AT the beginning of his gospel, Luke wrote: Luke 1:1-2 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Luke’s gospel is an orderly progression of Jesus’ life from the prophets through his ascension. Now Luke gives us an orderly account of Paul’s changed life through Jesus’ transforming gospel:
 
Paul’s Early Life as a Jew
 
Acts 26:4-8 “The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
 
PAUL wanted all to know he was no enemy of the Jew. He was a Jew, loyal to his people and God’s law. Because of his great devotion to God, he had come to understand God’s resurrection power.
   He was specific with this point because it is the greatest hurdle for many Jews. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Jesus had corrected them with Exodus 3:6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” The long-dead patriarchs still lived in heaven. Paul wanted all to know God’s power raised his Son, Jesus of Nazareth, from the dead.
   Jesus is alive. Jesus saves us from death when we believe. This is Paul’s story. He wanted this to be everyone’s story.
   Then Paul testifies once more of God’s grace on his life. He began with the depth of his sin.
 
Zealous Against God
 
Acts 26:9-11 “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.”
 
WE could consider the Spirit caused and used Paul’s unjust captivity in Israel to testify of God’s gracious freedom to the nation’s rulers. Paul was speaking to Agrippa and Festus, who were very familiar with deadly force against political and religious rivals. They understood Paul’s great passion to go many a time from one synagogue to another to find Christians to imprison and kill them. What had happened that Paul had become the accused? 

Acts 25:22-25 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.” 23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.”
 
AS this drama between Paul, the Jews and Rome continues, we must be mindful this represents the ongoing spiritual warfare between Satan and God. Luke wrote in Acts of several aggressive actions against Jesus’ apostles and evangelists. Opposition has come from some Jews, some Romans and some civic leaders. They all have this in common: none are qualified to judge God’s appointed messengers. Their goal is to justify themselves. The True Judge spoke the truth: Luke 16:15 Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.”  
   With a great show of authority, power and adulation, Bernice and Agrippa enter the chamber to meet with Paul. But such outward pomp and glamor hide their dark hearts. These two are corrupt, incestuous brother and sister. They are children of the murderous King Herod and grandchildren of the tyrant Herod the Great, who ordered Bethlehem’s baby boys slaughtered. (Matthew 2:16) How would the Holy Spirit use Paul to defend God’s majesty?  
 
Acts 26:1-3 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.”
 
After two-plus years of unjust imprisonment and unresponsive governors, Pau could have been very angry to be asked to defend himself once again. He knew he was going to Rome, so what is the point of this meeting?
   Transformation is the point. Paul never tired of telling his story because it is God’s story of rebirth. Yes, Paul knows the people around him are corrupt in their hearts. And he knows Jesus is alive. Jesus can save them. He begins to tell the good news with respect for his audience – people who need Jesus. Paul always knew the point of his life: Romans 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
   We can all point our lives in this direction.
 

Acts 25:13-21 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned. 16 I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
 
DID a new man of evil enter into Paul’s dilemma? This King Agrippa was more specifically Agrippa II. His father, Agrippa I, was also the King Herod, who executed James and imprisoned Peter: Acts 12:1-2 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. Would Agrippa II want to please the Jews as his father had done?
   Pleasing the Jews seemed to be the law for Agrippa I, then Felix and now Festus. Notice the tone of Festus’ words in verses 13-21. He didn’t seek justice for Paul. He sought agreement with the Jews.
   For example, Festus described Paul as a man Felix left as a prisoner. He didn’t say, “Paul is here, charged with sedition.” or some such crime. Paul was in jail even though Felix left him there without charge.
   Why? It was because Festus had talked to the Jews who brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned. Did Festus not know of Paul’s defense? Did he completely dismiss the trial that had resulted in no charge against Paul?
   Pleasing the Jews, Festus ordered another trial. Then Festus learned the Jews only had a dispute with Paul about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.
   Once again the Romans understood Paul had committed no crime against Rome. Still Festus refused to free him. Weakly, he complained, “I was at a loss how to investigate such matters.” In other words, Festus was impotent because the Jews were in charge. He could have easily freed Paul with Rome’s protection until Paul left Judea. Justice is impossible when the unjust rule.
 
Psalm 82:2 “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?” 

Acts 25:1-3 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3 They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.
 
MORE than two years had passed, and nothing had changed. Paul was in Caesarea because a Roman commander had kept him from a deadly ambush in Jerusalem. The Jews were ravenous wolves, hungry to devour Paul. Once again Rome’s authority protects Paul:
 
Acts 25:4-6 Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5 Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong.” 6 After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him.
 
WHY is there still a court to judge Paul? In all the words spoken for several years, no Roman ruler has found any reason to hold him. But the Jews came in their hateful violence to continue to accuse God’s apostle. Verse 7 When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove. Paul, gifted with a strong legal mind, presses in: V 25:8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
   Did it matter that Paul was innocent? No. We mentioned earlier that Rome’s desire to appease the Jews would keep Paul imprisoned. That happened here. All that concerned Festus was his relationship with the Jews. Verse 9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
   Festus offered no solutions. How would Paul stop the circle of destruction? As a Roman citizen, he had one option: Verse 10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
   In response, Festus finally decided. Verse 12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”
   Dear Christian, with criticism, accusations, mockery, unbelief and unconcern the world continually accuses you. It plots against you, lies about you and attempts to kill your faith. Sometimes the evil kills God’s saints. What do you do to stop the endless circle of injustice? Your only response is to appeal to the Supreme Authority. Paul sought Rome’s ultimate. You can seek heaven’s Almighty God. Call on him in faith and hope. Your Father in heaven does not need to please your enemy. His favor and justice is on YOU. In faith you must know that through Jesus Christ the Sovereign Judge has declared you, “Not guilty!” He has set you free from sin’s prison. No one can take your redeemed life from you.
 

Acts 24:24-27 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
 
THE governor Felix had treated Paul with fairness, but now God’s truth exposes Felix’s corrupt heart. Jesus had prophesied, “When the Helper comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me.” (John 16:8-9) When Felix heard Paul speak of God’s righteousness, obedient self-control to refrain from sinful lusts and Jesus’ judgment, Felix felt the weight of his sin.
   There was good reason. Felix’s marriage to Drusilla was his third, ending another marriage to marry her. Paul knew what Felix needed to hear his sins for the repentance of sins and to be forgiven. But Felix rejected the truth and remained in Satan’s bondage. The governor and judge was afraid of God’s governing authority to judge him guilty.
   Greed also motivated Felix. He knew Paul was innocent; yet for two years he kept Paul in jail, hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. Felix was truly the one on trial here. (Woe to those) who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent. (Isaiah 5:23)
   Felix certainly heard much truth from Paul, but it had no effect. Felix is the perfect example of one who goes to church often but never believes and lives what he hears. He remains ignorant and self-serving. As a result, he remains condemned. Listening to the truth of sin and salvation must be heard in the heart.
   As we consider Paul’s circumstance does it frustrate you? Do you wonder why the Lord allowed his apostle to suffer jail for no reason?
   We must always stop to know that in God’s mind was a good reason to hold Paul where he was. God had planned Paul’s future. Paul trusted his Lord and saw him in all circumstances: 2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  

Acts 24:19-21 “But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin – 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”
 
LET’S return to Acts 23:9c
“We find nothing wrong with this man,” the Pharisees said. These proceedings and the lawyer, Tertullus’, charges were useless because the ruling Jews had judged Paul innocent. Paul wanted to know what crime they were considering? Was it something he had done amid the Asiatic Jews, a group he had once belonged to?
   Paul wondered if his only offense against the Jews was concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today. Paul wanted to stop the lies and talk about the truth. He seemed to incite the Jews and the court to question him about the resurrection.
   Paul always looked for an opportunity to defend Jesus’ deity. Acts and Paul’s epistles inform us that each time Paul stood accused, his primary concern was to defend Jesus of Nazareth. He would then defend his work as Jesus’ called apostle. God was his supreme authority. He rejoiced when a court or other opposition found him guilty of his faithful service.  
 
Honoring God’s Servant
 
Acts 24:22-23 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
 
We shouldn’t be surprised Felix knew about the gospel message. His wife Drusilla was a Jewess (Acts 24:24) and had likely heard the gospel. We have also learned many Roman leaders were aware of Jesus. As in all classes and groups of people, some Romans believed.
   Felix seemed to favor Paul’s arguments. He awaited Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander who had protected Paul, to testify. Paul’s friends could care for him in the jail.
   Amid the injustice of Paul’s bondage, the Lord worked for Paul’s good. For his own purposes, God has bound his apostle into the Roman system. Perhaps God was using the Romans to be “a shield around me, O Lord, to bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” (from Psalm 3:3) As we read of Paul’s ongoing persecutions and incarceration, we will see he always kept his head high and his mind alert for Jesus’ sake. 

Acts 24:10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.”
 
PAUL recognized Felix’s authority to judge the trial. In a like manner, Paul taught us we must submit to and trust God’s judgment: 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
 
Paul Answers the Charges
 
The Jews had accused Paul of v 5 stirring up trouble among the Jews.
 
Paul’s Defense:
Acts 24:11-13 “You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.
 
Paul’s time in Jerusalem was too short to find supporters to cause a riot. The Jews had no evidence to defend their charges. Paul could prove there was no riot.
 
The Jews accused Paul of being the v 5 ringleader of the Nazarene sect – a capital offense.
 
Paul’s Defense:
Acts 24:14-16 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
 
As he had defended himself throughout his ministry and in Jerusalem, Paul connected Christianity with the Jews’ – and specifically the Pharisees’ – core beliefs. He confirmed he honored the Law and the Prophets. He had the same hope in the resurrection as the Pharisees (Although they did not receive Jesus as Lord, the believed in God’s eternal kingdom). Paul did not worship a new god. He worshiped the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
 
The Jews accused Paul of desecrating the temple, another capital offense in Roman law.
 
Paul’s Defense:
Acts 24:17-18 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.
 
Paul went to the temple in obedience to the law. All he had done was to honor God and worship at the temple.
 
Paul’s truth exposed the Jews’ lies. Would Felix judge correctly? 

Acts 24:1 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.
 
THE Jews invested a great deal of time and resources to convict Paul. They hired a lawyer! The high priest Ananias came, too. Somewhere deep in the hearts of the Jews’ ruling class a deep hatred for Paul had been planted. They desperately wanted to harvest their hatred with Paul’s death. As court convenes, Tertullus, the lawyer, flatters Felix.  
 
Acts 24:2-4 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.”
   The flattery done, Tertullus lists the Jews’ accusations.
 
3 Charges
 
Acts 24:5-8 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
 
Tertullus’ accusations were directed to Rome’s political ears. The Jews wanted Rome to judge Paul guilty of sedition – opposition and overthrow of Rome. This would send Paul to the cross.
   To that purpose they accused Paul of (1) being worldwide troublemaker, stirring up riots everywhere. Rome obviously wanted order throughout its empire. Troublemakers were dangerous to Rome.
   (2) Paul was a leader of the Nazarene sect. Rome permitted Judaism as a legal religion, but it would not tolerate any new religions. By describing Christianity as a Nazarene sect, the attorney made Paul's faith appear to be a cult against Roman law.
   (3) The Jews claimed Paul attempted to desecrate the temple. They had accused Paul of bringing a Gentile into the temple. (Acts 21:28) This, too, was a capital offense. Rome had given the Jews permission to execute any Gentile who went inside the barrier of the temple.
   The prosecution had its say. The crowd added their support: Verse 9 The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
   If the Jews had stopped to talk to Paul and listened to him, they would have learned Paul loved them very, very much. His love was so high for them, he was even willing to go to hell for their salvation! Romans 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race.
    The Jews had conspired to kill God’s love made flesh in Jesus. Now they conspired to accuse and destroy the one who would give hi soul to save theirs. Evil blinds one to God’s Goodness, even when God wants to embrace you. 

Acts 23:33-35 When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor Felix and handed Paul over to him. 34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that Paul was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
 
ACTS tells us of many people who are noted in other historical records. We mention this to once again affirm Acts – and the Bible – is an authentic account with historical accuracy. Most Christians will assume this, but we have heard some Christians doubt the reality of the events in Acts. We must know Luke wrote this for the benefit of all early church members. God had called him to give some details of the magnificent work the Spirit did in Israel and then to Asia, Africa and Europe, so the gospel could go to the world.
   Felix is the third Roman procurator mentioned in the New Testament. Pontius Pilate and Porcus Festus are the other two. Felix had his position from 58-62 AD. He was a former slave who rose to authority. Felix was known for his harsh, limiting force and corrupt self-importance. Felix was a man driven with evil desires. Paul needed to be prepared to meet the enemy.
   Notice again there was no charge against Paul. Still he was imprisoned to await his accusers from Jerusalem. Rome’s corruption to consider the Jews’ desires above the truth would cause Paul to remain under Rome’s control for years even when some wanted to free him.
   What was Paul thinking during these proceedings? We can easily believe he could have complained, “Unfair!”
   But it is more likely Paul was content in his situation for two reasons. For one, he knew the politics between Rome’s and the Jews’ rulers. Paul had been an experienced, influential Pharisee. He understood the Jews’ authority over the common class Jews was crucial to help the Romans rule effectively in Israel. More importantly, Paul also remembered the prophecies that he would have trouble in Jerusalem and be in bondage. Instead of being frustrated, wondering, “What will happen?” Paul knew the truth of his words in Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  
   Paul had learned to faithfully submit, knowing God was using him for God’s good. When you know this, you never say, “That’s unfair!” You say, instead, “Thank you, God, you love me so much you are working for my good. Even when it was grossly unfair, you sent you Son to die for my sin.”

Acts 23:25-30 He wrote a letter as follows: 26 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. 27 This man (Paul) was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.
 
ROMAN law required a letter accompany a prisoner when a commander sent a prisoner to a superior authority. When we read the letter in verses 28-30, we can wonder, “Why didn’t Claudius Lysias simply take Paul away from Jerusalem and release him?” Claudius admits there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. Wasn’t that sufficient to release Paul?
   Claudius was as most of us – afraid to stand on the truth. But he had good reason to be afraid. He had witnessed the lawless Jews’ violent acts, and he could have been worried they would attack, even try to kill him, too. But Rome’s authority over Judea and Jerusalem was absolute. Why would Claudius fear an angry mob?
   The Jews’ violence and the Roman’s fear illustrate the depth of the war between good and evil. There is no crime or evil idea that is too terrible for the depraved mind to consider and to do. The atrocities against humanity from ancient times into today’s news headlines is beyond comprehension to the Christian mindset. Some of you have lived through terrible oppression from people who find satisfaction in threatening, accusing and even killing others. We were reminded this morning of 37 Christian children killed by Islamic terrorists in Uganda in 2023.
   Today at his writing, Pastor Paul in Upper East Ghana contends daily with violent, deadly warfare between tribes. People he knows have randomly murdered. Buses bombed, dads murdered and families afraid in their homes are daily news. He can only care for as many as possible when there seems to be a pause in the attacks.
   How does the Christian respond to this? Perhaps those of you who have experienced such violence can tell us. Might you pray, “Deliver us from evil.” Do you seek strength in knowing you are from God and have overcome the spirit of evil because you know the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
   The deep aggression against God’s goodness will not stop until God intervenes with his almighty power. Truly the only way to stop evil is to stand against it. The devil cannot kill God’s Spirit.