Paul Talks to Felix
The ninth sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 24:1-27 (specifically Acts 24:10-21). Paul gives his testimony and talks about his belief in the resurrection from the dead.
Setting: A hearing before Felix in Caesarea
Speaker: Paul
Audience: Felix (the governor and judge), Jews, and Ananias and Tertullus, Paul’s accusers.
Preceding Events: Paul is sent to Felix in Caesarea to protect him from a plot by some Jews in Jerusalem who have vowed to kill him.
Overall Theme: Paul denies the charges against him and declares his core beliefs.
Scripture Quoted: none
Central Teaching: Paul believes in the resurrection from the dead.
Subsequent Events: Paul is kept in prison for two years, but is granted some freedom and has more opportunities to talk with Felix. Although Felix is moved by what Paul says, there is no record of him deciding to follow Jesus.
Key Lesson: God’s plans may not be our plans or meet our expectations of how things should happen.
We should, however, put our faith and trust in God and his plans for us. His will for our life is more important than our plans.
This post is from the series “Sermons in the book of Acts.” Read about sermon #8 or sermon #10.
Read more about the book of Acts in Tongues of Fire: 40 Devotional Insights for Today’s Church from the Book of Acts, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.