Welcome Sundays 10:45am · Wednesdays 7pm — 335 Glyndon Ave, Richmond, KY

New here? Start Here →

Acts

Acts Part 46 | Integrity Amidst Adversity | Acts Chapter 24

March 1, 2026Pastor Jerry Veach

Acts Chapter 24

1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so. 10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” 22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off. 24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Discussion Guide

In Acts 24, Paul stands trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea. The Jewish leaders, represented by the skilled orator Tertullus, bring formal charges against him. They accuse Paul of being a troublemaker who stirs up riots, leads a sect, and desecrates the temple. Their case blends political manipulation with religious hostility, and it begins with exaggerated flattery aimed at gaining favor with Felix.

When Paul is given the opportunity to respond, he does so calmly and directly. He denies inciting unrest, affirms his faith in “the Way,” and boldly declares his belief in the resurrection of the dead. Rather than attacking his accusers, Paul emphasizes his clear conscience before both God and men. Under intense pressure, his integrity surfaces—measured speech, unwavering conviction, and spiritual clarity.

Felix, already somewhat familiar with Christianity, postpones judgment. Though intrigued and even alarmed when Paul reasons about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix ultimately delays action. He frequently summons Paul, not out of spiritual hunger, but in hope of receiving a bribe. As a result, Paul remains imprisoned for two years—left there as a political convenience.

Acts 24 reveals that adversity does not create character—it exposes it. While the religious leaders reveal manipulation and selfish ambition, and Felix reveals moral hesitation and corruption, Paul reveals integrity, courage, and a conscience anchored in truth.

When the pressure is on, what is inside comes out.

Acts 24 — Adversity Amidst Integrity

Big Idea: When pressure is applied, what is inside comes out.

🔎 Observation Questions

1️⃣ Verses 1–9 — The Accusations Against Paul

  • What specific charges does Tertullus bring against Paul?
  • How does Tertullus attempt to flatter Felix before presenting the accusations?
  • Are the accusations theological, political, or both?
  • What tone do you notice in the prosecution’s case?

2️⃣ Verses 10–21 — Paul’s Defense

  • How does Paul respond differently than Tertullus?
  • Does Paul flatter Felix?
  • What parts of the accusations does Paul admit, clarify, or deny?
  • What does Paul say about his conscience (v. 16)?
  • How central is the resurrection to Paul’s defense?

3️⃣ Verses 22–27 — Felix’s Delay

  • What does Felix already know about “the Way”?
  • Why does Felix delay making a decision?
  • What subjects does Paul reason about when speaking privately with Felix and Drusilla?
  • How does Felix respond emotionally (v. 25)?
  • What ulterior motive does Felix have?

💡 Application Questions

When Pressure Comes from False Accusation

  • How do you typically respond when you are misrepresented or falsely accused?
  • Do you defend yourself with truth and restraint — or emotion and exaggeration?
  • What comes out of you when your reputation is threatened?

Conscience Under Pressure (v.16)

“So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”

  • What practices help you maintain a clear conscience?
  • Is there any unresolved issue with God or someone else that pressure is exposing?
  • If pressure squeezed your life right now, what would come out?

🔥 Deeper Reflection Question

  • If adversity reveals authenticity, what is adversity currently revealing in you?

Featured at Real Life

Recent sermons