Paul’s Defense before Felix Acts 24:1-27

Chapter 24 begins and concludes with Paul being a prisoner in Caesarea.  Paul was brought to Caesarea secretly from Jerusalem to escape the Jews who had a conspiracy to have him murdered!  In bringing the gospel to his Jewish brethren in Jerusalem, Paul was met short of nothing but trouble; however, he (Paul) was greatly encouraged by the Lord in Acts 23:11: “And the night following the Lord stood by him (Paul), and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”

The Lord has never promised us that the journey of witnessing for Him would be easy, but He has promised us that: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5b).  Danger, peril and hardships have been the pattern of Paul’s life ever since he was let down in a basket over the wall at Damascus after his conversion experience.

Beginning with verses 1-4, Ananias, the High Priest in Jerusalem and the elders, have travelled to Caesarea in order to bring charges against Paul as they appear before Felix, the Governor.  Appearing with them was Tertullus, who acted as an attorney for the Jews.  From verses 6-9, Paul was accused of being a mover of sedition, a leader of a rebellious sect, and of profaning the temple.  After the lawyer, Tertullus presented his case, in verses 10-21, Paul was granted permission to speak by Governor Felix, in which he honestly presented his testimony, answering his critics’ accusations with facts.

Paul presented the fact that he was not in Jerusalem long enough to incite a riot.  He also stated that his accusers did not have witnesses to corroborate that he had caused trouble in the temple!  Paul went on to declare that he believed that there will be a resurrection of the dead.  Paul declared that he tried daily to have a conscience void of offense to man or God.  Paul called attention to the fact of his generous concern in bringing a gift of love to the poor saints in Jerusalem during their time of trial because of the famine in Judea (Acts 11:28-30).  Furthermore, Paul asserted that his accusers could not prove with witnesses that he had caused any trouble; in fact, his accusers were the ones that started the riot in the temple (Acts 21:27).

According to verses 22-23, after listening to the Jews accusations against Paul, Felix deferred making a decision, for the contradictory testimony offered in this hearing was spurious.  Paul should have been released; however, Felix grants Paul a great deal of liberty while still keeping him a prisoner.

As chapter 24 closes, we find Paul explaining to Felix and his wife, Drusilla, the gospel which had induced this entire situation.  Drusilla, the wife of Felix, was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I, who killed the Apostle James (Acts 12:1-2).  Her great uncle had John the Baptist slain.  Her great grandfather tried to kill the Lord Jesus Christ.  Both Felix and Drusilla had a private meeting with Paul, being given the opportunity to hear God’s greatest preacher of the grace of God that the world will ever know!  Paul reasoned with Felix of righteousness, temperance and judgment.

The message that Paul presented somewhat affected Felix, however, he delayed his decision and postponed the day, for verse 25 states:  “And as he (Paul) reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”  Paul will remain in jail for two more years, and Felix will leave the governorship and be replaced by Festus.

May God Bless!