The Word Made Fresh
1Five days later the high priest Ananias arrived with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they presented their case to the governor. 2They summoned Paul, and Tertullus began to accuse him. 2He said to Felix, “Your excellency, we have enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for our people because of you. 3In every place and in every way we are most grateful for this. 4But we will not waste your time; We thank you for being gracious, and I ask only that you hear us briefly. 5The fact is, this man is a pest. He agitates all the Jews, everywhere in the world. He is the ringleader of the sect known as the Nazarenes. 6He even tried to pervert the temple, and that is why we arrested him. We would have judged him according to our laws, 7but the tribune, Lysias, came and violently wrested him out of our hands. 8He ordered that the man be brought before you. Examine him yourself, and you will be able to discern from his answers everything we have accused him of.” 9The Jews agreed that all of this was true.
10The governor motioned for Paul to speak, and he said, “I appreciate the opportunity to defend myself, for I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years. 11As you can verify, it hasn’t been more than twelve days since I went to worship at Jerusalem. 12They did not see me arguing with anyone in the temple, and they can’t accuse me of stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. 13Nor can they prove the charges they are making against me. 14I will admit to one thing; I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything written in the law or proclaimed by the prophets. 15I have this hope in God – a hope they themselves also have – that there will be a resurrection of the dead, righteous and unrighteous. 16That is why I strive to always have a clear conscience toward God and everyone.
17“Some years passed, and I came to bring offerings to my nation and to offer sacrifices. 18That is when they found me in the temple undergoing the ritual of purification, with no crowd or any kind of disturbance. 19But then came some Jews from Asia – and they ought to be here if they have any accusations to bring against me. 20Or, simply allow these men to explain what crime was proved when I was taken before the council – 21unless, it was this one thing I said when I was standing among them; ‘It is about the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”
22But Felix (who was quite familiar with the Way), ended the hearing by saying, “When the tribune, Lysias, arrives, I will decide your case.” 23Then he ordered the centurion to be in custody of Paul, but to allow him to have some freedom, and not prevent any of his friends from providing his needs.
24A few days later, Felix came with his wife, Drusilla (who was Jewish), he sent for Paul, and they heard him tell about his faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as Paul spoke about justice, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became very uncomfortable and told Paul, “Go away for now. When I have the opportunity I’ll send for you.” 26All along he was hoping that Paul would offer him some cash, and so he would send for him often and speak with him.
27Two years later, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and as a favor to the Jews he left Paul in prison.
Commentary
1-9: It didn’t take them long. The high priest Ananias and some elders from Jerusalem arrive in Caesarea with an attorney, a hired gun named Tertullus (a Roman name!), to argue the case against Paul. Tertullus lays on a heavy layer of flattery for Governor Felix, not actually accusing Paul of anything in particular, except the general charge that he is an agitator among the Jews and a ringleader of the Nazarenes, the name by which the Jews are apparently labeling Christians, the followers of the Way.
10-21: Paul’s defense is that, far from being a troublemaker he is a bringer of alms to the distressed. Ananias, perhaps remembering the near riot Paul had caused between the Pharisees and Sadducees of the Sanhedrin, has apparently come to Caesarea accompanied only by Pharisees because no argument ensues among them when Paul again mentions the resurrection, first claiming affinity with them by telling Felix that they all agree about the resurrection of the dead and then insisting that the main reason he is under arrest is because of his belief in the resurrection. These assertions get no rise from the Jewish entourage, though, so, more to the point he tells Felix that a group of Jews from Asia are responsible for his arrest and that they should be the ones to press charges against him.
22-23: Felix is not so quick to decide, however. He says he will wait until the tribune comes to Caesarea to present the state’s evidence. Paul is kept in custody, but afforded some freedom.
24-27: Luke has told us that Felix is acquainted with the Way, and indeed it turns out that his wife is Jewish; perhaps she is the source of his information. He is both fascinated by and afraid of Paul, but renders no decision in his case and keeps him under house arrest for two years (hoping for a bribe!) until his term is up and another governor, Festus, arrives in Caesarea.
Takeaway
If Paul had indeed offered a bribe to Felix, the story of Christianity might well have taken a turn to a dead end. The followers of Jesus have no reason to want to purchase their freedom. If we must suffer for our faith, we suffer for our faith, as did Paul. We know that our suffering is simply the path we are on, and we must pursue it to everlasting life.