Acts 24
Acts 24 is part of “Paul's Trials and Journey to Rome” (22–28) in the outline of Acts.
Acts 24 summary
We left Paul a prisoner at Caesarea, in Herod's judgment-hall, expecting his trial to come on quickly; for in the beginning of his imprisonment his affairs moved very quickly, but afterwards very slowly. In this chapter we have his arraignment and trial before Felix the governor at Caesarea; here is, I. The appearing of the prosecutors against him, and the setting of the prisoner to the bar (Act 24:1, Act 24:2). II.
Read the full introduction
We left Paul a prisoner at Caesarea, in Herod's judgment-hall, expecting his trial to come on quickly; for in the beginning of his imprisonment his affairs moved very quickly, but afterwards very slowly. In this chapter we have his arraignment and trial before Felix the governor at Caesarea; here is, I. The appearing of the prosecutors against him, and the setting of the prisoner to the bar (Act 24:1, Act 24:2). II. The opening of the indictment against him by Tertullus, who was of counsel for the prosecutors, and the aggravating of the charge, with abundance of compliments to the judge, and malice to the prisoner (Act 24:2-8). III. The corroborating of the charge by the testimony of the witnesses, or rather the prosecutors themselves (Act 24:9). IV. The prisoner's defence, in which, with all due deference to the governor (Act 24:10), he denies the charge, and challenges them to prove it (Act 24:11-13), owns the truth, and makes an unexceptionable profession of his faith, which he declares was it that they hated him for (Act 24:14-16), and gives a more particular account of what had passed from their first seizing him, challenging them to specify any ill they had found in him (Act 24:17-21). V. The adjourning of the cause, and the continuing of the prisoner in custody (Act 24:22, Act 24:23). VI. The private conversation that was between the prisoner and the judge, by which the prisoner hoped to do good to the judge and the judge thought to get money by the prisoner, but both in vain (Act 24:24-26). VII. The lengthening out of Paul's imprisonment for two years, till another governor came (Act 24:27), where he seems as much neglected as there had been ado about him.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Acts 24 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Paul Before Felix
1And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and [with] an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul. 2And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation, 3we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. 5For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 6who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: 8from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him. 9And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so. 10And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence: 11seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem: 12and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. 13Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me. 14But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; 15having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. 16Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always. 17Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: 18amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult: but [there were] certain Jews from Asia— 19who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me. 20Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before the council, 21except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day.
Paul Held in Custody
22But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter. 23And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him. 24But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 25And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me. 26He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.