Have you ever used flattery or deceit to get your way? How did you feel after you got what you wanted? Have you ever been flattered or tricked into doing something for someone else? How did you feel when they first flattered you, and how did you feel after you found out you were tricked?
As we look at Acts 24:1-9, we find Paul finally has his day in court. Some of the religious elite come to Caesarea with an attorney, named Tertullus, to bring charges against Paul. These men are the prosecution, and they have the opening argument. How does Tertullus open his argument? Tertullus’ opening address to Felix is loaded with praises. What were the praises? What makes this flattery or empty praise instead of genuine compliments? In Psalm 12, what does David ask God to do to the flatterer? Do you think God likes flattery, why or why not? Why does Tertullus use flattery, and why would the religious leaders listen to this if it is something God hates? What does Paul tell the Romans to do concerning flatterers in Romans 16:17-18? Who do these types of people serve? How can you recognize a person like this?
Paul understands what a flatterer is, and he knows how they use deception to turn people away from the truth. Paul witnesses this deception often, and Tertullus is one of these deceivers. How does Tertullus try to deceive Felix as he presents the charges in verses 4-6? Tertullus claims Paul is a pest and a ringleader who starts riots. He is calling Paul a disease, who is infecting the Roman Empire by stirring up Christians to rebel against the empire. Is this true? Have there been riots where Paul has preached the gospel? Who are the ones who started the riots? Tertullus is a master at twisting the truth, in John’s gospel, Jesus explains who is the father of such a person. Who does Jesus say is the father of deceivers and flatterers in John 8:42-44? Satan is the master deceiver, he continually twists the truth. What does Peter say will happen to people who twist the truth in 2 Peter 2:1-3? How can you defend yourself against this? How can you be sure you are not one who twists the truth? When it comes to the gospel is it better to flatter and trick someone into believing or lovingly tell them the truth no matter how difficult it is?
Acts 24:1-9 Questions
Hatred for Jesus Revealed in Flattery and Deceit
Have you ever used flattery or deceit to get your way? How did you feel after you got what you wanted? Have you ever been flattered or tricked into doing something for someone else? How did you feel when they first flattered you, and how did you feel after you found out you were tricked?
As we look at Acts 24:1-9, we find Paul finally has his day in court. Some of the religious elite come to Caesarea with an attorney, named Tertullus, to bring charges against Paul. These men are the prosecution, and they have the opening argument. How does Tertullus open his argument? Tertullus’ opening address to Felix is loaded with praises. What were the praises? What makes this flattery or empty praise instead of genuine compliments? In Psalm 12, what does David ask God to do to the flatterer? Do you think God likes flattery, why or why not? Why does Tertullus use flattery, and why would the religious leaders listen to this if it is something God hates? What does Paul tell the Romans to do concerning flatterers in Romans 16:17-18? Who do these types of people serve? How can you recognize a person like this?
Paul understands what a flatterer is, and he knows how they use deception to turn people away from the truth. Paul witnesses this deception often, and Tertullus is one of these deceivers. How does Tertullus try to deceive Felix as he presents the charges in verses 4-6? Tertullus claims Paul is a pest and a ringleader who starts riots. He is calling Paul a disease, who is infecting the Roman Empire by stirring up Christians to rebel against the empire. Is this true? Have there been riots where Paul has preached the gospel? Who are the ones who started the riots? Tertullus is a master at twisting the truth, in John’s gospel, Jesus explains who is the father of such a person. Who does Jesus say is the father of deceivers and flatterers in John 8:42-44? Satan is the master deceiver, he continually twists the truth. What does Peter say will happen to people who twist the truth in 2 Peter 2:1-3? How can you defend yourself against this? How can you be sure you are not one who twists the truth? When it comes to the gospel is it better to flatter and trick someone into believing or lovingly tell them the truth no matter how difficult it is?