The Trial Before Felix—Acts 24:1–27 Open It 1. *What do you admire most about your favorite political figure? 2. Why do you think most people do not trust or like public officials? 3. If you were sued or taken to court, why might you hire a lawyer rather than defend yourself? Explore It 1. Why did the religious leaders hire Tertullus? (24:1) 2. *Who went to Caesarea? Why? (24:1–8) 3. Why did Tertullus flatter Felix? (24:2–4) 4. What three accusations did Tertullus make against Paul? (24:5–8) 5. Who supported Tertullus in his accusations? (24:9) 6. Speaking in his own defense, how was Paul’s introduction different from the lawyer’s? (24:10) 7. What points did Paul make in his defense before the governor? (24:11–16) 8. What was Paul’s objective in visiting Jerusalem? (24:17) 9. What did Paul say about the charges brought against him? (24:11–18) 10. How did the apostle show that Tertullus did not have any legitimate charges against him? (24:18–21) 11. *What did Felix do about Paul’s case? (24:22–23) 12. How did the governor provide Paul with limited freedom? (24:23) 13. How did Paul’s speaking affect Felix? (24:24–25) 14. What motivated Felix to send for Paul? (24:26) 15. *Why did Paul languish in prison for over two years? (24:26–27) 16. Before leaving his position as governor, what did Felix do to placate the Jews? (24:27) Get It 1. Why would Felix, known as a mean-spirited and selfish leader, show restraint in dealing with Paul? 2. *How was Paul “caught in the system”? 3. How did Tertullus show contempt in dealing with the early believers? 4. With what terms do people deride Christianity today? 5. Paul was obviously misread by the Jewish religious leaders; how are some Christian leaders misunderstood and maligned by other religious leaders today? 6. How might you be misunderstood by others when your faith in Christ shows in how you live or act? 7. How can we use misunderstanding as an opportunity to explain our faith? 8. Why do you think Felix rejected Christ even though he showed interest in Paul’s teaching? 9. For what reasons do people reject Christ today? 10. In what way is the gospel difficult to accept? 11. When in the past have you had to wait for justice? 12. In what areas of your life do you need to wait for the Lord’s timing? Apply It 1. How do you want to be ready for the next time you are misunderstood? 2. For what public officials can you pray this week? 3. How can you show patience with the changes for which you are still waiting?