Paul’s Defense Before Felix
May 15, 2021
Commentary
Paul, in his own defense, stood before Felix and the Jewish leaders and categorically denied the charges brought against him (v. 10). His first point was that he was only a visitor in Jerusalem, and he had been there less than two weeks (v.11). He stated that he had never once caused trouble in the temple or the Jewish meeting places (v. 12) and there is no way that they can prove these charges that they are now bringing against him (v. 13). Paul did have something to confess. He admitted belonging to what his enemies called heresy, and believing in God, the Scriptures, salvation and the resurrection of the dead (v. 14). He goes on to say he is just as sure as these people are that God will raise from the dead everyone who is good or evil (v. 15). And because I am sure, I try my best to have a clear conscience in whatever I do for God or for people (v. 16).
Paul’s defense is that of a man whose conscience is clear, and he simply stated the facts. The tragedy was that this all happened when he was bringing the contributions from the churches for the poor of Jerusalem (v. 17). His enemies and the real culprits were the troublemakers who had followed him from Asia Minor and had spread false rumors about him (vv. 18-19). Why weren’t his real accusers present at this trial? They can tell you that they didn’t find him guilty of anything when he was tried by their own council (v. 20). Further Paul pointed out that the Sanhedrin itself was divided. The real point of issue was a theological one – the Resurrection (v. 21). Paul knew that he had plenty of supporters among orthodox Jews who believed in that. Therefore it certainly wasn’t any crime that he believed in the resurrection. Let us never be driven from any good way by having an ill name. It is very comfortable, in worshiping God, to look to him as the God of our fathers, and to set up no other rule of faith or practice but the Scriptures.
Application
It has been said that a man does not gain anything by trying to defend himself against his critics. Your enemies will not believe you, no matter what you say, and your friends don’t need to be convinced because they already believe you. It is my desire to let the Lord fight my battles for me instead of trying to get defensive.
Acts 24:10– 21 (NET)
10 When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense. 11 As you can verify for yourself, not more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 They did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the temple courts or in the synagogues or throughout the city, 13 nor can they prove to you the things they are accusing me of doing. 14 But I confess this to you, that I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law and that is written in the prophets. 15 I have a hope in God (a hope that these men themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 This is the reason I do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and toward people. 17 After several years I came to bring to my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings, 18 which I was doing when they found me in the temple, ritually purified, without a crowd or a disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia who should be here before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. 20 Or these men here should tell what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing I shouted out while I stood before them: ‘I am on trial before you today concerning the resurrection of the dead.’”