In today’s study keep in mind Paul is a Roman citizen, and was also under the vow of a Nazarene. Acts 24 and verse 1 reads.
Acts 24:1] And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
Brought his lawyer with him.
Acts 24:2] And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
[3] We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
Laying it on thick here.
Acts 24:4] Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
[5] For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
For teaching that Christ rose from the dead. For teaching Christianity. I can’t help but notice that people are being sent to jail for praying today.
Acts 24:6] Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
This is a lie, and they have no proof.
Acts 24:7] But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
Who was violent? Who made a conspiracy to kill who?
Acts 24:8] Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
[9] And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
Their problem is they did not bring any witnesses with them. This lawyer saw none of which they accuse him of.
Acts 24:10] Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
Paul will speak for himself.
Acts 24:11] Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
[12] And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
[13] Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
[14] But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
Accuse me of what they are suppose to believe in also.
Acts 24:15] And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
[16] And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
[17] Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
Remember Paul brought back to the temple offerings and alms from the circuit and churches that they started. In other words gave to the temple according to the law of Moses.
Acts 24:18] Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
[19] Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
Where are the witnesses?
Acts 24:20] Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
[21] Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
They are charging me with sedition and there was none. I simply taught the resurrection.
Acts 24:22] And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
Meaning that Felix understood the Christian way as well as the law of Moses. So, when Lysias the chief captain comes down Felix will have his testimony of what had happened.
Acts 24;23] And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
Giving Paul his freedom but keeping him close by. Also not forbidding anyone from coming to Paul.
Acts 24:24] And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
His wife was of Judah and a Christian. Felix heard Paul’s testimony of Jesus Christ.
Acts 24:25] And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
[26] He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
He was expecting Paul to give money for his freedom, he didn’t. but that he sent often for Paul and heard much concerning the faith, for his wife’s sake of course.
Acts 24:27] But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Felix put Paul back in bonds for their sakes. Porcius Festus, in history, as well here in the bible, would take over the governorship. This happened in 60 A.D. Felix would get in trouble with Nero and sent away. Nero would eventually ban Jews and Christians from Rome. In the Bible, Felix, the Roman governor, was dismissed from his position after two years of detaining Paul the Apostle:
Felix held Paul under house arrest for two years, hoping Paul would offer him a bribe. Felix knew the accusations against Paul were false, but he chose to placate the Jewish leaders instead of setting Paul free. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible