Adult STS Lesson 220 Defence of Paul Before the Roman Rulers (Acts 24-26)

Memory Verse: “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16).

Text: Acts chapters 24 to 26

Paul’s accusers, led by the high priest, sent their prosecution team from Jerusalem to conduct his trial before Felix, the governor. They employed Tertullus, an orator, as their spokesman to flatter the governor and accuse Paul of serious offences while the Jewish leaders supported the false allegations. Disappointed that Paul did not give him a bribe to secure his release, Felix left Paul bound. Believers are clearly warned against the love of money, which is the root of all evil and specifically causes people to corrupt judgment (1 Timothy 6:10).

This study centres on Paul’s appearance before the Roman rulers, the conditions that led to his appeal to Caesar, and how he defended himself against every accusation levelled against him. It follows directly from Adult STS Lesson 219 – Paul’s Trial Before the Sanhedrin, where the same theme of a clear conscience before God was established.

1. Paul’s Defence Before Felix (Acts 24:1-27)

“Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself” (Acts 24:10).

After listening to the accusations, Felix permitted Paul to speak. Paul did three things. First, in courteous but not flattering language, he expressed confidence that the governor would judge fairly. Second, he clearly denied every allegation without hiring a lawyer — he had godly wisdom and the Holy Spirit. Third, he challenged his accusers to bring proof, which they could not. Paul’s defence was a demonstration of gracious speech (Colossians 4:6). It was remarkable evidence of God’s grace that Paul remained calm and composed in the face of false charges that would drive most people to anger. Scripture is clear: we are to put away “all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour and evil speaking” (Ephesians 4:31).

Paul was not ashamed to speak openly about his faith. He referenced his practice of maintaining a conscience void of offence before God and people (verse 16). Every believer should make it their daily exercise, as Paul did, to keep a clear conscience before God and people.

Paul also boldly preached Christ to Felix. Felix was convicted but did not respond: “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (verse 25). The danger of procrastination when it comes to the gospel is severe. The right time to respond to God is always now (2 Corinthians 6:2).

2. Paul’s Appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:1-27)

The moment Festus visited Jerusalem, the high priest and Jewish leaders informed him of their accusation against Paul. They wanted the case moved to Jerusalem so they could ambush and kill Paul on the way. After two full years, their murderous intention had not faded. Festus rejected their request. God’s overruling providence protected Paul: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:1). No human plotting can outmanoeuvre God’s purposes.

When Festus later suggested taking Paul back to Jerusalem, Paul responded boldly: “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged” (verse 10). He appealed to Caesar. God uses even legal processes to fulfil His purposes. Paul had long desired to preach in Rome (Romans 1:9-11), and his appeal to Caesar was the pathway God chose to bring that about. God answers prayer in ways we least anticipate.

King Agrippa heard Paul and concluded that he had done nothing deserving death or chains: “This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar” (Acts 26:32). Paul’s faultlessness was established by the Roman governor — a powerful reminder that transparent, consistent holiness is the testimony God calls every believer to maintain.

3. Paul’s Defence Before King Agrippa (Acts 26:1-32)

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself” (Acts 26:1).

Before King Agrippa, Paul narrated his birth, upbringing, and religious life before his conversion. On the road to Damascus, he heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). That encounter changed everything. We cannot claim to be Christians without a personal, life-defining encounter with Jesus. Conversion is not a tradition. It is a transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Paul explained what fuelled his new zeal: at his conversion, God revealed he would preach among the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:8). He called this the “heavenly vision” (Acts 26:16-19). It became the driving force of his entire ministry. This same commitment that Paul demonstrated from his First Missionary Journey right through to his final appearance before Roman rulers is the challenge before every believer today — wholehearted obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

When Festus accused Paul of madness, Paul replied calmly: “I am not mad, most noble Festus.” Believers learn from this: stay calm under provocation, do not abandon the message, do not place personal comfort above the salvation of souls (1 Peter 3:9).

When Paul finished speaking, his audience was fully convinced he was guiltless. But his going to Rome had already been determined by God’s Word (Acts 23:11). What follows — Paul’s dramatic voyage to Rome — is covered in detail in Adult STS Lesson 221 – Paul’s Voyage to Rome.

Conclusion

Paul’s appearances before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa show us what it looks like to face false accusation, delayed justice, corrupt officials, and political manoeuvring — and remain unbroken and utterly fixed on the mission of preaching Christ. He did not fight the system with bitterness. He used every moment of it as a pulpit. The platform may change, but the message never does.

Questions for Review

1. Describe Paul’s conduct during his defence before Felix and what it teaches us.
2. How can a believer maintain a good conscience in daily life?
3. From the experience of Felix, point out the danger of procrastination when responding to the gospel message.
4. What encouragement can believers draw from God’s preservation of Paul against the renewed persecution of the Jews?
5. State the principle that should guide the administration of justice among believers.
6. Enumerate the challenges believers can draw from Paul’s immediate obedience to the heavenly vision.
7. Point out the key lessons from the way Paul presented the gospel to Agrippa and the others present.

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