Acts 24 - Faithful When Life Isn’t Fair

Acts 24:22–27

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that just wasn’t fair? Maybe you were overlooked for a promotion at work, blamed for something you didn’t do, or faced consequences because of someone else’s choices. We all know what it feels like to be caught in the middle of circumstances we didn’t create and can’t control.

The truth is, unfairness is a part of life in a broken world. Even as followers of Jesus, we aren’t promised a life free from injustice or disappointment. In fact, sometimes our faithfulness to God puts us right in the middle of difficult situations.

Today, we’re going to look at a moment in the life of the Apostle Paul—a man who knew what it meant to face unfair circumstances. Left in prison, not because of any crime, but because of political games and selfish motives, Paul’s story in Acts 24 shows us how to respond when life isn’t fair. His example teaches us that even when we can’t control our circumstances, we can control our response. And in those moments, God is still at work, calling us to stay faithful and trust Him with the outcome.

So, what do we do when life isn’t fair? Let’s find out together.

Big Idea: When life isn’t fair, stay faithful - God is still at work.

1. Unfair Circumstances Are Real (v. 27)

Paul was left in prison, not because of guilt, but because Felix wanted to please the Jews.

Sometimes, we suffer not for our own wrongdoing, but because of the brokenness and politics of the world.

Quote:

“Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.” Spurgeon

“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” Tozer

“God never wastes a hurt. Even in the unfair, He is working for your good and His glory.” Ed Newton

Illustration: Imagine a student who studies hard but is unfairly accused of cheating. Despite their innocence, they face consequences because of someone else’s actions. Like Paul, sometimes we suffer not for our own wrongdoing, but because of the brokenness and politics of the world.

Life Application: Don’t be surprised when life is unfair. Jesus warned us that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33). Instead of asking “Why me?” ask, “How can I honor God in this?”

2. Faithfulness Is Still Required (v. 23, 26)

Paul didn’t waste his time in prison. He continued to witness, teach, and maintain his integrity.

He didn’t compromise or try to bribe his way out, even though Felix hoped for it.

Quote:

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” Spurgeon

“The true follower of Christ will not ask, ‘If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?’ Rather, he will say, ‘Let me have the truth, come what may!’” Tozer

“Faithfulness is not proven in the spotlight, but in the shadows where only God sees.” Ed Newton

Illustration: Think of Joseph in prison in Egypt. He didn’t waste his time or compromise his integrity. He served faithfully, and God used him in ways he never expected.

Life Application: Wherever you are—whether in a place you want to be or not—serve God with all your heart (Colossians 3:23-24). Don’t compromise your integrity, even if it seems like the easy way out.

3. God’s Purposes Are at Work, Even in Delay (v. 24-25)

Paul had opportunities to share the gospel with Felix and Drusilla—people he might never have met otherwise.

God uses our waiting and suffering for His glory and for the good of others (Romans 8:28).

Quote:

“God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.” Spurgeon

“While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who hasn’t surrendered His authority.” Tozer

“Delay is not denial. God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t match our calendar.” Ed Newton 

Illustration: A missionary once waited years to see any fruit from his work. He felt forgotten, but later discovered that seeds planted in those “silent” years led to a revival he never saw coming.

Life Application: Trust that God is working, even when you can’t see it (Romans 8:28). Use seasons of waiting as opportunities to grow in faith and look for ways God might use you right where you are.

4. Our Response Matters (v. 16)

Paul kept a clear conscience before God and man.

Our attitude and actions in unfair situations can be a powerful testimony to others.

Quote:

“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered.” Spurgeon

“The world is waiting to hear an authentic voice, a voice from God—not an echo of what others are doing and saying, but an authentic voice.” Tozer

“Your response in adversity is your loudest sermon.” Ed Newton

Illustration: Corrie ten Boom, imprisoned for hiding Jews during WWII, chose forgiveness over bitterness. Her response became a powerful testimony to the world.

Life Application: Keep your conscience clear before God and others (Acts 24:16). Respond to unfairness with faith, hope, and love—not bitterness or compromise (1 Peter 2:19-23). Your attitude can point others to Christ.

Conclusion

Maybe today you find yourself in the middle of unfair circumstances. You’re waiting, hurting, or wondering if God even sees what you’re going through. Paul’s story reminds us that even when life isn’t fair, God is still at work. He calls us to remain faithful, to trust His purposes, and to respond in a way that points others to Him.

But the greatest example of facing injustice is Jesus Himself. He was completely innocent, yet He suffered the ultimate unfairness—He was betrayed, falsely accused, beaten, and crucified. But He endured all of it for you and for me. Why? Because our sin separated us from God, and only Jesus could pay the price to bring us back to Him.

The good news—the gospel—is that Jesus didn’t stay in the grave. He rose again, proving that He has power over sin, death, and every unfair circumstance. Because of what Jesus has done, you can have forgiveness, hope, and a new life that nothing in this world can take away.

If you’ve never trusted Jesus as your Savior, today can be the day you receive His gift of grace. Admit your need for Him, believe that He died and rose again for you, and commit your life to follow Him. He promises to be with you, even in the hardest moments, and to give you a hope that lasts forever.

For those who already know Christ, remember: your faithfulness in the face of unfairness is a powerful testimony. Let’s trust God, stay faithful, and point others to the hope we have in Jesus.