Acts 24- Faith on Trial
Acts 24 opens with Paul standing before Felix, the Roman governor, while the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem bring their accusations. It is one of the closest things Paul ever got to a formal trial. And honestly, the whole thing feels like watching a calm, steady flame surrounded by howling winds; the winds blow hard, but they never put the flame out.
False Accusations and Flattery
The high priest Ananias arrives with his hired spokesman Tertullus — basically a polished lawyer trained to impress Roman officials. He starts with over-the-top flattery, praising Felix for “peace” and “reforms.” Historically, Felix was known for the exact opposite. His rule was marked by corruption and chaos. But flattery was a tactic to soften the governor and get a conviction.
Tertullus accuses Paul of three things (Acts 24:5–6):
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Causing riots
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Leading the Christians
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Defiling the temple
Paul later denies two, and openly admits to the second one — because belonging to “the Way” (Acts 24:14) wasn’t a crime. It was the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Paul’s Simple, Steady Defense
When Paul speaks, he avoids flattery and simply tells the truth. He reminds Felix that he had only been in Jerusalem twelve days — hardly enough time to stir up a rebellion (Acts 24:11–12). He also makes a vital confession: he worships the God of the fathers, believes everything written in the Law and the Prophets, and holds firmly to the resurrection of both “the just and the unjust” (Acts 24:14–15).
Paul does something beautiful here, instead of distancing himself from his Jewish heritage, he roots himself in it. He is saying, “My faith in Jesus is not new. It is the continuation of everything God has always promised.”
The Missing Witnesses
Paul is smart. He brings up the fact that the Jews from Asia — the ones who actually caused the uproar in the temple (Acts 21:27) — aren’t even present. Roman law required accusers to face the accused. Their absence spoke volumes (Acts 24:18–19).
Felix: Curious but Corrupt
Felix actually knew a lot about the Way (Acts 24:22). His wife Drusilla was Jewish royalty — daughter of Herod Agrippa I, sister of Agrippa II — so he likely heard plenty about Jesus and the early church.
Paul shares the gospel with the couple privately, speaking about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment (Acts 24:25). Felix becomes visibly uncomfortable — Scripture says he was afraid — and sends Paul away. There’s a striking moment of conviction… but Felix doesn’t follow through.
And then we learn the real reason he kept calling Paul back: he was hoping for a bribe (Acts 24:26).
Felix had knowledge of the truth but never surrendered to it.
Paul had none of the power, none of the position, and yet he was the free one.
Two Years of Waiting
Felix keeps Paul in custody for two years, partly to please the Jews (Acts 24:27), partly because he hoped to profit from Paul’s imprisonment.
It is a reminder that:
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God’s timeline is not our timeline
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Being in the right doesn’t guarantee immediate relief
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Sometimes God keeps us in quiet seasons to refine us
Paul’s ministry didn’t stop. His boldness didn’t shrink. His faith didn’t falter. Even unjust confinement becomes a stage for the gospel.
Acts 24 shows us that truth doesn’t need embellishment; it stands on its own. Paul meets false accusations with honesty, hostility with calm resolve, and corruption with integrity. Felix hears the gospel but chooses convenience over conviction. Paul, even in chains, proves more spiritually free than the man sitting in the governor’s chair.
This chapter reminds us that God’s purposes continue even when we feel sidelined, unheard, or unfairly treated. Faithfulness in the waiting seasons matters. God sees it all.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the courage and steadiness You gave Paul. When we find ourselves misunderstood or misrepresented, help us respond with integrity and peace. Strengthen us to hold firmly to Your truth, even when others twist it. Give us discernment to recognize moments of conviction and the boldness to follow through. Teach us to trust Your timing and Your justice, even when our circumstances feel unfair. May our lives reflect the same unwavering faith Paul displayed, knowing that You are always at work. Amen.