Sabbath, July 12 – Acts 24, 25 – Additional Reading: The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 39

1. What contrast is evident between Tertullus’s accusatory speech and the apostle Paul’s defense in Caesarea? (Acts 24:2–5, 14–16)

2. Who were Felix and Drusilla, and why did they want to hear Paul? (Acts 24:24)

3. How did Felix react to the apostle Paul’s preaching? (Acts 24:25)

Five days after Paul arrived in Caesarea, his accusers arrived from Jerusalem, accompanied by Tertullus, an orator they had hired as a lawyer. The contrast between this man, skilled in oratory but lacking moral principles, and the faithful servant of God was striking. Here we see two men standing before the Roman procurator: Tertullus and Paul.

The lawyer hired to accuse Paul believed that flattery would have more influence on the Roman governor than a straightforward declaration of truth and justice. The clever orator started his speech by praising Felix, and in his insincere flattery, resorted to outright lies, for Felix’s character was vile. However, Felix was perceptive enough to see through the intentions and character of Paul’s accusers. He understood why they had flattered him and recognized they had not proven their accusations.

Paul did not use flattery. He clearly stated that he could defend himself and then demonstrated his innocence. Although he admitted that he worshiped the God of his ancestors according to the Way, which they called a sect, he affirmed that he had always believed everything written in the Law and the Prophets. He also shared his faith in the resurrection of the dead and stated that his main goal was to keep a conscience that was free of offense before God and men.

Felix was the Roman procurator of Judea and the younger brother of Marcus Antonius Pallas, who served as Secretary of the Treasury during Emperor Claudius’s reign. Drusilla, his wife, was the daughter of Herod Agrippa the Great and had previously been married to King Aziz of Emesa. Felix and Drusilla were the parents of Marcus Antonius Agrippa and Antonia Clementina. Drusilla was a powerful woman, widely known for her beauty. She was of Jewish descent and belonged to the Herodian dynasty. She and Felix lived in concubinage. She was born in 38 A.D., shortly after Paul’s conversion.

The trial against the apostle probably occurred in 57 A.D., making Drusilla about 19 years old at the time. It is believed that she was intrigued by Paul’s message, which might have influenced Felix’s interest in hearing him. As someone of Jewish heritage, Drusilla was likely curious about the teachings of Jesus.

Paul presented the gospel of Christ, which included faith in the risen Savior and righteousness, self-control, especially marital chastity, and the judgment to come. We can imagine Felix’s terror upon hearing these teachings, which struck close to home. His reaction was that of someone with a guilty conscience, afraid and unwilling to continue listening to the truth. Undoubtedly, a disordered life causes one to reject light.

The fear of Governor Felix stands in sharp contrast to the boldness of the apostle. Paul’s preaching showed no partiality, just as the Word of God does not. His messages were always aimed at reaching the heart, convicting of sin, and preparing the listener to receive salvation. Felix, like his companion Drusilla, was a hardened sinner. Yet Paul did not hesitate to proclaim the saving gospel of Christ to them. Such is the power of God’s Word: it can bring comfort or conviction, salvation or resistance. Felix abruptly dismissed the preacher, saying, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” His response revealed fear of the consequences of sin, yet an unwillingness to surrender. By resisting conviction, he chose to remain in darkness and condemnation.

Here we see the contrast between hypocrisy and sincerity, truth and falsehood. God’s people must always honor the truth, regardless of the consequences. Both Felix and Drusilla had the chance to hear the truth and the message of salvation. Today, many like them must decide between life and death when they receive the message. Blessed are those who choose life.

May the blessing of the Almighty be with you today and always.