Why did Ananias and the elders bring Tertullus to accuse Paul before Felix?

Ananias and the elders wanted Paul condemned, but their own case was weak, so they brought Tertullus, a trained speaker, to present their charges. They hoped his skill, along with flattery toward Felix, would sway the governor. Their goal was not honest justice but to get rid of Paul, whom they saw as a threat. By using a hired orator and strong political accusations, they tried to make Paul look like a danger to public order instead of a faithful servant of God.

What were the main accusations Tertullus made against Paul?

Tertullus called Paul a pestilent man, a troublemaker among Jews everywhere, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He also said Paul tried to profane the temple and blamed the Roman commander for taking Paul away from them. These charges were meant to make Paul look like a rebel against Rome and against Jewish law. But they were exaggerated and not backed by real proof, which Paul later points out in his defense.

How does Paul answer the charges and describe his faith before Felix?

Paul calmly answers that he came to Jerusalem simply to worship and bring gifts, and that only twelve days had passed, so he had no time to stir up riots. He says no one found him arguing or leading a crowd. He admits that he follows “the way” they call a sect, but explains that he worships the God of his fathers, believes everything in the law and the prophets, and hopes in the resurrection of both the just and the unjust. He stresses that he works to keep a clear conscience before God and people.

What does Paul mean by having a conscience void of offence toward God and men?

When Paul says he aims to have a conscience without offence toward God and men, he means he works hard to live in a way that does not knowingly dishonor God or wrong other people. This is not just about following rules but about honest, steady living before God, both in worship and in daily dealings. He is telling Felix that his life as a follower of Christ is not lawless or rebellious, but marked by integrity, respect, and faithfulness in all his actions.

Why does Paul focus on the resurrection of the dead in his defense?

Paul points to the resurrection because it shows that his faith is not a new invention but rooted in the hope already held by many Jews. He says he believes there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust, and that this is the real reason he is on trial. By doing this, he shows that the dispute is really about belief in God’s promise of raising the dead, not about him trying to cause riots. The resurrection hope explains both his preaching and his clean conscience.

Why did Felix delay his decision and keep Paul in custody?

Felix already knew something about this “way,” so he could see the case was not simple. He chose to put off a real decision by saying he would wait for the commander Lysias to come. He then kept Paul under guard but allowed him some freedom and visits from friends. This delay likely came from a mix of fear of upsetting the Jews, interest in hearing Paul speak, and his own crooked hope for a bribe, rather than a real desire to settle the matter fairly.

Why did Felix tremble when Paul spoke of righteousness, temperance, and judgment?

When Paul talked with Felix and Drusilla about faith in Christ, he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. These truths touched Felix’s conscience, because his own life was marked by greed, injustice, and sin. Hearing that God will judge all people, and that a holy life is required, made him afraid. He trembled because he sensed his guilt, yet instead of turning to God, he told Paul to go away and said he would call for him at a more convenient time.

What does this passage show about power, money, and justice in Paul’s trial?

The passage shows how power and money twist justice. The leaders use flattery and false charges. Felix delays judgment to keep peace with the Jews and also hopes Paul will pay him a bribe. Paul is innocent, yet remains in chains for two years and is finally left in prison just so Felix can please the Jews. Through all this, Paul stays steady, speaks the truth, and uses every chance to talk about faith in Christ, even when those in power act unfairly.

Who are Felix and Drusilla, and why do they hear Paul about faith in Christ?

Felix is the Roman governor of the region, and Drusilla is his wife, a Jewess from a ruling family. After Paul’s formal hearing, Felix comes again with Drusilla and sends for Paul to hear more about faith in Christ. This likely comes from a mix of curiosity, political interest, and Felix’s hope for money from Paul. Paul does not flatter them but speaks honestly about righteousness, self-control, and judgment, bringing the message of Christ even to corrupt rulers.

How can Paul’s example in this passage help believers facing unfair treatment today?

Paul’s example helps believers see how to face unfair attacks without losing faith. He answers plainly, uses the law properly, and does not twist the truth, even when others do. He keeps his hope in God, not in human rulers, and uses each meeting, even with a corrupt governor, as a chance to speak about Christ. For believers today, this encourages patient endurance, honest defense when needed, and a steady conscience before God, trusting God’s justice even when people act unjustly.

Acts.24.1

Acts 24:1

KJV

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

Tertullus Prosecutes Paul

Paul before Felix

1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

Paul’s Defense to Felix

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

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.

The Verdict Postponed

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.