# Acts 24 đ: Paul Before Felix
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> [!info] Table of Contents
> [[#đ Scripture Text (NET)]]
> [[#đ Verse-by-Verse Commentary]]
> [[#đ¤ Interesting Facts / Historical and Cultural Insights]]
> [[#đ§ Chapter Summary]]
> [[#âď¸ Christ in This Chapter]]
> [[#đ Key Observations / đ Life Application]]
> [[#đŹ Discussion Questions]]
> [[#âď¸ Key Verses to Remember]]
> [[#đ Related Passages]]
> [[#đ Devotional Reflection]]
> [[#đ Outline]]
> [[#đ Internal Notes]]
## đ Scripture Text (NET)
(The NET Bible: New English Translation. Biblical Studies Press, 2005)
#### The Accusations Against Paul
**Principle**: God uses difficulty to position us.
[[#Verse 01.]] After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought formal charges against Paul to the governor.
[[#Verse 02.]] When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, âWe have experienced a lengthy time of peace through your rule, and reforms are being made in this nation through your foresight.Â
[[#Verse 03.]] Most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way with all gratitude.Â
[[#Verse 04.]] But so that I may not delay you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.Â
[[#Verse 05.]] For we have found this man to be a troublemaker, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.Â
[[#Verse 06.]] He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him.Â
[[#Verse 07.]]
[[#Verse 08.]] When you examine him yourself, you will be able to learn from him about all these things we are accusing him of doing.âÂ
[[#Verse 09.]] The Jews also joined in the verbal attack, claiming that these things were true.
### Paulâs Defense Before Felix
**Principle**:
[[#Verse 10.]] When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, âBecause I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense.Â
[[#Verse 11.]] As you can verify for yourself, not more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.Â
[[#Verse 12.]] They did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the temple courts or in the synagogues or throughout the city,Â
[[#Verse 13.]] nor can they prove to you the things they are accusing me of doing.Â
[[#Verse 14.]] But I confess this to you, that I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law and that is written in the prophets.
[[#Verse 15.]] I have a hope in God (a hope that these men themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.
[[#Verse 16.]] This is the reason I do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and toward people.Â
[[#Verse 17.]] After several years I came to bring to my people gifts for the poorand to present offerings,Â
[[#Verse 18.]] which I was doing when they found me in the temple, ritually purified, without a crowd or a disturbance.Â
[[#Verse 19.]] But there are some Jews from the province of Asia who should be here before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me.Â
[[#Verse 20.]] Or these men here should tell what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the council,Â
[[#Verse 21.]] other than this one thing I shouted out while I stood before them: âI am on trial before you today concerning the resurrection of the dead.ââ
[[#Verse 22.]] Then Felix, who understood the facts concerning the Way more accurately, adjourned their hearing, saying, âWhen Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case.âÂ
[[#Verse 23.]] He ordered the centurion to guard Paul, but to let him have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs.
### Paul Speaks Repeatedly to Felix
**Principle**: God's plan takes time.
[[#Verse 24.]] Some days later, when Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.Â
[[#Verse 25.]] While Paul was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, âGo away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will send for you.âÂ
[[#Verse 26.]] At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would give him money, and for this reason he sent for Paul as often as possible and talked with him.Â
[[#Verse 27.]] After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
## đ Verse-by-Verse Commentary
###### Overall.
###### Verse 01.
###### Verse 02.
###### Verse 03.
###### Verse 04.
###### Verse 05.
###### Verse 06.
###### Verse 07.
###### Verse 08.
###### Verse 09.
###### Verse 10.
###### Verse 11.
###### Verse 12.
###### Verse 13.
###### Verse 14.
###### Verse 15.
###### Verse 16.
###### Verse 17.
###### Verse 18.
###### Verse 19.
###### Verse 20.
###### Verse 21.
###### Verse 22.
###### Verse 23.
###### Verse 24.
###### Verse 25.
###### Verse 26.
###### Verse 27.
## đ¤ Interesting Facts / Historical and Cultural Insights
1. Tertullus (24:1) was a professional speaker hired to present the case against Paul.
2. Tertullus opened with flattery about the peace Felix had brought (24:2-3), though Felix was known for harsh rule.
3. Paul was called a ringleader of the "sect of the Nazarenes" (24:5), one of the few places this name is used for Christians.
4. Paul calls the Christian faith "the Way" (24:14), a name used several times in Acts.
5. Felix was governor of Judea from about AD 52 to 59. The Roman historian Tacitus said he exercised the power of a king with the mind of a slave.
6. Felix had been a freedman, a former slave, which made his rise to governor unusual.
7. Drusilla (24:24) was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I, the king who had executed James in Acts 12.
8. Felix hoped Paul would give him a bribe (24:26).
9. Paul was kept in custody in Caesarea for two years (24:27), likely about AD 57 to 59.
10. Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus (24:27), and he left Paul in prison to do the Jews a favor.
## đ§ Chapter Summary
> [!note] đą Still growing. This section is on its way.
## âď¸ Christ in This Chapter
Christ is the Lord of the resurrection and the coming Judge (24:15, 25). Paul spoke to Felix about faith in Christ Jesus, righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come (24:24-25; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
## đ Key Observations / đ Life Application
> [!note] đą Still growing. This section is on its way.
## đŹ Discussion Questions
1. Paul worked hard to keep a clear conscience before God and people (24:16). What helps you keep a clear conscience?
2. Felix became afraid when Paul spoke about righteousness and judgment, yet he put off a decision (24:25). Why do people delay responding to God?
3. Paul waited two years in custody (24:27). How do you stay faithful in a season that feels wasted?
## âď¸ Key Verses to Remember
- đ verses 14-15: Paul worships the God of his ancestors, believing the Law and the Prophets and hoping in the resurrection.
- đ verse 16: Paul does his best to keep a clear conscience before God and people.
- đ verse 25: Felix grows afraid when Paul speaks about righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment.
## đ Related Passages
- đ [[Acts 09#Verse 02.|Acts 9:2]] - Followers of the Way.
- đ [[Daniel 12#Verse 02.|Daniel 12:2]] - Many who sleep in the dust will awake.
- đ [[John 05#Verse 28.|John 5:28-29]] - All in the tombs will hear His voice.
- đ [[1 Timothy 01#Verse 05.|1 Timothy 1:5]] - Love from a good conscience.
- đ [[2 Corinthians 06#Verse 02.|2 Corinthians 6:2]] - Now is the day of salvation.
## đ Devotional Reflection
đ SOAP: [[Acts 24 - SOAP|Proclaim Your Allegiance]]
## đ Outline
âAfter two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.â
ââActs of the Apostles⏠â24âŹ:â27⏠âNLTâŹ
BI- Godâs plan often takes longer and looks like anything but during the time.
1- Paul was in prison for two years and continually talked to Felix.
2- Paul was left in prison and it appeared as though he was done dirty. However, God used it so he could talk to even more leaders.
3- What appears to be a âwasted seasonâ was only a waiting season.
## đ Internal Notes
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### Outline
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