Acts 24:6
“And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. [We wanted to judge him according to our own Law.
The Law refers to the Law of Moses, the commandments, ordinances, punishments, and ceremonial observances given to the nation of Israel through Moses (Jos. 8:31, John 1:17). This law is sometimes referred to as the law of commandments (Eph. 2:15) or the law of the Jews (Acts 25:8). See entry for The Law.
Acts 24:14
“But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;
The Law refers to the Law of Moses, the commandments, ordinances, punishments, and ceremonial observances given to the nation of Israel through Moses (Jos. 8:31, John 1:17). This law is sometimes referred to as the law of commandments (Eph. 2:15) or the law of the Jews (Acts 25:8). See entry for The Law.
Acts 24:15
having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
(a) Resurrection. Resurrection is not just for Christians (2 Cor. 5:10).
(b) The righteous are those who have been made right with God by receiving, through faith, the free gift of righteousness. See entry for Righteousness.
Acts 24:16
“In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.
Conscience. Paul enjoyed a blameless conscience and “a perfectly good conscience before God” (Acts 23:1) because his conscience was fully submitted to the will of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
See entry for Conscience.
Acts 24:24
But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
Felix. God told Saul that he would carry his name to kings or rulers (Acts 9:15). This prophecy came true. Saul or Paul preached to kings such as Herod Agrippa (Acts 25:22), Roman governors and proconsuls (Acts 13:12, 24:24), and the emperor himself (Acts 27:24).
Acts 24:25
But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.”
Discussing righteousness. Paul preached the gospel that reveals the righteousness of God that comes to us by faith.
Like John who came in the way of righteousness (Matt. 21:32), Paul saw himself as engaged in the ministry of righteousness (2 Cor. 3:9) and a preacher of the word of righteousness (Heb. 5:13). The message of righteousness lies at the heart of the gospel of grace (see entry for Rom. 5:21).
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