IntroductionIntroduction

• Paul is kept in custody in Herod’s palace for two years until the governor, Felix, is succeeded by

Porcius Festus.• Ananias and some of the elders, with a lawyer named Tertullus, came down five days after Paul’s arrival and made their formal accusations against

Paul.• Felix knew all about the Way, as the religion of

Christ was called.

• Paul is kept in custody in Herod’s palace for two years until the governor, Felix, is succeeded by

Porcius Festus.• Ananias and some of the elders, with a lawyer named Tertullus, came down five days after Paul’s arrival and made their formal accusations against

Paul.• Felix knew all about the Way, as the religion of

Christ was called.

Ruins of Temple at Caesarea

• He listened to all of them but put off his judgment until Lysias the commander came

down.• He knew Paul was not guilty of anything and

would never have ordered him, a Roman citizen, to be punished. But he wanted to

please the Jews so he kept him in custody.• He called for Paul many times to hear him

talk because he found him interesting and because he hoped Paul would offer him a

bribe.

• He listened to all of them but put off his judgment until Lysias the commander came

down.• He knew Paul was not guilty of anything and

would never have ordered him, a Roman citizen, to be punished. But he wanted to

please the Jews so he kept him in custody.• He called for Paul many times to hear him

talk because he found him interesting and because he hoped Paul would offer him a

bribe.

Herodian Aqueduct at Caesarea

• For background information about the attitudes and problems of the Roman governor of Palestine you can read the letters of Pontius Pilate to his friend

Seneca in Rome.• Felix, Festus and others that preceded and followed

them in this position must have made similar observations and had similar feelings.

• The picture shows an inscription found at Caesarea from his time that calls Pontius Pilate the Prefect of

Judea. His governorship was 26-36 AD.

• For background information about the attitudes and problems of the Roman governor of Palestine you can read the letters of Pontius Pilate to his friend

Seneca in Rome.• Felix, Festus and others that preceded and followed

them in this position must have made similar observations and had similar feelings.

• The picture shows an inscription found at Caesarea from his time that calls Pontius Pilate the Prefect of

Judea. His governorship was 26-36 AD.

Pontius Pilate Inscription – First Century

• Acts 24:1-2• 24:1 Five days later the high priest

Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named

Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.

• Tertullus (from tertius, “third”) must have been a skilled and well-known orator of the time

though he is not mentioned in contemporary histories. He must have known Roman law

and common legal procedures.

• Acts 24:1-2• 24:1 Five days later the high priest

Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named

Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.

• Tertullus (from tertius, “third”) must have been a skilled and well-known orator of the time

though he is not mentioned in contemporary histories. He must have known Roman law

and common legal procedures.

Statue- Roman Orator

• Ananias and these members of the Sanhedrin were still hoping to get their hands on Paul to kill

him.• As Tertullus’ speech shows, they were willing to

bend the truth and would try any devious and underhanded trick to get Paul.

• What do you think happened to the forty or so men who swore not to eat or drink until they had killed

Paul?• They were never able to kill Paul. But I think the

Jewish high priest absolved them of their rash oath.

• Ananias and these members of the Sanhedrin were still hoping to get their hands on Paul to kill

him.• As Tertullus’ speech shows, they were willing to

bend the truth and would try any devious and underhanded trick to get Paul.

• What do you think happened to the forty or so men who swore not to eat or drink until they had killed

Paul?• They were never able to kill Paul. But I think the

Jewish high priest absolved them of their rash oath.

This was part of Herod’s palace.

• Acts 24:2-4• 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented

his case before Felix: "We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight

has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent

Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you

further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

• Acts 24:2-4• 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented

his case before Felix: "We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight

has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent

Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you

further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

•How do you think the Jews How do you think the Jews REALLY felt about Roman REALLY felt about Roman

rule?rule?

• Tacitus the Roman historian (History, book 5, chapter 9) and Josephus the Jewish historian (Antiquities of the Jews, book 20, chapter 8,

section 5) and Suetonius the biographer of Claudius (Life of Claudius, chapter 28) attested the good job Felix had done in keeping the peace. But all three said he was a corrupt and dishonest ruler and an

unjust and cruel man. • Let us see how he deals with this situation.

• Will he turn Paul over to these men?

• Tacitus the Roman historian (History, book 5, chapter 9) and Josephus the Jewish historian (Antiquities of the Jews, book 20, chapter 8,

section 5) and Suetonius the biographer of Claudius (Life of Claudius, chapter 28) attested the good job Felix had done in keeping the peace. But all three said he was a corrupt and dishonest ruler and an

unjust and cruel man. • Let us see how he deals with this situation.

• Will he turn Paul over to these men?

Cornelius Tacitus – from a Roman statue

• Acts 24:5-9• 5 "We have found this man to be a

troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the

Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining him

yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him."

• 9 The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.

• Acts 24:5-9• 5 "We have found this man to be a

troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the

Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining him

yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him."

• 9 The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.

Caesarea – Palace of the governors

Tertullus said the following four things about Paul:

1)He was a plague

2)He created dissention among all the Jews

3)He was a ringleader among the sect of the Nazarenes.

4)He tried to profane the Temple

• What had the Bible said What had the Bible said about the gifts that Paul had about the gifts that Paul had

brought to Jerusalem for brought to Jerusalem for the poor (24:17)? the poor (24:17)?

• Now after many yearsNow after many years

I came to bring alms toI came to bring alms to

my nation and offeringsmy nation and offerings

Acts 11:28-30“Agabus, stood up and Acts 11:28-30“Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a through the Spirit predicted that a

severe famine would spread over the severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. . . . 29 The entire Roman world. . . . 29 The

disciples, each according to his ability, disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the decided to provide help for the

brothers living in brothers living in Judea.Judea.””

1Cor 16:1-4 “Now about the collection 1Cor 16:1-4 “Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches . . . 2 On the first Galatian churches . . . 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you day of every week, each one of you

should set aside a sum of money . . . I should set aside a sum of money . . . I will give letters of introduction to the will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with men you approve and send them with

your gift to your gift to JerusalemJerusalem.”.”

• Paul is, of course, not a seditious person or a troublemaker. He never instigated a riot.

• Christianity is not a Nazarene sect and Paul did not desecrate the temple. All these charges were

false and Felix knew it.• Felix, as Paul says, knew more about this Way than any of Paul’s accusers. He knew Paul was not

what they said he was.• Felix might have been an unjust and cruel man but he was intelligent, well-informed and not easily

swayed by flowery rhetoric.

• Paul is, of course, not a seditious person or a troublemaker. He never instigated a riot.

• Christianity is not a Nazarene sect and Paul did not desecrate the temple. All these charges were

false and Felix knew it.• Felix, as Paul says, knew more about this Way than any of Paul’s accusers. He knew Paul was not

what they said he was.• Felix might have been an unjust and cruel man but he was intelligent, well-informed and not easily

swayed by flowery rhetoric.

• Acts 24:10-13• 10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number

of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You

can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone

at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13

And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.

• Acts 24:10-13• 10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number

of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You

can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone

at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13

And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.

• Paul challenges them to furnish proof of their charges. They cannot and they know it.

• I wonder why they did not bring false witnesses like those they used at the trial of Jesus and

Stephen in the Sanhedrin. • The answer is that, unlike the Jewish court, such false witnesses would be rigorously cross-

examined in a Roman court and perjury was punishable by death as it should have been in

the Jewish court. • The Romans enforced their laws.

• Paul challenges them to furnish proof of their charges. They cannot and they know it.

• I wonder why they did not bring false witnesses like those they used at the trial of Jesus and

Stephen in the Sanhedrin. • The answer is that, unlike the Jewish court, such false witnesses would be rigorously cross-

examined in a Roman court and perjury was punishable by death as it should have been in

the Jewish court. • The Romans enforced their laws.

• Acts 24:14-16• 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15

and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the

righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and

man.

• Acts 24:14-16• 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15

and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the

righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and

man.

• Paul admits that he is a worshiper of Jesus and follows His Way.

• But he says that this new Way, which could not be called a sect of Judaism, was based on the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

• As Jesus had also said, if people believed the prophecies of Moses and the other Old

Testament prophets, they would believe in Him. They would believe that He was the promised Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world.

• Paul admits that he is a worshiper of Jesus and follows His Way.

• But he says that this new Way, which could not be called a sect of Judaism, was based on the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

• As Jesus had also said, if people believed the prophecies of Moses and the other Old

Testament prophets, they would believe in Him. They would believe that He was the promised Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world.

• Acts 24:17-21• 17 "After an absence of several years, I came to

Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts

doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges

if they have anything against me. . .

• Acts 24:17-21• 17 "After an absence of several years, I came to

Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts

doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges

if they have anything against me. . .

v19 Why would Paul be so v19 Why would Paul be so confident that he could stand confident that he could stand up against accusers from up against accusers from

AsiaAsia??

Acts 17:13 “When the Jews in Thessalonica Acts 17:13 “When the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, they God at Berea, they went there went there too, agitating too, agitating

the crowds and stirring them up.” (NIV)the crowds and stirring them up.” (NIV)

Acts 14:19 “Then some Jews Acts 14:19 “Then some Jews came came from from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.” outside the city, thinking he was dead.”

(NIV)(NIV)

Acts 18:12-16; “While Gallio was proconsul of Acts 18:12-16; “While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on

Paul and brought him into Paul and brought him into courtcourt. . . .. . . .

Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some making a complaint about some

misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves . . . your own law . . . I will since it involves . . . your own law . . . I will

not be a judge of such things." (NIV)not be a judge of such things." (NIV)

Why could Paul be confident Why could Paul be confident that he could stand up that he could stand up

against the charges of against the charges of those from those from JerusalemJerusalem??

Acts 23:9 “There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were

Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man

(Paul)” (NIV)

Acts 23:26-30 “Claudius Lysias, To His Acts 23:26-30 “Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: . . . I found that Excellency, Governor Felix: . . . I found that

the accusation had to do with questions the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge about their law, but there was no charge

against him that deserved death or against him that deserved death or imprisonment.” (NIV)imprisonment.” (NIV)

• 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the

Sanhedrin- 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: 'It is

concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"

• Paul tells the governor that there was no one who could bring a truthful charge of wrongdoing

against him. If there was any such, as he said, they should be there to give their testimony.

• 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the

Sanhedrin- 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: 'It is

concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"

• Paul tells the governor that there was no one who could bring a truthful charge of wrongdoing

against him. If there was any such, as he said, they should be there to give their testimony.

• Paul tells about the mission he had Paul tells about the mission he had accomplished just twelve days earlier to bring accomplished just twelve days earlier to bring

gifts from the Gentile Christians to the poor gifts from the Gentile Christians to the poor Jewish Christians throughout Judea.Jewish Christians throughout Judea.

• Then he admits that he shouted out that it was Then he admits that he shouted out that it was for his belief in the resurrection that he was on for his belief in the resurrection that he was on

trial before the Sanhedrin.trial before the Sanhedrin.• One could say that this was true in a sense. But One could say that this was true in a sense. But

Paul had used this ploy to create an uproar and Paul had used this ploy to create an uproar and escape the fate they had intended for him.escape the fate they had intended for him.

• Paul tells about the mission he had Paul tells about the mission he had accomplished just twelve days earlier to bring accomplished just twelve days earlier to bring

gifts from the Gentile Christians to the poor gifts from the Gentile Christians to the poor Jewish Christians throughout Judea.Jewish Christians throughout Judea.

• Then he admits that he shouted out that it was Then he admits that he shouted out that it was for his belief in the resurrection that he was on for his belief in the resurrection that he was on

trial before the Sanhedrin.trial before the Sanhedrin.• One could say that this was true in a sense. But One could say that this was true in a sense. But

Paul had used this ploy to create an uproar and Paul had used this ploy to create an uproar and escape the fate they had intended for him.escape the fate they had intended for him.

• Acts 24:22-23• 22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with

the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case." 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of

his needs. • As mentioned earlier, Felix was not about to

pervert justice for a Roman citizen. He would have had to give an account. Besides, he knew that

Claudius Lysias knew the truth.

• Acts 24:22-23• 22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with

the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case." 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of

his needs. • As mentioned earlier, Felix was not about to

pervert justice for a Roman citizen. He would have had to give an account. Besides, he knew that

Claudius Lysias knew the truth.

• Acts 24:24-26Acts 24:24-26• 4 Several days later Felix came with his wife 4 Several days later Felix came with his wife

Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in and listened to him as he spoke about faith in

Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. • 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-

control and the judgment to come, Felix was control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You

may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." for you."

• 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him

frequently and talked with him. frequently and talked with him.

• Acts 24:24-26Acts 24:24-26• 4 Several days later Felix came with his wife 4 Several days later Felix came with his wife

Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in and listened to him as he spoke about faith in

Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. • 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-

control and the judgment to come, Felix was control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You

may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." for you."

• 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him

frequently and talked with him. frequently and talked with him.

Antonius Felix coin (52-56 AD, Judea)

• Since Drusilla, Felix’s wife was a Jewess, Felix no doubt had been more interested in Jewish culture and history than he would have been otherwise.

• He had heard all the stories about Jesus and I’m sure had investigated them himself. He knew that

Paul was telling the truth.• He must have believed in God and the words of Paul. One version says that when Felix heard about

the judgment to come, he was terrified.• Why didn’t he become a Christian? We’ll never

know for sure.

• Since Drusilla, Felix’s wife was a Jewess, Felix no doubt had been more interested in Jewish culture and history than he would have been otherwise.

• He had heard all the stories about Jesus and I’m sure had investigated them himself. He knew that

Paul was telling the truth.• He must have believed in God and the words of Paul. One version says that when Felix heard about

the judgment to come, he was terrified.• Why didn’t he become a Christian? We’ll never

know for sure.

• Acts 24:27• 27 When two years had passed, Felix was

succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul

in prison. • Felix was not thinking of Paul and what was best

for him. He only cared about political correctness and pleasing his constituency. Is

that a familiar attitude?• But God knew what was best for Paul. That was

the real reason he stayed under guard in Herod’s palace.

• Acts 24:27• 27 When two years had passed, Felix was

succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul

in prison. • Felix was not thinking of Paul and what was best

for him. He only cared about political correctness and pleasing his constituency. Is

that a familiar attitude?• But God knew what was best for Paul. That was

the real reason he stayed under guard in Herod’s palace.

Coin of Porcius Festus, Governor of Judea

Conclusion

• Paul will survive all the plots and machinations of the unbelieving Jews.

• He will be in this situation for two years.• He will appear before the new governor, Festus,

then before King Agrippa, the king of Judea, a puppet of the Romans.

• After a time he will decide to exercise his right as a Roman citizen and appeal to Caesar to make a

final disposition of his case.• He will go to Rome.

• Paul will survive all the plots and machinations of the unbelieving Jews.

• He will be in this situation for two years.• He will appear before the new governor, Festus,

then before King Agrippa, the king of Judea, a puppet of the Romans.

• After a time he will decide to exercise his right as a Roman citizen and appeal to Caesar to make a

final disposition of his case.• He will go to Rome.

Alone but Never LonelyAlone but Never Lonely

by Ellis Jones

Alone but never lonely,

I know God’s always there.

His word speaks clearly to my heart.

I talk to Him in prayer.

by Ellis Jones

Alone but never lonely,

I know God’s always there.

His word speaks clearly to my heart.

I talk to Him in prayer.

Alone but never lonely,

When God is on His throne,

I know when I am praying

I’m with millions of His own.

Alone but never lonely,

When God is on His throne,

I know when I am praying

I’m with millions of His own.

Alone but never lonely,

By the eye of faith I see,

Spirits of the faithful dead,

Who’ve won their victory.

Alone but never lonely,

By the eye of faith I see,

Spirits of the faithful dead,

Who’ve won their victory.

Alone but never lonely,Alone but never lonely,

Angels around me wait,Angels around me wait,

For orders from their Master,For orders from their Master,

Then they don’t hesitate.Then they don’t hesitate.

Alone but never lonely,Alone but never lonely,

Angels around me wait,Angels around me wait,

For orders from their Master,For orders from their Master,

Then they don’t hesitate.Then they don’t hesitate.

Alone but never lonely,

When I find time to be

Alone with God I also find,

He’ll spend more time with me.

Alone but never lonely,

When I find time to be

Alone with God I also find,

He’ll spend more time with me.