Paul And Civil Authorities – Paul Before Felix Acts 24:1 – 23 JSS3 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

Paul stood before Felix, the Roman governor to defend himself against the accusation leveled against him by the Jews. They said Paul was a troublemaker who had caused rebellion among the Jewish people all over the world. They also accused him of being the ring leader of the Christians who tried to profane the temple. 

When Felix allowed Paul to make his defense against the accusation brought against him by the Jews. Paul told Felix, the governor that all the accusations were false. He said he did not commit any of the offenses he was charged with. Paul confessed that he was a follower of Jesus Christ and a Christian by religion. However, he did not go against the Jewish religion and its laws. He said the Jewish religion itself believes that there will be a resurrection of the dead both righteous and unrighteous on the Day of judgment. He said his accuser could not prove what they have accused him of. He ended his defense by saying he was being tried because he believed in the resurrection from the dead. 

Though Felix did not find Paul guilty in any way, he did not allow him to be set free. Hesaidwould decide on Paul’s case when a commander called Lysia, come around. What Felix wanted was a bribe from Paul before he could be set free. But Paul did not do what Felix expected and therefore he was left in prison till another governor called Porcius Festus came to power and succeeded Felix. 

MORAL LESSONS 

1. We should learn from the charges leveled against Paul that we should not accuse people of wrong. 
2. We should learn to say the truth at all times as Paul did. 
3. Christians should not be involved in bribery and corruption just like Felix was waiting for Paul to bribe him before releasing him