Acts 24:10-18

Paul defended himself before Felix Acts 24:10-18: Felix had judged the Jewish nation for many years. He had been governor somewhere between ten and thirteen years. If the charge was true that Paul was guilty of sedition surely Felix would have heard something of him.

Paul said it was no more than twelve days ago that he went to worship in Jerusalem. He could not have stirred up so much sedition in this short time. Also out of these twelve days he was a prisoner for nine of them. He did not profane the Temple because he went there to "worship." Paul said that never once did the Jews find him arguing with anyone in the Temple, either about civil or religious matters. He said that there was no way that they could prove the charges made against him.

The Jews felt that the Lord's Way was heresy. Paul wanted it clearly understood that he still worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He believed that everyone, both good and evil, will be raised from the dead. Belief in the resurrection promoted holiness and godly living in the life of Paul. The desire of his life was simply to discharge his duty to God and to man.

Paul explained how that he had been away from Jerusalem for several years. Now he returned to bring gifts for the poor Jews that he had collected among Gentile churches. He also came to make an offering. This had to do with the Jewish vow he was helping those men keep. He was in the Temple for that ceremony when he was apprehended. He was not with a crowd, and there was no uproar.