Acts Chapter 24.

Acts Chapter 24.

The Jews accuse Paul before Felix.                    24:1-9.

Paul's defense.                                     24:10-21.

Paul is kept in charge.                           24:22-23.

Paul's testimony to Felix and Drusilla.    24:24-27.

Paul delivered his defense before Felix. Then some days later he appears before both Felix and Drusilla.  Paul is confident that Felix is sure he is not guilty of any crime.  But they were curious to hear Paul, but Paul does not satisfy this curiosity and strives to convict the conscience of this loose-living pair.  The apostle leads the discussion to moral issues.  Felix finds himself and his wife on trial before Paul.

           

The Hope of Israel.    In his defense Paul makes it clear that the true issue was his belief in the resurrection of the dead, see 24:21. N.E.B and 23:6. N.E.B.  See also 13:32-37.  The hope of Israel, its consummation and salvation, was not to be found in the Law, nor in a restored nationalism and political independence, but in the resurrection.  This was the real issue between Paul and his accusers.

           

Church Ministry.

           

Paul refers to Christianity as 'The Way'.   See also 9:2;  16:17;  18:25-26;  19:19, 23;  22:4;  24:14, 22.  In eastern countries, the 'Way' signifies religion.

           

Evangelism.

           

Paul uses the trial to witness concerning his faith.  He boldly confesses Christ, but is not indifferent to such things as respect to his judge and showing as much agreement as is possible with the views of the Jews.

           

In respect to his own missionary work he emphasizes two things:-

           

1.   That the Christian Way (religion or movement) was the continuity and fulfillment of the Old Testament revelation.

           

2.   The blamelessness of his own personal conduct.

A blameless character is an indispensable asset to the witness for Christ.

           

Homiletics:

Felix and Drusilla on trial before Paul:

            *   His curiosity as to the faith of Jesus Christ.

            *   His conflict of conscience.

                        Righteousness. B-D. 1097.

                        Temperance.     B-D. 1241.

                        Judgment.        B-D.  388.

            *   His convenience to listen to the Word.  He would excuse himself from this                              painful situation.

            *   His covetousness; he would sell justice.  24:26.

            *   His callousness; he left Paul in prison.

Felix must learn that Christianity cannot be a matter of mere intellectual curiosity, but that it has ethical demands.    Felix was Governor from 52-59.AD.

           

References to B-D :

            Orator.              B-D.  912.         24: 1.                

            Tertullus.  B-D. 1253.

            Nazarenes.        B-D.  870.       24: 5.               

            Drusilla.            B-D.  327.         24:24.

            Porcius Festus. B-D.  421.       24:27.