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The Acts of the Apostles

This text examines the political tensions in Acts 24:1-27, where Paul is brought before Felix, highlighting manipulative accusations, Paul's defense, and the self-serving actions of Felix.

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The Acts of the Apostles

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  1. Acts 24:1-9 Ananias waxes political Now we’re with Paul in Caesarea, and five days later Ananias, with other Sadducee elders, shows up. Five days after what? After he arrived in Caesarea. Is Acts 24:11 then in contradiction? Acts 21:27 – on the seventh day there was an arrest in the temple (Acts 21:33) – thus,perfectly consistent unless it’s when he arrived in Jerusalem. And a certain orator named Tertullusjoined him. Presumably a Roman attorney – who knew the Roman customs and laws. Look at the politics in Acts 23:2,3 – ‘we enjoy great peace… most noble Felix, etc. - ugh! Do you think these claims were true? Josephus portrays both the good and bad sides of Felix as governor of Judea. All of the charges are emotionally scheming. And the other Jews there assented – Acts 24:9 The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 24:1-27 Paul before Felix” 1 November 23, 2014 Bob Eckel

  2. 1. He is a plague (pest) who stirs up dissension among the Jews in Jerusalem and around the world – the Roman Empire. The sentiment presented was that Christianity is anti-Roman, i.e. ‘Jesus is the King’ not Caesar. 2. And he is a ringleader (military term) of the sect of the Nazarenes (who had no legal status). 3. Paul profaned the temple. And what was claimed was that Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, This was actually Lysias rescuing Paul. Acts 24:10-21 Paul replies to Felix Paul’s response to the Judge (Felix) is organized and orderly. Expected by the Roman court. Compare with the Jewish court. Usually chaotic, i.e. Acts 23:1-10 The overall claim of Paul was that Christianity was not rebellious and did not counter Roman law. The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 24:1-27 Paul before Felix” 2 November 23, 2014 Bob Eckel

  3. And this was c/w the Roman law, i.e. any religion was permitted unless it interfered with the state. Paul’s defense to the charges was courteous and objective. 23:11,12 – the facts of his timing and purpose were revealed. The charges refuted. 1. He is a plague who stirs up dissension among the Jews in Jerusalem and around the world. Acts 24:10-13 It was the day of Pentecost and he came to worship. “And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city.” – I Pet 3:16 “Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.” 2. And he is a ringleader (military term) of the sect of the Nazarenes. Acts 24:14-16 He was not there to persuade the Nazarenes according to the Way which they call a sect, so Iworship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.” – Rom 3:21 “I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead,” – John 5:28,29 The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 24:1-27 Paul before Felix” 3 November 23, 2014 Bob Eckel

  4. “This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” – II Cor 1:12; 4:2 Paul profaned the temple. Acts 24:17-21 He mentions that he was there to bring alms and offerings to my nation - Rom 15:25-27, II Cor 8:1-4 in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. Acts 21:26,27 They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ” – Acts 23:6 Overall, Paul was entirely legitimate according to Jewish law. And notice, these Jews from Asia who were the accusers were not in the court room in Caesarea. Why do you think that Ananias didn’t bring them along? The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 24:1-27 Paul before Felix” 4 November 23, 2014 Bob Eckel

  5. Acts 24:22-27 Felix responds Now about Felix (and wife Drusilla – sister of King Agrippa). Let’s look at Acts24:25,26 more closely. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.” Enlightened about the Way - Acts 24:22 Procrastinator – delaying decision – Acts 24:22, 25 Frightened by the Way - Acts 24:25; John 19:7,8 Self-serving – expected money from Paul. How do we measure this and isn’t this so typical today, and in fact the flesh from Eden going forward? So the Jews get a favor from the Judge, Paul is bound (with visitors) for 2 years and Felix is replaced. Who’s in control here anyway? The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 24:1-27 Paul before Felix” 5 November 23, 2014 Bob Eckel

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