September 21, 2014
Morning Service

Acts 24

We left the Apostle Paul in the hands of one Claudius Lysias, in Jerusalem, who would turn the Apostle Paul over to the Governor Felix, in the city of Caesarea.  Paul had told them he was a Roman, and this changed the whole situation.  Now let’s see what happens when Paul goes before the Governor.

 

Act 24:1-27  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. 

·         Now this Tertullus would be like a smooth talking lawyer.

(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: 

·         We might recognize that by calling them the sect of the Nazarenes, they were insinuating that they were teaching false doctrine. 

(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. 

·         Now it’s Paul’s chance to reply.

(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. 

·         Paul himself is a very good orator.

(22)  And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way,

·         Now let me bring to your attention that there is a group of people today that call themselves THE WAY.    Many times this expression is used to describe followers of Christ.   THE 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,

·         Wow, you would think what next but to receive the gospel message.   Not so.  Paul spoke concerning,

***righteousness:  Which means right living.  Paul is speaking to a man that would enforce right living on others.  Felix was a Judge of the people of the Jews, but yet as we see in this portion of Scripture, he could be bought off.  He would impress upon Felix how important it was to Judge fairly, and to be honest.  Paul would have explained to Felix that our righteousness is as filthy rags, and that we must put on Christ, and His righteousness in order to please God.  

Rom 10:3-13  For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  (4)  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.  (5)  For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.  (6)  But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)  (7)  Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)  (8)  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;  (9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (11)  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  (12)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  (13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

Saved from what?   Paul will get to that in a minute.

***Then he speaks of Temperance:

Moderation; particularly, habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; as temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth. Temperance in eating and drinking is opposed to gluttony and drunkenness, and in other indulgences, to excess.  No doubt this is the lifestyle that Felix lived.

Paul would have told Felix just what he told Titus:  Tit 2:9-14  Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;  (10)  Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.  (11)  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  (13)  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  (14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

***Then Paul speaks of the Judgment to come. I would be sure this is what caused Felix to tremble.  To think that he one day would be judged.

Paul would have told Felix, and Drusilla the same thing he taught everywhere on this subject.  On Mars Hill in Athens Paul said this:  Act 17:29-32  Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.  (30)  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  (31)  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.  (32)  And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

·         Felix gives the same answer as did the people on Mars Hill.

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.

WHY IS IT TODAY WE CAN’T GET MEN TO TREMBLE WHEN WE SPEAK OF THE JUDGMENT TO COME?  WE LIVE IN A VERY DANGEROUS TIME.  PEOPLE HAVE HARDENED THEMSELVES TO THE GOSPEL MESSAGE.  THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD, NO FAITHFULLNESS TOWARD GOD, AND AS THE APOSTLE PAUL TOLD TIMOTHY  2Ti 3:1-5 

HE DESCRIBES A PEOPLE SELF CENTERED AND WITHOUT GOD.  IT’S THE WORLD TODAY.

 

ALMIGHTY GOD, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, MERCY, AND GRACE.