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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 24

PAUL BEFORE FELIX

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Even while Paul’s fate is in the hands of his captors, he is not intimidated and shares his faith
with any who will listen. Our responsibility is not to force people to accept Jesus Christ as Lord
and Savior, but to preach the gospel whenever the opportunity presents itself. In a world
where there are no absolute “rights” and “wrongs,” where acceptable lifestyles contrary to
God’s Word are promoted, we must not shrink back from sharing the gospel message.

PERSECUTION AND THE PLAYERS

Satan and religion will always bring persecution against those who study and live the Word of
God in their daily lives. Paul recounts some of the opposition he has encountered in his walk
with God.

Moses had the greatest message of the Old Testament, and just as he is the standard of the law
and prophets, Paul is the standard of the New Testament. Both of these men had opposition
from religion. Moses had opposition from two magicians in Pharaoh’s court, leaders of the
Egyptian religion. Paul is also withstood by two religious believers, Phygellus and Hermogenus
(2 Timothy 1:15).

RESISTANCE OF RELIGION

Verse 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Verse 8 now as
Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds,
disapproved concerning the faith; Verse 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will
be manifest to all, as there’s also was. The Man of God and the Word of God Verse 10 But you
have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love,
perseverance, Verse 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium,
at Lystra---what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Verse 12
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. -- 2 Timothy 3:7-12

Verse 7 — Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge (epignosis) of the truth . . .

This passage from 2 Timothy gives a good description of religious people. They continually
learn but never discover the truth.

Verse 8 -- Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood (opposed) Moses, so do these also resist the
truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith (the Word). . .