Paul Before Felix

After five days, the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders and a speaker named Tertullus to present their case against Paul before Governor Felix. Tertullus began with flattering words to Felix, then accused Paul of causing trouble, stirring up unrest among Jews, leading the sect called the Nazarenes, and trying to profane the temple. The others joined in and said these accusations were true.

When Felix signalled for Paul to speak, Paul gave his defence. He said Felix could check that only twelve days had passed since he went up to Jerusalem to worship. He said no one had found him arguing in the temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city. He also said his accusers could not prove their charges.

Paul openly said that he followed the Way, which his opponents called a sect. Yet he worshipped the God of their fathers and believed what was written in the law and the prophets. He shared the hope of a resurrection of both the just and the unjust, and said he tried to keep a clear conscience before God and people.

Then Paul explained why he had come to Jerusalem. He had brought gifts for the needy among his people and offerings. He said he was found purified in the temple, not with a crowd or disturbance. The Jews from Asia who first raised the complaint were not there to speak. Paul said that, unless it was about his statement on the resurrection, these men had found no wrong in him.

Felix already had more exact knowledge about the Way, so he postponed the case and said he would decide it when the commanding officer Lysias came. Paul was kept in custody, but with some privileges, and his friends were allowed to visit and help him. Later Felix and Drusilla heard Paul speak about faith in Christ Jesus. When Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was frightened and sent him away for the time.

Felix kept calling for Paul and talking with him, but he also hoped Paul would give him money. Two years passed. Then Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus. Wanting to gain favour with the Jews, Felix left Paul in custody. What do you notice about Paul’s calm words when others could not prove their charges?