Acts 24:1-27
Getting Started
Describe a time when your faith was “on trial” before a skeptical person or group. What did you feel? Say? See? Do? What resulted from your “trial” as far as you can see at this time?
Observe from Paul’s defense of his faith and life before Felix, governor of Israel, and delegates from the Sanhedrin, ruling body of Jews for matters of their faith and practice.
1) What did he deny about the accusations against him
(vv. 11-13)?
2) What did Paul admit about the accusations against him
(vv. 14-16)?
These admissions are actually his confession of the core of his faith. Why do you suppose he chose these four themes for this audience?
- Worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way
- Believe in everything that agrees with the Law . . . and the Prophets
- Hope in God and resurrection of both the righteous and wicked
- Strive for clear conscience before God and man
3) Paul “spoke about faith in Christ Jesus” to governor Felix and his wife, Drusilla. (vv. 24-25.) How does faith in Christ Jesus relate to these three themes:
- Righteousness
- Self-control
- Judgment to come
4) Why do you suppose he chose these three particular themes of “righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come” to speak about faith in Christ Jesus to this powerful and affluent couple?
5) Scott suggested that (in vv. 25-27) Felix and Drusilla become a case study in why it is hard for affluent and powerful people to come to Christ. What three stumbling blocks to faith must this couple overcome in order to trust in Jesus as their Christ (Messiah, Savior, Lord)?
(Suggested starting points - “when convenient”, ‘hoping for a bribe”, “to grant a favor to the Jews”)
Reflect
6) What would it cost to turn you away from following the Way?
7) What opportunity lies before you to defend your Christian faith and life?
Act
8) How is God moving in your life now?
What is your next step in following Jesus?
Who can you help take a next step in following Jesus?
|
