Paul Before Felix (Acts 24:10-21)
This scene is Paul's defense before the Roman governor Felix. He had been taken to Caesarea after the uproar at the temple.
 
Text Observations
AC 24:10 "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, [11] since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. [12] "And neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. [13] "Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me.  Paul begins by addressing the circumstances of the immediate accusation.
AC 24:14 "But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law, and that is written in the Prophets; [15] having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. [16] "In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.  Paul claims his beliefs as a member of the Way are consistent with the Law and the Prophets. He specifically cites the resurrection as a point of interest.
AC 24:17 "Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings; [18] in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were certain Jews from Asia-- [19] who ought to have been present before you, and to make accusation, if they should have anything against me.  Paul again addresses what he was doing in the temple.
AC 24:20 "Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Council, [21] other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, `For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.'" Again, Paul brings up the resurrection as the key issue.

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All Rights Reserved.
Comments Copyright © 2002 John Engler. All rights reserved.