Acts 24 - How to Handle Persecution

Trial before the governor, Felix

The charges leveled against Paul

Acts 24:1 NIV

Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.

Acts 24:2 NIV

When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation.

Acts 24:3 NIV

Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.

Acts 24:4 NIV

But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

Acts 24:5 NIV

“We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect

Acts 24:6 NIV

and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.

Acts 24:7 (NIV)

The New International Version

him, and we would have judged him in accordance with our law. 7But the commander Lysias came and took him from us with much violence, 8ordering his accusers to come before you.

Acts 24:8 NIV

By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”

Acts 24:9 NIV

The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.

Paul gives a defense

Acts 24:10 NIV

When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.

Acts 24:11 NIV

You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

Acts 24:12 NIV

My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.

Acts 24:13 NIV

And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.

Acts 24:14 NIV

However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,

Acts 24:15 NIV

and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

Acts 24:16 NIV

So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Acts 24:17 NIV

“After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings.

Acts 24:18 NIV

I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.

Acts 24:19 NIV

But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me.

Acts 24:20 NIV

Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin—

Acts 24:21 NIV

unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ”

Felix makes a decision by not making a decision

Acts 24:22 NIV

Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.”

Acts 24:23 NIV

He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.

“Let’s talk”

Acts 24:24 NIV

Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.

Acts 24:25 NIV

As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

Acts 24:26 NIV

At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

The changing of the guard

Acts 24:27 NIV

When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

We cannot expect justice in an unjust world, but we can trust in the sovereignty of a just God.