Paul's Defense

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?