Notes for my weekly Bible Study group.
Resources

• Acts overview (video): Part 1, Part 2
• Reading Guide
• Teaching Notes (PDF)
• Video

Overview

• Acts 24 recounts Paul’s trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea Maritima.
• Accusations against Paul: Jewish leaders accuse Paul of stirring up trouble, promoting a dangerous sect, and desecrating the temple.
  • The charges against Paul were:
    (1) He was, in the eyes of the Jews, a ‘real pest’ (verse 5).
    (2) He stirred up unrest among the Jews world-wide (verse 5).
    (3) He was the ringleader of a non-Jewish sect (verse 5).
    (4) He tried to desecrate the temple (verse 6).
• Paul’s defense: Paul refutes the accusations, clarifies his activities, and emphasizes his faithfulness to Jewish law.
• Felix’s response: Unwilling to make a decision, Felix imprisons Paul but allows him visitors.
• Themes: Religious conflict, Roman justice, Paul’s unwavering faith.

 Share this post