The Mission

Paul’s Trial at Caesarea

Picture: Paul’s Trial at Caesarea 4TC 216.1

This chapter is based on Acts 24.

Five days after Paul arrived at Caesarea, his accusers came from Jerusalem, bringing their lawyer, Tertullus. Paul was brought before the assembly, and Tertullus “began his accusation.” The sly orator began his speech by flattering Felix: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.” 4TC 216.2

In saying this, Tertullus stooped to bold-faced lying, for Felix’s character was shameful. Those who heard Tertullus knew his words were untrue. 4TC 216.3

Tertullus accused Paul of high treason against the government: “We have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple.” The Jews who were there noisily supported all the charges, making no effort to hide their hatred of the prisoner. 4TC 217.1

Felix was perceptive enough to know the motives of Paul’s accusers in flattering him. He also saw that they had failed to prove their charges. Turning to Paul, he motioned to him to answer for himself. 4TC 217.2

Paul wasted no words in compliments. Referring to the charges brought against him, he plainly showed that not one of them was true. He had caused no disturbance in any part of Jerusalem, nor had he defiled the sanctuary. While acknowledging that he worshiped God “according to the Way,” he stated that He had always believed “all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets,” and he believed in the resurrection of the dead. The guiding principle of his life was to “always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” 4TC 217.3

Simply and clearly he told the purpose of his visit to Jerusalem and the circumstances of his arrest and trial: “I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult.” 4TC 217.4

The apostle’s words rang true. Claudius Lysias, in his letter to Felix, had given a similar report about Paul’s conduct. Paul’s plain statement of the facts enabled Felix to understand the motives of the Jews in trying to convict the apostle of stirring up rebellion and of treason. The governor would not satisfy them by unjustly condemning a Roman citizen or giving him up to them. Yet Felix knew no higher motivation than self-interest. He was afraid to offend the Jews, and this held him back from doing full justice to a man he knew was innocent. So he decided to suspend the trial until Lysias was present. 4TC 217.5

The apostle remained a prisoner, but Felix commanded that he should “have liberty,” and “not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.” 4TC 218.1