TRIAL (Acts 24)-- Week 2 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

In Acts 23 the Apostle Paul encountered a trial of conspiracy (Acts 23:12). Paul responded to this trial by taking comfort in the presence and promise of Jesus (Acts 23:11). He understood that no trial reaches a child of God apart from God’s consent. (See Job 1) God uses trial in the lives Christ-followers to “prove by experiment” the certainty of one’s faith which leads to spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). Here in Acts 24 the apostle responds to false accusations made against him by the lawyer Tertullus on behalf of the high priest Ananias.

Read Acts 24. Who are the major players in Paul’s trial before Governor Felix? What is observed about each one’s character?

 What counsel or example do the following Scriptures provide to God’s people when faced with false accusations? 

Genesis 39:6-23--

Ezra 4:6-16; 5:1-17; 6:1-12--

Psalm 35:19-20; 24-28--

Psalm 41:5-12--

Matthew 5:11-12--

In Acts 24:10-21 the Apostle Paul offers a strong defense to Governor Felix against the false accusations made against him by Tertullus. Read 1 Peter 2:21-23. When is it right to defend ourselves as Paul did, and when should we follow Christ’s example and say very little? What additional insight does Peter provide in 1 Peter 3:13-17?