Acts 24 Summary

The high priest Ananias and the orator Tertullus accuse Paul before Governor Felix of being a pestilent fellow, a sedition mover among Jews everywhere, a ringleader of the Nazarene sect, and one who profaned the temple. Paul responds that he has been in Jerusalem only twelve days, cannot be found disputing in the temple or synagogues, and that his accusers cannot prove their charges. He confesses worshipping the God of his fathers according to the way they call heresy, believing all things in the law and prophets and maintaining hope in the resurrection. Paul notes he came to bring alms to his nation and when found purified in the temple without tumult, his accusers should be present. Felix defers judgment until the chief captain arrives, but keeps Paul in custody with liberty to receive visits from friends. After days, Felix and his Jewish wife Drusilla summon Paul to hear him about faith in Christ, but when Paul reasons about righteousness, temperance, and coming judgment, Felix becomes afraid and dismisses him, hoping to receive money from Paul in exchange for his release. After two years, Porcius Festus becomes governor, and to gain favor with the Jews, Felix leaves Paul bound.