Tyndale Open Study NotesActs 24

Tertullus presented a legal case against Paul in a Roman court on behalf of the high priest (24:1–9). Then Paul cheerfully defended himself and his faith (24:10–21). The governor paused the hearing without making a decision. He kept Paul in prison for two years (24:22–27).

Tertullus presented the case for the prosecution. He began with the usual words of praise to gain the governor’s attention and favor. Then he listed the charges against Paul (24:5–8).

• a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world: A Roman court would have taken this charge very seriously. This language presents him as someone who causes unrest. It reflects a charge of political sedition (acting against the state), which a Roman court would have treated as a serious crime (see 16:21; 17:7; 18:13). People made similar accusations against Jesus to Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:2, 5, 14).

• sect: This term is used here in a negative way. It suggests that Paul's faith was suspicious or even unlawful (see also Acts 24:14).

desecrate the temple: See study note on 21:28–29.

Paul defended himself by saying:

1. he was not in Jerusalem long enough to start a riot;

2. none of those who accused him saw him causing a riot; and

3. he worshiped according to Jewish law and the writings of the prophets.

• the Way: See study note on 9:2.

• Paul emphasized what he shared in common with his Jewish audience, including his worship, belief in the Jewish law, acceptance of the prophets, and hope in the resurrection (24:14, 15; see 24:21).

At the final judgment (the time when God judges all people), God will raise both the righteous (those who follow him) and the unrighteous (those who do not). Paul kept this coming meeting with God in mind at all times (24:16). Felix became afraid when Paul spoke about “the coming judgment” in a later conversation (24:25).

Paul emphasized that he had acted with a clear conscience (see 20:27, 33; 23:1; 1 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 1:12; 4:2; see also 2 Timothy 1:3). He remained true to his Jewish heritage and did not fear God's judgment (Acts 24:14, 15).

• alms to my people: See study note on 20:1–2; also see Romans 15:25–29; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2; 2 Corinthians 9:1–7.

• to present offerings: See Acts 21:23–26.

The governor Felix might have delayed his decision, hoping Paul would offer him a bribe (24:26).

Proper treatment of a Roman citizen involved giving him some freedom and allowing his friends to visit and care for him.

Drusilla was the sister of Herod Agrippa II and Bernice (25:13). She left her first husband, Azizus, the King of Emessa, to marry Felix. Drusilla was Jewish, so by leaving her original husband and marrying Felix, she violated God's commands (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18; compare Malachi 2:16; Mark 10:12). The Jewish historian Josephus criticized her for doing this (Antiquities 20.7.1–2). During their conversation with Paul, Drusilla and her husband were faced with the reality of God’s judgment (his just decision about human actions).

Paul's words about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment scared Felix, who was notably corrupt (24:26–27; see study notes on 23:24; 24:24).

Felix kept Paul in custody, hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. When this did not work and his term as governor ended, he left Paul in prison to please the Jewish people.

Felix’s successor was Porcius Festus. Nero appointed him as governor of Judea around AD 59–62. Josephus describes Festus as a careful and honest leader. However, he could not stop the growing unrest among the Jewish people, even though he took strong action against the Assassins (a violent group also called the Sicarii; Josephus, Antiquities 20.8.10; see also Acts 21:38).

Festus refused the Jewish leaders’ request to move Paul’s trial to Jerusalem, but he still felt their pressure (25:9).