The Courtroom Drama of Paul's Trial

Pastor Jason begins by drawing a parallel modern day legal dramas, how they allow us to explore complex moral and ethical issues, wondering if justice will be served, Luke's account of Paul's trial before Governor Felix in Acts 24 engages us in the same way.  It’s a high-stakes case and the question arises: how will the scales of justice tip, especially with the Jews' biases distorting the evidence against Paul?

The Changing Landscape of Roman Justice

In the Roman world Paul inhabited, accusations from Jews against him typically didn't hold up in Roman courts because these were seen as "Jewish problems" and not a concern to Roman authorities. However, in Acts 24, things change. Jewish leaders hire a professional lawyer, Tertullus, indicating a new, more aggressive strategy to press charges against Paul.

The Prosecution's Case (Acts 24:1-9)

The sermon details Tertullus's highly skilled and flattering opening statement to Governor Felix. Tertullus, likely a Hellenistic Jew or Roman citizen, uses rhetorical guidelines familiar to Roman law to present Paul as a "plague," an "agitator," and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." He accuses Paul of being a disturber of the peace and even attempting to desecrate the temple. The language used, like calling Paul a "plague," highlights the animosity and the desire to see the "Jesus movement" eradicated, equating Paul's actions to treason, a crime punishable by execution in the Roman Empire.

Paul's Defense (Acts 24:10-21)

Paul, also adept in Roman law, confidently presents his defense. He refutes the accusations by highlighting that he was in Jerusalem for only 12 days and did not cause any disturbance. He then confesses that he worships the God of his ancestors "according to the Way," which Christians favored as a self-designation. He asserts that Christianity is not a betrayal but a fulfillment of Old Testament faith, specifically emphasizing his belief in the resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. This belief in the resurrection is presented as the core of Christian faith and the driving force behind Paul's willingness to face opposition and danger.

The Outcome and Gospel Conversations (Acts 24:22-27)

Despite Paul's brilliant defense, Governor Felix, a procrastinator with a reputation for savagery and lust, defers judgment. However, Felix's decision to keep Paul in a more lenient custody in Herod's palace opens the door for ministry opportunities. Felix, along with his Jewish wife Drusilla, frequently sends for Paul to hear him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul tailors his message to Felix and Drusilla's known history of brutality, corruption, and multiple marriages, focusing on righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. These challenging topics, though uncomfortable for the couple, demonstrate the power of the Gospel to convict. While Felix's continued conversations were partly driven by a hope for a bribe, they allowed Paul to continue sharing the penetrating and convicting message of the Gospel. After two years, Felix is replaced by Porcius Festus, leaving Paul in prison to appease the Jews.

Application: Turning Trials into Ministry

The sermon concludes with two key applications for believers listening in Poway and throughout San Diego, California:

1.     Turn inwardness during trials into outward ministry: Personal trials often lead us to become self-absorbed and isolated. However, Paul's example shows that God can position us during our trials to minister to others. The sermon encourages resisting the urge to turn inward and instead looking outward for new gospel opportunities, relying on God's strength. We should pray for opportunities to minister to others not after our trials but during them.

2.     Be ready to meet "Felix and Drusillas" in your life: Many people today have an "awareness of Christianity" but prefer to keep discussions of faith superficial. When the message of Christ becomes personal and convicts them, like Felix, they may resist or avoid further conversation. This resistance, however, is not a failure but evidence of the Holy Spirit's power at work, convicting and confronting. Believers are encouraged to prioritize relationships, discern the right time to speak about sin, repentance, Jesus as the only way, and God's coming judgment. The Spirit's convicting work is essential for opening eyes to the need for grace and ultimately for salvation.