Acts 24 - The Danger of Standing on the Fence!

Click Here to Read or Listen to Acts 24

Paul’s Trial Before Felix

Ananias brings in his fancy lawyer Tertullus to address King Felix. He butters him up by telling him how many reforms he has instituted which have brought such great peace to the area. He says, "In every way most excellent Felix, we offer our extreme gratitude for all you have done." Today we have a word for this kind of talk and it is "flattery". 

Then he brought accusations against Paul for inciting the crowds and also teaching things that undermined the Jewish religion . OtherJews joined Tertullus, the lawyer, as he shared these things with the king. If the king were to examine these things, Tertullus says, he would find them to true. 

The presence of all three (Ananias, the elders, and a skilled lawyer) at the court of Felix reminds us of how serious the Jewish leadership was about obtaining a conviction against Paul. - Guzik

The presence of all three (Ananias, the elders, and a skilled lawyer) at the court of Felix reminds us of how serious the Jewish leadership was about obtaining a conviction against Paul. - Guzik

 He even tried to profane the temple: This was the only really specific charge against Paul; but Tertullus gave no evidence for this charge because there was no evidence. This was a fabricated charge based on rumor only (Acts 21:26-29).

Paul begins his defense by saying to Felix that he had been going up to the temple for a number of years while Felix was the governor. In fact, he had just been there 12 days ago. There was no evidence of Paul inciting anything in the way of what he accusers were stating. He didn't argue with anyone or stir up crowds. They could not prove any of the charges they were making. 

Yet, Paul said that he does worship the God of the Jewish ancestors, as a follower of the Way, which the Jews called a "sect". Paul believed everything written in the law and the prophets, which included a resurrection of the dead. As we mentioned before, the Pharisees also believed in the resurrection of the dead. So, in all of this, Paul had a clean conscience. Paul had nothing to worry about because he was clean before God.

Paul was happy to answer for himself, knowing that the facts of the case were in his favor – and notably, Paul used no flattery in his address to Felix, - Guzik

Felix knew about the Way, and adjourned the meeting. We get the sense that overall Felix was favorably inclined toward Paul. He called on his comamnder Lysias, who had rescued Paul to give him more insight into the case. 

Later Felix brought his wife Drusilla and invited Paul to speak to them. Paul spoke to them about faith in Christ Jesus. When Paul talked about self-control and judgment, Felix got nervous and sent Paul away.  Because of the things going on in his life, Felix probably felt convicted of his sin which created fear in him. 

So, he sent Paul out, but then invited him back in to speak with him again and again hoping Paul would bribe him so he could let him go. Clearly the Holy Spirit was working on Felix's heart, as he began to seek the truth in Christ. After two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but instead of giving Paul a pardon, he kept him in prison as a favor to the Jews. 

You can see how Felix's mind and heart were going back and forth. He knew the truth of Paul's words, but was afraid of the change of life might bring if were to believe in Jesus. Rather than protecting Paul when he left, he saved his own skin by putting Paul in prison thinking it would be the best political decision for him in the long run. 

Yet, knowing Paul’s innocence, he granted Paul generous liberty even while he was held in custody. Felix tried to walk a middle ground. He knew Paul was innocent, yet he did not want to identify himself with Paul’s gospel and the Christians. So he made no decision and kept Paul in custody. - Knowing Paul’s innocence, he granted Paul generous liberty even while he was held in custody.- Guzik

Felix tried to walk a middle ground. He knew Paul was innocent, yet he did not want to identify himself with Paul’s gospel and the Christians. So he made no decision and kept Paul in custody.

Many respond to the gospel in this way; they express their rejection through delay, by delaying their decision to commit to Jesus Christ – but it is rejection none the less. The Bible tells us to come to Jesus in repentance and faith today: Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Felix refused to release Paul, though he knew that he was innocent. He did this for the same reason Pilate condemned Jesus while knowing His innocence. They both acted out of pure political advantage (wanting to do the Jews a favor).

In a way, people like Felix and Pilate are the guiltiest of those who reject Jesus Christ. They know what is right but refuse to do right purely out of the fear of man. They have an eternally fatal lack of courage.

Though you may not be entirely like King Felix, how do you skirt around the issues Jesus is calling to address in your life? Though you may listen intently the pastor in church or other spiritual leaders, maybe you don't really intend to change your way of life. And what usually motivates this indifference? Fear. Fear that you will lost something you think your current lifesytle affords you. 

Yet, Jesus came to bring us life and life abundantly. We can't experience that abundant life, until we let go and let Jesus run our lives under the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot be "half in" and "half out" as a Christian. Jesus told us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow him. Though it is not always easy, it is the adventure of a lifetime!