Acts 24:22-25:12 - Paul and Festus

Read the Text - Acts 24:22-25:12

Introduction

Last week we were in Revelation. Now we are back in Acts!

Last time we were in Acts we were with Paul where he was on trial before Felix

Paul defends himself against the accusations made against him by the lawyer of the Jews

Paul ends his appeal with an appeal to the ressurection of Christ

Paul and Felix (v.22-27)

Felix knew of the Way (v.22-23)

Acts 24:22–23 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.

To know but not know

Felix was familiar with Christianity and Judaism

Notice that knowing about Christianity does not make one a Christian

One may have knowledge of the head about Christ - but that does not mean they really know Christ!

That is why we end up with so many apostates in the church

People who knew lots of good theology but did not truly know the one from who it is from.

1 John 2:19 ESV

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

Waiting for the tribune - extending the game

Felix calls for Paul to be held in hopes that he may gain something for himself - we read that Felix wants a bribe.

He already knows based on the letter he received why Paul is there

He already knows that Paul is innocent - he is trying to pad his own pockets

That is the Roman game - how much can you benefit from the people under you?

Paul given special treatment

Felix is going to let Paul’s friends come and see him because he knows that they may bring money to get Paul free

Paul preaches to Felix (24-27)

Acts 24:24–27 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. 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.” 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 and Drusilla

Romans Historian Tacticus wrote of Felix: “Felix occupied the office of a king while having the mind of a slave, saturated with cruelty and lust.”

Drusilla: Jewish woman who left her husband to be with the Felix and receive power

Power through Adultery

Paul preaches to them

Paul shares the gospel with them - Telling them about:

Faith in Christ

Righteousness

Self-control

Coming Judgement

Paul would have spoken prophetically to them as these were corrupt people

Righteousness - ruling justly

Self-control - could have been in regard to sexual and physical desires

Coming Judgement - that they need to repent because they will be judged by the true judge one day.

Felix gets spooked by this - send Paul away

Many do not like to hear of the coming judgement - that is why the gospel is a stumbling block to many.

We do not like to be told that we need to change!

We do not like to be told that we are in the wrong!

Once again Felix wants money

Felix keeps giving Paul opportunity to bribe him but rather Paul was most likely just giving Felix sermons

This goes on for two entire years - until Felix leaves and leaves Paul in prison to do the Jews a favor.

Clearly he did not become a Christian - do you think Paul ever quit sharing though?

Who knows how many times over those two years Paul got to share Christ with Felix.

God had Paul right where he was supposed to be

This may lead some to question the Lord’s goodness

But look at it this way - God had Paul protected by being in prison

In fact when Paul is imprisoned in Rome (in the future) he writes many of his letters!

Paul Appeals to Caesar (25:1-12)

Festus takes control (v.1-6)

Acts 25:1–6 ESV

1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.” 6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.

Festus the new guy

Festus was just a new guy who knew nothing of the Way or of Judaism

He goes to investigate the situation!

They want Paul back in Jerusalem because they want to kill him on the way - Festus says they will have a trial in Casearea - where Paul is.

Paul’s defense and his appeal to Caesar (v.7-12)

Acts 25:7–12 ESV

7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

The Jews start accusing Paul but there is no evidence of any wrong on Paul’s part

So Festus was just going to send him to Jerusalem to do them a favor - but Paul appeals to Caesar!

This was his right as a roman citizen to have his case taken to the highest court!

By this time he would be brought to Nero!

Who was good for the first five years of his reign (54-59) - but after that He turns into one of the most brutal corrupt rulers ever!

When Paul makes it to him is when he begins to turn - It would seem that Paul was making a great decision but little did he know Nero was waiting with the sword!

However, what we will see is the promise of Christ fulfilled:

Matthew 10:16–19 ESV

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.

Application

Do you know the Way?

Are you prepared for Judgement?

God guides your steps according to his plan!