Acts 24: Paul's Trial

Alongside our Sunday teachings, we’re keeping things simple. We’ll be reading through the book of Acts, featuring the many unique voices of the ClearView Church congregation. Each week, we’ll release two chapters, followed by a few reflection questions.

In this  episode, you’ll hear a brief introduction from Pastor Phil, followed by a reading of Acts 24 and some reflection questions from a young adult in our congregation.

Read along with the following reflection:

1. Where is God in this story? What does this chapter teach us about who God is and what he has done?
2. Perhaps you noticed the injustice. The false accusations. The indifference of those in power. The delays and uncertainty that Paul endured. How do you relate to this story?
3. Have you ever experienced misunderstanding, unfair treatment, or a situation that seemed beyond your control? Where do you see similar realities in your community, our culture, or our world? What might God be saying to you through His Word? 
4. Spend a few moments asking God how you can pray today. Rest in His love for you.

Faith Matters is a ministry of Clearview Church, Oakville, On.
https://clearviewchurch.com/

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:04

You are listening to the Faith Matters Podcast from Clearview Church, where we explore everyday faith in a complex world. Our goal is to strengthen and equip followers of Jesus just like you through practical and theological discussions and resources. In this season of the podcast, we're diving deeper into the practices of prayer and study. Each week, we'll release two episodes featuring voices from our congregation reading a chapter from the book of Acts, along with a few reflection questions. Each episode will begin with a short introduction to help set the context of the passage. As you listen, we encourage you to go slow. There will be built-in pauses with gentle background music, giving you space to reflect and wonder about what you're hearing. You might choose to follow along in your Bible or use a Bible app as the passage is read aloud. Above all, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you and reveal what you need from the text. Our hope is that this practice would nurture and deepen your faith as you continue to grow your life with Christ. Now, on to the book of Acts and the passage of the day.

SPEAKER_00 1:39

Paul faces not only an uproar in the council, but also a secret assassination attempt on his life. And he receives a military escort to safety. And now, in Acts chapter 24, Paul's case is brought before the Roman governor Felix.

SPEAKER_02 1:59

Five days later, the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 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. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly. We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews and all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect, and even tried to discorate 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 other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. When the governor mentioned 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. 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 that they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the law and that is written in the prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, 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. 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 Sea Redon, 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. Then Felix, who is well acquainted with the way, adjourned the proceedings. When Lysias, the commander, comes, he said, I will decide your case. He ordered the sentry in to keep Paul under guard to keep give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. Several days later, Felix came with his wife Derusela, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listed to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about 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. At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 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. A high priest, a lawyer, a governor, and his wife, a military commander, and Paul, a prisoner. Where is God in this story? What does this chapter teach us about who God is and what he has done? Perhaps you notice the injustice, the false accusations, the indifference of those in power, the delays and uncertainty that Paul endured. How do you relate to this story? Have you ever experienced misunderstanding, unfair treatment, or a situation that seemed beyond your control? Where do you see similar realities in your community or culture or world? What might God be saying to you through his word? Spend a few moments asking God how you can pray today. Rest in his love for you.

SPEAKER_01 7:11

Go in peace and may you continue to grow your life with Christ.