Acts 24

Paul Before Felix

1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. References Paul: Acts 23:24, 25:2. Parallel theme: Acts 21:27, 23:2, 23:30, 23:35, 24:11, Psalms 11:2 +3

2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, Parallel theme: Proverbs 26:28, 29:5

3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Parallel theme: Acts 23:26, 26:25, Luke 1:3

4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: Parallel theme: Acts 5:17, 15:5, 21:28, 24:14, 26:5, 28:22, Luke 23:2 +2

6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our lawLaw: νόμος (Nomos). The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10)..

7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 2:16

10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: Parallel theme: 1 Peter 3:15

11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. Parallel theme: Acts 21:18, 24:1

12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: Temple: Acts 24:18, 25:8. Parallel theme: Acts 28:17

13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. Parallel theme: Acts 25:7, 1 Peter 3:16

14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the lawLaw: νόμος (Nomos). The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10). and in the prophets: Prophecy: Acts 26:22. References God: Acts 3:13, 2 Timothy 1:3. Faith: Acts 26:27. Word: Acts 28:23, Romans 3:21. Parallel theme: Acts 9:2, 24:5 +3

15 And have hope toward GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Resurrection: Revelation 20:6. Parallel theme: Daniel 12:2, Philippians 3:21

16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. References God: Acts 23:1, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 4:2, Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 3:21. Parallel theme: Romans 2:15, 1 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Timothy 1:5, Titus 1:15, Hebrews 10:22 +5

17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Parallel theme: Acts 20:16, Galatians 2:10

18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Temple: Acts 26:21

19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Parallel theme: Acts 23:30

20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrectionResurrection: ἀνάστασις (Anastasis). The Greek anastasis (ἀνάστασις) means resurrection—rising from death to life. Christ's resurrection is the 'firstfruits' (1 Corinthians 15:20), guaranteeing believers' future bodily resurrection and victory over death. of the dead I am called in question by you this day. Resurrection: Acts 4:2, 23:6. Parallel theme: Acts 28:20

Paul Held in Custody

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. References Paul: Acts 27:3, 28:16

24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1). in Christ. Faith: Acts 20:21, Galatians 2:16

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Judgment: Acts 10:42, Hebrews 9:27. Righteousness: John 16:8, 1 John 3:7. Parallel theme: Galatians 5:23, Hebrews 3:13, 4:1, James 2:19, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 1:6 +5

26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. References Paul: Acts 25:9, 25:14. Parallel theme: Acts 12:3, 25:1, 26:32, Mark 15:15, Galatians 1:10 +2