November 20, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 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.

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.

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:

⁶ Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

⁷ But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

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.

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:

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:

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 to offence toward God, and toward men.

¹⁷ Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

²⁷ But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Acts Chapter 24 describes the trial of the Apostle Paul before Governor Felix in Caesarea. This section highlights the tensions between the Jewish leaders who accuse Paul and the Roman legal system. It also shows how Paul courageously and with integrity defends himself and testifies to his hope in the resurrection of the dead.

Commentary

In this chapter, we encounter the injustice and power politics of the time. The Jewish accusers, led by Tertullus, portray Paul as a troublemaker and temple violator. However, their accusations are unfounded and based on false claims. Paul defends himself confidently and remains true to his faith. His argumentation demonstrates that he respects Jewish law and the prophets and shares a common hope in the resurrection.

Felix, the governor, is caught between the political expectations of the Jewish leaders and the desire for justice. Although he shows some interest in Paul’s teachings, his actions are influenced by personal greed and the desire to please the Jews. His repeated delays of the trial and the two-year imprisonment of Paul reveal Felix’s corruption and moral weakness.

Paul takes this opportunity to proclaim his faith in Christ, even if it unsettles Felix. His message of righteousness, chastity, and the future judgment calls into question Felix’s life and motives, leading him to avoid confrontation.

Summary

Acts Chapter 24 describes how Paul proves his innocence before Governor Felix and boldly proclaims his faith. While the Jewish leaders falsely accuse him, Paul demonstrates that he lives according to the law and proclaims the resurrection of the dead. Felix, driven by greed and political calculation, postpones the trial and holds Paul in custody for two years, even though no guilt has been proven. During this time, Paul remains a witness for Christ and even speaks to Felix and his wife Drusilla about righteousness and God’s judgment. The chapter highlights the tensions between faith, politics, and personal integrity.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/20-11-2024-acts-chapter-24-believe-his-prophets/