Trial before Felix (Acts 24)

The trial before Felix was more serious than the previous one before the Sanhedrin. Even the Sanhedrin realised that was the case and so they sent with their delegation a spokesman called Tertullus who was probably a lawyer. His address can be described more as flattery than factual.

Paul would have been aware of Felix’s Jewish connections and of his reputation as not always being just. Therefore he was careful to present the governor with facts. Paul listed the various things he had done and identified that he was being accused because of his opinions about the resurrection rather than for his actions. He knew that it was not yet illegal in Roman law to be a Christian.

 

As a sensible governor, Felix was aware of all movements affecting his jurisdiction, including the existence of Christian groups. Before he could pass sentence, he wanted to hear evidence from the tribune. Until then, Paul would remain in custody. It does not look as if the tribune came to gave evidence. Felix’s decision was a delaying tactic.

 

Nevertheless Felix was curious about Paul’s beliefs and wanted to know more. It is not clear in what sense Felix was alarmed by Paul’s message. Sermons have been preached on the assumption that he was alarmed about his spiritual state, but it is possible that his alarm was because he considered Paul’s message dangerous. Luke points out that Felix was after a bribe.

 

Paul remained in custody for two years. Since he had not received money from Paul, he left the apostle in prison. Maybe the Jews had given Felix a payment and he wanted to do them a favour. Eventually he was moved elsewhere.

 

We may ask what was going on with this delay. Some suggestions can be made. First, Paul was able to help the Christians in Caesarea. Second, this seems to have been the only period Luke spent in Israel and he may have collected the information for his Gospel during this time. Third, the timetable of events belongs to Jesus.