An Army, a Letter and a Testimony.

Paul arrived in Cesarea …

with a full military escort…

a letter…

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them:

then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.  And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man,I sent straightway to thee, 

and gave commandment to his accusers

 also to say before thee what they had against him.

Farewell.    Acts 23:26-30

And a purpose…

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.  

Matthew 10:16-18

Paul was presented to Felix…

And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. Acts 23:34-35

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… Acts 24:1

Straightway…

Paul’s accusers…

presented charges against him…

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying… 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:

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.  Acts 24:2, 5-9

Paul responds…

Bold. Confident. Cheerful.

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:

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

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: 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.

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

Acts 24:10, 12-16

Furthermore, Paul explains…

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, 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.   Acts 24:17-21

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.

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.   Acts 24:22-23

Paul’s testimony was convincing…

and powerful!

Felix was stirred…

and desired to hear Paul again…

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.    Acts 24:24

Seizing the opportunity…

Paul reasoned with Felix…

Righteousness. Temperance. Judgment.

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.  Acts 24:25

Felix trembled!

And for the next two years…

desired to hear Paul again and again…

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.

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.   Acts 24:26-27

Facing an angry mob…Paul was delivered by a Roman army.

Facing bonds and imprisonment…Paul was submissive and patient.

Facing trumped up charges…Paul was bold and truthful.

Facing Felix…Paul reasoned with wisdom and power…

until Felix trembled in fear.

Mean while…

God was listening. God was watching. God was recording…

everything that happened.

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.  

Matthew 10:18

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelation 20:12