Around A.D. 58, Paul was escorted from Jerusalem to Caesarea to face charges before Felix, the governor of Judea. The apostle had been captive by Roman authorities in Jerusalem after he caused an uproar among the Jews, then was ordered out of the holy city when a plot to murder him was uncovered.
“24 Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.” (Acts 24:1)
Before he could conduct a proper hearing, Felix held Paul until his accusers, made of the high priest, members of the Sanhedrin as well as an orator arrived at Caesarea.
“2 And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, 3 we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. ” (Acts 24:2-4)
Tertullus, a lawyer who was well acquainted with the forms of Roman courts opened with compliments aimed at securing a favorable hearing.
“5 For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” (Acts 24:5)
After showering Felix with compliments, Tertullus begins his charge of Paul by accusing him of causing dissension among the Jews through false teaching that encouraged people to disobey the law, and rebel against Jewish leadership.
Tertullus furthers his accusation by referring to Paul as the leader of the Nazarenes, a religion not authorized by Roman law. If proven, this would certainly be regarded as an offense by Felix and involve grave punishment.
“6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law.” (Acts 24:6)
The third accusation, punishable by death, charged Paul with profaning the Jewish temple.
“7 But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.” (Acts 24:7-9)
Lastly, backed by the chief priest and members of the Sanhedrin with him, Tertullus describes how the Roman commander in Jerusalem took Paul captive, then relied on Felix and the court in Caesarea for fair judgment according to Roman law. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
