Paul before Felix
Notes
Transcript
Introduction.
Introduction.
Last year Anna and I watched a 10 part dramatization of the OJ simpson Trial staring David Swimmer and John Travolta and Cuba Gooding Junior. Now if you have never heard of the infamous trial it was perhaps one of the biggest murder trials in Amercian history and was Broadcast live around the world. It was so big that some sports channnels even cancelled their coverage of the the NBA live finals just to broadcast it.
At the time, Simpson a former American Football superstar who has sinced served time for armed robbery, was accused of murdering his former wife and her lover, but dispite concrete forensic evidence showing he was guilty, OJ was actually declared Innocenet by the Jury. Anna and I looked at each other and said, how on earth did that happen.
In 2007 he wrote a very inflamatory book which got banned called, “if I did it?” where he boastfully described how he would have carried out the murder if he had “done it”
In 2007 he wrote a very inflamatory book called, “if I did it” (which was more or less a boastful confession)
Today most people, believe OJ got off with murder.
So what led to the non guilty verdict. Well there were many factors at play, not least issue of racism. The LAPD department had a history of racial abuse, and many people thought OJ was framed by the police department because the officer who was first on the scene was a known Racist.
How did this happen? well there are many factors at play, not least issue of racism. The LAPD department had a histlory of racial abuse, and many people thought OJ was framed by the police department because the officer who was first on the scene was a known Racist.
But another factor that surely influenced the trialwas that OJ had assembeld a dream team of the most elite, most skilled, shrewed and rhetorically capable legal defence team in the country to fight his corner.
Which is why we as Christians, must always remind ourselves that whaterver injusticies or false accusations we face in life, there is a Higher Court, and there is a Higher Judge, his rulings are always just, always right.
And in acts 24
In we see Paul on Trial Again. But Paul is absolutly innocent. His influential and powerful accussers hire a Big Gun lawer in the form of the rhetorically gifted lawer Tertulius (whom, given his latin name is most likely an expert in matters of Roman law).
Added to this The procurator Govener Marcus Antonius Felix, procurator of Judea (AD 52–59) A man who was infoumous at the time for his underhanded ways, corruption and injustice is going to be judge.
What does paul do in such a situation? He trusts in God, makes his defense and preaches the Gospel, Reminding Felix that there is a higher court to which we all must give an account.
In Context, The Reason that Luke the authour includes these accounts of Pauls trials: is that he wants his readers to understand that Christianity, dispite the protest of the Jews accusing Paul is actually in continuity with the Jewish faith, and he wants his readers particulaly Theopholis (who many scholers believe to be a Roman Govener who commissioned Luke to write Acts) to know how poeple in similar positions of power react to the Gospel.
Big Idea
Big Idea
Luke presents Paul as a model of how to share the Gospel in the face of opposition and injustice. It is something we can and should learn from
Aim of Sermon - My aim this evening is for learn from Paul what Christian Testimony involves in the face of injustice aligations and trial.
Why you should Care?
Why you should Care?
Perhaps you are someone who has been on the end of false alegation, on the recieving end of some injustice, falsly accussed, misunderstood and it doesnt look like you are gonna see justice. Like Paul, you should rest assured there is a higher court, there is a greater Justice, and your God understands, No one understands what it is like to be on the recieving end of false accusation like Jesus does, take it to him in Prayer.
Approach
Approach
So we will approach this text in three sections.
A false Accusation (Tertulius)
A Faithful Answer. (Paul)
A Foolish response. (Felix)
A False Acccusation
A False Acccusation
In verse 5 we see Turtulius (the lawer) bring charges against Paul accusing him of being a troublemaker, one who stirs up riots, a ringleader of a Sect and as someone who desescrated the Temple. But how trustworthy is this Lawer?
Well notice he engages is rhetorical flattery, O Felix “
Well notice he engages is rhetorical flattery, O Felix “
When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
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The problem with this flattering appraisul of Felix is that it isall fake.Tertulius is a liar, The truth is Felix and his predessesor were hated by the Jews, The Roman Jewish historian Josephus santiiquities tells us that “revolutionaries had escalated under Felix’s corrupt, repressive administration, which brought neither peace nor reforms.
The problem with this flattering appraisul of Felix is that it is patently false, Tertulius is a liar, The truth is Felix and his predessesor were hated by the Jews, The Roman Jewish historian Josephus tells us that revolutionaries had escalated under Felix’s corrupt, repressive administration, which brought neither peace nor reforms. There was a long-standing argument as to whether Caesarea was a Jewish or a Greek city, and Jews and Greeks were at daggers drawn. There was an outbreak of mob violence in which the Jews came off best. Felix despatched his troops to aid the Gentiles. Thousands of Jews were killed; and the troops, with Felix’s consent and encouragement, ransacked and looted the houses of the wealthiest Jews in the city. The Jews did what all Roman provincials had a right to do—they reported their governor to Rome.
Under his govnership There was an outbreak of mob violence in which the Jews came off best. Felix despatched his troops to aid the Gentiles. Thousands of Jews were killed; and the troops, with Felix’s consent and encouragement, ransacked and looted the houses of the wealthiest Jews in the city. The Jews did what all Roman provincials had a right to do—they reported their governor to Rome”
So this Lawer through rhetorical flattery is being very disingenuous In order to try and win Felix over. But are his accusations against Paul true? Lets turn to Paul.
Lets turn to Paul.
A Faithful Answer
A Faithful Answer
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When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,
When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,
Notice in Verse 10 That Paul unlike Turtulius, doesnt engage in false, disengenous flattery because contrary to the accusations he is not a troublemaker. He simply acknowledges and Reminds felix that he is a judge and therfore responsible for administering Justice. Tutulius and Paul are very different people. Who is the troublemaker?
Paul refutes the accuations brought against him, as his opponents are unable to proove them but Paul faithfull and freely admits that he is a follower of the Way, they might call it a Sect but as far as Paul is concerned it is in continuity with the Jewish Religion and its hopes for Ressurection.
You might think Paul would want to refute thier accusations and keep quiet about the ressurection as thats what got him into trouble in the first place. That can be our temptation cant it, keep quiet....say nothing, there are powerful people here. But Paul is Faithful In his witness to the truth.
Court Gets adjurned
There is a note in verse 22 that Felix is well aqainted with the way (thats important remember that). Felix therfore knows that Paul is just not a dangerous threat (as the Jews are saying) therfore he gives him a measure of freedom while he is under house arrest (23)
Court is Adjurned and we are told in verse 24 and 25 that:
Court is Adjurned and we are told in verse 24 and 25 that:
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Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
Here we see Pauls Fasithfulness don’t we? There is a boldness about Paul.. Paul could have used this one to one time with filix and his wife to protest his innocence and complain against the great injustice of him being in these chains, (he will do later on) but for now he is making sure that Felix gets the message, that Felix hears and understands the Gospel.
To a powerful man whom historians say was infomous for his corruption and underhanded ways, Paul discourses on rightousness, self control and the judgment to come. Felix will have to give an account of his life to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
There is a boldness about Paul - Hugh Latimer, the English Reformer, often preached before Henry VIII and on one occasion offended the king with his boldness. So he was commanded to preach the following weekend and make an apology. On the next Sunday, after reading the text, he addressed himself as he began to preach:
Hugh Latimer, the English Reformer, often preached before Henry VIII and on one occasion offended the king with his boldness. So he was commanded to preach the following weekend and make an apology. On the next Sunday, after reading the text, he addressed himself as he began to preach:
There is a boldness about PaulHugh Latimer, the English Reformer, often preached before Henry VIII and on one occasion offended the king with his boldness. So he was commanded to preach the following weekend and make an apology. On the next Sunday, after reading the text, he addressed himself as he began to preach:
Hugh Latimer, dost thou know before whom thou art this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the king’s most excellent majesty, who can take away thy life if thou offendest; therefore, take heed that thou speakest not a word that may displease; but then consider well, Hugh, dost thou not know from whence thou comest; upon whose message thou art sent? Even by the great and mighty God! who is all-present, and who beholdeth all thy ways, and is able to cast thy soul in hell! Therefore, take care that thou deliverest thy message faithfully.
He then gave Henry the same sermon he had preached the week before—with even more energy! Paul had that kind of boldness.
What was pauls seceret, well Paul had perspective, he knew that there was a greater Judge than Felix To whom he must give an account. Pauil gives a faithful Answer.
What was Paul knew that there was an even greater Judge than Felix To whom he must give an account So Pauil gives a faithful witness.
A foolish Response
A foolish Response
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
The Christian gospel, it is often said, is designed to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. Paul was good at the former, But he specialized in the latter.” And boy was Felix uncomfortable. the text says “He was afraid”
Fear tends to make people reract in one of two ways, they can face up to their problems and predciciments, or they can bury their heads in the sand, Felix did the latter.
Sadly, This is where many people find themselves today. like Felix they know that they are sinners and that they are in danger of the judgment. Yet, although the gospel is known to them, when the need to decide for Christ is urged upon them they say, “Not now; later. I’ll have to think about it. I’ll decide at a more convenient time.” days turn into weeks, weeks into months turn into years, years into decades all the while it gets harder and harder to repent as your heart hardens and becomes desesitised to the message because of overfamiliarity.
Maybe also like Felix they know that they are sinners and that they are in danger of the judgment. When Christians talk to them, when they read Christian books or hear Christian radio broadcasts, they are troubled. They wonder, What will become of me? I do wrong things. What will happen to me if I have to stand before God in the judgment? Yet, although the gospel is known to them, when the need to decide for Christ is urged upon them they say, “Not now; a little later perhaps. I’ll have to think about it. I’ll decide at a more convenient time.”
Not Today
They say to themselves, “I’ll put it off until later.” I ask: How much later? and, What is going to happen in the meantime?”
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (). There is never a better time to turn from sin and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior than the present moment.
What are they going to be doing in the meantime? They are going to go on sinning, of course; they can’t stop. Is the accumulation of their sin day by day, week by week, year by year going to make them more open to the gospel as time passes? It will be many times harder for them to respond to Christ’s offer a year from now, and even harder a year after that and again a year after that. They are not going to become more open to the gospel by delaying. That is why the Bible says, “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (). There is never a better time to turn from sin and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior than the present moment.1
They are not going to become more open to the gospel by delaying. That is why the Bible says, “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (). There is never a better time to turn from sin and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior than the present moment.1
Challenge (love them)
What goes, to Paul on account of his faithful witness, he remains in prison for two more years. But God is still working out his plans and purposes for Paul, plans to prosper Paul.
Challenge (love them)
Challenge (love them)
In his study of Acts, Harry Ironside tells of something that happened to him when he was twelve years old. He had gone to hear D L. Moody in Chicago. There was a point in Moody’s address where he said to the people, “I want everybody who knows the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her Savior to stand.” From where he was looking down, Ironside saw perhaps six or seven thousand people out of that great host of ten thousand rise to their feet. Then Moody went on, saying something like this: “I want everybody from this large number who are Christians but who became Christians before the age of fifteen to be seated.” Ironside saw that about half of those who had been standing resumed their seats. There were about three thousand left.
In his study of Acts, Harry Ironside tells of something that happened to him when he was twelve years old. He had gone to hear Dwight L. Moody in Chicago. Moody was preaching in an old theater that held about ten thousand people, a building that has since been torn down. Because the theater was jammed with people and he was just a boy, Ironside managed to climb up on a rafter above where Moody was speaking. From there he was able to look down upon that vast host of people. There was a point in Moody’s address where he said to the people, “I want everybody who knows the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her Savior to stand.” From where he was looking down, Ironside saw perhaps six or seven thousand people out of that great host of ten thousand rise to their feet.
Then Moody went on, saying something like this: “I want everybody from this large number who are Christians but who became Christians before the age of fifteen to be seated.” Ironside saw that about half of those who had been standing resumed their seats. There were about three thousand left.
Moody said, “I want everybody who became a Christian before the age of twenty to sit down.” Another half were seated. Now there were only fifteen hundred standing.
Moody raised the number by tens—thirty, forty, fifty. By the time he got to fifty, there were only about twenty people on their feet in all that vast auditorium. The point had been clearly and dramatically made: It is never easier to believe on Jesus Christ than when you are young, and it is always harder later.
The point, Don’t presume on tomorrow. Don’t Harden your heart, What if God allows your heart to be hardnened today and you cant repent tomorrow. Do you not fear God?
The Judgment seat of Christ. - We all must stand - There is no condemnation for those who are in Chr
Perhaps you are here this evening and you are a born again, bible believing Christian and God has been moving in your heart to do something for him, for his church, for a neighbour and you keep putting it off. like Felix you say it is not a convenient time Lord. Tommorrow, Tomorrow, Il deal with it tomorrow. And you hear God once more tonight saying Stop putting it off, perhaps for you tonight, the appropriate responce to tonights sermon is not just to Sing a song at the End the sermon but to actually be obedient to God.
saying, tomorrow lord, not today, later lord, not today, when the time is right Lord not now.
Landing
Landing
Tonight we have seen what a faithfuy
witness in the face of trial and injustice looks like. Paul didnt say to felix, God has a wonderful plan for your life, he talked with Felix about Rightousness, Self control, and Judgement to come.
When we talk about the gospel we must always talk about these things, but we must also go about it in a loving, tactful and winsom way. Expect Awkwardness, Expect Rejection, Remain faithful.
The New International Version Chapter 2
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
To some we are the fragrance of Christ to others we are the aroma of Death.
What happens to Paul on account of his faithful witness, he remains in prison for two more years. I often wonder what Paul must have been thinking in that prison for two years. Put yourself in his shoes “Here we go again” I’m getting too old for this” It wasnt supposed to be this way” This is so unjust”
No Paul knew what the Sirit of Jesus had promised, he would testify before Ceaser in Rome. He could intrust himself and his situation to a higher court, a better judge and witness faithfully.
If you are someone who has been falsly accused in this life on account of your faith or otherwise, Trust God and remember Wrong will be made right when Aslan comes in sight.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Thank and praise God that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.