Acts 24

http://www.esvbible.org/Acts+24/

After five days, Governor Felix hears Paul's case. The chief priest, Ananias, goes to Caesarea with an attorney, Tertullus. When the trial began, Tertullus began discussing the Jewish officials' hollow claims: that Paul starts quarrels among the Jews, that he spreads the word of the Nazarene sect, and that he uses the temple in a way that violates tradition. Then, Paul has his turn to defend himself. Paul says that he came to Jerusalem twelve days ago to worship, and no one can testify that he started a crowd in the temple because he didn't. The officials cannot even prove their accusations because their accusations are so vague that there is nothing to prove. Even though Paul admits he's a Christian, which is the Nazarene sect, he still hasn't technically done anything wrong. The Jewish officials are so afraid of losing power that they need Paul out of the way. Because Paul has followed everything God has told him to do, he has been blessed in his work. If the people start following Christ and His teachings, they won't need the Pharisees and their teachings, and the Pharisees love their power. They will do anything to keep it. Paul goes on to say that as a Christian, he follows Abraham's God and Moses's teachings; in fact, when he was arrested, his accusers took him while he performed a purification ceremony. Additionally, he says that no mob was with him but only a few Jews from Asia, and if they had seen him do any wrong, they would be there to accuse him. Felix had already heard some of the Christian teachings, so he dismissed the court and said he's pass judgement later. Later, he sent guards to bring him Paul. When Paul arrived before Felix, Felix had Paul tell him more about Jesus Christ. Paul talked for a while, but then Felix sent him away to digest this information. This went on for two and a half years. Sometimes, it takes a lot longer to get through to some people than others, but if we are to minister to such a person, God will keep putting that person in our lives. Eventually, Felix was replaced as governor, but as a final favor to the Jews, he left Paul in jail.