The early church · Acts 24–26
Paul Before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa
A prisoner in Caesarea, Paul first appears before the governor Felix. The high priest Ananias and the orator Tertullus accuse him of being “a pestilent fellow” and “a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” Paul answers that he went up to Jerusalem to worship and that he hopes, as they do, for a resurrection. Later, when he speaks of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix trembles and says, “Go thy way for this time.” Two years go by. The new governor, Festus, wants to please the Jews and proposes a trial in Jerusalem; Paul appeals to Caesar. Then King Agrippa and Bernice come to hear him. Paul tells of the light and the voice of Jesus on the road to Damascus, and proclaims that Christ is risen. Festus cries out, “Paul, thou art beside thyself!” Agrippa says to him, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!”
What happens
- Tertullus accuses Paul of being “a pestilent fellow” before Felix Acts 24:5–6
- Paul defends himself: he hopes for a resurrection of the just and the unjust Acts 24:14–15
- Felix, trembling, puts Paul off and keeps him for two years Acts 24:25–27
- “I appeal unto Caesar”: Paul refuses to be handed over to the Jews Acts 25:11–12
- Before Agrippa, Paul tells of his encounter with Jesus Acts 26:13–15
- “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!” Acts 26:28–29
Who is in this story
The lesson
Paul bears witness to Christ and the resurrection before those who judge him, instead of pleading only for his own freedom. Felix, trembling, puts off his answer until later: when God speaks, it is better not to wait for a more convenient time.
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Quick quiz on this story
To whom does Paul appeal when Festus wants him tried in Jerusalem?
Paul declares, “I appeal unto Caesar.” After conferring with his council, Festus answers, “Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? Unto Caesar shalt thou go.” Acts 25:11–12
What feeling grips Felix when Paul speaks to him of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come?
Felix “trembled” and answered, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” But Paul remains in prison for two years. Acts 24:25–27
What does King Agrippa say to Paul after his defense?
Agrippa replies, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” The cry “Paul, thou art beside thyself” came from Festus, a little earlier. Acts 26:28
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