Page 114 - Acts Student Textbook

Study Section 20: Paul’s Trials before the kings (Acts 24:1-26:32)

20. 1 Connect.

Paul’s trials continue, but this time to the Roman authorities. This section runs all the way
from chapter 24:22-26:32. Similar to the lessons we picked up from the last section, we have
to understand that the gospel will never go unchallenged. No matter what- Get the message
out! We will see that Paul got the message out under four challenging conditions: Even when
he was strongly opposed (24:1-21), even when nothing seemed to change (24:22-27), even when he
had said it before (25:1-26:18), and even when he was personally ridiculed (26:19-32). Let’s get in
and see…

20. 2 Objectives.

1. The student should be able to describe the life of Paul about the unwavering persistence in
getting the message out in the face of all kinds of challenges.

2. The student should be able to examine how Paul gets the message out even under strong
opposition before Felix (24:1-21)

3. The student should be able to analyze how Paul gets the message out even when nothing seems
to change (24:22-27)

4. The student should be able to discuss how Paul gets the message out even when he has said it
before (25:1-26:18)

5. The student should be able to observe how Paul gets the message out even when he is personally
ridiculed (26:19-32)

20. 3: Acts: Paul’s Trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa

Paul gets the message out Even under strong opposition before Felix (24:1-21)

What were the accusations against Paul? (24:1-9)

The high priest Ananias came for a hearing to accuse Paul before the governor. With him
came an orator named Tertullus (24:1). The term orator means that he was a skilled speaker, not
necessarily that he was knowledgeable in the law.

Tertullus flattering Felix (24:2-4)

Tertullus began his accusation against Paul by speaking of the peace the people enjoyed and the
prosperity that the governor’s wisdom had brought. He affirmed that the Jews accepted these
benefits with gratitude. This of course was mere flattery to gain the governor’s favor. The Jews hated
all foreign domination, certainly that of the Romans.

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