Acts 24
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.
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. 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.
Surrounded
I remember my first and only experience paintballing. I was hesitant, but hopeful that the senior leaders in my group would go easy on us Grade 8 ‘newbies.’ As I listened to the staff casually point out areas prone to bruising, my cautious sense of optimism gradually shifted to a realization of my outright need for self-preservation. I looked for the absolute LARGEST tree to hide behind! Fast forward an hour. After venturing out of my hiding place and managing to hit a few targets, I found myself standing behind a tree yet again, the last one standing. I was proud, for a brief moment, until I realized I was surrounded. Trying to make myself as thin as humanly possible, I closed my eyes and braced for impact.
In Acts 24, the apostle Paul faces a barrage of ‘trumped up’ accusations from the religious elite. After returning from his latest missionary journey, he’s accused by a religious mob of defiling the sanctity of the temple in Jerusalem. How? By allegedly allowing a Gentile to enter a forbidden area of the temple.[1] To make a long story short, a riot ensues, a Roman garrison intervenes, and Paul (being Paul) shares his testimony with the very crowd threatening to kill him.[2] When faced with the prospect of an interrogation, Paul highlights his protected status as a Roman citizen.[3] Thus begins Paul’s journey from a tribunal in Jerusalem, led by both military and religious elite, to Rome’s capital, Caesarea. Acts 23 recounts how the Roman Tribune, Claudius Lysias, potentially prevents his charge’s assassination by handing custody of Paul over to the governor of Caesarea, Antonius Felix.[4] Yet, as we witness Paul on trial in Acts 24, accused by the religious elite and repeatedly questioned by Governor Felix, it seems clear that the apostle is literally and figuratively surrounded. To put it bluntly, he’s one lone man, staring down the ‘barrel’ of a whole lot of political and religious ‘guns.’
There are times in life when Jesus followers can feel surrounded; by ministry expectations, parental responsibilities, financial strain, health challenges (Fill in the blank!). Maybe 21st century North American Christians aren’t faced with the threat of imprisonment, torture, or death because of our love for Jesus. But amidst all that life sometimes ‘throws’ at us, how can we (like Paul) represent Jesus well? How can we, as Romans 12:12 puts it, “be patient in affliction,” so that the transformational work of the Holy Spirit in us is evident to a world that desperately needs Him?
I remember some months ago feeling particularly bogged down by ministry responsibilities, ordination assignments, health challenges, parenting demands etc. Demanding voices in the proverbial courtroom were coming at me from all sides, and ironically, the loudest voice of self-condemnation was my own. One morning our children were running late for school, and as we piled into our van, tying shoelaces and stuffing last minute lunches into backpacks, I heard the voice of our daughter from the backseat as she turned to her sister and exclaimed, “I think Mommy’s in a rage.” Clearly, I wasn’t as calm under pressure as the apostle Paul! Parenting fails aside, how does Paul respond under pressure? How does this flawed human being, facing imprisonment and even execution, represent Jesus well?
Firstly, Paul is unwavering in his convictions. Not only does he offer a compelling defence of his actions in the temple, but he unapologetically identifies himself as a ‘follower of the Way’.[5] Faced with considerable opposition, ranging from skepticism to outright hostility, he resists the temptation to back down from his association with Jesus. Paul must’ve known what was at stake; otherwise, why appeal to the religious leaders’ shared belief in the Law and the Prophets?[6] Why cast doubt on the claims of his absent accusers?[7] Clearly, Paul understood the importance of defending his beliefs and actions. But he was unwilling to disassociate himself from the true object of the counsel’s ire: Jesus. We see echoes of this courageous stance in Paul’s words to the Philippian church: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”[8]
How often do we weigh the cost of our association with Jesus, and deem Him ‘worth it’? When our beliefs differ from those accusatory voices in the ‘courtroom’ of our families, workspaces, and communities, are we willing to gently and respectfully ‘give a reason for the hope that we have’[9] (even at the risk of others’ good opinion)?
Secondly, Paul is reliant on the Holy Spirit. As I read about Paul’s calm, reasoned responses to his accusers, despite the pressure of likely imprisonment and possible execution, I can’t help but marvel at his courage and strength of character. What (or who) would enable a flawed, solitary figure like Paul to stand before such clear symbols of political and religious power and not be intimidated? The Holy Spirit. As I stare at this ‘train wreck’ of a court-room scene in Acts 24, watching Paul’s defence unfold, I’m reminded of the prophetic words of Jesus to His disciples in Luke 12:11-12: “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”[10] How often do we step into board rooms, classrooms, coffee shops, difficult conversations etc., trusting that the Holy Spirit will give us not only the words to say, but also the grace to express those words in a God honouring way?[11]
Finally, Paul is committed above all else to ‘the bigger picture.’ Interestingly, when Felix (along with his wife Drusilla) sends for Paul, the apostle doesn’t waste time negotiating his release.[12] Instead, he spends his limited time with the governor speaking about his faith in Christ. In other words, when Paul’s life is at stake, he shares the Gospel.
Acts 24 notes that Paul not only shares the good news about Jesus, but he also preaches to the governor and his wife about ‘righteousness, self-control, and the judgement to come’.[13] At first glance this ‘mini sermon’ might seem innocuous, until we consider the context of Paul’s words. According to history, Drusilla was seduced away from her husband by Governor Felix.[14] Felix, described by the historian Tacitus as ‘cruel, licentious, and base,’ was also known for his ‘hard-line’ stance against rebels and his penchant for alienating his subjects.[15] While fully aware of his captors’ lax moral standards, Paul boldly proclaims: the righteousness available to all through Jesus, the importance of self-control (clearly lacking in Felix and Drusilla’s lives), the promise of eternal accountability, and the hope of all those found in Christ—words his captors clearly needed to hear. What would motivate Paul to prioritize a theological conversation at the expense of his personal wellbeing? To put it bluntly, Felix and Drusilla need to be confronted with the reality of their sin and of their need for Jesus. Paul knows that God’s Kingdom priorities always take precedence over our personal plans.
I remember, during an emotionally taxing season of my life, experiencing a vivid picture of Jesus leading me through a field covered in weeds. After forging a pathway through the undergrowth, I suddenly found myself in a clearing. My guide pointed towards a vast, open sky, covered in stars, and I heard two simple, yet profound words: “Look up.” It’s easy to become so preoccupied with our own personal goals and ambitions – to become so lost in the ‘weeds’ of everyday demands and responsibilities – that we lose sight of the ‘big picture’: His call to know Him and make Him known. It’s likely we haven’t experienced hardships like the apostle Paul (imprisonment, beatings, hunger, thirst, sleepless nights).[16] But all of us, at some point, face physical, emotional and spiritual trials. Living in the ‘already’ of Christ’s victory and the ‘not yet’ of His return means that suffering is an inevitable part of life, ’until He comes.’[17] So as we face trials and opposition, we pray for God to intervene on our behalf (as He does), but let’s not lose sight of our primary aim: to see His Kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.[18]
Reflect:
In what areas of your life might God be challenging you to stand firm in your convictions? In what ways do you feel pressure to acquiesce to the voices of popular opinion? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the fortitude to proclaim, in words and actions, your faith in Jesus.
What difficult conversations are you facing right now? Take a moment and invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with wisdom and discernment. Ask Him to give you the words to speak and the ability to reflect Him in your interactions with others.
What areas of your life do you tend to prioritize over God’s ‘big picture’ plans and purposes? (e.g. work ambitions? family commitments? financial security? ministry responsibilities? etc.) Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you, even amidst your everyday responsibilities, of the ‘bigger picture’ (of His Kingdom priorities).[19]
What’s surrounding you right now? Are you facing external or internal challenges to your faith? Maybe even physical and emotional hardships? Or perhaps you’re just feeling overwhelmed by life in general, with all its pressures and responsibilities. Whatever season of life you find yourself in, my prayer is that God would gift you, even in this moment, with unwavering faith in the face of opposition, reliance on the Holy Spirit where you feel inadequate to meet the demands of life & ministry, and eyes to see His gentle invitation to join Him in His Kingdom work. In the words of the apostle Paul,
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”[20]
Amen.
Author Bio:
Paula Kaburia is a wife, mom of three, and Alliance pastor in BC. When she’s not navigating school lunches, classes, productions, and all things ‘parent related,’ she enjoys dancing, traveling, and perusing second-hand bookstores with her kids.
Paula completed her studies at SFU and UBC before entering the teaching profession. After 10 years in the ‘classroom’, she sensed God’s leading into vocational ministry. Since transitioning into pastoral ministry, Paula has served women and families in various Alliance churches. Paula is passionate about discipleship and prayer. As a former ‘Pastor’s Kid’, she has a genuine love for the Church and a deep desire to see God’s people discipled in Spirit led community. Paula feels most excited when she sees women and families opening God’s Word together and experiencing the life-transforming love of Jesus.
Luke and Acts taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
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Footnotes:
1 Acts 21:27-29
2 Acts 21:30-22; Acts 22:1-21
3 Acts 22:25-29
4 Acts 23:12-35
5 Acts 24:14
6 Acts 24:14
7 Acts 24:19
8 Philippians 3:8
9 1 Peter 3:15
10 Luke 12:11-12
11 Galatians 5:22-23
12 Acts 24:24-26
13 Acts 24:25
14 www.enduringword.com
15 www.enduringword.com; gotquestions.org
16 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
17 1 Corinthians 11:26; John 16:33
18 Matthew 6:10
19 Matthew 6:33
20 Ephesians 1:18-23