READING THE BOOK OF ACTS: CHAPTER 24
READING THE BOOK OF ACTS: CHAPTER 24
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
INTRODUCING ACTS, CHAPTER 24
Act 24 is a transition period for Paul from freedom to captivity. For several years, he has traveled around Judea, Syria, modern-day Turkey, Macedonia, and Greece, spreading the good news about jesus' offer of salvation. Through a series of misunderstandings and outright lies, he is now in custody in Caesarea. He will remain there for two years before demanding his case be sent to Caesar (Acts 25:11). Once he arrives in Rome, he will spend another two years in custody (Cats 28:30). Despite his confinement, his message will reach a king and the household of Nero. (https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/24/Acts-chapter-24.html)
1) Verses 1-9, Paul's Trial Before Felix, Part 1, JEANNIE
Five
days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the
elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their
charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was
called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long
period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this
nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most
excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But
in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to
hear us briefly. 5 “We have found this man to be
a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world.
He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and
even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining
him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are
bringing against him.” 9 The other Jews joined in
the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
NOTATIONS:
SECTION QUESTIONS:
1. How did the lawyer, Tertullus, try to influence Felix? (V.2-3)
2. What did Tertullus accuse Paul of? (V.5-6)
2) Verses 10-18, Paul's Trial Before Felix, Part 2, MRS. ELNORA
10 When the
governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a
number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my
defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than
twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My
accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up
a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And
they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However,
I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the
Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in
accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and
I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a
resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So
I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. 17 “After
an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for
the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was
ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this.
There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.
NOTATIONS:
SECTION QUESTIONS:
3. How did Paul defend himself? (V.11-13)
4. How did Paul describe his beliefs? (V.14-16)
3) Verses 19-27, Paul's Trial Before Felix, Part 3, DESTINY
19 But
there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before
you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who
are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the
Sanhedrin— 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I
stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I
am on trial before you today.’” 22 Then Felix,
who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When
Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He
ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some
freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. 24 Several
days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul
and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As
Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to
come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave.
When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At
the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for
him frequently and talked with him. 27 When two
years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix
wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
NOTATIONS:
SECTION QUESTIONS:
5. What did Paul say he was on trial for? (V.21)
6. What happened to Felix when Paul spoke about faith in Jesus Christ? (V.25)
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Nero Caesar
Who is Nero Caesar? I found some interesting information on who this leader was. I will share the significance of that info in an upcoming blog.
Sect: a body of persons adhering to a particular religious faith; a religious denomination.
A group regarded as heretical or as deviating from a generally accepted religious tradition.
A Christian denomination characterized by insistence on strict qualifications for membership, as distinguished from the more inclusive groups called churches.
Journal Entry/Share:
What's your testimony? How have you changed from who you were before coming to Christ? OR How have you changed from who you were early on in your Christian journey to today?
Prayer Confession:
Lord, thank you for Paul’s example of faith, integrity, boldness, and supernatural power. These same characteristics are made available to us the moment we accept God’s gift of salvation. Empower us to be men and women of integrity, doing and saying what is right despite the confrontation or opposition of others. We stand on the truth of your Word that your perfect loves casts out all fear. When it comes to your command, Holy Father, we set ourselves like Paul did, to obey you, God, rather than men. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
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