The Jews
The Jews From Jerusalem
Welcome to you, to our Book of Acts Bible Study, “Apostle Paul – Concerning the Resurrection of the Dead I am Accused by the Jews Today.” Today, we have started a new chapter: Acts Chapter Twenty Four, Acts 24:1 –21.
Governor Felix kept Apostle Paul in Herod’s Judgment Hall for five days until the Jewish delegation from Jerusalem arrive.
The delegation consisted of Ananias the High Priest, the Elders of the Church in Jerusalem and an “orator” or lawyer; these are the representatives of the accusers against Paul, Acts 24:1.
Tertullus & the Jews Make Charges Against Apostle Paul
Governor Felix sent and got Paul from the judgment hall. When Apostle Paul was come Felix, the governor, allowed Tertullus (the accusers) to first make their case. Tertullus starts his case by flattering Felix, Acts 24:2-4, then he proceeded to accuse Apostle Paul as:
1. A pestilent fellow, Acts 24:5.
2. A motivator of “sedition” among Jews worldwide, Acts 24:5.
3. A ringleader of the Nazarenes, Acts 24:5 and a
4. Person who profanes the temple, Acts 24:6.
Tertullus told Governor Felix if it were not for meddling Claudius Lysias, we would not be here today; for we “would have judged” him “according to our law,” i.e. kill him, Acts 24:6 – 7.
What he said amounted to: Owing to the fact the chief captain Lysias, rescued Apostle Paul from us he has directed us to come to you, that you may look into these things, we have accused him of, Acts 24:8. Then all the Jews of the delegation agreed with Tertullus that these things were so, Acts 24:9.
Paul Makes His Defense Before Governor Felix & the Jews
Then the governor “beckoned” to Paul to speak. Paul starts his defense with confidence admitting the governor wealth of experience as “judge” to the Jewish people. Therefore, Apostle Paul stated he was happy to “answer for” himself with Felix as “judge”. Then Paul proceeded to shoot down Tertullus four accusations by only answering the two most damaging accusation.
Apostle Paul starts by giving the timeline: he told Felix, twelve days ago the Jews found him in the temple in Jerusalem worshipping and the Jew did not found me “disputing with any man” in the temple or outside, Acts 24:11 – 12.
Then Apostle Paul told them governor that the Jews cannot prove the things they now accused him of Acts 24:13.
Paul did not even address Tertullus two other claims against him. In his defense against the other severe accusation, as a person who profanes the temple, Paul responded: that after many years he brought gifts to his nation.
He told Governor Felix “certain” Asian Jews found him “purified in the temple,” twelve days ago, not with a crowd nor with shouting and noise, Acts 24:18. This response rebuts Tertullus accusation of “sedition” because there is no silent or quiet rebellion; but shows Paul was conforming to the laws of the Jews and not profaning the place of worship as the Jews claimed.
Then Apostle Paul points out a fatal flaw in his accusers’ argument to Governor Felix: the Asian Jews who made the initial claim that Paul profaned the temple were absent from the delegation but should have been present to reply to Paul’s defense. If the Asian Jews were present, they could object to Paul’s claim.
Finally, Apostle Paul, challenges the Jews to reveal to the governor, “If they have found any evil doing in him.” Then Paul admits he is guilty of one “evil” that the Jews can speak about.
“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 24:21.
One outburst can hardly be considered “seditious” and the nature of his shouting is an important consideration in this determination.
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