Acts 24:1-9

Summary retelling of Acts 24:1-9

               

After Paul was in Caesarea for five days the high priest and the elders came from Jerusalem with a legal expert named Tertullus.  When Felix indicated that it was time for them to speak, Tertullus begins his case.  He begins by flattering Felix and telling him that the Jews recognize that Felix has brought peace to the land.  In opposition to Felix’s reputation for peace, they say that Paul is on trial because he stirs up riots among the Jews all across the Roman Empire.  Tertullus claims that Paul was attempting to profane the temple.  Tertullus then invites Felix to examine Paul himself.  Others Jews also added their words to the charge, although they are not recorded.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

It took five days for the Jewish leaders to come to Caesarea.  Of course, it would have taken a day for their summons to get from Caesarea to them and it would have taken them a day to travel to Caesarea.  No doubt the other three days were spent gathering evidence of their case against Paul.  The fact that they even bring a legal expert with them indicates that they understand that the case against Paul will not be won on religious grounds but on the ground of Roman Law.

Do you think that secular courts are the best place to settle religious matters?  Why is it that religious people often seem to not be able to settle their differences outside of the courts but instead time and time again seek judgment in a secular court?  What does that say to us about humanity – especially about Christians?

Second Thought:

Tertullus begins by flattering Felix.  Now, I’m not going to pass judgment on Tertullus because that was just the standard means of doing things in ancient times.  You always began a court by telling the judge that you are aware of his previous rulings and the benefits that he has brought to the people he serves.  Of course, it is also true today.  People still try to use flattery to sway people in deciding for their side.  The reason I can’t pass judgment on Tertullus is not because it isn’t wrong.  The reason is because every single one of us is guilty of doing it.

Why do we try to use flattery to get our way so often?  When do you think we learn how to use flattery?  Does it tell us anything about what we believe is stronger: human emotional attachment vs. human ability to be logical?

Third Thought:

Tertullus invites Felix to examine Paul for himself.  This is not the wisest of moves by Tertullus, however he believes in his case so he believes it is wise.  However, we will see tomorrow that Paul can defend himself.

Regardless of whether it is wise advice for Tertullus, is it good advice for us to hear and follow.  We should never make a decision that we haven’t researched well on our own first.  We will get along far better in this world if we take the time and investigate the world around us rather than “taking people’s words for it.”

Why do we need to investigate things for ourselves?  What is the benefit gained by researching things ourselves and actually understanding the details?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 24:10-21