(June 22)
Acts 24-26: Paul Before Rulers
Key Verse: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: —1 Peter 3:15
Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verses. Sanctify means “to regard as holy; to withdraw from the fellowship with the world by gaining fellowship with God.” Once we have given our heart wholly to God, we will be ready at anytime to tell anyone about Jesus. In this lesson, we will discover that Paul was always ready to tell anyone he was around about Jesus.
We are to be willing and able to share one’s personal testimony (of when Jesus called upon one’s heart and the response to that call). In addition, to be able to tell what Jesus is doing in their life (the job Jesus has called them to do).
In our last lesson, we learned that when the religious leaders in the Temple accosted Paul, the chief captain saved Paul’s life by arresting him. When the chief captain found out about the plot against Paul’s life, he sent Paul by night to Caesarea. Because the chief captain found nothing worthy of death, he sent Paul to Felix, the governor, to hear Paul’s case.
In this lesson, we will find that Felix, the governor, wanted to hear the words of Paul’s accusers first, and then he would hear Paul. After hearing both sides of the case, Felix found nothing worthy of Paul’s death – but he kept Paul in custody. Felix, along with his wife Drusilla, visited Paul several times. When they visited, they asked Paul questions about “the faith in Christ” (see Acts 24:24). We will find out what came of these discussions.
When Festus succeeded Felix, Paul was still not released – to please the Jews. Festus did make a trip to Jerusalem talking with the religious leaders, but he would not send Paul to them. Festus agreed to hear the religious leaders’ case against Paul, giving Paul an opportunity to defend himself. Paul then appealed to Caesar (see Acts 25:11).
Suggested Bible Reading to Prepare for This Lesson:
• Monday: Acts 24
• Tuesday: Acts 25
• Wednesday: Acts 26
• Thursday: Proverbs 17-18
• Friday: Proverbs 19-20
• Saturday: Proverbs 21-22
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey: Acts 18:23 – 21:26
- Before Felix (Acts 24)
• Religious leaders present case against Paul
• Paul speaks - Before Festus (Acts 25:1-21)
• Paul requests to see Caesar
• Festus found no fault in Paul - Paul Before Agrippa (Acts 25:22 – 26:32)
• Paul gave his testimony
• Paul waited to see Caesar - How to Give Your Testimony
• Share Jesus’ call, and your response
• Invite your friend to know Jesus
Note: In our last lesson, we learned that Paul was almost killed by the Jews, but the chief captain stepped in, saving Paul’s life. Paul was given the opportunity to plead his case before the people (the Jews who wanted to kill him), and Paul gave his testimony, sharing when Jesus called him and how he responded to that call. Nevertheless, the Jews rejected Paul and his witness, still wanting to kill him. When the plot to kill Paul was revealed to the chief captain, he sent Paul by night to Felix. Felix agreed to hear Paul’s case. In this lesson, we will learn what Paul said to Felix, and Felix’s response.
- Before Felix (Acts 24)
Paul was sent to be heard before Felix. However, Felix agreed to hear the words of Paul’s accusers first (see Acts 23:35). So they came. “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” (Acts 24:1). As you read Acts 24:2-4, notice the flattery thrown toward Felix. Read their grievance against Paul. “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” (Acts 24:5-6). Did you recognize the malicious words these men used against Paul? They wanted Felix to determine that Paul had moved against their religion and its practices, thereby mandating Paul back to their custody, so that they could deal with him “according to our law.” In addition, read yet another complaint they had. “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” (Acts 24:7-8). They were also upset that Paul had been taken from them, providing him with a chance to defend himself against his accusers.
Paul then had an opportunity to speak. “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” (Acts 24:10-13).
Paul first recognized that Felix had been a judge for many years, and Paul was grateful for the opportunity to speak for himself. Paul denied their false accusations. He had done nothing in the Temple upon this visit – he had not even had a chance to speak to them in the Temple. He had gone to the Temple to worship God. They were accusing him of things they had heard he had done in other cities (in their synagogues) around. They said Paul went around stirring up trouble (“a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews”), which was not true. When the people were gathered in the synagogues in the cities, Paul spoke to the people. He reminded them that the Old Testament promised of One who was to come, and that One was Jesus. He never prompted the people to forsake the Old Testament or its teachings, just to believe in Jesus.
However, Paul did confess the truth about what he did believe. “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” (Acts 24:14). Paul did believe in the Old Testament Law and Prophets – for they promised Jesus would come.
Felix had heard both sides of the case. “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” (Acts 24:22-23). Felix had him held until the chief captain came to give him more information. Although Paul was kept in custody, friends were allowed who came and ministered to 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” (Acts 24:24-25). Felix and his wife visited with Paul. Reasoned means “to present intelligent arguments; to discuss or argue.” Felix wanted to know what Paul taught, and discussed these teachings with him. See that Paul’s teachings caused Felix to tremble. Trembled means “in fear; terrified.” Why had Felix come to see Paul? “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” (Acts 24:26). But even when no money was offered, Felix continued to send for Paul – just to talk with him. “But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound” (Acts 24:27). Felix did not release Paul from prison. Why not? To please the Jews.
Festus succeeded Felix.
A Deeper Path: Anytime Paul was given the opportunity, he shared Jesus with people. When Felix came to hear “concerning the faith in Christ”, reasoning with Paul, Paul taught him the things of Jesus. We have learned that anytime someone wants to know about Jesus, God sends someone to tell them. “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). Remember that God loved the whole world (John 3:16), and he does not want anyone to die in their sin. He will not only send someone to teach us about Jesus, but he will also teach us how to live a life pleasing to God.
Paul understood the urgency of the gospel message, as we should, too. “7. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8. Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness” (Hebrews 3:7-8). It is the duty of each Christian not only to live a Christian life, but to tell others about Jesus as well. To teach people the importance of hearing God’s voice, today.
The time for a lost sinner to be saved is right now, when one hears that call. “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
- Before Festus (Acts 25:1-21)
Festus had not released Paul, but he understood that he had to deal with Paul’s imprisonment. Festus went to Jerusalem to hear from the high priest and the chief of the Jews where they “informed him against Paul” (informed means accused). They were wanting Paul to be sent back to Jerusalem, for there were those who were “laying wait in the way to kill him” (see Acts 25:1-3). Festus denied their request, keeping Paul in Caesarea. However, he allowed accusers to return with him to present their case. “6. And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. 7. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove” (Acts 25:6-7). Paul understood his destination was Rome, not Jerusalem (see Acts 23:11). The fastest way to Rome was by appealing to Caesar – and the safest. Remember, many Jews wanted to kill Paul.
What was Paul’s defense? “While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all” (Acts 25:8). Nevertheless, Festus wanted to do them a favor (since he had not sent Paul back to Jerusalem for them to deal with themselves), so he asked Paul if he wanted to be sent back to Jerusalem. Paul’s response? “10. Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. 11. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar” (Acts 25:10-11).
When King Agrippa and Bernice came to see Festus, Festus told him the troubles of Paul. Read part of his comment in the following verses. “18. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: 19. But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. 21. But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar” (Acts 25:18-21). Although Festus found no problem, because he recognized the religious leaders had failed to present a case, he still planned to send Paul to have a hearing before Caesar.
A Deeper Path: The religious leaders had wanted to kill Paul since he first became a Believer in Jesus (a Christian). “23. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24. But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him” (Acts 9:23-24). Remember that the disciples had to help him escape by a basket over the wall by night. “Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket” (Acts 9:25).
Read of a few other times they tried to either persecute or kill Paul:
- Acts 9:29
- Acts 13:50
- Acts 14:5
- Acts 14:19-20
- Acts 20:3
- Acts 20:19
- Paul Before Agrippa (Acts 25:22 – 26:32)
See King Agrippa’s response to the events of Paul. “Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him” (Acts 25:22). So, on the next day, read what transpired. “And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth” (Acts 25:23). See what Festus declared before Agrippa. “But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him” (Acts 25:25). Festus did not know what to tell Caesar – for he did not find a crime worthy to hold Paul. “For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him” (Acts 25:27). Agrippa wanted to hear Paul speak himself.
Therefore, Paul spoke before Agrippa. “… Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 2. I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews” (Acts 26:1b-2). And when given the opportunity, Paul gave his personal testimony before the rulers:
- Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was:
“4. My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5. Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7. Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 9. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:4-11). Paul acknowledged that he was a sinner. He even worked against the spread of the Gospel message.
- He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him:
“12. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13. At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:12-18). While Paul was yet in sin, Jesus called upon him to be saved (“sanctified by faith that is in me”).
- He told of his personal response:
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). Paul was obedient to the call. He was saved.
- And then the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life:
“20. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 22. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23. That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:20-23). Even though many wanted to kill Paul for obeying God’s command to go and tell the Gentiles about Jesus, Paul never quit.
We then read the response of Festus. “24. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:24-25). Art beside thyself means “to be mad; to rave; a person who speaks and acts in such a way that they appear to others as being out of their mind.” Mad means “to rave as a maniac; madness; insanity.” Festus just thought Paul was out of his mind – crazy. Or did he? Festus did not treat Paul as a prisoner who was crazy. It is very possible that Festus felt the conviction of this Truth Paul declared, and he did not want to admit this Truth.
- And then Paul invited Agrippa to respond to the gospel message:
“26. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. 30. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: 31. And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds” (Acts 26:26-31). What was Agrippa’s response? “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (see Acts 26:28). Instead, he rose up and went aside, agreeing that Paul had done nothing worthy of death – or even bonds (means “without freedom”). “Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar” (Acts 26:32).
- How to Give Your Testimony
Remember what we learned in our last lesson about giving a personal testimony. (If you are teaching this lesson to a group, remind your students of your own personal testimony you gave in our last lesson after reading of Paul’s testimony as a witness to the Jews.) It is important to understand that a giving a personal testimony of when Jesus called upon one’s heart is essential in witnessing to someone else.
In our last lesson, we read of when Paul gave his testimony, and we read about Paul sharing it again in this lesson. Following Paul’s example, see a model of his personal testimony.
- Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was,
- He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him,
- He told of his personal response,
- And then the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life.
This is a good basis for anyone to use who will give his or her testimony.
Note to teachers: Because you told them in our last lesson that you would give them an opportunity during the next lesson time to share their own personal testimony, encourage any of your students who will, to share with the others. This should be easier for them, practicing before their friends who know Jesus, enabling them to be more comfortable sharing with others who may not know Jesus. The more one tells their own personal testimony, the easier it will be to share. One should be willing to share, just as Paul was willing to share, hoping others will come to know Jesus.
A Deeper Path: Remember today’s Key Verse. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). We are always to be prepared to share what Jesus did in our hearts and lives (and what he is continuing to do today).
Reinforcement: As we continued to look at Paul’s life in this lesson, we witnessed again, as God spared his life. Something else that we cannot help but notice: Paul was always willing to share Jesus – with anyone! Paul even shared with the rulers who held the power of imprisonment in their hands. Whether they came to him one on one, or in a setting of a hearing, Paul shared Jesus. This should be an encouragement to any and all Christians. It is important to share Jesus. Remember what Jesus said, “19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). See also the following: “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). It is the job of each Christian to share Jesus, and then we are to encourage people to live a life pleasing to Jesus.
If you do not share Jesus with your friends, then who will tell them about Jesus?