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Acts 24

Paul’s defense places resurrection hope and a clear conscience before a governor whose fear, greed, and political interests delay justice.

Paul faces Governor Felix as the high priest Ananias, several elders, and their spokesman Tertullus bring charges against him. They accuse him of inciting unrest and attempting to profane the temple. Paul disputes their evidence and declares his faith in the God of his ancestors and the resurrection. Felix postpones judgment, then holds further conversations with Paul about faith in Christ Jesus. Two years pass, and Paul remains imprisoned when Felix leaves office.

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1After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.
2When 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,
3we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
5For 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.
6He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.
8By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.”
9The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.
10When 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,
11seeing that you can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.
12In the temple they didn’t find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city.
13Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
14But 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;
15having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16In this I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
17Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
18amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.
19They ought to have been here before you and to make accusation if they had anything against me.
21unless 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!’”
22But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”
23He 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.
24After 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.
25As 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.”
26Meanwhile, 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.
27But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
World English BibleRead in NIV in Psalmlog →Highlighted verses are the most connected.
Key verses
Acts 24:16Paul connects his hope in the resurrection with his ongoing effort to keep a clear conscience before God and people.
Acts 24:25Felix becomes afraid when Paul speaks of righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment, yet postpones further hearing until a convenient time.
Acts 24:15The resurrection of both just and unjust grounds Paul’s hope and brings God’s future judgment into his present defense.
Where this chapter reaches

Daniel and John share Paul’s expectation that resurrection includes both the righteous and the wicked, with judgment beyond death. The concern for a good conscience amid accusations also connects Acts 24 with 1 Peter, where faithful conduct and unjust suffering appear together.

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After reading the whole chapter

What stands out to you about Paul’s defense of his conduct alongside his open confession of faith?

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How does Felix’s response to coming judgment shape your reading of the chapter’s two-year ending?

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Questions people ask about Acts 24

What is the Way in Acts 24?

The Way is the name used here for the faith Paul follows in Christ Jesus. His accusers call the movement a sect. Paul describes it as service to the God of his ancestors, affirming the law and prophets and sharing hope in the resurrection of the dead.

Why was Felix afraid when Paul spoke?

Felix becomes terrified as Paul discusses righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. The text does not identify which words alarm him most or describe repentance. It records his decision to send Paul away until a convenient time, followed by further meetings held in hope of receiving money.

Why did Felix keep Paul in prison for two years?

Felix first postpones the case until Lysias can come, while allowing Paul visits and help from friends. The narrative then reveals his hope for a bribe. When Festus succeeds him after two years, Felix leaves Paul imprisoned to gain favor with the Jews. No guilty verdict is recorded.

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Acts · 28 chapters
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).