Acts Chapter 24
Paul was still tucked away in prison when the delegation from Jerusalem arrived to testify against Paul to the Roman governor Felix. The high priest, Ananias came and some of the other elders, and they brought a man skilled as a lawyer named Tertullus. What was Paul being accused of? He was accused of causing a riotous situation in the peaceful city of Jerusalem. If you are like me, you might be thinking that it was the Jews that caused the riotous atmosphere not Paul. Regardless, how did the Jews think that they could prove the accusation to be worthy of a death sentence? Then we quickly remember that the Jews did cause someone to be put to death for “causing a riotous situation” and His name was Jesus.
Let's Reflect
1. What flattering words for Felix did Tertullus begin his speech with?
2. The accusation brought before Felix was that Paul stirs up riots among all the Jews and that he was a ringleader of a certain group. What did Tertullus call this group? And isn’t this the same sort of name they assigned to Jesus?
3. Paul had the opportunity to speak and present his defense before Felix. He stated that he did not go to the temple to cause a riot but to worship. Paul also refuted the group name they had said he belonged to and he stated that the proper name of his faith was what?
4. What did Paul say was the object of his faith and worship according to verse 15?
5. According to Paul the real reason the Jews had a problem with his teaching was what? See verse 21.
6. The accusing Jews did not get the judgement they were hoping for. Instead, what did Felix do with Paul?
7. Felix knew a bit about the Jewish religion, and he knew a bit about people of the Way. This knowledge may have been because of who he was married to. What nationality was his wife?
8. How long did Felix leave Paul in prison?
9. The words that Paul spoke to Felix and his wife about Jesus Christ had an effect on Felix. We are told that Paul reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgement. How do you think those words were received by Felix?
10. Do you ever feel upset when you share the gospel with someone, and that person just doesn’t want to hear what you have to say? Rest assured that they are not rejecting you, but rather the gospel. God will keep working on their heart and someone else may have opportunity to share the gospel again with them, and they might receive it the next time. It sometimes takes several “attempts” to share the truth before it is received. Or they may reject the gospel all together. Either way we need to do our part and plant the seeds.
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