Bible study on Acts of the Apostles – Chapter 24
Dear brothers and sisters,
In the Bible study on the 24th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles I will discuss:
- Paul’s trial before Felix
Paul’s trial before Felix
5 days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some elders and a lawyer, named Tertullus. See how determined enemies of God are to try and take down true believers. Luckily we can rely on the protection of God!
When Paul was brought before Felix, it was the lawyer that opened his statement. Here we can see how he tries to flatter Felix so much to get him on their site. People that are in a trial against believers will use others means like flattering or lies to get the believer to be convicted, because they know based on the facts they have no chance. Also for this reason it is important to continuously rely on the Holy Spirit.
After the flattering they immediately started their lies about Paul that he was nothing but a troublemaker, while during his whole ministry he himself did not cause any trouble at all. In fact, it were always his enemies (with their hearts hardened by the devil) that made trouble against him.
See how Paul silently waited his turn and did not interrupt until Felix allowed him to speak and he thanked Felix to allow him to defend himself. He uses the truth as his defense telling that the only reason that he came to Jerusalem was to worship and that he did not make any trouble and that he has more than enough witnesses to that fact. He also was lead by the Holy Spirit by telling that his accusers had no prove for all their (false) accusations against him. He did admit that they way that he follows God, is considered by the elders as a sect, but that he also holds the law and believes in all that the prophets have foretold. Also that he has the same hope of the resurrection of both the righteous and wicked.
He came to Jerusalem after years of absence and clean and was only bringing offering for the poor. See how Paul does not fear the attacks of his enemies. We also need to put our faith on God to know even in time of attacks that God is always with us. Also he confronted the elders to bring those accusers from Asia if they have proof.
We see however that although this Felix was part of the rulers of the land (as a Roman) he did not dare to make a decision and stopped the hearing and to appease the elders he let Paul stay in jail for 2 years when he was replaced by Porcius Festus. That we are in fact right doesn’t mean that all people will do what is considered to be the right thing. Bug even in those time God is always with us, so don’t despair.
Faith Life 