But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Acts 24:14-16

In Chapter 24 we see Paul is on trial for his faith in Christ. The Jewish highpriest Ananias hired a lawyer to prosecute Paul with false accusations. The Jews tried to accuse Paul of causing riots and desecrating The Temple. However as Paul stated there is nobody who can prove these allegations because they are all false. Paul goes on to try and explain Christianity worships the same God of Israel, however Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. 

The question is, if you were put on trial for Christ, would you be found guilty? Would there be enough evidence of your faith to prove you are a Christian? As the Apostle James taught “Faith without works is dead” (James 2) If there is no evidence of our faith, do we really have faith? Pauls clear devotion to Christ is evident by the response he received everywhere he went

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. Acts 24:17-21

As Paul states he wasn’t the one who started the riot, and also Paul was ceremonially clean when he entered the Temple of God.  The only thing Paul confessed to was bringing up the topic of the resurrection. As there is a big theological divide between the Pharisees and the Sadducees about this topic. 

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Acts 24:22-25

Its interesting to see Felix’s response when Paul shared the gospel of Christ with him, it says “Felix trembled or became frightened” When Felix became convicted of his sin by hearing the gospel of Christ his reaction was to reject Christ. This is why many people have such a strong reaction against Christianity, it shines the light of truth on the darkness of our sin

Paul will remain in prison for several years because the Romans have no idea what to do with him. Are you willing to spend your life in chains for Christ? Are you willing to be persecuted or even lay down your life? As Paul said “Endure hardship as a soldier of Christ” “Fight the good fight of faith” Amen!