Acts of the Apostles – 24

The Inspired History

1. The Jews Accuse Paul Before Felix (1-9).
   1. Tertullus flatters the governor (1-4).
   2. Tertullus falsely accuses Paul (5-8).
   3. The Jews agree with his accusation (9).
2. Paul Defends Himself Before Felix (10-21).
   1. Paul reviews the last few days (10-13).
   2. Paul testifies of his religion (14-16).
   3. Paul denies any wrongdoing (17-21).
3. Felix Leaves Paul Bound (22-27).
   1. Felix allows Paul liberty (22-23).
   2. Felix hears Paul preach (24-26).
   3. Felix leaves Paul bound (27).

The Sense and Meaning

1. Ananias and the Jewish elders use an orator named Tertullus to flatter the governor (Acts 24:1-4).
   1. These wicked Jews had been thwarted in their conspiracy to murder Paul (Acts 23:12-35).
   2. How thirsty do you think the 40+ Jews were? How thirsty would thy become?
   3. Since the Jews had no truth to tell against Paul, they resort to the skills of an orator.
   4. This flattering sycophant butters the governor with smooth words (Proverbs 5:3).
      1. The Jews were not always passive and thankful subjects by reviewing history.
      2. Saints guard against such speech (Rom 16:18; Col 2:4; II Pet 2:18; Jude 1:16).
      3. Godly ministers boldly proclaim truth (I Cor 2:1-5; II Cor 2:17; 3:12; 4:2).
      4. Though politically correct and pleasant, such words do not prove truth at all.
      5. Our generation wrongly exalts style, manner, etiquette, polish, and appearance.
2. Ananias and the Jewish elders use an orator named Tertullus to false accuse Paul (Acts 24:5-8).
   1. Paul was not a pestilent fellow. Pestilent. Fig. Injurious or dangerous to religion, morals, or public peace; noxious; pernicious. He was gentle like a nurse (I Thess 2:7).
   2. Paul was not seditious, for he honored Caesar (Rom 13:1-7; I Tim 2:2; Tit 3:1-2).
      1. If he had been seditious, they would not have been as desirous to kill him.
      2. Consider that they had demanded Pilate release Barrabas, who was seditious.
   3. He was not a ringleader of the Nazarenes, yet Jesus Christ chose him to be an apostle.
      1. Outside Judea the disciples were called Christians, inside Nazarenes.
      2. Ringleader. One who takes a leading place or part among a body or number of persons whose character or conduct is reprehensible.
      3. The sect, or heresy, of the Nazarenes was the religion of Jesus of Nazareth.
   4. Paul did not attempt to profane the temple; they made an error in judgment (Acts 21:29).
      1. His very purpose for being in the temple was to humor the Jews in the law.
      2. Tertullus does not elaborate on this point, as Felix would have profaned it.
   5. Tertullus accuses Lysias, the chief captain, of violently interfering in their affairs.
3. And the Jews, including Ananias the high priest, agreed that this was a truthful accusation (Acts 24:9).
4. Paul answers the Jews and defends himself to Felix by reviewing the last few days (Acts 24:10-13).
   1. Paul respectfully addresses Governor Felix and acknowledges his Jewish knowledge.
   2. It had been only twelve days, since Paul went from Caesarea to Jerusalem to worship.
      1. These days are accurate by understanding either the day of purification in which he was assaulted or by excluding his days of captivity in Caesarea.
      2. His point is to show Felix that there had been insufficient time for sedition.
   3. He denies their accusations and denies their ability to prove any fault on his part.
5. Paul answers the Jews and defends himself to Felix by testifying of his religion (Acts 24:14-16).
   1. Paul acknowledges their accusation that the sect of the Nazarenes was a heresy (Acts 24:5).
   2. Paul worshipped the Jewish God and believed all written in the law and the prophets.
   3. He confesses his hope in the resurrection, which he testifies they also allowed (Acts 23:8).
   4. His life ambition and intention was to conduct himself without offence to God or man.
6. Paul answers the Jews and defends himself to Felix by denying any wrongdoing (Acts 24:17-21).
   1. He testifies he had been absent for many years and came with good will to worship.
   2. He testifies that Jews from Asia had found him in the temple and were not at the trial.
   3. Paul again uses the resurrection controversy to distract Felix from the real issue.
7. Felix postponed any verdict concerning Paul and allowed him liberty in his custody (Acts 24:22-23).
   1. Though Paul’s words were brief, Felix knew more of the Christian faith than spoken.
   2. He also would have surely understood the effect of the resurrection on the Sadducees.
   3. He postponed any verdict until he would have opportunity to question Lysias (Acts 23:26).
   4. Appearing favorable to Paul, he allows him liberty in custody and unlimited visitors.
8. Felix called for Paul to preach the gospel of Christ to himself and his wife Drusilla (Acts 24:24-26).
   1. Felix knew some of this faith, and his wife was a Jewess; so they had mutual interests.
   2. History reveals this an adulterous marriage, Felix having stolen her from her husband.
   3. Paul does not preach creation, prophecy, self-love, politics, friendship, or education.
      1. Rather he preached God’s righteousness, self-denial, and coming judgment.
      2. Paul’s preaching had a great effect on Felix, but he disregarded his conviction.
      3. There is never a convenient time to repent, except at the moment of conviction.
   4. Open to bribes, Felix was hoping that friendship with Paul would lead to a payoff.
9. Felix is transferred and replaced by Festus, and he left Paul bound to please the Jews (Acts 24:27).