SUNDAY SCHOOL
BIBLE STUDY ON ACTS 23:12-25:1-27 (LESSONS 18-20)
~ Pastor Biakson
Memory Verses: Acts 23:23, 24:25 and 25:22
THE JEWISH PLOT TO KILL PAUL AND PAUL’S DEFENSE BEFORE FELIX AND FESTUS
Paul was held in the barracks by the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias. Now more than 40 Jews formed a conspiracy and took oath neither to eat nor drink until they killed Paul. They told the chief priests and elders to suggest to the commander to bring Paul before the council, planning to kill him when he came near.
Paul sister’s son learned of the planned ambush. He informed the commander just like Paul asked him to. Then the commander told two centurions to prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesaria that very night and take Paul safely to Felix, the governor. He also wrote a letter briefly explaining the facts of the case. So, the Jewish plot to kill Paul was foiled.
PAUL BEFORE FELIX
The high priest Ananias and the elders brought a certain orator named Tertullus to present their case against Paul. Flattering Felix, Tertullus accused Paul of
- creating dissension among the Jews throughout the world
- being a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes and
- trying to profane the temple
In his own defense, Paul did not use flattery but acknowledged Felix as a judge of the Jewish nation for many years. He explained how there was no truth (and no evidence) in the allegations against him. He stated that according to the Way, he worshiped the God of his fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the Prophets. Lastly, he said that he was being judged concerning the resurrection of the dead.
Felix had more accurate knowledge of the Way but he procrastinated taking a decision. After some days, he sent for Paul. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Paul reasoned about righteousness, self control and the judgement to come before Felix and his wife, Drusilla. Felix was afraid and sent him away for a more convenient time. He also hoped that Paul would give him money for his release and sent for him often. But after two years, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. Wanting to do the Jews a favour, Felix left Paul bound.
PAUL’S DEFENSE BEFORE FESTUS
Paul was brought before Festus where the Jews who had come from Jerusalem laid many serious complaints which they could not prove, against him. Paul defended himself again saying that he had not offended in anything against the law of the Jews, against the temple or against Caesar. However, wanting to do the Jews a favour, Festus asked Paul whether he was willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged. Paul then appealed to Caesar.
After some days, King Agrippa and Bernice came to greet Festus. When Festus told him about Paul’s case, Agrippa said that he would like to hear from Paul personally. So Paul was brought before Agrippa the next day.
LESSONS FROM THE STUDY:
- If we do what God wants us to do like Paul, He will pave the way for us. God delivered Paul from the Jews who plotted to kill him. He was taken out of Jerusalem at night by 470 soldiers. God can use anyone and any circumstance anytime. He always provides deliverance at the right time to those who are true to their calling and submits to His will. Often, human beings have the tendency to plan our ways but the most important thing is submission to God’s will. His ways are higher than our ways. We should first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Then God will provide the rest.
- Trying to win favours is dangerous, it leads to failure. Tertullus wanted to gain Felix’s favour with flattery but he was unsuccessful. Felix and Festus sought to win the favour of the Jews by not releasing Paul even though they knew he was innocent. Like Paul, let’s stand up for the truth with the love of God in our hearts.
- Felix was moved by the Gospel but it neither led to repentance nor change of heart. His actions may seem condemnable to us but we need to examine ourselves whether our own lives mirrored the life of Felix. Are we hearing God’s words but rejecting it every time? If so, our hearts may become hardened with no more room for conviction. This will be a great tragedy.
- Doing what God wants us to do may not always bring us worldly happiness, physical well being and enjoyment. There are difficulties to endure and sacrifices to make. Paul’s life is a good example in this regard. May God help us to do what He wants us to do even under the most difficult situations.
