Acts of the Apostles

Paul’s Defense Before Felix – Acts 24:10–23
Paul begins his defense before Felix with confidence and cheerfulness (Acts 24:10). He explains that it has been only twelve days since he went up to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 24:11). During that time, he was not found disputing with anyone or stirring up the people, either in the temple, the synagogues, or in the city (Acts 24:12). He asserts that his accusers cannot prove the charges they have brought against him (Acts 24:13).

Paul Defends His Lifestyle – Acts 24:14–16
Paul openly confesses that he worships the God of his fathers according to the Way, which his accusers call a sect (Acts 24:14). He affirms his belief in all things written in the Law and in the Prophets (Acts 24:14). He holds the same hope in God as his accusers do—that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust (Acts 24:15). Because of this, he strives always to maintain a conscience void of offense toward both God and men (Acts 24:16).

Paul Explains His Presence in Jerusalem – Acts 24:17–21
After many years, Paul had come to Jerusalem to bring alms and offerings to his nation (Acts 24:17). Certain Jews from Asia found him in the temple, purified according to the law, neither with a mob nor with tumult (Acts 24:18). These Jews ought to have been present to make their accusation, if they had anything against him (Acts 24:19). Those who were present could not point to any wrongdoing or offense committed by Paul (Acts 24:20), except for one statement he had made: “Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day” (Acts 24:21). Felix, having a more accurate knowledge of the Way, postponed the hearing until the commander Lysias could come down (Acts 24:22). Meanwhile, Paul was kept in custody, but was granted some liberty and allowed visits from his friends (Acts 24:23).

Paul’s Defense of the Gospel Before Felix – Acts 24:24–27
Some days later, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and sent for Paul to hear him concerning faith in Christ (Acts 24:24). As Paul reasoned with them about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and told him to go away for the time being, saying that he would call for him again when it was convenient (Acts 24:25). Felix conversed with Paul frequently, hoping that money would be given to him by Paul so that he might release him (Acts 24:26). After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and, desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul bound (Acts 24:27).

Paul Stands Accused Before Festus – Acts 25:1–12
When Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem, where the Jewish leaders immediately presented their case against Paul and requested that Festus send him to Jerusalem, intending to ambush and kill him along the way (Acts 25:1–3). However, Festus replied that Paul was being held at Caesarea and invited them to go down with him and present their accusations there (Acts 25:4–5). When they arrived in Caesarea, the Jews brought many serious complaints against Paul, but none of them could be proven (Acts 25:6–7). In his defense, Paul stated that he had committed no offense against the law of the Jews, the temple, or Caesar (Acts 25:8). Still, Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul if he was willing to go up to Jerusalem to be tried there (Acts 25:9). Paul responded by appealing to Caesar, asserting his right to be judged at the tribunal of the Roman Emperor, where he had done nothing deserving of death (Acts 25:10–11). After conferring with his council, Festus granted Paul’s request and declared, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go” (Acts 25:12).

Festus Presents Paul’s Case to King Agrippa – Acts 25:13–21
Soon after, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to greet Festus (Acts 25:13). Festus took the opportunity to explain Paul’s case to the king (Acts 25:14–15). He noted that under Roman law, it is not customary to hand over a man before he has had the opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself (Acts 25:16). When the accusers stood before Paul, they brought no charge of the crimes he had expected; instead, the dispute centered around questions of Jewish religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died and whom Paul affirmed to be alive (Acts 25:17–19). Being uncertain about how to proceed, Festus suggested sending Paul to Jerusalem (Acts 25:20), but when Paul appealed to be kept for a hearing before Caesar, Festus ordered that he be held until he could be sent to Rome (Acts 25:21).

Paul Defends the Faith Before King Agrippa – Acts 25:22–26:32
King Agrippa expressed his desire to hear Paul personally (Acts 25:22). On the next day, Agrippa and Bernice entered the auditorium with great pomp, accompanied by military commanders and prominent men of the city (Acts 25:23). At Festus’s command, Paul was brought in, and Festus introduced him, explaining that although many had accused him, he had found nothing deserving of death (Acts 25:24–25). Since Paul had appealed to Caesar, Festus needed to send a report but admitted he had nothing specific to write, and thus sought Agrippa’s help in examining the case more thoroughly (Acts 25:26–27).