Acts 23 & 24

When we last saw Paul, he had been arrested and was testifying before the Roman officials regarding his testimony and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

• The uttermost parts of the earth
  • Paul travels to Rome (Acts 23:1-11)
    • His declaration (Acts 23:1)
    • The priest’s reaction (Acts 23:2)
    • Paul’s response (Acts 23:3-5)
      • The law states that one must be tried and convicted before any punishment is inflicted
      • Paul’s rebuke is accurate
        • Annanias was a cruel and vile man
        • The reference to whitewash relates to the practice of using a white paint that was thinned to cover tombs to make them glistening white by covering the dirt
      • Paul’s repentance
        • Although Annanias was wrong Paul respected Annanias’ position (Exodus 22:28)
          • You shall not revile the gods nor curse a ruler of your people
          • Perhaps Paul could see Annanias clearly due to his eyesight or Annanias was not wearing his priestly robes
      • Paul’s strategy (Acts 23:6-10)
        • Two divergent groups in the Council
          • Sadducees – who did not believe in the resurrection or angels
          • Pharisees – who believed in resurrection, angels, and other supernatural works
        • Paul’s reference to the resurrection was an immediate point of dispute in the Council
        • Paul’s trial got lost in the arguments
      • God’s assurances (Acts 23:11)
        • As Paul had bore witness in Jerusalem, he would also in Rome
        • God is in control!
  • The assassination plot (Acts 23:12-22)
    • The conspiracy (Acts 23:12-15)
      • God sometimes uses ungodly people to accomplish His purpose
      • The Council cooperated in the plot
    • The plot uncovered (Acts 23:16-22)
      • God’s promise is fulfilled
  • Paul taken to Felix, Governor of Caeserea (Acts 23:23-35)
    • Felix was a freedman, a former slave, who had risen through the ranks
    • On the basis of citizenship, Paul was granted a hearing
  • Paul before Felix (Acts 24:1-27)
    • The opposition (Acts 24:1-9)
      • Tertullus was an orator and a lawyer
      • Tertullus presented the case of the accusers
    • Paul responds (Acts 24:10-21)
      • His actions (Acts 24:11-13)
      • His belief (Acts 24:14-16)
      • His benevolence (Acts 24:17)
      • The issue (Acts 24:18-21)
        • Not his actions
        • His beliefs (Acts 24:21b)
      • Paul is kept in custody (Acts 24:22-27)
        • Felix was the most knowledgeable of the officials of the Christian way
        • He keeps Paul in custody with certain privileges
        • Felix visited with Paul frequently (Acts 24:24-27)
          • The power of Paul’s presentation (Acts 24:25)
          • There was a dual motive (Acts 24:26-27)
            • Money
            • Political considerations

This section shows us God’s unfolding plan for the ministry of Paul even while he is being held in custody.