The Gospel Ought to Terrify Everyone
Acts 24:1 – 25:27
November 20, 2022
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland www.biblebc.com
I. Background (Acts 23:31-35)
A. Acts 23:31-35 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris [30 MILES FROM JERUSALEM]. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor [FELIX], presented Paul also before him. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
A. At this point in Acts, Paul is in chains, and bound by the false accusations of the Jews who “hated” what the Apostle Paul had become:
1. A traitor to their traditions, and customs
2. Paul had gone against the flow
a. He had become born again, and his preaching was having an effect on everybody, turning the whole world upside down as thousands and thousands of people, Jews and Greeks were now following Jesus (Acts 17:6)!
b. People are allowed to be religious, and to have their own beliefs
c. But are NOT allowed to live those beliefs outside of church and against the culture
3. Paul has to be stopped
B. So, the Jewish Sanhedrim (government) has hired a fancy lawyer named Turtullus to sway the Roman governor, named Felix in their favour against the Apostle Paul
1. Felix was a Roman govenor of Judea, appointed by the emperor Claudius in 53 AD.
2. He was a cruel and immoral man, constantly under investigation for abuses of power
C. Paul is on his own
1. He is living the life of a Gospel preacher, and setting the example for all Christians throughout time when persecuted
2. And defending himself alone against constant lies and misrepresentations of his actions in the Jewish temple just a few weeks earlier
II. Message
A. Tertullus Speaks (Acts 24:1-9)
1. An Orator – a prosecuting attorney (Acts 24:1)
a. Acts 24:1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
b. The Jewish Sanhedrim (the Jewish government) has hired a high-powered attorney to convince the governor that Paul is a menace and a threat to Roman society and needs to be gotten rid of
c. They believed that HOW a man spoke was more important than what he actually said!
2. A Smooth talker - Flatters the governor (Acts 24:2,3)
a. Acts 24:2,3 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
b. Then begins to falsely accuse Paul of so many things…
3. A Liar (Acts 24:4-9)
a. Listen to the false accusations…
1) Acts 24:4-6 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
2) Of being a PEST – oh that is a crime isn’t it?!
3) Of being a leader of SEDITION among the Jewish people – as if trying to overthrown the Sanhedrim and the Roman governments
4) Of being a RELIGIOUS CULT-LEADER of “the Nazarenes” – followers of Jesus of Nazareth
5) Of attempting to PROFANE THE TEMPLE in Jerusalem – ruin, defile, deface like the Stop Oil kids are doing to paintings and buildings
6) And we were just about to punish him for all those horrible crimes
b. And then they complained about Police Brutality against THEM
1) Acts 24:7,8 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
2) That’s when the chief captain Claudius Lysias interfered – “came upon us” aggressively
3) And Lysias violently took Paul away from our justice – such awful violence against US, boo hoo! He claims “Police Brutality” against them!
4) And he commanded us to come before YOU
5) So here we are standing together, AGAINST THAT BAD CHRISTIAN MAN!
c. And like magic, the entire group of Jews were back in unity and agreement
1) After being so easily divided by Paul the day before
2) Acts 24:9 And the Jews also [ALL] assented, saying that these things were so.
B. Paul’s Turn (Acts 24:10-21)
1. Respects Felix – respects him (even though a pagan Roman) (Acts 24:10)
a. Acts 24:10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
b. I respect you as a judge
c. Please hear me now, and you decide whether I am guilty…
2. Explains his side of what happened (Acts 24:11-13)
a. Acts 24:11-13 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 synagogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
b. It has been 12 days since I arrived in Jerusalem to simply worship
c. No one found me disputing / arguing with anyone
d. I never caused a riot
e. I never went into the synagogues
f. And I never stirred anyone up in the entire city of Jerusalem
3. Points to the Bible and the Resurrection
a. But I am guilty of one thing! Actually two things…
1) I am guilty of believing what they consider heresy
a) Acts 24:14 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:
b) I believe everything written in the LAW, and in the Prophets
c) The Law is contained in Genesis to Deuteronomy
d) The Prophets are Samuel all the way to Malachi
e) I just believe it all – no cherry picking!
2) And I am guilty of belief in the resurrection – that Jesus is alive from the dead!
a) Acts 24:15 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.
b) Everything I do now is BECAUSE OF the Resurrection and coming judgment!
b. And I HAVE HOPE
1) A resurrection is the greatest miracle God does – bringing life back from the dead
2) THAT is why we must fear Him! And why I am in awe of Him!
3) Because… This world, this life is not all there is – there is life after death!
4) I know I will face God when I die – as will everyone – and will be judged!
5) But the resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that Jesus has defeated death and hell and has paid for all my sins!
6) And so, I follow HIM since He is alive forevermore!
4. Claims a Clear Conscience (Acts 24:16-18)
a. Acts 24:16-18 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 multitude, nor with tumult.
b. Here Paul is again claiming to have a clear conscience before his accusers
1) This is a most important thing Paul keeps reminding them of
2) He has no pride to protect – no image to protect
3) He has NO desire to ruin or defile or destroy anything! No desire for revenge…
a) No hidden agenda… No power-grab, no deception, no hypocrisy, no secret life
b) He is not trying to destroy the Jewish religion like they are accusing
c) He is not physically against Rome or even Roman rule over him
d) His life had always been an open book
e) He always was true to God AND true to Himself – not just to himself!
c. Oh how powerful is a clean, clear, good conscience instead of a burned out one!
1)
Do any of you even care if you are
offending God? Or offending men?
Most couldn’t care less! Most people are quite arrogant and self-centred!
2) Worry about your own conscience – hard, arrogant, superior, aggressive? It will keep you from getting saved, and will keep the Christian from ever being used by God
5. Demands to Face His Accusers – instead of an orator! (Acts 24:19-21)
a. Acts 24:19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought [ANYTHING] against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried stan ding among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
b. The ONLY reason why I am in trouble is because I believe in LIFE AFTER DEATH, and that there is a resurrection coming where we will all stand before God!
c. THAT belief ought to terrify everyone in this room!
1) That you are more than flesh and bone – you have a soul that lives forever
2) That the sins you do, will cost you
3) That the body we lay in the ground, WILL come back up again one day
4) And God’s judgment is the most terrifying event
5) And unless you are born again, you will face it alone!
d. Romans 14:11,12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
e. Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened [BOOKS OF EVIDENCE]: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
C. Felix Trembles (Acts 24:22-27) – this is going much farther than he was prepared for
1. Acts 24:22 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.
2. He KNEW of Jesus! The entire Roman empire had heard of Jesus and Pilate and the crucifixion, AND… the resurrection!
3. Gave Paul Liberty (Acts 24:23). Finally Paul is allowed to see his Christian friends, and fellow Gospel workers
a. Acts 24:23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
4. Felix Requested Paul to Preach the Gospel Some More (Acts 24:24,25)
a. Acts 24:24,25 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
b. Paul didn’t waste time talking about Love of God, peace and joy and tollerance…
c. No! He preached about RIGHTEOUSNESS – is there such a thing? Based on what?
1) On the character of GOD Himself – holy, righteous, incapable of sin
2) On God’s Laws, not ours
d. Temperance – why live with any restraint unless there is a God?
1) Paul spoke about why he lived different, free from drink, drugs, politics and lying
2) He had been converted – saved – born again!
3) That is the good news -
e. And… JUDGMENT TO COME! THE BIGGEST ISSUE TO TALK ABOUT
1) This is the terrifying part of the Gospel – we will be judged
2) Not by Nero, or by the vote of the people
3) But from God Almighty
4) Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment
5) Death is a horrible judgment – who WANTS to die? But it is not the worst!
6) HELL is a worse judgment – an end that never ends!
7) Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
8) And THAT is terrifying! Cancer, hospitals, a grave site is not as terrifying as what is AFTER it all ends… begins an end that never ends!
5. Felix Trembled!
a. To shake involuntarily, as with fear or weakness; To shiver; to shudder.
b. James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. You had better believe demons are terrified at the thought of GOD!
c. Felix is scared at what Paul was teaching him
d. Felix’s conscience has been awakened, and stirred, shaken…
e. But not converted yet!
f. Oh don’t miss your chance to get saved this morning!
g. FELIX, like most men today, ignored the truths, recovered from the trembling… only to face God’s wrath at his death! WHY would he ignore his conscience?
6. Because… Bribery/Money was more important than his own soul (Acts 24:26,27)
a. Acts 24:26,27 He [FELIX] hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
b. Money was more important to Felix than an innocent man’s life! Than his own life!
c. So, Felix did nothing for TWO years while he hoped to be bribed!
d. He was waiting for someone to pass him a brown envelope with money in it before he would let Paul go
e. But it didn’t happen!
f. Like Joseph was wrongly left in prison in Genesis for two years (Genesis 41:1)
g. And then after a while, Felix gets replaced by a guy named Festus in 60 AD
D. Paul is Forced to Appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:1-12)
1. Paul Stands Before Another Governor – Festus (Acts 25:1) – it never ends!
a. Acts 25:1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
b. Porcius Festus was no better of a man than Felix
c. It has been TWO long years waiting for Paul’s case to be judged
2. The Jews still wanted Paul dead (25:2-3), even after weeks of court and legal delays!
a. Acts 25:2-3 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
b. If only they could convince Festus to send Paul down to Jerusalem, they could kill him
1) Remember those guys in Acts 23:12? Remember their hatred of Paul?
2) If they stayed true to their word, they would be quite dead by now after TWO years of waiting of Paul!
3) But that only means that another group of zealot have just taken their place (25:3)!
4) HATRED and BITTERNESS never die on their own – they must be put to death by the holder
c. But thankfully Festus is slow to give into the Sanhedrim (Acts 24:4-8)
1) Acts 25:4-8 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
2) They came again to try to convince the government to execute Paul.
3) But they could not prove any of the accusations (25:7)
4) Paul lived a true Christian life… A life without offense – wow!
5) PRINCIPLE: As a Christian, live your life so that it is "above reproach"! Christians are still sinners, but should not allow sin to rule them now! We should be different
3. Festus tries to get Paul to agree to go to Jerusalem (25:9)
a. A normal politician - trying to “appease” those he seeks to CONTROL!
b. Acts 25:9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
4. Paul says, "No way! I have had enough of Jerusalem. It is time for me to go to Rome. I stand at Caesar’s judgement seat. I appeal unto Caesar.” (25:10-11)
a. Paul Appeals to the highest court – Caesar Augustus himself
b. Acts 25:10,11 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
c. NOTE: Paul says, "If I have done anything worthy of death, I refuse not to DIE..." Paul accepts the concept of capital punishment. When you are right with God, you never worry about DEATH.
5. To Caesar You Go! (Acts 25:12) Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
E. Final Point… King Agrippa Wants to Meet Paul (Acts 25:13-27) – God working in a heart
1. Who were Agrippa and Bernice? (Acts 25:13)
a. Acts 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
b. Agrippa is the son of Herod Agrippa - not a friendly kind of guy – his family are some of the worst abusers of power in Palestine
1) His grandfather slaughtered all the children in Bethlehem when he found out a King had been born there named Jesus
2) His uncle murdered John the Baptist for upsetting his wife Herodias
3) His father executed the Apostle James in Acts 12
c. But Agrippa is bored enough to want to meet this Paul guy
2. Festus is Frustrated with Paul’s Criminal Case (Acts 25:14-21)
a. Acts 25:14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
b. Acts 25:15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
c. Acts 25:16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
d. Acts 25:17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
e. Acts 25:18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
f. Acts 25:19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
g. Acts 25:20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
h. Acts 25:21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.
3. Agrippa is Curious (Acts 25:22)
a. Acts 25:22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
b. Paul’s life and testimony was absolutely fascinating to the Romans
c. Their own lives were boring and dark – constant depression and drugs, and fear
d. But here was a man that had JOY and such power in his speaking – unlike any orator or politician!
4. Paul is introduced by Festus to a full court! (Acts 25:22-27)
a. Acts 25:23,24 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth. And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
b. Asks king Agrippa, “What Do I Do With Paul?”
1) Festus asks for help in deciding guilt or innocence
2) Paul is someone that just doesn’t fit the “system” not a serial killer, or normal troublemaker – “I don’t know what to write Caesar about him!”
3) Acts 25:25-27 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
4) So Festus asks for Agrippa to listen to the case, and give his opinion
5. Agrippa has no idea who he is about to meet face to face! But what a meeting it will be
III. Conclusion
A. Paul was on track to preach the Gospel at the very top of society – to Caesar himself
1. Most people only want to serve God if it is an important and prominate task
2. But God calls us to serve from the bottom up – how low you go, will determine how high you finish!
B. Every step of the way, was an opportunity for Paul to Preach – he didn’t wait
1. From the time he got saved, he has preached Christ saves sinners!
2. And he had been put in chains, And was kept in prisons and jails, he kept preaching
3. But his persistence in speaking, and singing, and praising God has paid off
4. He is speaking to ever larger audiences and more powerful people than ever!
5. And the powerful were amazed!
C. You see, Powerful people respect power
1. Not Paul’s power – he was a physically weak man
2. But he spoke with power, and prayer, and passion about the GREATEST power of the Lord Jesus Christ to raise the dead!
3. That got people’s attention back then, and it still gets people’s attention today!
D. Do YOU tremble yet? Has the Gospel scared you yet? It will!
1. You had better tremble! Your soul is in serious trouble!
2. God WILL judge both sin and sinners – maybe not today, but He will catch up with you
3. And God Protects Those Who Love Him and follow His Son – we who have been saved, have been saved from the wrath to come!
4. I invite you to get saved today! And know the joy of being forgiven!