Youth STS Lesson 220 – Paul’s Defence Before the Roman Rulers (Acts 24-26)

Memory Verse: “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).

Text: Acts 24:1-27; 25:1-27; 26:1-32

Age Group: Youth (Ages 13-18)

In about five days after Paul arrived in Caesarea, his accusers also came. Felix sat to judge the matter. He saw no wrong in Paul, yet he had a wrong motive for not letting him go — he was hoping for a bribe (Acts 24:26). Paul was then tried by Festus. The Jews requested that Festus send him back to Jerusalem, which Paul declined by appealing to Caesar. That appeal had a divine purpose. The Lord had already said: “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11). “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28).

Paul’s entire journey through these courts was not just a legal process — it was a ministry in motion. It picks up directly from Youth STS Lesson 219 – Paul’s Trial Before the Sanhedrin, where Paul’s conscience and courage before the Sanhedrin were established.

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

While Paul was in custody in Caesarea, his Jewish accusers came “with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul” (Acts 24:1). Tertullus was likely a Gentile convert to Judaism hired because of his knowledge of Roman culture and law. He started his case with flattery, then levelled serious accusations — calling Paul a pestilent fellow, a creator of dissension, and a profane person.

Question 1: What should be the attitude of a Christian youth facing false accusations?

Despite those heavy accusations, Paul stayed calm and unbothered. That was exactly the attitude Jesus had when falsely accused before the chief priests and before Pilate. Your response as a young believer should be quiet composure until you have the opportunity to speak your side. Do not erupt in anger. Wait for your turn, then speak with grace and clarity. God stood with Paul, and the orator’s case crumbled. The same God who stood with Paul has promised to stand with every believer who stands for truth (Deuteronomy 33:29).

Felix, having heard both sides, knew Paul was not guilty of anything worth death. He deferred the judgment but allowed Paul reasonable freedom while in custody (verse 23).

Question 2: Should we change our conviction for the truth if suffering for it seems to linger?

Paul’s conviction about judgment and life after death had not diminished one bit in custody. “As he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (verse 25). The message convicted Felix so much he could not sit still. He pushed the decision to a “convenient season.” Tragically, the Bible records no such season ever coming. God’s accepted time is now (2 Corinthians 6:2). Do not let Felix be your story.

Question 3: If bribery seems like the only way out, what should a Christian do?

Felix delayed judgment because “he hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul” (verse 26). But Paul refused to pay a bribe — even when it kept him in prison for two years. No matter how long it takes to get an honest result, work hard for it and wait for it. God honours integrity (Daniel 3:17-18).

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

When Festus travelled to Jerusalem, the high priest and chief Jews asked him to bring Paul back. Their real plan was to kill him on the way. “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21). God had already promised Paul: “No man shall set on thee to hurt thee” (Acts 18:10). Festus turned down the request and held the trial in Caesarea instead.

When Paul’s accusers came to Caesarea and brought their charges, they could prove nothing. Paul denied everything: “Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all” (Acts 25:8). When we face situations like this, we can claim Christ’s promise: “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist” (Luke 21:15).

Question 4: What were the benefits of Paul’s appeal to the church and the gospel?

Paul’s appeal to Caesar had significant Kingdom impact. It fulfilled the prophecy made at his conversion that he would bear Christ’s name before kings (Acts 9:15). It gave him an opportunity to witness for Christ in Rome (Acts 23:11). It led to the salvation of people in Caesar’s very household (Philippians 4:22). God was turning what looked like a legal dead end into a gospel advance. What the enemy meant for a setback, God was using as a springboard. The full story of what happened after this appeal is told in Youth STS Lesson 221 – The Voyage to Rome.

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” (verse 1).

Question 5: How would you describe Paul’s life before his conversion?

Before his encounter with Christ, Paul was a sinner (1 Timothy 1:15), a slave to his own self-righteousness (Philippians 3:4-6), and an active enemy of the Church. After conversion, he became a saint, a soul-winner, a steward, a soldier, a sufferer, a standard-bearer, and a shepherd for Christ. Two completely different people — same man, different Lord. That is the power of genuine conversion.

Question 6: What was the scope of Paul’s ministry as stated in Acts 26:18?

His commission was to open the eyes of sinners, turn people from darkness to light, turn them from Satan’s power to God, show the way to receive forgiveness of sins, and guide the saved into their inheritance. This is not just Paul’s calling. It is the calling of every believer. We are saved to serve.

Question 7: What is a vision according to our text?

A vision, according to Paul’s testimony, is seeing the reality of what awaits the unrepentant sinner and allowing that knowledge to compel you to reach them with the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:11). Paul said: “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (verse 19). To keep that vision alive, he refused to let trials, imprisonments, or persecutions distract him (Acts 20:24).

Conclusion

Paul faced governors, kings, corrupt officials, false witnesses, and two years of unjust imprisonment. He came out of all of it without bitterness, without compromise, and without losing his passion to preach Christ. The call is the same for every young believer: stay calm under accusation, refuse to compromise under pressure, trust God’s sovereign plan, and use every platform — however unexpected — to share the gospel.

Questions for Review

1. What should be the attitude of a Christian youth when facing false accusations?
2. Should a believer change their convictions when suffering for the truth seems to go on for a long time? Why or why not?
3. What should a Christian youth do when bribery seems like the only way out of a difficult situation?
4. What were the benefits of Paul’s appeal to Caesar for the church and the gospel?
5. How would you describe Paul’s life before his conversion, and what changed after?
6. What was the scope of Paul’s commission in Acts 26:18, and how does it apply to young believers today?
7. What is a vision according to our text, and how should it affect a young believer’s life?

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