Introduction

Paul is brought before the Roman govenor FelixPaul is brought before the Roman governor Felix (v 2).

Felix hears Paul's case, but won't make a decision. Paul remains a prisoner for two years till Felix is replaced by Festus.

Verses
1After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.
2When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that prosperity is coming to this nation by your foresight,
3we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
4But that I don’t delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
5For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections amongst all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.
7By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.”
8The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
9When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defence,
10seeing that you can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
11In the temple they didn’t find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.
12Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
13But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
14having hope towards God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
15In this I also practise always having a conscience void of offence towards God and men.
16Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
17amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.
18They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.
19Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,
20unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing amongst them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!’ ”
21But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”
22He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.
23But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
24As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgement to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
25Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often and talked with him.
26But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favour with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Questions

1. How does Paul summarise to Felix what he was doing?

v 13 and 14 But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; having hope towards God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

2. What was it that Paul thought the council had against him?

v 20 unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing amongst them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!’ ”

 

3. What did Paul reason with Felix about?

v 24 As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgement to come, Felix was terrified, ...

Summary Points

Note that from v 7, WEBBE verse numbers are one behind most other versions.

  • v 1 to 8 (1 to 9 most versions) Five days later, after arriving at Caesarea from Jerusalem (ch. 23), the Jews accuse Paul in Felix’s court. They accuse him of causing trouble and profaning the temple
  • v 9 to 21 (10 to 22 most other versions) Paul refutes the charges, citing witnesses, claiming to be guilty only of believing what is written in the Old Testament. He mentions several first-century Christian beliefs
  • v 22 to 26 (23 to 27 most other versions) Felix has further meetings with Paul, who is held in custody for 2 years. Paul disturbs Felix by talking about right living and judgement to come

Timeline AD 60

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