*Acts 23:23-24:27
A Roman tribune sends Paul north to Caesarea for safety after uncovering a Jewish plot against his life.
- Military Escort to Caesarea:
- Following the revelation of the assassination plot, the Roman commander arranges for Paul to be escorted to Caesarea by night for his safety.
- He writes a letter to Governor Felix explaining the situation, noting that the accusations against Paul are related to Jewish law and not Roman civil or criminal matters.
- Paul is accompanied by 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to ensure his safety.
- Paul’s Arrival and Detention in Caesarea:
- The military escort safely delivers Paul and the commander’s letter to Governor Felix.
- Felix reads the letter and, after learning that Paul is from Cilicia, decides to hear the case when his accusers arrive. Paul is kept in Herod’s Praetorium.
- Trial Before Felix:
- Five days later, the high priest Ananias arrives with elders and a lawyer named Tertullus to present their case against Paul.
- Tertullus accuses Paul of sedition, stirring up riots among Jews all over the empire, and desecrating the temple.
- Paul defends himself, insisting he has not stirred up trouble and that the charges are baseless. He acknowledges his faith in the resurrection and his worship of the God of his ancestors.
- Felix’s Postponement and Private Discussions:
- Felix, familiar with the Way, postpones the proceedings, stating he will decide the case when the commander is present.
- While waiting, Felix and his Jewish wife Drusilla have private conversations with Paul about faith in Christ.
- Felix hopes Paul will offer a bribe for his release, but when this doesn’t happen, he keeps Paul detained, periodically calling him for discussions.
- Paul’s Extended Imprisonment:
- Paul remains in custody for two years. Felix leaves Paul imprisoned when he is succeeded by Porcius Festus, hoping to do the Jews a favor.
Acts 23:23–24:27 teaches us to trust God’s timing and remain faithful, even when things seem unfair. Paul was falsely accused and put on trial, yet he stayed calm and kept sharing the truth. Though he was in prison for a long time, God was still working behind the scenes. This reminds us that even when we face delays or injustice, God is in control. We can apply this by being patient in difficult situations, standing firm in our faith, and using every opportunity to share God’s truth with others.
Acts 23:23-24:27 (WEB)
23:23 He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.” 24 He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor. 25 He wrote a letter like this:26 “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.27 “This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. 28 Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council. 29 I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment. 30 When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell.”31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 But on the next day they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the barracks. 33 When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said, 35 “I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive.” He commanded that he be kept in Herod’s palace.24:1 After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul. 2 When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that prosperity is coming to this nation by your foresight, 3 we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 But that I don’t delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words. 5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him. 7 8 By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.”9 The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.10 When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 seeing that you can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. 12 In the temple they didn’t find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; 15 having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16 In this I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men. 17 Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings; 18 amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil. 19 They ought to have been here before you and to make accusation if they had anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council, 21 unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!’ ”22 But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.24 After some days, Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.” 26 Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often and talked with him.27 But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.