Acts, Chapter 24 - Paul before Felix

Outbless Weekly

Acts, Chapter 24 - Paul before Felix

24 After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. 2 After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor,

- Five days (grace)

- Ananas “whom Jehovah has graciously given”

- Tertullus “triple hardened”

- God is trying to pour out grace upon the Jews but some of them are triple hardened

“Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.

- Sounds like a lot of apple shinning to me

4 But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you [d]to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. 5 For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout [e]the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

- But, that I may not weary you any further (this means waste your time)

- I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing (false flattery)

o Sometimes people speak very kindly when they want something

- For we have found this man a real pest

o A pest is a bug that continues to show up and create fear

o The Jews were afraid of losing their power, position and prosperity

- And a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world

o How would Tertullus know about worldwide communication (he is exaggerating)

- And a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes

o Nazarenes means “one separated”; “sanctified” or “set apart”

o Jesus was set apart to do God’s will exclusively

6 And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. 7 But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

- Tertullus is a liar and is intentionally lying about Paul

- Of course he wanted to judge him and convict him and punish or kill him if he was allowed to operate by his own law but he is not (this is why Paul was sent to the governor)

- The Jews also joined in the attack (notice it was attack; a matter of war)

o We wrestle not against flesh and blood but from spiritual wickedness in high places (it is spiritual warfare in process)

10 When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense,

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