The trial is set up before Felix, the Governor in Caesarea, Rome’s stronghold in the region. The Jews led by the high priest, Ananias, accuse Paul on three accounts: stirring up riots, being a Christian leader, and profaning the temple.

Of course, the Romans don’t care much about profaning the temple or even being a religious leader, but they do care about maintaining peace among their people. Notice in Paul’s response what he says in response to each of these accusations.

[Acts 24.1-21]

24.1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders anda spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hearus briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Paul say in response to the accusation of stirring up riots and in regards to the temple? [vv. 11-13]

+ What does Paul admit to? [vv. 14-16]

+ How does Paul characterize Christianity (the Way)? [vv. 15-16]

+ Why does Paul stop defending himself regarding the Jews from Asia? [vv. 17-19]

+ What does he say the Jews have truly arrested him for? [vv. 20-21]

+ Why is the resurrection so critical to Christianity?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Paul openly admits to being a Christian. Would you be so bold?

+ How do you respond when you are criticized and maligned?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?