Acts 24 - Paul on Trial for Preaching the Resurrection of the Dead

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Paul’s Trial Before Felix

Five days later, Ananias and Tertullus came down from Jerusalem to bring formal charges against Paul. Again, they tried to use the angle that Paul was inciting the people revolt like some previous zealots had done. They accused him of desecrating the temple, which never happened. The other Jews who were with them also joined in the accusations. 

You can see how there were trying to "butter up" Felix as they said, 

"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."

When Paul had the chance to address Felix, he pointed out that he came to Jerusalem to worship the same God as they worshipped. There was no evidence that he did anything to provoke the leaders or the people. What he preached was in accordance with the Law and the Prophets. While Paul admitted he was part of a sect they called, "The Way", they had the same hope in the resurrection as the Pharisees did. 

Paul built on the common ground between he and the Pharisees based on their belief in the resurrection. He proceeded to share that he had come to Jerusalem to bring an offering and to fulfill a vow he had made. He asked if there was any specific charge against him that it be brought out in public. The only thing Paul felt he could possibly be on trial for was preaching the resurrection of the dead. 

You can see a theme throughout the book of Acts regarding the "resurrection of the dead". The literal and bodily resurrection of Jesus was the heart and soul of the Good News. Jesus' rising from the dead proved that everything Jesus said about himself was true. It was proof that He fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecy that he was the Messiah. 

Even today the resurrection of Jesus is what sets Christianity apart from every other religion Jesus is the only religious leader or prophet who not only claimed to be God, but backed it up by rising from the dead just as he promised. Paul is masterful in that this trial brings to a head the difference between he and the Pharisees. The Pharisees didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah and killed him for claiming to be the Messiah. Even when Jesus rose from the dead, they refused to believe. This is why they wanted to kill Paul, as they had killed Jesus. He confronted their unbelief and pride and it made them furious just like Jesus had done. 

Felix had no reason to challenge Paul on any point he had made, so he kept him under guard and gave him some freedom. Obviously Felix was curious and intrigued about Paul's message because he called for him and asked him to teach him more about "faith in Jesus". Paul focused on three things with Felix as he shared the Good News with him. 

Righteousness. How to become righteous with God by faith. None of us could fulfil the righteousness that God required, which is why he sent Jesus to become our righteousness. 

Self Control. Like today, people were searching for self control. They tried to find a way to control the sinful desires of the flesh, but could not.  Jesus' message on self control probably convicted Felix and Drusila of their own lack of self control. 

The Judgment to Come. The accountability we have before God for our lives and the sins we have committed and most importantly what did we do with the message about faith in Jesus. Did we accept it by faith or reject it out of fear 

One can see that it is only through "faith in Christ" that one can be righteous, self controlled, and escape the coming judgment. 

As Felix listened to Paul's teaching, he became scared. The Holy Spirit convicted his of his need for faith in Christ. Two more years passed and Felix had hoped Paul would offer him a bribe so he could let him go, but instead left him in prison to appease the Jews.

It is foolish to trust in a convenient time to repent and believe. “Thou sayest, ‘Another time.’ How knowest thou that thou wilt ever feel again as thou feelest now? This morning, perhaps a voice is saying in thy heart, ‘Prepare to meet thy God.’ Tomorrow that voice will be hushed. The gaieties of the ball-room and the theatre will put out that voice that warns thee now, and perhaps thou wilt never hear it again. Men all have their warnings, and all men who perish have had a last warning. Perhaps this is your last warning.” (Spurgeon) 

Where in your life do you struggle with self control? Though we are saved by grace through faith it doesn't mean that we shouldn't exercise self control. When Paul mentions the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 he says, 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

Notice the last fruit of the Spirit is self control. It is only through the Holy Spirit that we can be able to say no to our sinful desires and be free of things that enslave us. 

If you are struggling with self control ask the Holy Spirit to help you live in his power and surrender your own powerless.