Flattery vs. Encouragement v. 1-4

The high priest Ananias arrived at Caesarea with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus.

They brought their charges against Paul with them

Tertullus uses flattery  to get on the good side of Felix

Felix was know for being corrupt and immoral.

Felix, with the help of a magician, helped seduce Drusilla from her husband, Azizus, King of Emesa

Felix also hiring robbers to murder the high priest Jonathan

The False Charges v. 5-9

Personal charge: Paul was a trouble maker e.g. causing riots and inflaming the people

Political charge: Paul was the leader of an illegal religion which was not friendly to the Jews or the Roman government

Doctrinal charge; Paul was profaning the temple

The Truth v. 10-23

Grace

Paul’s motive for going to Jerusalem was to worship and bring a love offering

Paul’s accusers didn’t find him arguing with anyone in the temple or stirring up crowds

His accusers have no proof of the charges

Paul admits that he worships the God of “our” ancestors as a Christ follower e.g. as a follower of the Way

The accusers call the way a sect

Paul say that he believes he did everything in  accordance with the Law and what was written in the Prophets

Paul reaffirms the hope he has in the resurrection just as the Pharisees have

Therefore, Paul testifies with a clear conscience before God and man

Paul kept his ministry public and transparent

Paul says the the original propagator of these charges were not even present at this trial

Paul calls for the verdict from the Sanhedrin to be announced, that they found no crime

The only disagreement was over the resurrection

Conviction and the Corruption of the Judge v. 24-27

Felix was well acquainted with the Way

He wanted to hear form Lysias comes before he decides the case

Paul was put in protective custody under minimum security

Felix and Drusilla, who was Jewish, sent for Paul to listen to him as he spoke about Jesus Christ

Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.

This stuck fear into the heart of Felix because of his past

Felix sent Paul away when the truth hit close to home

Felix was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe

Closing:  The Lord’s Table

Closing: