The judgement that brings us peace
Human beings are designed by God to love Him and one another. Part of this design is that we crave love, joy and peace. These are only truly realised by faith in Jesus Christ and the subsequent work of His Holy Spirit living in us. Our relentless pursuit of these is usually distorted into chasing after substitutes rather than the real thing, and this pursuit is exhausting. Paul may be under trial, but it’s his judge and accusers who are most vulnerable and desperate for a peace that eludes them, Paul’s has passed from death to life and is free from condemnation, but they still stand accused under God’s law. We have so little time to find the peace that guarded Paul, and to make this peace known to the world that stands accused before our Holy God.
Scripture
Acts 24:1-27 ESV 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 had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, [3] in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. [4] But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. [5] For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. [6] He e7ven tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. [8] By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” [9] The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so. [10] And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. [11] You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in 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 confess 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 and written in the Prophets, [15] having a hope in God, which these men 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 both God and man. [17] Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. [18] While 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, should they have anything against me. [20] Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, [21] other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that 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 have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. [24] After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. [25] And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get 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] When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
Through the Scripture
Ananias has no peace
Ananias the high priest was not a young man, yet he chose to travel all the way from Jerusalem in a hurry to try at all costs to have Paul condemned to death or assassinated. He has spent great time and expense to this end. He comes prepared with lies planning murder, contradicting his own professed faith. Why is he so powerfully motivated and relentless? Do we have ever have the same relentless drive that is at odds with our faith?
Acts 24:1 ESV 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.
Romans 12:17-19 ESV Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. [19] Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Tertullus the accuser
Tertullus is a professional Roman lawyer, he’s prepared a carefully crafted argument designed to condemn Paul to death. The three charges are all serious in Roman law and all carry the possibility of death. This is a man that lies and flatters for money, in order to have someone killed. He brings serious accusations and enjoys putting others under trial. Do we ever find ourselves enjoying putting others under trial?
Acts 24:2-9 ESV And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, [3] in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. [4] But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. [5] For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is 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 find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” [9] The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
Paul is at peace
Paul answers the three charges clearly and concisely with respect but without flattery. He easily refutes the three charges. Paul’s defence against a professional lawyer is remarkable in clarity and simplicity. Paul has peace because he trusts his advocate. The Holy Spirit of God.
Acts 24:10-15 ESV And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. [11] You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in 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 confess 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 and written in the Prophets, [15] having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. [15] So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. [17] Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. [18] While 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, should they have anything against me. [20] Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, [21] other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”
Matthew 10:17-20 ESV Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, [18] and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. [19] When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. [20] For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Felix is alarmed by righteousness
It’s clear that Paul isn’t guilty under Roman law. Felix however doesn’t release Paul because he has other motives, perhaps the strongest of which is greed. Nevertheless, he hears Paul speak frequently about faith in Jesus Christ, and is alarmed about what Paul teaches him. The fact that he is a wicked man running out of time before God judges the world alarms him. Perhaps he begins to realise who actually stands accused, and how little righteousness he has.
Acts 24:22-25 ESV 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 have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. [24] After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. [25] And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”
Romans 3:9-18 ESV What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, [10] as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; [11] no one understands; no one seeks for God. [12] All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” [13] “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” [14] “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” [15] “Their feet are swift to shed blood; [16] in their paths are ruin and misery, [17] and the way of peace they have not known.” [18] “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Self-control
Paul describes self-control along with peace as fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit, something we cannot possess without Him. It’s by faith in Jesus Christ that we are made righteous in God’s eyes and are freed from the penalty of our sin. It’s then by God;s grace that He lives in us and enables us to think, feel and act like Jesus. Self-control and peace are evidence that we have been saved from the coming judgement.
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 3:2-3 ESV Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? [3] Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
The Coming Judgment
Having heard about the righteousness that comes by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ and the susequent fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Felix hears about the coming judgement when all who have not received mercy by God’s grace will receive His wrath, Felix is alarmed. How he responds to that alarm is not clear, but how Paul responds to this knowledge is. He has peace. He knows that it’s not actually him who is on trial, he’s been set free already. His accusers are the ones on trial. They are the ones with no peace.
Acts 17:30-31 ESV The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, [31] because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Don’t waste opportunity
We never find out whether Felix makes the most of the opportunity to hear the Gospel and come to know Jesus. He is graciously given two full years, during which God carefully protects and cares for Paul. We can only hope he doesn’t waste such a precious chance for such empty distractions as wealth and powerful influence. We however can learn to make the most of our opportunities to know Jesus and to make Him know. There is a whole world that stands accused and spends day and night searching for peace that can only be found In Jesus.
Acts 24:26-27 ESV 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] When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
Romans 5:1-2 ESV Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”