Two Years in Caesarea
A. Accused in Caesarea
1) Ananias' accusation (5-9)
5 "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect
6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.
8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him."
9 The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
2) Paul's explanation (11-16, 21)
10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.
11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.
13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.
14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,
15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: `It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"
B. Felix and Drusilla (24-27)
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case."
23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.
25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
1) From curiosity to fear
2) Despite wrong motives...
Summary
The practice of following Jesus was born in Jewish society. From the perspective of practicing Jews, followers of Jesus seemed like a heretical offshoot of their faith. Paul argued against unfair accusations. Acknowledging that faith in Jesus was in fact an offshoot of the Jewish faith, he also preached about the hope found in following Jesus. Even though followers of Jesus are a minority in our society today, we can also share the hope of Jesus Christ. That is the mission we are given here on earth.
For Discussion
1) What does God desire for our lives?
2) Why did Felix and his wife want to hear from Paul?