Left in custody
Application
- Acts 24:1-23 records the Governor handling the responsibilities of accepting the change of venue from Jerusalem.
- Testimony before the authorities must be truthful and sincere. Testimony before authorities also may contain the reason for our hope—the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!
- His “some freedom” in custody often is viewed negatively. However, “some freedom” in custody also may give complete protection from one’s accusers.
- Conclusion: Paul wrote to Timothy, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. (2Tim. 2:8-10 NASB)
Bible Text
(1) After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. (2) After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor,
-Acts 24:1-23
“Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, (3) we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. (4) But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. (5) For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. (6) And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. [We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. (7) But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, (8) ordering his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.” (9) The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.
(10) When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, (11) since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. (12) Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. (13) Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. (14) But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; (15) having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. (16) In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. (17) Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings; (18) in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from Asia— (19) who ought to have been present before you and to make accusation, if they should have anything against me. (20) Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Council, (21) other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”
(22) But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” (23) Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.