Acts Chapter Twenty Four
Paul waited in Caesarea for five days till the high priest, Ananias got there. He was going on trial before the Governor, Felix.
Here is the beginning presentation of the case against Paul. After some polite generalities, the lawyer for Ananias, Tertullus said:
Acts 24:5-9 NKJV
5 For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. 7 But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.
Paul’s defense was based on his beliefs in God. He admitted that he was a follower of “The Way”. He refuted some of the claims of his accusers and stated that they had no proof of their charges.
Felix abruptly adjourned the case saying that he would decide the case at a later time. Several days later Felix called for Paul and listened to him speak about his faith in Christ. Note that Paul is not desperately pleading for his release. He is more concerned with the spiritual condition of Felix. V. 25 is an insightful verse showing Felix’s condition, and the dangerous decision he made.
Acts 24:25 NIV
As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
Felix was under the conviction of the Holy Sprit as Paul shared with him. He was running scared. The Holy Spirit working in his heart caused him to be afraid, knowing that Paul was speaking the truth and not wanting to submit his life to God. He said he’d wait for a more convenient time. Many lost people have said the same thing, putting God off. Sadly, they often never get back to God and die in their sins. The more convenient time never comes.
We also see the greedy and political side of Felix. He was hoping Paul would pay him a bribe to let him out of prison. He didn’t care about justice, just getting richer than he already was. He was also courting political favor with his accusers. This imprisonment dragged out for two years. Imagine waiting for two years to be released for something you didn’t do. In chapter twenty five, another trial awaits.
Luke doesn’t record specifics, but based on the general knowledge of the life of Paul, he didn’t just sit around and mope during this time. He saw the time as an opportunity to tell those around him about Jesus. Chew on that thought for a bit.
See you tomorrow.
