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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                      PART XXIV - VI

"After I, Paul, had finished my defense before Governor Felix here in the court room in Caesarea, I sat down... It was then up to the governor to decide whether or not I had committed a crime... And should be punished.. It did not take too long before Felix stood up... And he told us he was not going to make a decision as yet... I am now back in Herod's palace... However, I have had opportunities to come before Governor Felix as well as his wife Drusilla.... She is a Jewess.... I used these opportunities to talk about my faith in Christ Jesus... Each time I spoke Governor Felix listened carefully to me... I sensed as well that my words made him uncomfortable at times... My prayer for him is that one day he will acknowledge his need for Jesus as his Lord and Saviour."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn that Paul came before the Governor Felix a number of times....

    

                 ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                   PART XXIV - VI

The governor had been patiently listening to Paul but did not want to make a final decision as you can read in Acts 24:22

Then Felix who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case."

He, very likely, did not think that Paul had committed any crime and, consequently, allowed him a measure of freedom as you can read in Acts 24:23

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.

After a few days Felix had Paul come before him again as you can read in Acts 4:24-25

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. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgement 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."

Paul shared the gospel with Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla, for he knew that was the reason he had come before them. And both the governor and his wife heard the truth. 

Read Part Fourteen HERE

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                                       Read Part One HERE

 

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                  PART XXIV - V

I, Paul, was back at the court room in Caesarea, where I was defending my case before Governor Felix.... So far I had shared with him that, though I am a follower of the Way, I believe in the Law and the Prophets... And I believe that there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked... I then began to share with him some specific details related to my recent trip to Jerusalem... I told him I had gone there to bring a financial gift for the poor.. I had gone there as well to present offerings in the temple... I could see that my accusers were listening intently to what I said... For their sakes I added the words that I was ceremonially clean when I entered the temple... I told Governor Felix as well that there was no crowd present when I entered the temple... I wanted him to know that I had done nothing wrong of which these Jewish men could accuse me of... It is true, I had made a point about me being on trial because of my viewpoint on the resurrection when standing before the Sanhedrin.... Perhaps they would consider that a crime."... Please read the typed out attachment of Paul's final statements before Governor Felix.....

   

                     ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                       PART XXIV - V

Paul then began to give Governor Felix details of his recent trip to Jerusalem as you can read in       Acts 24:17-21

"After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 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. 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. Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin - unless it was this one thing I shouted in their presence: "It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today."

Paul told the governor exactly what he had done during his last trip to Jerusalem. He made it clear as well that everything he had done has been done in an orderly fashion so no one would be able to accuse himof a crime even if they may have wanted to do so. 

Read Part Thirteen HERE

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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                   PART XXIV- IV

" I, Paul, looked around the court room in Casesarea.... I could see that Governor Felix was intently listening to me.... I noticed as well that Tertullus and the other Jewish men who had come with him from Jerusalem were listening to me.... They had come to accuse me...So they wanted to hear what I had to say in my defense... I continued to address Governor Felix... For I wanted to make it clear to him that I had never caused any problems either in the temple or anywhere else in the city.... Eventhough I had been accused of these things.... I shared as well that, yes, I am indeed a follower of the Way... But I followed that statement by telling him that I believe in the Law and the Prophets... Just as my accusers do.... Moreover, I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.... And these Jewish men here in the court room believe that too... I am confident that Governor Felix will understand from what I have shared that I am innocent....However, I may need to share some further details of my recent time in Jerusalem....For that may help him in making his final decision... I hope to do that the next time the court meets.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn hw Paul continued his defence before Governor Felix....

                      ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                     PART XXIV- IV

Paul, when defending himself in the court room in Caesarea, continued by giving Governor Felix an account of his whereabouts in Jerusalem as you can read in Acts 24:11-13

"You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 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. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are making against me."

Paul knew what his accusers were trying to accuse him of so he made it clear that they had no case against him. He then changed the subject by beginning to talk about his faith making it clear that he worshipped the same God that they worshipped as you can read in 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, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."

It was important to Paul that Governor Felix understood he was not part of a sect as his accusers claimed since his belief system was like theirs, including the hope in a resurrection of both the righeous and the wicked.

Read part Twelve HERE

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Read Part One HERE

 A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                 PART XXIV - III 

"The lawyer Tertullus had made his case against me, Paul, here in the court room in Caesarea.... Governor Felix next allowd the other Jews from Jerusalem to speak as well.... They all agreeed with the lawyer that I, Paul, was a trouble maker... I had not yet said anything.... For I knew that Governor Felix would let me know when it was my time to speak.... And he did... After he had listened to all the speeches of the Jewish men, he turned towards me, Paul.... And he motioned for me to speak...I did not feel the need to flatter the governor as Tertullus had done.. For I know that my life is not in the hands of Governor Felix.. My life is in the hands of Almighty God... I am here in Caesarea because God has allowed me to be here... Likewise, Governor Felix's life is in the hands of God.... He is governor because God has allowed him to be governor.... One day he will no longer be governor here in Caesarea... Only God knows when that will happen... One day too I will leave Caesarea because I am supposed to go to Rome.... Only God knows when that will happen... God is at work behind the scenes.... And He will use whomever He wishes to make sure that I will get to Rome.... He may decide to use Governor Felix... Or He may decide to use another governor... Only He knows."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn that Governor Felix allowed Paul to begin to defend himself.

                        ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                        PART XXIV - III

Governor Felix, after having heard the lawyer Tertullus and the other Jews bringing their accusations against Paul in the court room in Caeasarea, decided it was time for Paul to make his defence as you can read in 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."

When Paul addressed Governor Felix, he simply acknowledged that he had been a judge over Israel for some time already. However, he did not falsely praise him in order to win his favour as Tertullus had done, nor did he tell him off for being the terrible person he was, for Paul understood that leaders are placed in positions of authority by God as you can know from Romans 13:1

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been establised by God.

Paul knew that ultimately God would judge any person who would have a position of authority. It was, therefore, not up to him to judge such a person.

Read Part Eleven HERE

   

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  Read Part One HERE                                                                                                                      

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                       PART XXIV - II

"As soon as I, Paul, arrived in the court room here in Caesarea, the case against me began... As I expected, the lawyer Tertullus spoke first of all... He began by flattering Governor Felix... No doubt, he was trying to win the favour of the governor.... Having spoken very highly of Governor Felix.... Tertullus then began to present his case against me.... It was clear from his words that he tried to make me look like a real trouble maker... And that I was making trouble not just in Jerusalem... But all over the world.... Worst of all, he accused me of having tried to the desecrate the temple in Jerusalem.... After Tertullus had spoken, Felix allowed other Jews to speak as well.... They all agreed with Tertullus that I was nothing more than a trouble maker.... I just listened to their false accusations against me... I knew that my moment to defend myself would soon come... So I waited until I was asked to speak."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of the flattering speech of the lawyer Tertullus to Governor Felix...

          

                    ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                     PART XXIV - II

It was time for Paul to appear in court so he was taken from Herod's palace where he had been under guard since his arrival in Caesarea. As soon as Paul arrived in the room where the hearing was held, the lawyer Tertullus began to speak as you can read in Acts 24:2

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."

Tertullus knew how to flatter the governor so that the governor would be inclined to favour him. He then carried on by saying in Acts 4:3-4

"Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profoud gratitude.But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enought to hear us briefly."

The Jews hated being under Roman rule, including the rule of Felix, but they hated Paul even more, it seems. It was, therefore, very important that the governor would be incined to believe them when Tertullus presented his report about Paul to them as you can read in Acts 24:5-8

"We have found this man (Paul) to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him."

The words of Tertullus were then confirmed by the Jews who had accompanied him as you can read in Acts 24:9

The Jews joined in that accusation, asserting that these things were true.

It does not look good for Paul after all these accusations have been spoken out against him.

Read Part Ten HERE

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 Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                      PART XXIV - I

"I, Paul, have been staying at king Herod's palace here in Caesarea for the last few days... It is true, I am not a free man for I am under guard... However, I am well taken care of... Moreover, I have taken every opportunity I have to share the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ with the soldiers who are guarding me... They cannot go anywhere and neither can I... So they have no choice but to listen to me as I explain this wonderful plan of God's salvation to them... However, this morning after I had woken up I was told to get ready.... For I would be taken to the court room... Apparently, the high priest Ananias has arrived from Jerusalem to bring charges against me.... I have heard as well that he is not on his own... He has brought with him some of the elders.... Moreover, he has brought a lawyer named Tertullus with him....I would think that Tertullus might open the case before anyone else speaks... He may well want to impress Governor Felix.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of the arrival of the high priest Ananias in Caesarea...

                   ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                 PART XXIV - I

Governor Felix had Paul placed under guard in king Herod's palace in Caesarea until his accusers would come over from Jerusalem as you can read in Acts 23:35

He (Felix) said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace. 

In the meantime in Jerusalem, the 40 Jewish men who had committed themselves not to eat and drink until Paul had been killed, had carried on their fast not knowing that Paul was no longer in Jerusalem. However, they then heard that Governor Felix had sent a letter from Caesarea, where he resides, to the high priest advising him to come to Caesarea if he wanted to bring accusations against Paul. They were utterly shocked to hear that Paul was now in Caesarea. How could he have escaped since they were sure, no one knew of their plan to kill him... The fact was, he was no longer in Jerusalem.Therefore, there was no point in continuing their fast. All they could hope for was that Felix could be persuaded to have Paul brought back to Jerusalem. They were, therefore, pleased to hear that among the party going to Caesarea was the lawyer Tertullus for they believed he could present a solid case against Paul as you can read in 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.

it was time for Paul's case to be heard as his accusers had arrived in Caesarea.

Read Part Nine HERE

 

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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                 PART XXIII - IX 

"Just as I, Paul, thought, the Commander decided it was no longer safe for me to remain in Jerusalem... He, therefore, arranged for me to be taken to Caesarea....We travelled all night and arrived in Caesarea this morning... I have already met Governor Felix... He was given the letter the Roman Commander wrote to him about me... He did read it so he is now somewhat familiar with my situation.... However, he has decided he will wait until my accusers have arrived from Jerusalem before hearing my case.... It may take a few days before they arrive... My accusers may possibly include the high priest Ananias as well as some of the elders.... And among the accusers might be a lawyer named Tertullian.... We shall have to wait and see.... In the meantime I have been placed in king Herod's palace.... Soldiers are guarding me here... What an opportunity to preach the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ to them... For me they are all lost people in need of salvation... Whether they are rough soldiers or highly educated governors like Governor Felix.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of Paul's first encounter with Governor Felix....

                    ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                        PART XXIII - IX

The next morning the soldiers returned to Jerusalem while the cavalry accompanied Paul to Caesarea. Once they arrived there, they right away went to the palace of Governor Felix and presented the Commander's letter to him. Paul was then handed over to the Governor who decided to hear his case as soon as his accusers had arrived in Caesarea. In the meantime he had Paul kept under guard at Herod's palace as you can read in Acts 23:33-35

When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the Governor and handed Paul over to him. The Governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, "I will hear your case when you accusers get here." Then he ordered Paul to be kept under guard in Herod's palace.

So Paul was once again on the road but this time not by his own choice, for her was no longer a free man. He was a prisoner. That meant he could not decide where he wanted to go. His destination had been decided by the Commander. To be honest, Paul was not a free man anyway. He was a bond slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. As such he knew it was not up to him where he should go and when he should go there. And he trusted that being at Caesarea was part of God's plan for his life. For he knew that he was to preach the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ regardless where he might be and under what circumstances. So he was determined to bring that message to those he would be with here in Caesarea.

The question is, how do you see yourself? Do you think you belong to yourself or do you , as a believer, recognise you belong to God as you can read in 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20

".... You are not your own. You were bought at a price. Therefore, honour God with your body."

Do you, therefore, realise that you cannot just do what you want to do and go where you want to go, but that you are here to fulfill God's plan for your life as you can read in Ephesians 2:10

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Read Part Eight HERE

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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                  PART XXIII - VIII 

"After the visit from my nephew to the barracks here in Jerusalem, I, Paul, thanked God for His faithfulness towards me.... For He had preserved my life by not allowing me to once again come before the Sanhedrin in order that I might be killed by a group of Jews on the way to the meeting....I thanked God as well in advance for using the Commander to work out a plan of safety on my behalf... I was confident that the Commander would send someone to let me know the plans he had put in place for my safety as soon as he had worked out the details... I wondered if he was considering having to me take somewhere else... For it was not safe for me to be in Jerusalem.... I proved to be right... Early in the evening a Centurion came to see me.... He told me to get ready for he was going to take me to Caesarea.... We will be leaving at nine this evening.... I will be taken to Governor Felix.... I believe the Commander has prepared a letter for the Governor about me... I may have to face my accusers while in Caesarea....However, I believe the real reason for me to come before Governor Felix is so that I can preach the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ to him... I am sure the Lord will give me opportunity to do just that.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn about Paul's trip to Caesarea...

                       ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                          PART XXXIII - VIII

The Commander realised that the life of his prisoner Paul was in danger and that he must be removed from the barracks as soon as possible without anyone knowing about it so he began to work out the details of a plan as you can read in Acts 23:23

Then he called two of his Centurions and ordered them, "Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsement and two hundered spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix."

The Commander knew that Paul should leave Jerusalem so he decided to send him to Caesarea for there he would be safe. However, it was important that Governor Felix knew all the details of Pauls case so he wrote a letter to the Governor, which was to be given to him the moment Paul arrived in Caesarea as you can read in Acts 23:25-230

He wrote a letter as follows: Claudius Lysias,                                                                                          To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

Greetings.                                                                                                                                                                  This man 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. I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. I found that the accusations had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 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.

Things have been set into motion for Paul to leave Jerusalem. His first stop is Caesarea. 

Read Part Seven HERE

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                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS 

                PART XXIII - VII

"And so I, Paul, waited for the return of my nephew to find out about his visit to the Roman Commander here in the barracks in Jerusualem... When he came back to me he told me that the Commander had been very kind and patient with him... Just as I had prayed would happen..... My nephew then shared with me all the details of his conversation with the Commander... And that the Commander had listened very carefully to him.... And had taken note of everything he had said.... He told me as well that the Commander had told him not to tell everyone else of his visit to him.... My nephew has now left for home... I am so grateful to God.... For He has obviously been in charge of the situation so far.... And I know He will continue to work things out in the way He means for it to be.... All I need to do now is to wait... For I will, no doubt, hear from the Commander as soon as he has worked out a plan of safety for me.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of the Commander's response to the visit of Paul's nephew...

 

                      ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS 

                                                        PART XXIII - VII

The Commander sensed he should take this young man seriously and not just dismiss him. He knew as well that he needed to make him feel at ease so that he could find out the reason as to why his prisoner Paul had found it necessary to send this young man to him as you can know from Acts 23:20-21

He (the young man) said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more information about him. Don't give in to them, because more than forty men are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request."

When the Commander heard these words from the young man, he knew he needed to take action as far as his prisoner Paul was concerned. He knew as well that he needed to take special precautions for no one was to know what he was planning to do. Neither was anyone to know about the visit of this young man as you can read in Acts 23:22

The Commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him, "Don't tell anyone that you have reported it to me."

The Commander understood the importance of this young man's mission for the prisoner Paul's life was at stake and must be protected.

Read Part Six HERE