Acts 24
Summary. In this chapter, the apostle continues his trial in Caesarea and remains in custody for an extended period, during which the Lord God Almighty uses him to share the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 24:1-21. Apostle Paul before the governor at Caesarea. Some of the leaders of the Jews came to Caesarea with a speaker to present accusations against Paul before the governor. The accusations made by the speaker were threefold: he flattered the governor, labeled Paul as the leader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and claimed that Paul had attempted to desecrate the temple in Jerusalem. In response, Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, defended himself with four main points: he acknowledged the governor’s authority, stated that all his activities were conducted openly and could be verified, denied all the accusations as they were not true, and affirmed his faith in the Lord Jesus, including his belief in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Acts 24:22-27. Apostle Paul kept in custody. The governor knew of the Way, but he also feared conflicting with the Jews. As a result, he delayed his decision regarding Paul and ordered that the apostle be kept in custody. The Lord God Almighty used Paul to share the good news of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with the governor and those with him. For about two years, he often sent for the apostle to converse with him. The governor heard the good news, but his interests were in money. When his replacement arrived, they still neglected to address Paul’s suffering and left him in bonds.
1
Then, after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and a speaker, one Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
Comments Acts 24:1
When people allow the dark mind to control their thoughts, the dark never wants the Lord God Almighty to have influence over people and will use humans to do the work for them. And here in this verse, the Lord’s children let the dark mind control them, and they wanted to harm the apostle. But the Lord God Almighty had His hand always over His apostle.
2
Then, having been called of him, Tertullus began to accuse, saying, Much peace we are obtaining through you, and reformations are done to this nation through your foresight,
Comments Acts 24:2
“Then, having been called of him ...” When the evil work begins in a human, the dark mind has no light left, and the dark mind starts to fight against the apostle. When using a person who can speak well, the dark believes they can win when the right words are used. Now the apostle, with the mercy of the Lord, the Lord will guide his mouth on what and when to defend himself.
“Much peace we are obtaining ...” The dark uses human nature: all humans want to be praised, and here the dark praises the leader in order to gain favor. When humans obey the dark, their actions go against the Lord’s guidance, and here, with the ability to talk, the intelligent speaker used the gift in the wrong place.
“Much peace we are obtaining ...” The dark uses human nature: all humans want to be praised, and here the dark praises the leader in order to gain favor. When humans obey the dark, their actions go against the Lord’s guidance, and here, with the ability to talk, the intelligent speaker used the gift in the wrong place.
3
both in every way and everywhere, we gladly accept it, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
Comments Acts 24:3
The right words were used to praise the leader and showed him that, because of the way he led and his knowledge, he had brought the people joy and a good life. With high applause to the leader, the accuser expects to win the case.
4
However, that I should not be a hindrance any longer to you, I exhort you, in your kindness, to hear us in a few words.
Comments Acts 24:4
When humans exhort humans in this place, with the ability to speak, they use words that, when spoken, make the ear of the listener happy and proud of themselves. And this speaker wanted to make the listener stay and give them a moment of their time to listen to their account.
5
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes,
Comments Acts 24:5
“For we have found this man ...” By painting the apostle in a dark way, making him seem important and elevating him above everyone else, the apostle has been accused of many things, but none of that said that the apostle was giving them the good news of salvation.
“And a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” By putting the disciple who wants to promote the holiness of the beloved Son of God above all humans, they expect the listener to be angry toward the apostle because the beloved Son of God is well known and being lifted up as a King. If the apostle promotes the true King, the leader should be worried and should want to stop the apostle.
“And a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” By putting the disciple who wants to promote the holiness of the beloved Son of God above all humans, they expect the listener to be angry toward the apostle because the beloved Son of God is well known and being lifted up as a King. If the apostle promotes the true King, the leader should be worried and should want to stop the apostle.
6
who even attempted to profane the temple; on whom also we seized. [And we would have judged him according to our law.
Comments Acts 24:6
“Who even attempted to profane the temple; on whom also we seized.” The smart speaker accused the apostle of blasphemy against the Lord God Almighty, for which he had no proof, but he had just been told what to say.
7
But the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
8
commanding his accusers to come before you.] From whom you, yourself, will be able, having examined him, to know concerning all these things of which we accuse him.
Comments Acts 24:6-8
It is important to note that the content inside the square brackets in these verses is not part of the original Greek writings.
Comments Acts 24:8
“From whom you, yourself, will be able ...” The way the smart speaker used to convince the listener to believe, even to tell them to question the apostle about all things, so he can find the proof himself that the apostle had done wrong, as they put charges upon him.
9
Then, the Jews also agreed, affirming these things to be so.
Comments Acts 24:9
The Lord’s children, with their minds unclear, agreed with the smart talker regarding the apostle’s activity. When the mind is unclean, the ear will agree with what it hears. An example is here, the Lord’s children agreed with the smart talker.
10
Then, the governor, having made a sign to him to speak, Paul answered: Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make a defense to the things concerning myself.
Comments Acts 24:10
“Then, the governor, having made a sign ...” The obedient apostle waited for the right moment to speak. The Lord God Almighty teaches all believers to respect the law, and now the apostle sets an example by following the command. When the governor, who had authority, had given the apostle a sign to speak, at that time, the apostle would speak the words the Lord God Almighty had put in his mouth.
“Knowing that for many years ...” The apostle gave an acknowledgment to the governor that the governor had authority in this place and that he would listen.
“I cheerfully make a defense ...” By telling the governor that, the apostle himself had his own story to tell, which was for defending himself against all accusers.
“Knowing that for many years ...” The apostle gave an acknowledgment to the governor that the governor had authority in this place and that he would listen.
“I cheerfully make a defense ...” By telling the governor that, the apostle himself had his own story to tell, which was for defending himself against all accusers.
11
You, being able to know that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem;
Comments Acts 24:11
The apostle defended himself by telling them that his activity was in the open, nothing in the secret. The way he worshiped the Lord God Almighty in the synagogue, people could be witnesses to all his activity. In this place, the apostle told everyone that, since he came, he had never done anything in secret.
12
and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with anyone or stirring up an uprising of a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.
Comments Acts 24:12
All the time the apostle was among people, and everyone could be his witness that he did not stir up any uproar among people. It is the same way, the Lord God Almighty wants all believers to behave in the open; the way you worship, nothing to hide, because when you worship the Lord God Almighty, do not feel ashamed to do it in public eyes, but always be proud that you are the children of God Almighty. Be proud to be called a believer.
13
Nor can they prove to you concerning of which they now accuse me.
Comments Acts 24:13
The apostle could prove not only words but also actions; no one else could point out the actions of the apostle. So, all believers, when you do things, do nothing in secret that is against the teaching; do all in the open and personally follow what the Lord God Almighty teaches you and put in your heart to do. Then, when someone wants to accuse you of something, you can also point out that the faith you follow is the Lord God Almighty’s faith, which He spoke in your heart, and you follow that voice in your heart.
14
However, I confess to you this, that after the Way which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things according to the law, and which have been written in the Prophets;
Comments Acts 24:14
“However, I confess to you this ...” At that time, the teaching of the beloved Son of God was pointed out as a group in a separate way, and the people who followed that way were considered outcasts, and the way was taken as a blasphemy against the Lord God Almighty Himself.
“So I serve the God of our fathers.” Now the apostle stood firm in his faith and told all who challenged his faith that he truly served the Lord God Almighty, the God of his forefathers, whom all the Lord’s children follow, but did not want to accept that they are truly His children and went under the law of humans. The Lord God Almighty of their forefathers, the most powerful God, has taught His children, but they have betrayed Him and taken the teachings of humans instead.
“Believing all things according to the law ...” The apostle pointed out to all who questioned his belief that the Lord God Almighty had given His Word to the Prophets to write down, and that all the Lord’s children should follow. And in this place, the apostle wanted to make them think again that he himself did not do anything against what had been written.
“So I serve the God of our fathers.” Now the apostle stood firm in his faith and told all who challenged his faith that he truly served the Lord God Almighty, the God of his forefathers, whom all the Lord’s children follow, but did not want to accept that they are truly His children and went under the law of humans. The Lord God Almighty of their forefathers, the most powerful God, has taught His children, but they have betrayed Him and taken the teachings of humans instead.
“Believing all things according to the law ...” The apostle pointed out to all who questioned his belief that the Lord God Almighty had given His Word to the Prophets to write down, and that all the Lord’s children should follow. And in this place, the apostle wanted to make them think again that he himself did not do anything against what had been written.
15
having hope in God , which also they themselves await, that a resurrection there is about to be, both of the just and of the unjust.
Comments Acts 24:15
“Having hope in God, which also ...” The apostle pointed out to all the listeners that he himself and all believers must have hope in the mercy of the Lord God Almighty, to have understanding, and to stay firm in faith and trust in the guidance of the Lord, which all these have been provided for all His children. Those who come and ask for His mercy and guidance, the Lord God Almighty will give the knowledge to all who ask.
“That a resurrection there is about to be.” The apostle focused on the people who listen to the resurrection of the dead, which the Lord God Almighty granted to all believers, and that the beloved Son of God is the first to be resurrected from the dead; let all believers have faith in this mercy.
“Both of the just and of the unjust.” All will receive a chance, the ones who follow the teachings will receive reward in judgment time, and those who are unjust will receive judgment of punishment in the end time.
“That a resurrection there is about to be.” The apostle focused on the people who listen to the resurrection of the dead, which the Lord God Almighty granted to all believers, and that the beloved Son of God is the first to be resurrected from the dead; let all believers have faith in this mercy.
“Both of the just and of the unjust.” All will receive a chance, the ones who follow the teachings will receive reward in judgment time, and those who are unjust will receive judgment of punishment in the end time.
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In this also, I myself strive to have a conscience without offence toward God and men, through everything.
Comments Acts 24:16
The apostle told the knowledge he received without hiding; all he received, about the punishment and blessings which the Lord God Almighty will give at the end; the apostle had pronounced it all. Now all the listeners heard the truth of the Gospel. Next, they must meditate and pray to gain understanding for themselves.
17
Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings,
Comments Acts 24:17
The apostle announced to all the people his activity in worship of the Lord God Almighty, that he himself also brings alms to glorify and follow all the teachings of the Lord God Almighty in all directions. And now, his duty was to announce to all the knowledge he had received.
18
during which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor with tumult; but some Jews from Asia,
Comments Acts 24:18
The apostle explained the situation and his position: he did not do anything to stir up people or encourage them to make an uproar; he only stayed in the temple to glorify the Lord God Almighty by himself, without anyone with him.
19
who ought to be present before you, and to make an accusation, if they had anything against me.
Comments Acts 24:18-19
“But some Jews from Asia, ...” But in that place, many of the Lord’s children were there, and those who must come and present if they themselves saw the apostle do any wrong with the people, and leading people to create problems.
“And to make an accusation ...” The Lord’s children who were present there, if they had been witnesses and had proof of the apostle’s wrongdoing, those must be the ones who come and make the accusation, but if none are here, where is the proof of the wrongdoing of the apostle?
“And to make an accusation ...” The Lord’s children who were present there, if they had been witnesses and had proof of the apostle’s wrongdoing, those must be the ones who come and make the accusation, but if none are here, where is the proof of the wrongdoing of the apostle?
20
Otherwise, let they say it themselves what unrighteousness they found in me, having stood before the Council,
Comments Acts 24:20
The Lord God Almighty gave wisdom to His apostle, simple words but big meaning. He was basically saying, “Many of you are here accusing me, but show us your proof here in this place; what wrong did I commit when I was in front of the Council?”
21
except concerning this one voice, which I cried standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead, I am judged this day by you.
Comments Acts 24:21
“Except concerning this one voice ...” The apostle admitted his own action in the midst of the people when he gave his voice regarding the things he wanted to tell them. And he had said them in front of everyone to judge him.
“Concerning the resurrection of the dead ...” Now, the apostle is a witness to all people, important and not important, about the resurrection of the beloved Son of God, that He has been raised up from the dead by the Lord God Almighty, and he, the apostle, is the witness of this miracle of resurrection.
“Concerning the resurrection of the dead ...” Now, the apostle is a witness to all people, important and not important, about the resurrection of the beloved Son of God, that He has been raised up from the dead by the Lord God Almighty, and he, the apostle, is the witness of this miracle of resurrection.
22
However, Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, delayed them, saying, When Lysias the commander comes down, I will determine the things concerning you.
Comments Acts 24:22
“However, Felix, having more exact ...” Being a leader, he had knowledge but also had fear. If he conflicted with people, his leadership position could be problematic. The best way in the human mind was to delay the situation; the length of time the prisoner was in custody, and the treatment of the prisoner in prison, were not the concern of the leader.
“When Lysias the commander comes ...” Being a leader but fearing doing his duty, he wanted to rely on the commander’s opinion when making the decision. If the people create an uproar, the leader will have the commander take the blame, not the leader himself.
“When Lysias the commander comes ...” Being a leader but fearing doing his duty, he wanted to rely on the commander’s opinion when making the decision. If the people create an uproar, the leader will have the commander take the blame, not the leader himself.
23
Having commanded the centurion to keep him, to let him also have ease, and not to forbid any of his friends to minister to him.
Comments Acts 24:23
“Having commanded the centurion ...” To prevent problems for himself, the leader ordered that the prisoner be kept in prison and also granted some privileges to alleviate the prisoner’s hardship.
“And not to forbid any of his friends ...” But the leader also thought of his own expenses; the prisoner must be kept alive until the proper time, and to not spend his own money on the prisoner, he had ordered the prisoner’s friend or family to come and give the prisoner what he needed, and by doing this, he limited his own expenses. When you have a position that requires making decisions in something, the Lord will also hold you responsible for that duty. By failing to do your own leadership duty, all the wrongdoings will not be removed from you. Humans think for themselves, but the Lord God Almighty judges between right and wrong things to do.
“And not to forbid any of his friends ...” But the leader also thought of his own expenses; the prisoner must be kept alive until the proper time, and to not spend his own money on the prisoner, he had ordered the prisoner’s friend or family to come and give the prisoner what he needed, and by doing this, he limited his own expenses. When you have a position that requires making decisions in something, the Lord will also hold you responsible for that duty. By failing to do your own leadership duty, all the wrongdoings will not be removed from you. Humans think for themselves, but the Lord God Almighty judges between right and wrong things to do.
24
Then, after some days, Felix, having arrived with Drusilla, his wife, being a Jewess, summoned Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Jesus Christ .
Comments Acts 24:24
Felix and his wife arrived at this time, and the apostle was ready to give him the good news about the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ. By the mercy of the Lord God Almighty, He had brought these people to hear the good news. Everyone always has a second chance to hear the good news, but when the ear hears the good news, let that good news work in the heart; do not deny before meditating on the good news. When you meditate, the good news from the Lord God Almighty will work and give light to your soul.
25
And he reasoned concerning righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment coming; Felix, having become frightened, answered, Go away for the present; then, having found opportunity, I will call for you.
Comments Acts 24:25
“And he reasoned concerning righteousness ...” The Lord God Almighty gave a message to His apostle to talk and tell about the behavior of humans that leads to punishment, but let the fear sink into your hearts, which will make your souls come to repent and ask for forgiveness. Many ignore the warning and face the challenges of life.
“Felix, having become frightened ...” The good news hit the heart of Felix; the fear took control, but did not go far; but by pushing the apostle away, his heart had not reached the point of repentance. The Lord God Almighty gave him a second chance to be saved, but he refused and ignored the warning.
“Felix, having become frightened ...” The good news hit the heart of Felix; the fear took control, but did not go far; but by pushing the apostle away, his heart had not reached the point of repentance. The Lord God Almighty gave him a second chance to be saved, but he refused and ignored the warning.
26
At the same time, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul; therefore, also sending for him often, he was conversing with him.
Comments Acts 24:26
“At the same time, he also hoped ...” Humans, regardless of how much they have, never be enough to fill up the greed of their hearts. And here in this place, everyone can notice the leader in power, but all expectation was money, big or small, but money was important. Every generation of humans is under the control of their own greed, wishing to have and always just thinking: have more, have more; that is the greed of humans.
“Therefore, also sending for him often ...” Imagine, as well, all readers, that the apostle will tell about the Lord God Almighty and the way to be saved, but regardless of the length of time, if the heart is closed, the ear will ignore the good news, and here is the proof of it.
“Therefore, also sending for him often ...” Imagine, as well, all readers, that the apostle will tell about the Lord God Almighty and the way to be saved, but regardless of the length of time, if the heart is closed, the ear will ignore the good news, and here is the proof of it.
27
However, two years having been completed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; then, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
Comments Acts 24:27
Being an apostle, he also endured all suffering in order to be able to tell the good news to people. The leader had been changed, but the new leader with the same habits was thinking the same way. First, seeking support without concern for those who suffer, and here to gain support from people, the leader let the apostle suffer in prison without worry, but all he thought about was how to keep his position secure.
Life and faith applications. 1) As Christians, we must use our intelligence to praise the Lord, not humans. 2) As believers, we must respect the law and those in positions of authority. 3) The Lord God Almighty desires that all believers behave openly; our worship should have nothing hidden. When we worship Him, we should be proud and not ashamed in front of anyone. 4) Be proud to testify about the Lord Jesus Christ and His resurrection whenever you have the opportunity. 5) In all situations, we should pray, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and maintain hope in the mercy of the Lord God Almighty.