.
What’s interesting is that Paul speaks WAY longer than Tertullus, which may show us that Paul doesn’t care if Felix thinks his defense was long.
Paul addresses Felix by acknowledging that he’s been a judge for many years, which was truth (so he gives him a bit of credit)
Unlike Tertullus, however, Paul is not interested in flattering him because he knows the truth about Felix’s character.
Afterwards, he moves on and cheerfully makes his defense before Felix with confidence
Here, in verses 11-13, Paul states the truth and states why Tertullus has no evidence on his false charges: [SLIDE 7]
11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 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.
Paul is saying, “Look, I’ve been in Jerusalem for no more than 12 days. Since I’ve been in Jerusalem, there’s no evidence to suggest that I’ve been disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple, synagogue, or the city.”
If they claim that I’m a trouble maker and a pest, then I would have done it sooner!
Tertullus and the Sanhedrin have no evidence to prove to you, Felix, the things that they are charging me for.
Paul defends by saying that he’s not a troublemaker or a plague.
Paul could have just ended his defense here, but he continues. [SLIDE 8]
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, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Paul is indicating that while they have no prove to bring their charge against him, he will admit and confess to Felix about something that is true of what Tertullus said.
And what Paul will say is going to offend the Jews so much in verse 14.
He says that following the Way (that’s following Jesus) is the way to align with the teaching of the Old Testament: The Law and Prophets.
He further says that following Jesus is also worshipping the God of our fathers (namely, the Jewish ancestors, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).
Paul is denying that Christianity was a dangerous group.
He is saying that this so called sect or dangerous group is actually the faithful community of God’s people.
And it is precisely because of the Law and the Prophets, Paul has hope in God that there will be a resurrection of the just and unjust. (And these Jews should also accept this hope of the resurrection since it’s the OT.)
Let me just say that there will be a resurrection for all people, not just for believers.
There will be the resurrection of life and resurrection of judgment.
Those who experience the resurrection of life will be with God for eternity.
Those who experience the resurrection of judgment will be sent into the lake of fire - along with the devil - for eternity.
So (or therefore), in verse 16, because of Paul’s hope in the resurrection and because of his trust, faith, and belief in the God of his fathers, he always strives and takes pains to have a clear conscience before God; he strives to be a man of integrity and do what the Scripture tells him to do, unlike these dishonest Jews falsely accusing him.
Now, Paul continues to share his (truthful) side of the story. [SLIDE 9]
17 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.
Paul notes that he hasn’t been to Jerusalem in several years.
He returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to his nation and present offerings.
Paul must have been referring to the financial gifts that he collected from the Gentile churches to support the financial struggle of the Jerusalem church.
Furthermore, notice that he says, “I came to bring alms to MY NATION.” (e.g. ethnos)
Paul shows his concern for his kinsmen and identifies with the nation of Israel.
Darrell Bock: “In Paul’s view, to contribute to Jews who believe in the hope of resurrection and the Messiah is to support Israel. That is the irony of the charge—Paul is on trial for supporting Israel and its faith.”
Afterwards, in verse 18, Paul responds to one of the charges by saying that he didn’t desecrate the temple.
While Paul was in Jerusalem, the Jews found him purified in the temple.
And there’s no uproar or riots from the crowd. Everything was peaceful.
We remember in Acts 21 that Paul was submitting to James and the elders instruction as a way to demonstrate his loyalty to his Jewish heritage.
So, Paul was going through the days of purification.
Paul wasn’t the one who caused trouble at the Jerusalem temple.
Rather, it was the Jews from Asia that caused trouble. They’re the ones who disturbed Paul’s time of worship.
Paul says in verse 19 that these Jews from Asia ought to be present in court before Felix and state their accusation against Paul, should they have anything against him.
However, they’re not present. And at the end of the day, Tertullus and the Jewish council lacked evidence to bring their charges against Paul.
Paul, then, turns his attention towards the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. [SLIDE 10]
20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 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.’ ”
In short, Paul got into trouble for preaching Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead.
The resurrection that he teaches is “according to the Way” of following Jesus, because Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets, and He is the fulfillment of the resurrection promise from God in the OT.
That’s the issue that the Jewish council could raise against Paul.
But believing in the resurrection wasn’t a crime nor is it technically a crime against the Jewish Law and Roman law.
Overall, Paul was innocent of the charge. There’s no evidence to accuse him of breaking Roman laws. He was a faithful defender because the truth was on his side, not on the side of his accusers.
What I love about Paul’s defense is that it can relate to the Christian responsibility of proclaiming the good news of Jesus to the lost and also being prepared to defend the Christian faith.
Paul had nothing to be afraid of because he knows and presupposes that whatever charges laid against him were wrong.
He cheerfully and gladly made his defense.
He is 100% convinced and confident that the truth is on his side.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul is sharp and has wit.
Similarly, brothers and sisters, if you know the truth, you shouldn’t be afraid to proclaim it and defend it.
Whatever charges laid against Christianity, the existence of God, and the Bible by secularists, we can confidently know that they’re wrong and the truth is not with them, but we need to also be ready to faithfully give a defense for the reason for the hope that is in us.
We may not always be able to convince them to believe in Christ, but we can be assured that we have done our part in spreading the truth to them.
And if you’re not ready, then I encourage you to do some study and reading on certain topics. (Feel free to borrow books from me)
So, we have learned about the 2nd character in this story: Paul: The Faithful Defender. Lastly:
[SLIDE 11] 3. Felix: The Foolish Procrastinator
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.
Paul may have wanted to continue his speech, but was stopped short by Felix by putting off the case.
In verse 22, Felix should be able to make a final decision regarding Paul’s innocency, but he delays that decision until Claudius Lysias (the tribune) comes down. Why is that?
It is possible that Claudius can provide more inputs as a witness on this case, which is not a bad thing.
But here’s the question: When will Claudius come?
A week?
A month?
More like never. We don’t see this ever happening.
Paul is going to be in prison in Caesarea for two years.
Felix knows that Paul was an innocent man.
Therefore, according to verse 23, while Paul was in prison / custody in Herod’s praetorium, he’ll still have (limited) freedom.
His friends can still visit him and meet his needs.
While Felix delayed his decision on Paul’s case, the real tragedy, however, is that Felix postponed an even more critical and dire decision, which is regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ. [SLIDE 12]
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. 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.”
Some days later, Luke tells us that Felix and his wife, Drusilla, met up with Paul.
Who’s Drusilla?
She’s Jewish.
This is actually her 2nd marriage.
She was married before, but Felix lured her away to marry him, and became his 3rd wife ever.
She was an attractive and beautiful young lady during this time. Most likely she’s a teenager. If not, then early 20s.
Moreoever, she was the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I.
It’s the same Herod who killed James back in Acts 12.
Her great grandfather - Herod The Great - was the same Herod in Matthew 2 that ordered the massacre of innocent babies in Bethlehem.
She’s also the sister of Herod Agrippa II and Bernice, whom we will meet in chapter 26.
Historically, there were a lot of different Herods, so I know it can be confusing learning names and historical figures.
As a member of Herod’s family and also being Jewish, she probably knew more about this new movement than Felix.
Because of Drusilla, that’s probably how Felix had an accurate knowledge of the early Christian movement called the Way.
After Felix summoned Paul before his presence, he heard Paul speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
Paul used this opportunity as a prisoner to tells both of them about Jesus and the need to trust in Him for salvation.
That’s why Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him that words may be given to him in opening his mouth to proclaim the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Paul doesn’t just speak to them, but notice in verse 25 that he reasons with them about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment as part of his ministry in evangelism.
To reason means to engage in a discussion. It means to converse or dialogue and solve problems.
It carries a sense of persuading someone to consider and examine the topic.
The goal is that they’ll become convinced of what they should think (or believe).
The Apostle Paul is reasoning with Felix and Drusilla and explaining to them three important topics (it’s like a three-point sermon) that may offend Felix and surely get Paul’s head chopped off.
First, Paul talks about Righteousness.
Felix needs to be made right with God. He needs to be justified by God.
However, God is holy, righteous and perfect, and Felix is absolutely not.
Felix is infinitely far from being righteous and upright. He’s guilty of all charges as a sinful and wicked man. His character is flawed with sin and corruption.
Perhaps, Paul explained to Felix how he can be made right with God by the finished work of Jesus.
He explained to Felix that he needs the righteousness of Jesus imputed into his account in order for him to be made right with God.
Second, Paul talks about Self-Control
Felix does not have self-control. He’s a lustful man.
Drusilla is his 3rd wife because she’s young and beautiful.
However, what if she gets old?
Felix thinks he can be satisfied by fulfilling the lust of his own heart, but it’s only temporary satisfaction.
Perhaps, Paul could also be saying to Drusilla, “You never know if Felix will divorce you and go with someone else!”
“And Felix, you need to come to Jesus and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit so that you can live a life of self-control to the glory of God.”
Third, Paul talks about The Coming Judgment
Felix may be the judge of Paul in Caesarea, but he will one day meet The Judge of the universe.
Paul may have said to Felix, “God will judge you for making Drusilla divorce her 1st husband. God will judge you for your tyranny. And unless you repent of your sins and trust Jesus, you will perish for all eternity in hell.”
Brothers and sisters, on top of telling sinners what Christ has done for them on the cross, the most loving thing we can do is to also warn people of the coming judgment with a sense of urgency.
Sometimes, that can be done by pleading with sinners. That can be done with tears and sorrow because you don’t want them to perish in eternal condemnation.
How did Felix respond to Paul’s three point sermon?
In verse 25, he responded emotionally with fear.
He was alarmed, terrified, afraid, or startled.
Certainly, when you know you’re a sinner, you’re not righteous, and you’re going to stand before the coming judgment of the Great and Holy Judge, you should be terrified.
While Felix should respond in fear, that’s not enough to save him.
He tells Paul, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”
In other words, when it’s convenient for me, I’ll talk to you about this message again.
But, this discussion doesn’t seem to happen again.
Luke tells us of a tragic ending of Felix. [SLIDE 13]
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.
Felix tries to bribe Paul, which was ironically illegal in principle in the Roman law.
But Paul refused to give Felix money even though Felix summoned him often.
After two years, Felix becomes a nobody. He was succeeded by Porcius Festus who will be the next governor of Caesarea.
Furthermore, he left Paul in prison.
And that’s the end of Antonius Felix.
Felix, the Procurator? More like Felix the Procrastinator.
That’s the 3rd character we have learned from this passage.
[SLIDE 14] So, in summary, we have learned three characters
First, Tertullus: The False Accuser
Second, Paul: The Faithful Defender
Third, Felix: The Foolish Procrastinator
Gospel
There are many who come to church who are like Felix.
They procrastinate in placing their trust in Jesus Christ.
Let me just say that there may be some of you this morning who have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ many times, who know how to have your sins forgiven (which is by trusting in death and resurrection of Jesus), and who know how to be reconciled to relationship with God through faith in Christ.
Yet, despite hearing the gospel so many times, you continue to put it off until later, whatever the reason may be.
Perhaps, as it may often be the case, you want to live your own life and perhaps follow Jesus at an older age.
But, my friend, here’s the problem: you don’t know if you have another day to live.
There is no guarantee that you have tomorrow.
Listen to me. I think the more time you put off from believing in Christ, the more harder it’ll be in the future.
Thomas Watson offers a helpful illustration of those who procrastinate repentance:
“It is dangerous to procrastinate repentance because the longer any go on in sin the harder they will find the work of repentance. Delay strengthens sin and hardens the heart and gives the devil fuller possession.
A plant at first may be easily plucked up, but when it has spread its roots deep in the earth, a whole team cannot remove it. It is hard to remove sin when once it comes to be rooted.
The longer the ice freezes the harder it is to be broken. The longer a man freezes in security, the harder it will be to have his heart broken.”
[SLIDE 15] Application / Conclusion
So, my friends, there is never a better time to turn from sin and receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour than this present moment.
Turn to Christ - all the ends of the earth - and be saved. Jesus died and was raised to save sinners and accomplish the work of redemption.
The Bible says that Today, if you hear his voice, DO NOT HARDEN your hearts as in the rebellion.
Today is the day of salvation.
Now (not later)....but NOW is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.
And if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
If God has done a supernatural work in convicting you of sin, in saving you, and in granting you faith in Jesus, then please talk to me about it.
Don’t delay.
May the Lord be gracious and have mercy on you.