Acts 24 - Introduction

Paul Appeared Before Felix

Acts Twenty-Four

In Acts Chapter s 24-28 we observe Paul's captivity and the constant effort of the Jewish religious leaders to have him killed. They hated Paul so much that they constantly made false and improvable charges against him. In this chapter we see that they even brought Tertullus, an orator, to present their case against Paul before Felix.

Paul often spoke in his own defense. Much of his defense centered in the fact that he had a good conscience before God in all things that he did. His time before the various courts provides a sad picture of man's injustice! Paul had been unsuccessful in his attempts to defend himself before the Jewish leaders. He tired to explain to them that his focus had been on "the Way" and that it centered in preaching about the resurrection of Christ. He knew that he was on trial because he believed that the dead would be raised to life. The resurrection of Christ is so vital that there is no salvation without it. He never seemed to be concerned that his faith in the Christ might cost him his earthly life.

Paul taught Felix about doing right, about self-control, and about the coming judgment. "Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." Felix often sent for Paul and talked with him. The reason he did this was because he hoped that Paul would give him a bribe. Felix heard the gospel many times but we have no record that he ever became a Christian.