Acts Chapter 24

At a Glance

  • Acts 24 records Paul’s defense before the Roman governor Felix.
  • This chapter sits in Luke’s dramatization of Paul’s legal ordeals as the gospel moves toward Rome.
  • - Truth versus expediency: Paul’s honest testimony stands against political manipulation.
  • - The resurrection and judgment: Core doctrine that grounds Paul’s confident appeal to conscience.
  • - Imperial complicity and religious power: The Roman system’s interest in maintaining order shapes legal outcomes.

Acts 24 records Paul’s defense before the Roman governor Felix. The encounter unfolds with Tertullus’s polished rhetorical indictment, followed by Paul’s candid and principled confession of faith and method: his observation that he worships the God of his fathers, believes all that is written in the Law and prophets, and holds to the resurrection of the just and the unjust. Paul emphasizes his education, his adherence to the Way, and his confidence in future judgment—points that reveal his consistent biblical piety. Felix’s inquiry reveals political calculation: the governor is anxious to maintain peace and gain favor with the Jewish leaders, even as he stalls justice. Paul’s manner—calm, innocent, and focused on the truth of the gospel—provides a contrasting witness to the “smooth” oratory of Tertullus. The chapter’s legal maneuvering highlights how the Gospel interacts with imperial governance: a gospel that survives under shifting political winds because the world cannot finally suppress the truth of God. The narrative ends on a note of unresolved tension: Felix delays a verdict, hoping for a bribe or a more opportune moment, while Paul asserts the reality that true liberty resides in the truth of Christ. The stage is set for the next political and theological conflicts that will accompany Paul’s continued appeal and the pursuit for justice under Roman authority.

This chapter sits in Luke’s dramatization of Paul’s legal ordeals as the gospel moves toward Rome. The setting with Felix, a Gentile governor, frames the intersection of empire and gospel. Tertullus’s rhetorical flattery contrasts with Paul’s sober, scriptural defense, illustrating two modes of public speech: worldly diplomacy and prophetic witness. The chapter reinforces Luke’s theme that the gospel will not be silenced by political or legal maneuvering; instead, it exposes the moral and spiritual bankruptcy of those who manipulate justice for expediency. The legal proceedings illuminate the early church’s struggles to negotiate religious claims within a powerful imperial framework.

- Truth versus expediency: Paul’s honest testimony stands against political manipulation.

- The resurrection and judgment: Core doctrine that grounds Paul’s confident appeal to conscience.

- Imperial complicity and religious power: The Roman system’s interest in maintaining order shapes legal outcomes.

- Suffering as faithful witness: Paul’s calm endurance under scrutiny models mature discipleship.

- Prayerful discernment and patience: The narrative depicts waiting on God within the system.

The chapter invites believers to ask how they testify in the public square when faced with political pressure. It champions integrity in speech and reliance on God’s truth when justice seems compromised by worldly considerations. It also points to the need for Christians to engage with civil authorities respectfully while maintaining unwavering allegiance to the gospel. The text encourages a posture of patient perseverance, trusting that God’s timing and justice prevail beyond human scheming.

Key Themes

Truth versus expediency: Paul’s honest testimony stands against political manipulation.The resurrection and judgment: Core doctrine that grounds Paul’s confident appeal to conscience.Imperial complicity and religious power: The Roman system’s interest in maintaining order shapes legal outcomes.Suffering as faithful witness: Paul’s calm endurance under scrutiny models mature discipleship.

Chapter Text

1

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

2

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

3

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

4

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

5

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

6

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

7

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

8

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

9

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

10

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

11

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

12

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

13

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

14

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

15

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

17

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

18

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

19

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

20

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

22

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

23

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

24

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

26

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

27

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Discuss This Chapter with Biblical Personas

Explore Acts Chapter 24 with Biblical figures who can provide unique perspectives grounded in Scripture.

Ask Apostle PaulAsk MosesAsk King DavidAsk Jesus Christ
← Acts 23Acts 25 →