Speaking About Faith In Christ Jesus

SPEAKING ABOUT FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS

Acts 24:1–27 (Go to ESV Bible Verses)

Key Verse: 24:24, ^"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."

1. Who comes to Caesarea with a case against Paul (1)? What did it mean to be a “spokesman”? How does Tertullus begin, and why (2–4)? List his charges against Paul (5–6). How would you describe Paul’s accusers (8–9)?
2. How does Paul begin (10)? Why did he go to Jerusalem (11)? How does he describe his time there (12)? What is wrong with their case against him (13)? What does he say about “the Way” (14–15)? Why does he take pains to have a “clear conscience” (16)?
3. What was Paul’s other purpose in coming to Jerusalem and its temple (17–18a)? Who does he say should be present now, and why (18b–19; 21:27–30)? What had Paul cried out to the Jewish council (20–21)? Why does he keep the focus on the resurrection (15,21)? Who does Felix call for, and why (22)? How does he treat Paul (23)?
4. Why would Felix bring his wife to hear Paul (24a)? Find out what you can about them. What does Paul speak about (24b; 16:31; 20:21)? Why do all people need faith in Christ (4:12; John 3:16)? What else does Paul say to them, and why (25a; John 16:8; 2 Cor.5:10; Titus 2:11–12)? What can we learn here about being Jesus’ witnesses?
5. How does Felix respond, and why (25b)? Why does he send for Paul often and converse with him (26)? Why do you think Paul keeps speaking to him? When his successor Festus comes, what does Felix do, and why (27)? Summarize what we learn from Paul here about how to be a good witness of Jesus.

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References:

Q3: Acts 21:27–30: “When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, ‘Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.’ For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.”

Q4: Acts 16:31: “And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’”

20:21: “...testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

John 16:8: “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…”

2 Cor.5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

Titus 2:11–12: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…”