Year of the Bible

Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 24:

Now in the coastal city of Caesarea, the Jews accusing Paul hire a lawyer, Tertullus, to present the case against him to the Governor Felix (vs. 1). Tertullus’ case is not presented well, mostly focusing on Jewish religious issues that would not be of interest to the secular Roman government (vs. 2-8). Paul refutes the claims, while using the opportunity to evangelize and show the continuity between God’s plan of salvation manifested in Israel and the broader “Israel” of all believers, now following “the Way” (vs. 10-21). Felix and his wife have some interest and curiosity about Jesus the Messiah (vs. 22-26). However, Felix was known as a weak administrator prone to problems of unrest in his territory. Felix makes no specific decision, but keeps Paul imprisoned (likely a type of house arrest) hoping for a bribe (vs. 26) and to gain favor with the Jews who opposed Paul (vs. 27). These following two years are likely when Paul sent many letters to the communities of believers (some of which are included in the New Testament).

The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 24:

Paul before Felix at Caesarea

1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul; 2 and when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your provision, most excellent Felix, reforms are introduced on be­half of this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a pesti­lent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to pro­fane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him your­self you will be able to learn from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all this was so.

Paul’s Defense before Felix

10 And when the governor had motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: “Realizing that for many years you have been judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 As you may ascer­tain, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem; 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the syna­gogues, or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I admit to you, that accord­ing to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law or written in the prophets, 15 having a hope in God which these themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men. 17 Now after some years I came to bring to my nation alms and offerings. 18 As I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia—19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, if they have any­thing against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 ex­cept this one thing which I cried out while standing among them, ‘With respect to the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you this day.’ ”
22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but should have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

Paul Held in Custody

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish; and he sent for Paul and heard him speak upon faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he argued about justice and self­-control and future judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present; when I have an op­portunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 But when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to do the Jews a fa­vor, Felix left Paul in prison.

*Daily Lectio Divina Question:

Paul is accused and then left in prison as Felix declines to make a decision. In verse 26 we see greed as one of Felix's motives. Lord, shine your light on the places in my life where my greed may be causing others to suffer in any way.

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Revised Standard Version; Second Catholic Edition. (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2006).
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