(24:27) Who was Festus? Why was Paul still a prisoner for those two years?
When Festus began his rule, where did he travel to?
Who informed Festus against Paul? What did they want him to do? But, what was their plot?
What was Festus’ response?
What did he want the Jews in authority to do?
When Paul went to the judgment seat, could the Jewish authorities prove any of their accusations?
What three entities did Paul declare himself innocent from wrongdoing against?
What did Festus suggest to Paul? Why did he suggest that?
Before whom does Paul believe he ought to be judged?
Under what circumstances would Paul not refuse to be killed? But, why does he refuse to be delivered to his accusers?
Who does Paul appeal to?
What was Festus’ response to him?

Thought Questions

Why did Felix and Festus leave Paul in prison? (24:27, 25:9) Did they think he was guilty? How would you react if you were left in prison by a human and apparently forgotten? What good came out of the situation anyway?
Do you believe God can use non-believers to help protect His disciples and fulfill His will? Do you think this happened here, with Felix and Festus?
Despite leaving Paul in prison, do you think Felix and Festus, even being pagan Romans, were more just (in dealing with Paul’s case anyway) than “God’s people,” the Jews? How can we tell if justice is being served rightly, whether by church or civil leadership?
Do you think Paul did the right thing in appealing to Caesar?
Again, what can we learn from Paul’s grace and patience in these trials? How about his wisdom? Would you be able to respond the same way? How could you learn to?

My prayer is:
That I would look to God and His word rather than to people for righteousness and justice–even those considered the “holiest” on earth;
That I would look to God when apparently forgotten by all humans;
And that I would have patience–and wisdom–with those who are persecuting me.

Who came with Ananias after five days? What were they there to do?
How did Tertullus begin his testimony?
In what ways did Tertullus characterize Paul? What did he accuse him of doing?
How did they bring Commander Lysias into the accusation?
What did Paul say to defend these charges?
How many of the accusations did the Jews who were accusing Paul actually witness him doing?
What things did Paul say that he believed, which the Jews also believed?
What actually happened in the Temple, according to Paul?
According to Paul, who should have been there to accuse him, if they had an objection?
What was the one statement Paul proclaimed which was the real reason why they were accusing him?
When did Felix say he would make a decision about the case?
What was Paul’s situation then?
What was Felix’s wife’s name? What was her nationality? What did they come to hear Paul speak about?
What topics did Paul touch on that prompted Felix’s fear? What was Felix’s response to the fear he felt?
What else did Felix hope for?
Who succeeded Felix? Why did he keep Paul bound there?

Thought Questions

Have you ever gotten in trouble for your belief in Christ? Do you think you ever possibly could? How would you defend yourself?
What was the tone of Paul’s response (verse 10)? How should we respond when accused, even with blatant, slandering lies?
Review some of the main points of Paul’s defense. How does he state the facts? How does he try to identify with the beliefs of his accusers? Why might he do that?
Why would anyone possibly try to condemn somebody “concerning the resurrection of the dead” (verse 21; also ch. 23:6)? Why would someone’s religious belief concern anyone else? Do you think the same thing could happen in our society?
If so, are you prepared to defend and be condemned for your belief “concerning the resurrection of the dead?”
What do you think was going on in Felix’s mind? Why was he generous in his treatment of Paul?
If you were imprisoned for your belief in Christ, would you allow your friends or family to bail you out for a bribe, or would you rather remain there? Why or why not?
Why did he seek to hear Paul’s religious reasoning? Why, then, did he send him away for a “more convenient time?”
Did that “more convenient time” ever happen? Have you ever been tempted to put God on the back burner for a more convenient time for you? What is the danger of that?

My prayer is:
That, if I am ever condemned for my faith in Christ, the resurrection of the dead, or any other issue of my faith, that I would know how to defend myself gracefully, without returning slander or accusation, but glorifying God;
And that I would never put my decision to follow God away for a “more convenient time.”

How did Paul look at the council? What did he say about himself?
What did the high priest command to do to Paul?
What was Paul’s response?
How did Paul respond when he found out that he had spoken to the high priest?
What did Paul observe about the factions in the council? What did he say?
What was the result? What issues were the Sadducees and Pharisees divided on?
What was the response from the Pharisee party?
What did the commander fear? What did he do to rescue Paul?
Who came to visit Paul the following night? What did He say?
What was the oath that some of the Jews made? About how many of them were there?
Who did this group approach for help with their plan? What was the plan?
Who heard about the ambush and told Paul about it?
Who did Paul send his nephew to tell the news to?
What kind of escort did the commander send to guard Paul as he was to leave prison? What time was he to be escorted out?
Where was Paul to go?
Who did the commander (Claudius Lysias) write a letter to?
Give an overview of the contents of his letter.
What was the place that the soldiers escorted Paul to by night?
What did Governor Felix ask Paul? What was the answer?
Where was Paul kept?

Thought Questions

Do you think Paul lost his temper, or did he respond to the high priest that way for a reason? Do you think he was correct in what he said to the high priest?
Do you agree that we should not speak evil of a ruler of our people (Exodus 22:28, Ecclesiastes 10:20)? Even if they deserve it? Are you ever tempted to–online, on social media, in discussions with friends? How do you deal with that temptation?
Why do you think Paul would stir up political unrest within the council? Do you think it is a wise or a devious idea to find protection where you can (if you are being honest about it)?
Do you think the Lord’s personal message to Paul (verse 11) would have cheered you up? Why was it the right message for Paul?
Why were those Jews so hateful of Paul to the point where they would make that kind of vow to kill him? Do you think that type of hatred of Christians could ever happen again, or was it an ancient phenomenon that couldn’t occur again in society?

My prayer is:
That I would show respect for the ruler of my people;
That I would have the wisdom of God in every situation, even if my life is threatened for my beliefs;
And that being a witness for Christ would be the most important goal for me.

Why did the mob listening to Paul become silent?
Tell a little about Paul’s background. How did he feel about God and His law?
What did he do to the followers of “the Way”?
Where did he go to find people to persecute? Who could bear witness to that?
What happened to Paul as he approached Damascus?
What did the voice say?
What did the Lord tell Paul to do?
How is Ananias described?
What were the things Ananias told Paul (verses 13-15)?
What did Ananias want him to do?
Then, when Paul was in Jerusalem, what message did he receive?
What was Paul’s reasoning with that?
What was God’s response?
What was the crowd’s response to this part of the story?
What did the commander order to be done with Paul?
What did Paul ask the centurion?
How did the centurion respond?
How did Paul say he acquired his Roman citizenship?
Why were the examiners afraid? What did they do?
Who was called to assemble for the case? Why?

Thought Questions

Compare the story of Paul’s conversion in chapter 9 to his retelling of it here. Is he honest and accurate in his recounting?
Also compare how he tells his testimony here to how he shares it with King Agrippa in chapter 26. Are there differences? Why might there be differences, if any?
Compare how Paul responded to the angry crowd in this chapter to Stephen’s defense in chapter 7. Do you think they were wise and their response was good? Did it work? Could they have done anything differently?
Were there any other instances in Acts where the apostles were in a similar situation, and defended themselves from their accusers in a similar way? What can you learn from them about how you might defend yourself if accused that way? What can you learn from them about how likely it is that your accusers will listen to you?
What did Paul say that lit the fuse and caused the mob to overtake him? Why?
What other moves did Paul make in this situation that you thought were wise? Should we accept everything, including torture, for the sake of Christ even if it can be avoided?

My prayer is:
That I would be willing to humbly share my testimony of how God has worked in my life, even under pressure of opposition;
And that I would think wisely, avoiding unnecessary danger if possible while being willing to face whatever dangers are necessary for the sake of Christ.