Acts 24

Please read Acts 24.

So, as we dive back into the world of Paul's trials, we get to see Paul's first meeting with the Governor, Felix. Felix allows the Jewish leaders to present their case first, so Tertullus presents the "evidence" to him. He basically proceeds to butter up Felix repeatedly and really, in essence, says that Paul is a troublemaker. And he wants to imply that that trouble is aimed a Rome, not just the Temple.

Paul rather methodically goes through actual facts. He admits being a follower of the "Way." (Just a side note, if you are looking for why it is called the way, please go back to John 14:6.) He talks about how he has never actually been found to have violated Temple rules. The only thing he is guilty of is stirring a disagreement that was already in place: Pharisee vs Sadducee. His core message: I'm still Jewish, I have the same hope that they do but I know that Jesus was the Messiah. It is culmination of scripture and the Temple, not attack and desecration.

Felix, who is familiar with the goings on of the early Christian church, after 6 years of rule there, adjourns court. He and his wife, a Jewess named Drucilla, call on over the next two years. Paul does what Paul does: he preaches the Gospel. This frightens Felix because it does not mean good things for him and his lifestyle (Drucilla was his third wife, in an era where this was not very common), so he sends Paul away.

Over those years of house arrest, Felix would call Paul frequently. Why? One is that he wanted a bribe. After all, it was Paul who brought offerings (see Acts 11:29) when the famine hit earlier. Maybe there was money behind Paul. Secondly, with Paul in prison, there was less strife in the Temple. Not that it was peaceful, but at least there were fewer riots since Paul was no longer "calming the crowd." And I believe there just may have been a third reason for these calls: Felix was hearing Truth and it still attracted him. God's grace and Truth calls us, even when we don't follow Him. Maybe, just maybe, Felix could not help but to hear Paul speak more on this Jesus person...

Short lesson today but still deep truths...

May God bless the reading of His Truth.

D