Acts 24 (NLT)
Paul Appears before Felix
“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. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the governor:
“You have provided a long period of peace for us Jews and with foresight have enacted reforms for us. 3 For all of this, Your Excellency, we are very grateful to you. 4 But I don’t want to bore you, so please give me your attention for only a moment. 5 We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes.6 Furthermore, he was trying to desecrate the Temple when we arrested him. 8 You can find out the truth of our accusations by examining him yourself.” 9 Then the other Jews chimed in, declaring that everything Tertullus said was true.”
Tertullas, the Jewish lawyer, starts by acknowledging Felix as wonderful governor. Nothing like a little flattery to start. His first charge is that Paul has started riots all over the world. That was not true, but something he likely thought would grab the attention of Felix since uprisings were a constant threat in the Empire. Then he claims Paul is the leader of a cult – one of those rogue groups that Rome had to deal with frequently. Then he mentions that Paul had desecrated the Temple; the Romans had agreed to let the Jews deal harshly with anyone who desecrated the Temple (info from Intervarsity Press Commentary), so perhaps he hopes Felix might turn Paul over to them.
“10 The governor then motioned for Paul to speak.”
Intervarsity Press Commentary says,
“With a nod, a gesture befitting his rank, Felix indicates that Paul may take up his defense. … Felix’s long tenure in Palestine has provided experience, knowledge and insight on Jewish affairs. Felix may well have spent a decade already in Palestine, first as administrator of Samaria under Cumanus (A.D. 48-52) and then as governor from A.D. 52 to the time of Paul’s trial, A.D. 58. Paul’s introduction models the bold, yet respectful, demeanor that Peter counsels us all to adopt when we stand before civil authorities and are required to “give the reason for the hope” that is within us.”
1 Peter 3: 15 – 16 says “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.”
That is something that helps me when I think of sharing my faith with someone who is a non-believer. Be gentle and polite. Be aware of the other person’s reaction and feelings. Don’t be argumentative. Talk until they indicate they don’t want to talk about it any longer.
The basics of our faith are: Everyone is a sinner; no one pleases God. Jesus died for us and rose again to pay the penalty for our sin. When we accept/believe that, we become a child of God. God gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us in our lives. Someday we will be in heaven with God. We need to know verses that support those basic beliefs.
But when we have conversation with non-believers about our faith, it usually doesn’t start with us explaining those basic tenets. But if we answer their questions “in a gentle and respectful way” we might get the opportunity to talk about those basic truths.
“Paul said, “I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you. 11 You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple.12 My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. 13 These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing.
14 “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. 15 I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous.16 Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.
17 “After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God. 18 My accusers saw me in the Temple as I was completing a purification ceremony. There was no crowd around me and no rioting. 19 But some Jews from the province of Asia were there—and they ought to be here to bring charges if they have anything against me! 20 Ask these men here what crime the Jewish high council found me guilty of, 21 except for the one time I shouted out, ‘I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!’”
22 At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.” 23 He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs.
24 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” 26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.
27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.”
Paul ends up staying in custody for two years. Felix doesn’t want to make a decision since that might cause an uprising among the Jewish people, and to keep his job, he needs to keep everybody quiet. He also appears to be looking for some money – “He also hoped that Paul would bribe him”, (v. 26) At least Paul had some freedom and was allowed visitors. But that two years must have been frustrating.
We may have a friend who is not a Christian, and we might even get a chance to talk about something connected with out faith with them. We might talk about a church service we attended, or a Christian concert we went to, or a faith-based mission project we are involved in, etc. They listen but don’t ever delve any deeper into what we are saying and believe. Patience. God knows what His plans are. We just have to go along and do our small part.
Our song for today is You Lead by Jamie Grace.