Paul’s Reaction to Charges

Acts 24:1–16
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Felix told Paul he would listen to his case once his accusers arrived. While they waited, Paul was placed in the Praetorium under guard. In five days, a delegation from the Sanhedrin arrived. This group included the high priest, some elders, and a hired lawyer named Tertullus (v. 1). He was a slick talker who was well versed in Roman jurisprudence. His opening of his speech before Felix was filled with flowery praise, the giving of honorable titles, and the assurance of brevity which were all characteristics of the Roman court scene (vv. 2-4). These words were blatant lies, as Felix was known for his treachery. It is evident that this was all done to erase any animosity which the Jews and Felix had toward each other. The accusations against Paul were narrowed down to three. (1) Paul was a nuisance, stirring up unrest in the community (v. 5). (2) Paul was a ringleader of a Nazarene sect (v. 5). (3) Paul had attempted to profane the temple (vv. 6-8). The first two charges were political in nature, and the second and third were religious accusations to which the Jews heartily assented. The Sanhedrin gave their amens to all the lawyer was saying (v.9). 

Felix was not one to be so easily swayed. He knew Ananias’s reputation. They actually had a lot in common. Felix, however, was not inclined to give Paul an impartial judgement. He wanted to get something out of it. 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 (vv. 14-15). Because of his faith, Paul always strived to live with a clear conscience towards both God and man (v. 16).

Application

I wonder how I would have reacted to these charges if I had been in Paul’s shoes? I would hope that my reaction would be as Christ-like as Paul’s was.