November 8 Daily Devotional

Acts 24

The enemies of Paul were greatly disappointed when they learned that their plan was frustrated. They at once arranged to go to Caesarea and to accuse Paul before governor Felix. So after five days Ananias the high priest and the Jewish elders came to Caesarea; and they brought with them a certain orator named Tertullus. When Paul was brought before them in the presence of Felix, Tertullus began to accuse Paul. He called him “a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition among all Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: who also hath gone about to profane the temple.” The Jewish elders joined him in the charges, saying that these things were so.

When Tertullus had finished, the governor beckoned Paul that he might speak. And Paul answered and said, “Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself. Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogue, nor in the city: neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon, certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with the multitude, nor with tumult. Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evildoing in me, while I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.”

“And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.” He intended to get more information, meanwhile the imprisonment of Paul should not be severe.

Several days later Felix called for Paul again. This time his wife, Drusilla, who was a Jewess, was with him. They wanted to hear more about the gospel and the faith in Jesus Christ.