The Book of Acts

Paul Appears Before Felix

Acts 24:1-27 _NLT

“Five days later Ananias, the high priest, arrived with some of the Jewish elders and the lawyer Tertullus, to present their case against Paul to the governor. When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the governor:....” _(vv.1-2)

            The Jews wished to kill Paul; however, they were thwarted at every turn, for God was in charge of the entire situation. Here we see that Paul was brought to defend himself before the governor of Judea, Antonius Felix. The 5 day wait was so the council members, and their lawyer were able to travel the 60 miles to Caesarea from Rome. Once there the lawyer, Tertullus, spoke for the Jewish contingent. 

                  The lawyer agreed to spread the falsehoods about Paul to the governor on behalf of the council, including Ananias, the High Priest. When Paul was given his chance to defend himself, he pointed out that the Jewish religious leaders didn’t have a shred of evidence to prove their accusations. After Paul was finished his defense the governor dismissed the council members and the lawyer and sent Paul to be locked up until he could come to a decision regarding the plight of the apostle. Because Felix wished to stay in good standing with the Jews in Caesarea, he left Paul in prison for the final 2 years of his stint as governor. 

                  During that 2 year period, Felix repeatedly called Paul to visit with both he and his wife, who was a Jewess. Paul spoke to them about Jesus being the Messiah to the Jews and about living righteously by faith. After a number of such meetings, Felix became frightened because, like his brother Herod Antipas ^{(Mark 6:17-18)}, Felix had married the wife of another man. His sin, when made known, bore down heavily on the governor.

                  The governor didn’t do right by Paul in that he never made a decision regarding the Jews case against him. When his term was over Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus who allowed Paul to remain in prison without a trial.

                  It should be noted that though Paul was able to speak about his beliefs to the Roman leaders, they were non-responsive. They saw it all as a Jewish religion, which was a Jewish problem. They didn’t feel it was any of their concern. Whatever decisions they made were driven by their efforts to keep the peace with the Jews, who when angered were capable of causing many problems for the Roman government. 

                  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible