Acts 24:10-21

INTRODUCTION

Open with a courtroom illustration — how the truth often must defend itself against distortion.

Paul, falsely accused, stands not merely as a defendant, but as a witness to the resurrection.

In Acts 24, the gospel itself seems on trial — but as always, it is the truth that stands firm.

Big Idea: When the gospel is on trial, God’s people must stand with clarity, integrity, and hope in the resurrection.

I. Paul’s Defense Begins with Respectful Clarity (v.10–12)

“Knowing you have been a judge for many years… I gladly make my defense.” (v.10)

A. Paul models reasoned and respectful witness.

He doesn’t flatter Felix as Tertullus did (v.2–4); instead, he speaks truthfully and courteously.

Respect for authority doesn’t mean compromise—it reflects trust in God’s sovereignty.

Application: Christians can be bold without being belligerent.

B. Paul answers the accusations with verifiable facts.

“It is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.” (v.11)

The brevity of his stay proves he had no time to stir up sedition.

He had come for worship, not for riot.

Application: Integrity in life gives credibility to our witness; facts silence falsehoods.

C. Faithful witness often means calmly dismantling lies.

“They did not find me disputing with anyone or causing a disturbance…” (v.12)

Paul demonstrates that truth and transparency are the Christian’s best defense.

II. Paul Declares His Faithful Allegiance to the God of Scripture (v.13–15)

“I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect.” (v.14)

A. The gospel is not a departure from Scripture but its fulfillment.

Paul claims continuity: “I believe everything written in the Law and the Prophets.”

Christianity is the culmination of God’s promises, not their replacement.

The Way (v.14) is shorthand for the path of fulfillment God promised in the Messiah.

B. Paul reframes the accusation: not a sect, but the true worship of Israel’s God.

His opponents call it heresy (hairesis), but Paul calls it the Way of truth.

Christianity was not rebellion—it was revelation.

Application: Don’t let the world define your faith. Define it by Scripture and by Christ.

C. Paul anchors his defense in the shared hope of resurrection.

“I have the same hope in God… that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (v.15)

The resurrection is not a side issue—it is the heartbeat of biblical faith.

The hope of resurrection drives integrity, courage, and mission.

III. Paul Lives with a Clear Conscience Before God and Man (v.16)

“I always strive to have a clear conscience before God and people.”

A. The gospel transforms not just belief but behavior.

Conscience (suneidēsis) in Paul’s thought is the moral awareness shaped by faith.

A clear conscience doesn’t mean sinless perfection—it means ongoing repentance and sincerity before God.

Application: The credibility of our message depends on the integrity of our lives.

B. Paul’s conscience frees him to speak with courage.

Because he lives transparently before God, he can stand confidently before men.

Illustration: The clean conscience of a believer is stronger than the courtroom of the world.

Application: Keep short accounts with God; confession keeps the conscience clear.

IV. Paul Reveals His True Mission and Motive (v.17–19)

“After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people.” (v.17)

A. Paul’s presence in Jerusalem was driven by love, not rebellion.

His purpose: to bring alms for the poor and offerings to God.

The accusers twist charity into conspiracy.

Application: Even godly motives will be misunderstood—be faithful anyway.

B. Opposition often arises from those who misunderstand grace.

The disturbance came from Jews from Asia (v.18–19)—outsiders who resisted the gospel.

Paul’s faithfulness provoked hostility, just as Jesus’ did.

Application: Expect that living out grace will invite opposition from religious or cultural critics.

V. Paul Centers His Defense on the Resurrection (v.20–21)

“It is because of the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.”

A. Paul refuses to make the trial about himself—it’s about Jesus.

He identifies the real issue: resurrection.

By focusing on resurrection, Paul moves the debate from politics to theology.

Application: Keep the main thing the main thing—the resurrection of Christ.

B. The resurrection is the dividing line of all faith.

The Pharisees believed in resurrection; the Sadducees denied it.

Paul shows that Christianity’s claim is not if resurrection happens—but that it has happened in Jesus.

Application: Every worldview must answer: what happens after death? Only the gospel offers a living hope.

C. The resurrection vindicates both message and messenger.

If Jesus is raised, then the gospel is true and Paul’s conscience is clean.

The truth of the resurrection guarantees the final vindication of all who belong to Christ.

CONCLUSION

The world still puts the gospel on trial—through cultural pressure, misunderstanding, and moral opposition.

Like Paul, we must:

Stand with clarity—speak truth with calm courage.

Live with integrity—keep a clear conscience before God and people.

Proclaim our hope—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaway: When the gospel is on trial, let your life and your lips testify to the risen Christ.