Acts Chapter 24 begins five days after Paul is sent to Caesarea. He has been kept in Herod’s judgment hall when Ananias, the high priest, comes into his cell with several elders and with Tertullus, a lawyer.
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Charges Brought Against Paul
Tertullus addresses the governor, Antonius Felix, and claims that Paul has been a thorn in the side to Jews all over the world. He said that he is one of the leaders of the followers of Jesus, which Tertullus identifies as a cult-like sect called the Nazarenes.
He told of how the high priests had just stopped Paul from committing what they believed was a defilement of the temple when Lysias, a military commander, interrupted him and violently took Paul away. Paul in turn insisted that his accusers come to him and accuse him to his face, to which the Jews agreed.
Paul Answers the Charges
Felix then told Paul to speak. Paul told him that he came to Jerusalem to worship. He said he had no intentions of having an argument with anyone or stirring up trouble. He also explained to the governor and those assembled that he worships the God of his fathers.
He went on to describe how he purified himself at the temple and was captured by men from Asia, none of which were there to hear him defend himself. As for the people who came to accuse him, Paul asked for them to speak up if they found anything against him.
Felix Responds to Paul
Felix told Paul that he would ask Lysias what really happened. He left Paul in the care of a centurion who was instructed to let him have his liberty and to allow any one of Paul’s acquaintances to visit him.
A few days later, Felix returned with his wife, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him preach about Christ and the coming judgment. Felix was scared about what he heard and he told Paul to leave, stating that he would call on him later when it was more convenient.
Festus Becomes Governor
Acts Chapter 24 ends with the news that Porcius Festus became governor two years later. Paul was still imprisoned at the time because Felix wanted to satisfy the Jews.
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Acts 24 (King James Version)
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 of 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.