Acts 24:1-27 | "Power in the Present"

Reading of Scripture

Pray

The basis for this sermon is all of Acts 24, but I want to begin by reading just two verses near the end of the chapter, verses 24-25.

Acts 24:24–25 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.”

Introduction

The title of this sermon is “Power in the Present.”

Proposition

The power of God’s witness through the Holy Spirit’s conviction compels a present response to the testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.

Introduction to Theme

When Jesus said:

Acts 1:8 (a)

“... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...”

That power promised in the Holy Spirit was power for Jesus’ followers to be His:

Acts 1:8 (b)

“…witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The power of God is essential for the people of God to be witnesses for Jesus, and the power of God is the presence of God and the working of God by His indwelling Holy Spirit.

Without the Holy Spirit, people will not be convinced of a need for Jesus. The work of the Holy Spirit is a work of conviction.

The Holy Spirit exposes or brings to light the wickedness of sin, the need we all have for righteousness, and the reality of the coming judgment in which we all will give an account of ourselves to God (John 16:8, Romans 14:12).

And when the conviction of the Holy Spirit is present, the power of the Spirit is present offering the gift of faith in that moment.

But faith has an enemy — called procrastination. (FCF)

Procrastination is the action of putting off for later what may be accomplished now — in the present.

Procrastination can be good or bad, but in the context of faith — Procrastination is an enemy of faith, a sin of rejection.

The most sinful procrastination of all is to put off the gift of faith God is offering NOW.

To neglect the power of God’s witness through the conviction of the Holy Spirit compelling faith in Jesus Christ — NOW.

It is equally sinful for we who are in Christ, to procrastinate and delay when God gives us faith to obey what He wants us to do.

How often it is, that people procrastinate and put off for later the faith that is available in the present! (FCF)

Introduction to the Text

Acts 24 reveals to us a governor at Caesarea, named Felix. And Felix was a procrastinator.

When faith in Jesus Christ was spoken to him, the Holy Spirit was present, as Paul reasoned about righteousness, and self control, and the coming judgment.

And the conviction of the Holy Spirit was evident in that Felix “was alarmed,” meaning he was extremely afraid (LN).

It raises for us a question — Did Felix receive the faith that was available to him in that moment?

Faith to receive Jesus as his righteousness?

Faith to receive the fruit of God’s Spirit of self control?

Faith to be saved from the coming judgment?

NO —

For Acts 24:25 tells us that Felix, in his fear said to Paul, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”

“Go away for now. “When I find time, I’ll summon for your” (NET)

Go away for now — “I’ll get around to it later.”

Felix delays faith in Christ Jesus, and in his delay Felix rejects the faith available to him in that moment. He rejects the grace of God.

Three times Felix is recorded as performing some kind of procrastinating action.

When the Roman soldiers first arrived at Caesarea with Paul, and presented him before Felix the governor, they also presented the letter from Lysias the tribune who had rescued Paul from the Jews who tried to kill him in Jerusalem.

When Felix read the letter, learned that Paul was from Cilicia,

Acts 23:35 ESV

35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium.

This is the first procrastination of Felix, but it is a good one.

Felix will hear Paul’s case — but he will only do it when the accusers arrive to make their case.

Acts 24:1 ESV

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.

Ananias was the high priest that commanded just days earlier that Paul be struck on the mouth.

Ananias was the one Paul called a “whitewashed wall” (Acts 23:3) — he was a hypocrite, judging Paul without concern for righteousness. A high priest by title only for he knew not the Messiah of God - Jesus Christ.

Ananias came to Caesarea with some elders and a spokesman named Tertullus.

As a spokesman, Tertullus is an attorney or an advocate, a speaker in court (BDAG/LN).

I. Acts 24:2-9

Acts 24:2–4 ESV

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. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.

These are the customary pleasantries for addressing the judge and making a legal case.

But notice the word “accuse” in verse 2.

While it is true that Tertullus is bringing charges against Paul, it is worth noting that this is the same word used to describe our enemy in Revelation 12:10 as an accuser, who “accuses” the brothers day and night before God.

The accusations about to be set forth against Paul spring from a demonic source. The work of our adversary, the accuser.

Acts 24:5–6 ESV

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.

The first charge made against Paul is against Paul’s character — “this man is a plague.” A public menace. A troublemaker. A pest. (LN/BDAG).

And because of his character, they charge that he “stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world” meaning the “Roman empire.” That word “riot” describes rebellion.

This is meant to remind us as hearers of the injustice that happened to Jesus when Jesus who was innocent was led away to be crucified and a man named Barabbas was freed, who had been imprisoned because of this same charge — riots, rebellion and ultimately murder. (Lk 23:25).

Tertullus charges that Paul is “a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes” (meaning Paul is a leader of those who follow this Jesus the Nazarene — Paul is a leader of the Christians) (NET).

And —

Acts 24:6 ESV

6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.

In other words — they charge Paul had tried to make the temple unclean. They thought he tried to bring Trophimus the Ephesian, a Gentile, into the temple (Acts 21:28).

Paul is a rebel, stirs up riots, and tried to profane the temple — so he is a pest.

Acts 24:8–9 ESV

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.

The word for “charge” is the word for “attack.” And that is what this is against Paul. It is not a legitimate charge grounded in the truth, but it is an attack full of false accusations.

But Paul is ready to mount a defense before Felix.

II. Acts 24:10-21

Acts 24:10 ESV

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.

He begins first by addressing and dismissing their charges:

Acts 24:11 ESV

11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem,

In other words — there hasn’t been enough time for Paul to be in Jerusalem causing such riots and revolts to be considered a plague. It’s not been more than twelve days!

Acts 24:12–13 ESV

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.

Note that Paul does not have an advocate like Tertullus, but Paul is making his defense for himself. And this is why: after pointing out that the accusations against him don’t make sense, he then makes a defense of his faith:

Acts 24:14 (a)

“But this I confess to you...”

This is the matters on which I agree with my accusers…

Acts 24:14–16 ESV

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.

This “Way” which they call a sect (or a division) Paul confesses is not something different than what the Jews believe — but it is the continuation and fulfillment of what they believe — but fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah!

What the Jews believe is incomplete. It doesn’t go far enough.

Paul is not a part of something different — Paul is part of something that is the same.

The same history, the same fathers, the same Law, the same Prophets, the same hope in the same God believing in the same resurrection —

And after quickly putting aside the areas of difference, Paul moves to areas of common ground to show that he is not rebelling against their religion, but he is living in the completion of their religion through the one who said “I am the Way.” (John 14:6). Through Jesus, who said:

Matthew 5:17 ESV

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Paul acknowledges before Felix that his hope is in God — that God will resurrect both the just and the unjust. The righteous and the unrighteous.

Subtly Paul hints that whatever unrighteousness may occur to him, there is a higher authority and a higher power that is true righteousness, in God.

Paul acknowledges that a clear conscience toward both God and man is something worth taking great efforts for. To be blameless.

And these seeds are being planted or watered in Felix.

For he himself is a man acquainted with unrighteousness.

Felix was known to do what what was politically convenient for Felix.

He looked for bribes and was willing to take them. He was married to Drusilla, now his third wife. He had issues with self control (See commentaries).

Paul goes on to recount the accurate version of events he is being charged with:

Acts 24:17–21 ESV

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. 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.’ ”

III. Acts 24:22-23

At hearing Paul’s defense, Felix procrastinates a second time —

Acts 24:22 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.”

He defers decision until Lysias the tribune comes to Caesarea.

But in the meantime,

Acts 24:23 ESV

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.

It appears that Felix is sympathetic to Paul’s defense. No crime has been proven. And he needs more information to discern the truth.

And what is even more interesting is that Felix has an accurate understanding of the Way. How he does we are not told. His wife Drusilla was the daughter of Herod Agrippa the I. She was Jewish. It may be that she had come to understand more about this group called the Way.

As the Scriptures trace Paul’s journey to Jerusalem, it echoes very closely with Jesus’s time in Jerusalem before his crucifixion.

From the Garden of Gethsemane “not my will but thine be done” and Paul’s resolve of the same, to the arrests, binding, going before the council, the false accusations and the trials — Paul’s experiences serves as a mirror for the hearer of what Jesus experienced.

And even with Felix’s accurate understanding of the Way, and that he brought his wife Drusilla with him later, it reminds us of Pilate and Pilate’s wife.

Pilate in his judgment of Jesus knew that the Jews delivered Jesus up to be crucified out of envy. And Pilate’s wife had sent word to Pilate not to have anything to do with Jesus because he is a righteous man and had suffered much because of him in a dream.

Even here, Felix has an opportunity to enact justice by the knowledge he has come into, and instead of acting he defers. He procrastinates. He puts off his decision to later. Much like Pilate who washed his hands of the matter with Jesus.

IV. Acts 24:24-26

Acts 24:24–25 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.”

This is Felix’s third procrastination and it is a damning one — for he is not putting off a hearing, or a judgement, but he is putting off matters of righteousness, self-control, coming judgment and faith in Christ Jesus.

And this is where the Holy Spirit is at work convicting.

Jesus said of the Holy Spirit:

John 16:8 ESV

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

And these are the matters Paul reasoned with Felix about.

And this is instructive for us — as we testify of faith in Christ we are empowered when we speak of sin, righteousness, and judgment because these are the matters about which the Spirit brings about conviction.

God gives us our message! To call people to repentant of sin, to put on the righteousness of Christ and to find salvation in the coming day of judgement.

When we speak of these things, the Spirit confirms them and carries them to the heart.

And offers faith — to be received.

But Felix, obviously under conviction because he is alarmed, extremely frightened, sends Paul away for when he has time. When he gets and opportunity.

No one is guaranteed an opportunity. No one is guaranteed time.

There is no time that we have that God has not given. And if we reject the time that God has given, if we procrastinate with faith, in time God will harden our hearts.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians with these words:

2 Corinthians 6:1–2 ESV

1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Church, the same is true not only of salvation, but also of obedience.

We are called with the same urgency to be witnesses for Jesus.

To be as Peter writes:

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Is Christ the Lord honored in your hearts as holy? Are you prepared to make a defense for the hope in you when asked?

The Scriptures say in Acts 24:26:

Acts 24:26 ESV

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.

At the same time that he hears about faith in Jesus with fear, he hopes for money from Paul. He hopes for a bribe. As if justice can be bought.

But Paul stays the course. Paul continues to use his opportunities to proclaim Jesus before rulers and later kings.

Conclusion | Acts 24: 27

Acts 24 concludes in this way:

Acts 24:27 ESV

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.

Chapter 24 represents two years.

Felix procrastinated, during the time in which God graciously gave him two years to hear about Jesus.

After procrastinating enough, he procrastinated for the last time, and was called away from his post and replaced, with no record of faith in Jesus.

Acts 24 reveals Paul giving an account of his manner of life before God as he defends himself against false accusations before Festus.

But Paul’s defense is a reminder to us that we all must give an account before God (Romans 14:12).

There is a coming judgement.

Hebrews 9:27 ESV

27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Many deal with the fear of judgement by running away from God (David Garland).

Many run from God’s offer of salvation in Christ — who died for sin once for all, was buried and raised in power — why?

Because of what is required to follow Jesus — total surrender — rebirth — forsaking sin — repentance.

To procrastinate and delay, is to ultimately harden the heart against God.

In the same way many Christians run away from God’s commands in disobedience.

As we think about the future of local churches, we all want congregations to grow and thrive. But the reality is that times are not getting better. Despite what people want to believe, love for one another is not increasing in the world.

The future growth of the Church will depend, as it always has, on Christians mounting an offensive on the gates of Hell. On Christians being obedient to Jesus’ commands to make disciples by going, baptizing and teaching. By Christians counting everything as loss in order to gain Christ.

The power of God’s witness through the Holy Spirit’s conviction compels a present response to the testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith has an enemy — that enemy is procrastination. (FCF)

That faith is available right now, to receive Jesus and obey His commands and leading.

Will you receive this faith? Or will you procrastinate?

I pray that God would give us all faith, in the name of Jesus, Amen.