Resource Detail

Questions for Acts 24:1-27

Key verses 24:24

PAUL SPOKE TO FELIX ABOUT FAITH IN JESUS

1. Who brought their charges against Paul before governor Felix (1)? What was the content of the case that the lawyer Tertullus presented before Felix (2-8)? How did the other Jews join in Tertullus's accusation (9)
2. In what way did Paul say that the Jews could not prove the charges against him (10-13)? What did Paul admit about his faith and hope (14-16)? How did Paul defend himself regarding his reason for coming to Jerusalem and the events in the temple and the Sanhedrin (17-21)?
3. Why did Felix delay the judgment (22-23)? What did Paul say to Felix and his wife Drusilla when they visited him (24-25a)? Reflect on Paul who preached the gospel to Felix boldly.
4. What was Felix's reaction after hearing the gospel from Paul (25b)? Why did Felix send for Paul frequently and talk with him (26)? How long did Felix leave Paul in prison (27)? What spiritual lessons can we learn from this passage?

Acts 2024 Juan Seo (Oct 27, 2024)

PAUL SPOKE TO FELIX ABOUT FAITH IN JESUS

Acts 24:1-27

Key Verse 24:25

As Paul talked about 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.”

Have you ever watched the movie Silence? It depicts the faith of Jesuit priests and Japanese Christians who suffered under the persecution of the Japanese shogunate in the 17th century. One of the key characters in the movie is a Japanese man named Kichijiro. The Japanese authorities forced believers to step on wooden plaques, which had images of Jesus. If they stepped on the plaques, they’d be spared, but if they refused, they faced brutal torture and even death. Many Christians stood by their faith and accepted suffering and death. On the other hand, Kichijiro stepped on the plaques to save his life, turning his back on Jesus. Later on, he confessed his sins before a Jesuit priest and asked for forgiveness, which looked really moving. But even after that, he renounced his faith again and even betrayed the priest to the authorities. Yet, every time, he came back to ask for forgiveness. Kichijiro’s actions reflect the image of a believer who fails to commit to living by faith and instead gives in to fear in the face of reality.

In today’s passage, we see a sharp contrast between Paul, who boldly proclaims the gospel without fear of death, and Governor Felix, who is afraid to accept the gospel due to his fear of losing worldly gains. Felix’s character shows the struggle of people who can’t commit to the truth due to their love for the world.

Last week, we learned how Commander Claudius Lysias found out about the Jews’ plot to kill Paul and had him transferred from Jerusalem to Caesarea for trial before Governor Felix. Then, five days later, the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. The fact that the high priest himself, one of the most powerful figures in Israel, personally traveled to Caesarea with elders and a lawyer shows how desperate he was to have Paul killed. When the high priest arrived in Caesarea, Governor Felix welcomed him and immediately opened the trial. The lawyer, Tertullus, presented the charges against Paul before Felix. Tertullus had a Greek name, which suggests he was a Hellenistic Jew. Considering that the high priest hired him for such a critical case, Tertullus was probably one of the top lawyers of the time. Tertullus must have been a highly skilled and respected attorney. However, Tertullus didn’t use his abilities for good. Instead, he used them to falsely accuse someone who was innocent. It’s tragic when someone with great ability becomes a tool for evil. Let’s pray that we can stand on the side of truth in any circumstances.

Tertullus’s speech seems impressive. He spends most of his time flattering Felix. He says, “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.” While Tertullus used elegant words to praise Felix, much of what he said wasn’t true. Felix had been the procurator of Judea since AD 52, ruling for about five years at that point. However, his rule wasn’t peaceful at all—he was known for oppressing Jews. Interestingly, Felix was originally born a slave. But thanks to his brother Pallas, who had gained great wealth and influence as a freedman under Claudius’s mother, Antonia, Felix was able to rise to the position of governor of Judea. The Roman historian Tacitus gives us an assessment of Felix, saying, “Felix exercised the power of a king with the mind of a slave.”

After flattering Felix, Tertullus moves on to formally accuse Paul. His accusations progress from less specific to more pointed. First, he claims that Paul was a troublemaker, stirring up riots among Jews all over the world. Then, he describes Paul as the ringleader of the Nazarene sect, which refers to followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Finally, Tertullus accuses Paul of even trying to desecrate the temple. He assures Felix that if he examines Paul, he will confirm that these accusations are true. Additionally, the other Jews present join in the accusations against Paul. However, Tertullus’s accusations seem weak and unconvincing. While he offers elaborate flattery, he doesn’t present solid evidence. Most importantly, Tertullus overlooks the fact that Felix was well acquainted with Christianity. It’s possible that Felix learned about the Christian faith from his Jewish wife, Drusilla. Moreover, there were already many Christians in Caesarea, where Felix resided, and he likely had knowledge of Jesus's followers. As a result, Tertullus’s accusations were not particularly persuasive to Felix.

When given the chance to defend himself, Paul clearly refutes Tertullus’s accusations. Regarding the claim that he was a troublemaker, Paul explains that he had only been in Jerusalem for twelve days and had not argued with anyone or stirred up a crowd during that time. In response to the accusation that he was a ringleader of the Nazarene sect, Paul openly affirms his faith as a follower of Jesus. However, he emphasizes that the God he serves is the same God that the Jews worship, and he shares the same hope in God as they do. Furthermore, Paul declares his belief in the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, making it clear that even the wicked will rise to face judgment before God. As for the accusation of trying to desecrate the temple, Paul explains that his purpose in coming to Jerusalem was to bring gifts for the poor and present offerings in the temple. He states that he was ceremonially clean and not involved in any disturbance. He also mentions that some Jews from the province of Asia had attacked him and that his only statement before the Sanhedrin was concerning the resurrection of the dead. Paul’s defense was simple, fact-based, and free from flattery, unlike Tertullus’s speech. While Tertullus relied on elaborate praise, Paul stuck to the truth, claiming his innocence in a straightforward manner.

What was Felix’s decision regarding this? He knew Paul was innocent. However, he adjourned the proceedings, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.” The reason Felix kept Paul in custody instead of releasing him was to gain favor with the Jewish religious leaders. He feared their anger if Paul were released. Felix made a political decision, choosing his own interests over the truth. So, Paul ended up spending two years in confinement. However, we can see God’s purpose in this situation. More than forty Jews had taken an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul, and they were actively plotting to take his life. If Paul had been released, he could have been killed at any time. But being imprisoned in Caesarea guaranteed his protection. During this time, Paul was also granted some degree of freedom, allowing him to meet with Christian believers. This gave him the opportunity to rest both physically and spiritually. God, who works for the good of those who love him, was using this situation to protect Paul and provide him with a time of renewal.

After postponing his decision regarding Paul, Felix visited Paul several days later with his wife, Drusilla. What was the reason for this visit? It seems they may have been curious about Paul and the Christian faith. Drusilla, being Jewish, might have been particularly interested in Jesus and persuaded her husband to visit Paul. She was the youngest daughter of Agrippa I, the king who executed the apostle James and imprisoned Peter. She was renowned for her beauty and had previously been married to the king of Emesa, a small state in Syria. However, Felix, captivated by her beauty, persuaded her to leave her husband and marry him. At the time, Drusilla was only 16 years old, while Felix was in his late 40s. This is how Drusilla became Felix’s third wife. Both Felix and Drusilla had serious moral shortcomings. Felix was criticized for taking another man’s wife, while Drusilla, as a Jewish woman, faced condemnation under Jewish law for divorcing her husband without legitimate cause.

So, they listened to Paul as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. What exactly did Paul talk about? Verse 25 says, “Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.” What is righteousness? Righteousness means having a right relationship with God. How can we have a right relationship with God? By perfectly keeping the law? But that’s impossible for us. We can only become righteous by faith in Jesus Christ. When we acknowledge our sins and confess them before Jesus, we can receive forgiveness and restore our right relationship with God. Paul spoke to Felix and Drusilla about righteousness, asking them to repent of their sins and accept Jesus. Self-control means denying ourselves and following Jesus as his disciples. It’s about controlling personal desires and passions to live according to God’s will. It means desiring God’s word and living a holy life by obeying it. Judgment to come refers to the truth that God’s judgment will take place both on a personal level and for all humanity. Every one of us will face death someday, and both the righteous and the wicked will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Each of us will receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. How terrifying is the truth that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ? Paul preached a message about God’s judgment to Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla.

Let’s consider Paul’s current situation. He wasn’t in a position of authority—he was a prisoner. Yet, even though he stood before Felix, the one with the power to judge him, Paul boldly proclaimed the truth of the gospel and urged Felix and his wife to repent. Paul didn’t beg for his own life or plead for release. Instead, he gave his all to share the gospel with Felix and Drusilla to save their lives.

However, Felix rejected the opportunity to accept Jesus. Look at v. 25b. “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 afraid, which means that the Holy Spirit worked on his heart through Paul’s message. The Holy Spirit convicted him of his sins and rebuked him, which is why he became afraid. God’s word was stirring within Felix’s soul. So, what should he have done? He had to humbly acknowledge his sins, come to Jesus, confess his sins, and ask for forgiveness. Then, he would have received forgiveness from Jesus and lived a new life with joy and peace. He would have received eternal life by the grace of Jesus Christ. But Felix didn’t accept Jesus and ended his conversation with Paul, postponing it for another time. “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” He was afraid that if he continued his conversation with Paul, he might believe in Jesus and become a Christian. He was afraid that he might have to give up everything he had built so far. He was afraid that his lifestyle might become like that of a Christian. The thought of people labeling him as a Christian and rejecting him filled him with fear. So, he said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

How many people around us respond just like this, avoiding accepting Jesus by saying, “That’s enough for now! When I find it convenient, I will talk to you again”? But when will that convenient time ever come? Some say, “I cannot believe in Jesus today. Maybe tomorrow.” They keep insisting that today isn’t the right time. But when will that tomorrow ever come? Tomorrow is always in the future and never arrives at the present moment. People who say, “I’ll believe in Jesus or commit to Jesus tomorrow” end up deceived by the idea of tomorrow. In doing so, they miss the opportunity to accept and serve Jesus. The truth is that now is the only time we can believe in Jesus and commit to Jesus. Postponing faith until a more convenient time is a dangerous trap, and many miss out on salvation by waiting for a tomorrow that never comes.

Later, Felix frequently met with Paul and talked with him. However, his motivation was not sincere. Felix hoped to receive a bribe from Paul, likely because he had heard about the financial contributions Paul had brought to the believers in Jerusalem. His greed for wealth clouded his spiritual desire and ultimately kept him from accepting Jesus. Two years later, Felix had to step down from his position as governor. During his tenure, a conflict arose in Caesarea between Jews and Syrians, and Roman soldiers killed several Jews. When Emperor Nero learned of the incident, he recalled Felix to Rome to hold him accountable for the unrest. However, he could escape the crisis with the help of his brother. What happened to Felix afterward is uncertain. It seems that Felix never accepted Jesus as his Savior. Because he postponed accepting Jesus, he ultimately couldn’t receive salvation, and his life ended in misery.

Do you want to accept Jesus as your Savior? Do you want to dedicate your life to Jesus? If so, make that decision now. Don’t postpone it to tomorrow or wait for the next opportunity. We don’t know when that tomorrow will come. God's day of judgment may come before that tomorrow ever arrives. The time to act is today—now. Accepting Jesus isn’t something to delay. The Bible urges us in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” Decide to follow Jesus today and commit your life to Jesus now. Amen!Acts 2024 Juan Seo (Oct 27, 2024)

PAUL SPOKE TO FELIX ABOUT FAITH IN JESUS

Acts 24:1-27

Key Verse 24:25

As Paul talked about 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.”

Have you ever watched the movie Silence? It depicts the faith of Jesuit priests and Japanese Christians who suffered under the persecution of the Japanese shogunate in the 17th century. One of the key characters in the movie is a Japanese man named Kichijiro. The Japanese authorities forced believers to step on wooden plaques, which had images of Jesus. If they stepped on the plaques, they’d be spared, but if they refused, they faced brutal torture and even death. Many Christians stood by their faith and accepted suffering and death. On the other hand, Kichijiro stepped on the plaques to save his life, turning his back on Jesus. Later on, he confessed his sins before a Jesuit priest and asked for forgiveness, which looked really moving. But even after that, he renounced his faith again and even betrayed the priest to the authorities. Yet, every time, he came back to ask for forgiveness. Kichijiro’s actions reflect the image of a believer who fails to commit to living by faith and instead gives in to fear in the face of reality.

In today’s passage, we see a sharp contrast between Paul, who boldly proclaims the gospel without fear of death, and Governor Felix, who is afraid to accept the gospel due to his fear of losing worldly gains. Felix’s character shows the struggle of people who can’t commit to the truth due to their love for the world.

Last week, we learned how Commander Claudius Lysias found out about the Jews’ plot to kill Paul and had him transferred from Jerusalem to Caesarea for trial before Governor Felix. Then, five days later, the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. The fact that the high priest himself, one of the most powerful figures in Israel, personally traveled to Caesarea with elders and a lawyer shows how desperate he was to have Paul killed. When the high priest arrived in Caesarea, Governor Felix welcomed him and immediately opened the trial. The lawyer, Tertullus, presented the charges against Paul before Felix. Tertullus had a Greek name, which suggests he was a Hellenistic Jew. Considering that the high priest hired him for such a critical case, Tertullus was probably one of the top lawyers of the time. Tertullus must have been a highly skilled and respected attorney. However, Tertullus didn’t use his abilities for good. Instead, he used them to falsely accuse someone who was innocent. It’s tragic when someone with great ability becomes a tool for evil. Let’s pray that we can stand on the side of truth in any circumstances.

Tertullus’s speech seems impressive. He spends most of his time flattering Felix. He says, “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.” While Tertullus used elegant words to praise Felix, much of what he said wasn’t true. Felix had been the procurator of Judea since AD 52, ruling for about five years at that point. However, his rule wasn’t peaceful at all—he was known for oppressing Jews. Interestingly, Felix was originally born a slave. But thanks to his brother Pallas, who had gained great wealth and influence as a freedman under Claudius’s mother, Antonia, Felix was able to rise to the position of governor of Judea. The Roman historian Tacitus gives us an assessment of Felix, saying, “Felix exercised the power of a king with the mind of a slave.”

After flattering Felix, Tertullus moves on to formally accuse Paul. His accusations progress from less specific to more pointed. First, he claims that Paul was a troublemaker, stirring up riots among Jews all over the world. Then, he describes Paul as the ringleader of the Nazarene sect, which refers to followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Finally, Tertullus accuses Paul of even trying to desecrate the temple. He assures Felix that if he examines Paul, he will confirm that these accusations are true. Additionally, the other Jews present join in the accusations against Paul. However, Tertullus’s accusations seem weak and unconvincing. While he offers elaborate flattery, he doesn’t present solid evidence. Most importantly, Tertullus overlooks the fact that Felix was well acquainted with Christianity. It’s possible that Felix learned about the Christian faith from his Jewish wife, Drusilla. Moreover, there were already many Christians in Caesarea, where Felix resided, and he likely had knowledge of Jesus's followers. As a result, Tertullus’s accusations were not particularly persuasive to Felix.

When given the chance to defend himself, Paul clearly refutes Tertullus’s accusations. Regarding the claim that he was a troublemaker, Paul explains that he had only been in Jerusalem for twelve days and had not argued with anyone or stirred up a crowd during that time. In response to the accusation that he was a ringleader of the Nazarene sect, Paul openly affirms his faith as a follower of Jesus. However, he emphasizes that the God he serves is the same God that the Jews worship, and he shares the same hope in God as they do. Furthermore, Paul declares his belief in the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, making it clear that even the wicked will rise to face judgment before God. As for the accusation of trying to desecrate the temple, Paul explains that his purpose in coming to Jerusalem was to bring gifts for the poor and present offerings in the temple. He states that he was ceremonially clean and not involved in any disturbance. He also mentions that some Jews from the province of Asia had attacked him and that his only statement before the Sanhedrin was concerning the resurrection of the dead. Paul’s defense was simple, fact-based, and free from flattery, unlike Tertullus’s speech. While Tertullus relied on elaborate praise, Paul stuck to the truth, claiming his innocence in a straightforward manner.

What was Felix’s decision regarding this? He knew Paul was innocent. However, he adjourned the proceedings, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.” The reason Felix kept Paul in custody instead of releasing him was to gain favor with the Jewish religious leaders. He feared their anger if Paul were released. Felix made a political decision, choosing his own interests over the truth. So, Paul ended up spending two years in confinement. However, we can see God’s purpose in this situation. More than forty Jews had taken an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul, and they were actively plotting to take his life. If Paul had been released, he could have been killed at any time. But being imprisoned in Caesarea guaranteed his protection. During this time, Paul was also granted some degree of freedom, allowing him to meet with Christian believers. This gave him the opportunity to rest both physically and spiritually. God, who works for the good of those who love him, was using this situation to protect Paul and provide him with a time of renewal.

After postponing his decision regarding Paul, Felix visited Paul several days later with his wife, Drusilla. What was the reason for this visit? It seems they may have been curious about Paul and the Christian faith. Drusilla, being Jewish, might have been particularly interested in Jesus and persuaded her husband to visit Paul. She was the youngest daughter of Agrippa I, the king who executed the apostle James and imprisoned Peter. She was renowned for her beauty and had previously been married to the king of Emesa, a small state in Syria. However, Felix, captivated by her beauty, persuaded her to leave her husband and marry him. At the time, Drusilla was only 16 years old, while Felix was in his late 40s. This is how Drusilla became Felix’s third wife. Both Felix and Drusilla had serious moral shortcomings. Felix was criticized for taking another man’s wife, while Drusilla, as a Jewish woman, faced condemnation under Jewish law for divorcing her husband without legitimate cause.

So, they listened to Paul as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. What exactly did Paul talk about? Verse 25 says, “Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.” What is righteousness? Righteousness means having a right relationship with God. How can we have a right relationship with God? By perfectly keeping the law? But that’s impossible for us. We can only become righteous by faith in Jesus Christ. When we acknowledge our sins and confess them before Jesus, we can receive forgiveness and restore our right relationship with God. Paul spoke to Felix and Drusilla about righteousness, asking them to repent of their sins and accept Jesus. Self-control means denying ourselves and following Jesus as his disciples. It’s about controlling personal desires and passions to live according to God’s will. It means desiring God’s word and living a holy life by obeying it. Judgment to come refers to the truth that God’s judgment will take place both on a personal level and for all humanity. Every one of us will face death someday, and both the righteous and the wicked will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Each of us will receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. How terrifying is the truth that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ? Paul preached a message about God’s judgment to Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla.

Let’s consider Paul’s current situation. He wasn’t in a position of authority—he was a prisoner. Yet, even though he stood before Felix, the one with the power to judge him, Paul boldly proclaimed the truth of the gospel and urged Felix and his wife to repent. Paul didn’t beg for his own life or plead for release. Instead, he gave his all to share the gospel with Felix and Drusilla to save their lives.

However, Felix rejected the opportunity to accept Jesus. Look at v. 25b. “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 afraid, which means that the Holy Spirit worked on his heart through Paul’s message. The Holy Spirit convicted him of his sins and rebuked him, which is why he became afraid. God’s word was stirring within Felix’s soul. So, what should he have done? He had to humbly acknowledge his sins, come to Jesus, confess his sins, and ask for forgiveness. Then, he would have received forgiveness from Jesus and lived a new life with joy and peace. He would have received eternal life by the grace of Jesus Christ. But Felix didn’t accept Jesus and ended his conversation with Paul, postponing it for another time. “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” He was afraid that if he continued his conversation with Paul, he might believe in Jesus and become a Christian. He was afraid that he might have to give up everything he had built so far. He was afraid that his lifestyle might become like that of a Christian. The thought of people labeling him as a Christian and rejecting him filled him with fear. So, he said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

How many people around us respond just like this, avoiding accepting Jesus by saying, “That’s enough for now! When I find it convenient, I will talk to you again”? But when will that convenient time ever come? Some say, “I cannot believe in Jesus today. Maybe tomorrow.” They keep insisting that today isn’t the right time. But when will that tomorrow ever come? Tomorrow is always in the future and never arrives at the present moment. People who say, “I’ll believe in Jesus or commit to Jesus tomorrow” end up deceived by the idea of tomorrow. In doing so, they miss the opportunity to accept and serve Jesus. The truth is that now is the only time we can believe in Jesus and commit to Jesus. Postponing faith until a more convenient time is a dangerous trap, and many miss out on salvation by waiting for a tomorrow that never comes.

Later, Felix frequently met with Paul and talked with him. However, his motivation was not sincere. Felix hoped to receive a bribe from Paul, likely because he had heard about the financial contributions Paul had brought to the believers in Jerusalem. His greed for wealth clouded his spiritual desire and ultimately kept him from accepting Jesus. Two years later, Felix had to step down from his position as governor. During his tenure, a conflict arose in Caesarea between Jews and Syrians, and Roman soldiers killed several Jews. When Emperor Nero learned of the incident, he recalled Felix to Rome to hold him accountable for the unrest. However, he could escape the crisis with the help of his brother. What happened to Felix afterward is uncertain. It seems that Felix never accepted Jesus as his Savior. Because he postponed accepting Jesus, he ultimately couldn’t receive salvation, and his life ended in misery.

Do you want to accept Jesus as your Savior? Do you want to dedicate your life to Jesus? If so, make that decision now. Don’t postpone it to tomorrow or wait for the next opportunity. We don’t know when that tomorrow will come. God's day of judgment may come before that tomorrow ever arrives. The time to act is today—now. Accepting Jesus isn’t something to delay. The Bible urges us in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” Decide to follow Jesus today and commit your life to Jesus now. Amen!