UNROLL
A white marble colonnade and broad steps of a seaside palace at Caesarea in morning light, the sea beyond.

The Book of

Acts 24

A smooth lawyer, a governor who knows more than he lets on, and a prisoner who talks about judgment until the judge is afraid.

26 verses≈ 5 min4 peopleBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

Tertullus Prosecutes Paul

Seen from behind, elders in priestly robes and a man in a toga with a scroll case climb broad marble steps toward a hall by the sea.

Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul.

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Tertullus

When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.

Tertullus

In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.

Tertullus

But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.

We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”

The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true.

Three charges

Stirs updissensiona pestilence (24:5)No debate, nocrowd“Nor can they prove”it (24:13)Ringleader of asectthe Nazarenes (24:5)The Way“the God of ourfathers” (24:14)Defiled thetemple“tried to desecrate”it (24:6)Came to worship“ceremonially clean”(24:18)

Whiteboard

Tertullus brings three charges. Paul will answer each one in turn: he started no riot, he follows the God of Israel’s fathers, and he was in the temple to worship, not to defile it.

Reflect

Misrepresented

Paul has to stand and listen while a lawyer calls him “a pestilence” and “a ringleader.” None of it is fair. When have you been misunderstood or misrepresented for what you believe? Write down what you wish you could say, and bring it to God before you say it to anyone else.

Paul’s Defense to Felix

When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

Paul

It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.

Acts 24:21

Question

Quick question

Paul tells Felix why he came back to Jerusalem after several years away.

What did Paul say he had come to Jerusalem to do?

JerusalemCaesarea

Stylised map · locations approximate

Where it happened

From Asia to Caesarea

Paul went up to Jerusalem to worship. In the temple, some Jews from the province of Asia found him. Now he stands before the governor at Caesarea, and Paul points out that those men have not come to bring their charges.

The Verdict Postponed

At a guarded doorway in a palace courtyard, friends hand in bread, a folded cloak and a water jar while a Roman soldier stands aside.

Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.” He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.

An empty carved governor’s chair on a dais in a lamplit hall, a small purse of coins left on a side table.

After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.

0:27

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Pray

Not another day

Felix heard about “righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment,” and he was afraid. Then he said, “When I find the time, I will call for you.” He went on sending for Paul and talking with him, but the text never says he believed. Ask God for a heart that answers Him today, and pray for someone you know who keeps putting Him off.

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Acts 24

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A verse to carry with you

In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

Acts 24:16

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