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The remainder of verse 6 and all of verse 7 is not found in the original, but does add to the
story. Felix is setting before the man who holds the answer to his personal problems and those
of the Roman Empire. Rome is on the verge of civil war and Paul has the answers: the gospel,
the new birth, and the Word of God.

Act 24:7 But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands,

Act 24:8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may
ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."

In other words, “If you examine Paul yourself, you will see we are correct.”

Act 24:9 And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.

PAUL’S DEFENSE TO FELIX (10-21)

According to Roman law, it is legal for Paul to answer the charges against him. Paul argues that
he has been in prison for six of the twelve days since he arrived in Jerusalem. His point is that it
would have been impossible for him to arrange a riot in that time frame. Paul claims his
innocence, and God’s Word will prove him to be truthful. There is no evidence against Paul.
Paul states that the only valid accusation against him is his belief in the resurrection.

Act 24:10 Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: "Inasmuch as I
know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer
for myself,

Tertullus has made a brilliant accusation with no evidence, and Paul will now depend on the
Holy Spirit for his words (Luke 12:11-12). Felix still follows Roman law, which allows the
defendant to answer. This law had not been implemented with Paul at Philippi (16:19-24). Paul
will stay with the facts. He is familiar with Roman law and will not accuse the Jews without
facts. He does not flatter with proof and will deny the charges and demand proof. Paul will not
attack Felix’s weak point (as Tertullus has), but his strong point of Roman justice.

Act 24:11 because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to
Jerusalem to worship.

Felix will never understand spiritually what Paul did, but he understands legally. It has only
been twelve days since Paul arrived in Jerusalem and now stands before Felix. He has been in
prison for six of those twelve days. It is impossible to organize a riot, lead a revolt, and profane
the temple in such a short time. Paul also came to worship and was worshiping when he was
attacked by the Jews. You cannot worship and simultaneously profane the temple.

Act 24:12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the
crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city.