Dig In:
Passage: Acts 24
Dig Deeper:
Chapter Summary
v1-9 - Paul's Jewish accusers show up to present their case against him before the governor. As you read through their case, notice there's no real evidence presented; it's all rhetoric (rhetoric is the Greek word for 'lawyer' used in v1). Once again, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
v10-21 - Paul presents his case quite differently, simply stating the facts. His life is summarized in v16 - "I strive to always keep my conscience clear before God and man."
v22-27 - Paul's trial is put on hold awaiting testimony from the Roman commander who arrested / rescued Paul from the mob. During this time Paul is able to witness often to Felix, however every time Paul begins to talk about key concepts like righteousness, self control, and the coming judgment, Felix puts him off until it's more 'convenient (v25).' Paul's case ends up being used as a political pawn, and he stays there imprisoned for over two years. But this time is not wasted by the Holy Spirit; it's during this time that Paul writes several of his epistles that we still treasure today.
Old Testament Reference -
Job 27:1-6 - After everything has been taken away from Job, the one thing that remains that can never be taken from him is his clear conscience. This passage was likely one that Paul knew well and maybe even thought of as he spoke the words in v16.
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions. For every comment or reply you post, you will receive an entry for this month's prize: a gift certificate to Seed & Stem 12:27
EYE FOR DETAIL—From what you recall seeing in this chapter, try answering the following question without looking at your Bible: In the trial before Felix, what was the name of the lawyer who spoke for the Jewish leaders? (See verses 1–2.)
Look again at verse 15 & 21. Why did Paul emphasize the resurrection in his self-defense?
What similarities do you see between this account and current news events?
Questions taken from: The Complete Bible Discussion Guide: New Testament
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our sovereign God & Father who keeps all things in His hands, and who even mightily used Paul's two 'wasted' years in prison
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you don't put off considering the truly important lessons of the Bible until a 'convenient' time comes for you (v25)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
