Walking Through Acts
I don’t know about you but I love being parent. I love being a father to my children
especially when it’s play Fme. One of their favorite games is hide and seek. They
all count to ten together in the living room and I go hide somewhere. Now, if
you’ve been to my house, you’ll know that there aren’t that many places to hide,
especially for a fully grown adult. But, where there is a will there is a way. Last
week, we talked about God making a way in the midst of seemingly impossible
circumstances. Finding a good hiding spot in my house where I won’t be found in
30 seconds or less is quite the task. However, one day we had built a fort out of
chairs and blankets in the living room. The kids wanted to play hide and seek and
so they started counFng in the fort. I go and hide in one of their bedrooms and
this Fme, I hide behind a chair. I hear them finish counFng to ten and then I hear
their liRle footsteps coming down the hallway towards me and I stay as sFll as I
possibly can. ASer about 30 seconds, I begin to realize something. They don’t
know where I’m at. As they are looking for me in one of the other rooms, I bolt
out the one I’m in and head straight into the fort we made in the living room that
they had just come from. I thought, there is no way they would ever think to look
in the very spot they just came from. And I was right. Once their voices started to
sound worried, I revealed myself to them and they were all amazed and relieved
at the same Fme.
Last week, Paul was held capFve in the barracks. There was a plan by the chief
priests and elders to summon him to another hearing with the intenFons of
having the radical Jews ambush him and kill him. However, God made a way to
spare Paul’s life, namely through his nephew that overheard this diabolical plan
who then went to Paul immediately to tell him about it. The Tribune is made
aware of this plan and so whisks Paul away amongst a military escort to Caesarea.
Now, imagine the Chief priests and the elders making their way to the barracks in
order to summon Paul to another hearing, only to find out upon arrival, he’s not
where he was supposed be. I’m sure for them, the worry began to set in.Here we are in Acts 24 where Paul is given his hearing in front of the “Most
Excellent” Governor Felix. While we were all back home or at school or at work
this past week, following the events of last week’s message, we can imagine the
chief priests and the elders making their way from Jerusalem to Caesarea to bring
their case against Paul.
Acts 24:1
And aSer five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a
spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.
Now, you know me, I like to get the details about certain figures that are named in
our Bibles. And if we find something in our Bibles, it’s not there by chance or to
serve as filler. I’m sure Luke didn’t have a specific word limit that he had to submit
to God before it got approved. These names and details that we read about are
there for a reason. And when we lean into them and delve deeper, we become
more immersed into the story that’s taking shape in front of us.
Who is this man Tertullus and why is he brought to our aRenFon in this moment?
In the first century, it was common for there to be men who served as aRorneys
or more specifically “orators” that would present cases either for the plainFff or
the defendant for a fee. As evidenced by his name, he was most likely a Greek or a
Roman, not himself a Jew. He would have extensive knowledge of Roman law that
could be used in favor of his clients. Why hire him? Why did Annanias the high
priest and the elders need to hire someone if their case was rock solid against
Paul? Well, there are a couple of possibiliFes here. Maybe, their case wasn’t so
rock solid as they’d like others to believe. Or maybe, Tertullus had a good track
record in previous cases he was involved in. Probably had a five star review and
they didn’t want any chance that Paul would get out of this situaFon alive.
Acts 24:2-4
2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most
excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this naFon, 3 in every way andeverywhere we accept this with all graFtude. 4 But, to detain[a] you no further, I
beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
Take noFce how Tertullus is trying to buRer up good ol’ Governor Felix. It is an
aRempt to flaRer with the hopes of garnering favor. Let me ask you this quesFon.
If you have a rock-solid case to present, is there any need to use flaRering
language? Of course not. If anything, it gives the impression right from the outset
that you don’t have a strong case at all. But, here’s the thing. This line of reasoning
is only true if you are in the presence of a faithful judge, one that is bound by
integrity. Felix was no such judge.
Let’s see the charges that are brought against Paul.
Acts 24:5-9
5 For we have found this man a plague, one who sFrs up riots among all the Jews
throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even
tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.[b] 8 By examining him yourself
you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
We’ve seen these charges before. He’s accused of sFrring up riots wherever he
goes, a very false claim. We have Luke’s recorded account before us. We know
what happened. It wasn’t Paul that was beset upon creaFng violent mobs of
people. It was the Jews. They were so adamant about silencing Paul that they
traveled long distances to incite violence against Paul. The stoning in Lystra is
prime example of that. The riot at Ephesus was one that was started by the Jews.
The next charge is that Paul is introducing a new religion that is not recognized by
Rome. Therefore, he is in strict violaFon of the law. Again, not true. For
ChrisFanity, for Paul and for us today, was the very thing that Judaism had
anFcipated and foreshadowed all throughout Israel’s history. It’s just that many
Jews did not see it that way and sFll some to this day, do not look to Jesus as their
promised Messiah. Now, Tertullus used the phrase, “sect of the Nazarenes” which
was a derogatory term used for followers of ChrisFanity. It is an expression of
great contempt and Tertullus is choosing his words very carefully so as to appealto people’s emoFons rather than the truth. He is painFng a picture of Paul that
portrays someone that needs to be stopped immediately even to the extent that
there will be no jusFce unless death is the final verdict.
Here's the third and final charge. Paul had aRempted to profane the temple. This
of course was also not true. Remember, it was speculated that Paul brought
Trophimus, a GenFle, into the Temple which was against Jewish law. And then at
the end of verse six, Tertullus makes yet another false claim, that “we seized him.”
When Paul was in Jerusalem last, who seized Paul? Was it the Jews or someone
else? It was the Roman Tribune who seized Paul.
Although, lie aSer lie was told regarding Paul, Tertullus had the audacity to say,
“By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything
of which we accuse him.” And then you have of course, the Jews present at the
hearing jumping on board with everything Tertullus said, and so made themselves
complicit in deliberate decepFon and bearing false tesFmony against Paul,
breaking one of their very own laws found in the Ten Commandments. To them,
the end (Paul’s death) jusFfied the means (bearing false witness).
Imagine what Paul must have felt in this situaFon. None of us love the experience
of being falsely accused of something. Paul has no representaFon as the Jews did
who could sway the fragile mind of Felix. However, Paul had integrity and the Holy
Spirit.
Here’s how the theologian McGarvey puts it,
“Paul was now required, without previous noFficaFon of the charges, and without
a moment for premeditaFon, to make his defense against an accusaFon which, if
sustained in the judgment of the court, would have cost him his life. Without a
single witness to support his representaFons, he could rely only upon the self-
evident truthfulness of what he might have to say. But Paul also had the support
of the promise of Jesus, “SeRle it therefore in your minds not to meditate
beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of
your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict (Luke 21:14-15).
Here's how Paul responds to these false allegaFons.Acts 24:10-21
10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this naFon, I cheerfully
make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I
went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me dispuFng with
anyone or sFrring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the
city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But
this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship
the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and wriRen in
the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that
there will be a resurrecFon of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take
pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now aSer several
years I came to bring alms to my naFon and to present offerings. 18 While I was
doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult.
But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an
accusaFon, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men
themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21
other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with
respect to the resurrecFon of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”
This strikes me as simply incredible. The composure under such pressure when his
life is on the line is remarkable. NoFce the stark contrast between the opening of
Paul’s defense vs. the opening Tertullus gave. Paul had no need to flaRer the
governor. He had the facts, and he recognized that the best thing he could do in
that moment was to tell the truth and let the pieces fall where they may. That’s
integrity.
One by one he addressed each accusaFon. They say, I sFrred up crowds that
turned into riots? I did no such thing. In addiFon to that, the ones bringing the
charges weren’t even there in the first place. What proof do they have? They say
I’m involved in a cult (sect of the Nazarenes) in violaFon of Roman law? The Law
and the Prophets tesFfied of truth of “The Way” (ChrisFanity). ChrisFanity is not a
sect, a split, a heresy off Judaism. It was that for which Judaism prepared theworld. They say, I profaned the temple. I was merely engaged in a purificaFon
ceremony in the Temple. The Jews from Asia should be here today if they want to
make any allegaFons. The chief priests and elders weren’t even there. And Paul
even says, that the council themselves (chief priests and elders) couldn’t even find
anything substanFal to charge Paul with. Let them speak up now if they have
anything against me.
Paul here is not being belligerent or disrespecpul in any way here. He is not being
arrogant, but rather he speaks with confidence with the assurance that truth may
win the day. Even if it doesn’t win him his freedom, he remains steadfast because
of his clear conscience before God. Let’s see how Felix responds.
Accts 24:22-23
22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying,
“When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave
orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty,
and that none of his friends should be prevented from aRending to his needs.
Isn’t this interesFng? Scripture doesn’t tell us how Felix accumulated knowledge
about ChrisFanity, but yet he knew more than what one would suspect him of
knowing. Could it be that Philip the Evangelist had made a visit to governor Felix a
Fme or to? Who knows? Because of Felix’s knowledge about ChrisFanity, it is
likely that he saw right through the allegaFons that were brought against Paul, at
the very least the one regarding ChrisFanity as being a sect. Felix knew beRer than
that.
Now, Felix finds himself at a crossroads. He finds himself face to face with a moral
dilemma. Will he be a faithful judge, or one that is underserving of his post? As
Scripture tells us, he compromises his integrity and makes no decision at all, which
in all actuality is sFll a decision (and it’s the wrong one, an immoral one). He is not
delaying the trial so as to get more substanFal informaFon regarding the case. He
already has everything he needs to know to make a decision. He knows he can’t
charge Paul with anything, yet at the same Fme, he wants to appease the
accusers. You can just sense the internal wrestling match he’s having with himself.
His Fme of tesFng has come and he fails miserably and he forever goes down in
history as a cauFonary tale. By postponing his decision, he shows a lack ofintegrity, courage and reveals himself to be an unfaithful judge unworthy of his
post.
Acts 24:24-25
24 ASer some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent
for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned
about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed
and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon
you.”
Paul, although in a prison cell gains an audience of Felix and his wife Drusilla. I’ll
briefly give some background informaFon that I think will help us understand
more fully what is happening here.
Felix acquired Drusilla as his wife through a variety of scandals. In secular history,
Drusilla leS her husband to marry Felix in order to gain presFge. Both Felix and
Drusilla are complicit in this sinful and adulterous marriage and it is probably well
known by many at this Fme. Paul knew this.
Now, here is a crucial point for us that I don’t want us to miss. And I’ve preached
this before in our Walk Through Acts where we see the coherent and consistent
nature of Paul’s gospel presentaFons. One would think, that in order to win
someone over to faith in Jesus, one must avoid targeFng someone’s parFcular sin.
They’ll say things like, “We don’t want to make them feel alienated.” “I know the
Bible says this, but let’s not talk about that. It may keep them from ever accepFng
Christ.” Or, “let’s just focus on the grace and goodness of God. No need to ruffle
feathers.”
Dear ChrisFan, if this is the way we think, we’ve got our eyes on the wrong target.
We’ve made heaven the prize, instead of God. Through this lens we have a
theology that thinks our main goal as ChrisFans is to see as many people in
heaven as possible. That was never the goal. Our goal is to honor God in every
way and that includes obeying what He says.
When we’re reading through RevelaFon and it talks about the Wedding by a sea
of glass, the bride is not gesng married to heaven, but to Christ. And so we striveto honor Christ and we do that by obeying what He says. Let us not fall into the
trap of striving to win men to heaven by compromising Christ and end up losing
both.
And so, we don’t shy away from poinFng out sin. We address it in truth and love
for you cannot truly love if you do not speak the truth. Otherwise, we delay giving
the opportunity for someone to repent. SoS sermons lay no necessity upon the
heart to change. Paul knew this very well. He knew that Felix and Drusilla were
living immoral lives and so he “reasons with them about righteousness and self-
control and the coming judgment. That if they conFnue living this way and don’t
repent they will be condemned to hell for eternity.
The text tells us that Felix was alarmed. So should be the response of anyone who
feels convicted of their sin. No one likes being woken up by an alarm. You can’t
ignore it, it’s uncomfortable, you probably wish in the moment that you could
have just remained asleep for a liRle while longer. And our world today is so
content with being asleep and comfortable. But, as ChrisFans, we know that
judgment day is nigh, and an alarm may be the very thing that saves someone’s
soul for eternity.
And what does Felix do when the alarm bells are ringing. He ignores them and
postpones any kind of decision. Just like many today, the decision to surrender
one’s life to Jesus is delayed. It’s put off. “I’ll do it tomorrow, or next week, or next
month, or next Easter.” And can I just say this one thing? RejecFon through delay
is simply rejecFon. You’re either covered by the blood of Christ, or you’re not. Do
not wait. The call to follow Jesus is now. The window of opportunity is closing.
Acts 24:26-27
26 At the same Fme he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent
for him oSen and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was
succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix leS Paul in
prison.
Piano to play here.By keeping Paul in prison, he hoped that Paul would bribe him to let him go free.
Paul was not about to stoop to that level. In any case, it gave Paul more
opportuniFes to prick the heart of Felix to hopefully see him come to faith in
Jesus. Unfortunately, the Bible gives no account of Felix ever coming to faith in
Jesus. We can only hope that he eventually came around to it.
It had been two whole years that Paul had been in prison when Festus replaced
Felix as governor . And we can see even unFl the end of his Fme as governor, Felix
remained in his old ways of wanFng to please the crowd and so keeps Paul
imprisoned.
No doubt, that over the course of the two years of periodically speaking with Paul,
Paul would have taken every opportunity to share the gospel with him. Remember
that Felix already had a decent understanding of ChrisFanity. This is a clear
example where mere accumulaFon of informaFon does not equate to
transformaFon. I just want to remind us all that when we come to Church on
Sunday, or read our Bibles during the week, or aRend a Bible study, the goal is
never just the accumulaFon of informaFon, but of transformaFon. As I said last
week, we need to allow His Word to shape us and mold us into the people God
desires us to be. It is much easier to look at the Bible as a beauFful canvas
admiring it and to be leS in awe. It is more difficult to see it as a surgical
instrument that seeks to rid us of the things that do not make us like Christ. And
that can be a painful process, but one that is necessary in our ongoi