Thank you. When religious leaders filed fake charges against the Apostle Paul, the case was brought before the Roman governor Felix, and normally in a court of law, the defendant awaits the judge's decision.

But as we'll hear today on Truth for Life, Paul cleverly turned the tables on his accusers.

Alistair Begg walks us through the charges against Paul and his unique defense.

We're going to read from Acts chapter 24, part of Acts chapter 24.

Five days later, the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul

before the governor. 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 would be kind enough to hear us briefly. We have found this man to be a troublemaker stirring up riots

among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to

desecrate the temple, so we seized him. By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth

about all these charges we are bringing against him.

The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.

When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied, and there then follows Paul's defense in response to the charges brought against him, the adjournment comes in verse 22,

and we read from 22 to the end of the chapter. Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the way,

adjourned the proceedings. When Lysius, the commander, comes, he said, I will decide your case.

He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to give him

some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. Several days later, Felix came with his wife

Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.

As Paul discoursed on righteousness,

self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, that's enough for now.

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