Paul on Trial — God Protects and Provides (Acts 23:23–24:27)
Sometimes, when life feels unfair or uncertain, it’s hard to see how God is working behind the scenes. In Acts 23:23–24:27, we see how God protects the Apostle Paul, even when he’s surrounded by danger and lies. Paul may have been in chains, but he was never outside of God’s plan.
Let’s walk through what happened.
A Secret Escape: Paul Is Moved at Night
Paul’s life was in danger. More than 40 men had secretly made a vow not to eat or drink until they had killed him (see Acts 23:12–22). Thankfully, Paul’s nephew overheard the plan and warned the Roman commander.
In response, the commander took no chances. He ordered:
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200 soldiers,
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70 horsemen,
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and 200 spearmen
to escort Paul safely to Governor Felix in the city of Caesarea. That’s 470 armed men protecting one apostle! Paul also traveled on horseback, a sign of care and respect.
The commander also sent a letter to Governor Felix explaining the situation: Paul had not done anything deserving death or prison, but the Jews were determined to harm him. So, for his own safety, Paul was being sent to Felix for a fair hearing.
Paul Before Governor Felix
When Paul arrived in Caesarea, he was kept under guard at Herod’s palace until his accusers could come from Jerusalem. Five days later, the Jewish leaders showed up with a lawyer named Tertullus to present their case.
Tertullus flattered Felix and then accused Paul of:
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Stirring up riots,
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Being a ringleader of the “Nazarene sect” (Christians),
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Trying to desecrate the temple.
After the charges, Felix gave Paul a chance to speak.
Paul Defends Himself Calmly and Clearly
Paul respectfully explained:
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He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, not to cause trouble.
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He didn’t argue or stir up crowds.
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He was not guilty of breaking Jewish law, the temple law, or Roman law.
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He did believe in the resurrection, and that was likely why they were upset.
Paul admitted that he followed “the Way” (what early Christians called their faith), and that he believed everything written in the Jewish Scriptures. His conscience was clear before both God and people.
Felix Keeps Paul in Custody
Felix understood some things about Christianity. He said he would wait until the commander (Lysias) came before making a final decision. Meanwhile, he ordered Paul to be kept in custody—but allowed him some freedom and visits from friends.
Later, Felix and his wife Drusilla (who was Jewish) came to hear Paul talk more about faith in Christ. Paul spoke about righteous living, self-control, and the coming judgment. This made Felix nervous. He told Paul, “That’s enough for now. I’ll call for you again when it’s convenient.”
But Felix had a hidden motive—he hoped Paul would offer him money (a bribe). He kept Paul in prison for two whole years. Then, when Felix was replaced by a new governor named Porcius Festus, he left Paul in jail to please the Jewish leaders.
What We Can Learn from Acts 23:23–24:27
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God protects His people
Even when Paul’s life was in danger, God used the Roman government to protect him. God can use anyone—even soldiers and governors—to carry out His plan. -
Be faithful where you are
Paul was under arrest, but he never stopped telling people about Jesus—even governors and their families. -
The truth doesn’t always lead to freedom—right away
Paul did nothing wrong, yet he was imprisoned for two years. But he never gave up hope, and he knew God was still working. -
God works through delays
Paul may have felt stuck, but his time in custody gave him the chance to speak to leaders, write letters, and prepare for the journey ahead—to Rome.
Final Thought:
Paul’s journey wasn’t easy, but it was guided by God’s hand. Sometimes life feels unfair. Maybe you’ve been blamed for something you didn’t do. Or maybe you feel “stuck,” like Paul must have felt in prison.
But remember this: even when life feels out of control, God is still working. He’s protecting you, preparing you, and placing you exactly where He wants you to be.
So like Paul, stay faithful, speak truth, and trust the One who sees the whole picture.
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.