On Trial for Your Life

On Trial for your Life

Acts 23:12-25:12

“Pop quiz, hotshot. There's a bomb on a bus. Once the bus goes 50 miles an hour, the bomb is armed. If it drops below 50, it blows up. What do you do? What do you do?” If you grew up in the 90’s you probably don’t need any introduction. This was the key line in the 1994 thriller, Speed, where disgruntled madman Howard Payne, played by Dennis Hopper, calls police officer Jack Traven, played by Keanu Reeves, with this scenario and simple question, “What do you do? What do you do?”

If the Apostle Paul was in a movie based on his life after his arrival to Jerusalem, the “phone call” he would have received may have said, “Pop quiz, hotshot. You are on trial for your life. People are trying to kill you while you are withering away in prison.What do you do? What do you do?” Paul would have known the answer before it was asked, “I’ll speak the truth of myself and testify to the truth of Jesus Christ.” 

Beloved, when you are put on trial for your faith by your family, friends, co-workers, or government, and are asked, “What do you do?” The answer is the same as Paul’s, “I’ll speak the truth of myself and testify to the truth of Jesus Christ.” I hope Paul’s example will embolden and strengthen us for the days ahead. 

When the trial comes, trust God’s Sovereign Power 

Paul arrived in Jerusalem and met with James and the elders who asked him to go through the rite of purification so it would be plain to everyone he was still following the Jewish law. Some Jews assumed that Paul brought Trophimus into the Temple because they saw them together. On the last day of his purification, Paul was seized and almost killed several times while trying to make his defense. He finally appealed to the Roman Tribune that his Roman citizenship made the proceedings illegal and demanded justice. Paul sat alone and beaten in a prison cell and Lord spoke to him, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem by the Spirit and now the Spirit is going to lead him to Rome. 

And his journey to Rome is like a modern day thriller. Paul last words of his defense before the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” Paul was never able to finish his speech because an argument broke out. We pick up the story the next day. Acts 23:12–15,

[12] When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. [13] There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. [14] They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. [15] Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

There is a plot to kill Paul. And these Jews were very determined to kill him taking an oath, not to eat nor drink until he was dead. There is some intense hatred for Paul. Remember the Jews believed that Paul was leading people away from God by teaching people to forsake Moses and the law. They believed they were defending God. Some of the most intense actions are those who have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Whether it the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, the highjackers of 9/11, or the assassins in Acts 23, they all were zealous but not according to the truth. 

People are determined to kill. It was a secret plot designed by powerful leaders with means and opportunity. And yet, Paul was completely safe in the will of God, for as John Stott notes, “Even the most careful and cunning of human plans cannot succeed if God opposes them. No weapon forged against him will prevail.” It was a secret plot until by mere “happenstance” Paul’s nephew heard of the whole thing. Acts 23:16–22,

[16] Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. [17] Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” [18] So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” [19] The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” [20] And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. [21] But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” [22] So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.” (ESV)

It is the first we hear of Paul’s family. Even though many had probably turned on Paul when he turned to Christ, there were at least some in his family who remained loyal to him. Maybe you can relate with Paul in this. Paul’s sister and nephew helped him, but they helped him with the truth. Plot and counterplot. 

Evil always thinks it wins, until it doesn’t. There is nothing that can thwart God’s plans. Nothing. When I was 25 I was at a 3 on 3 basketball tournament and we gathered hands to pray before it began. One brother prayed, “Father, we know that no weapon formed against man, shall prosper. No weapon, no weapon, no weapon, no weapon, no weapon, no weapon, no weapon, no weapon, no weapon, no weapon, no weapon…formed against man, shall prosper.” At the moment, I may have chuckled, since we were only playing a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, but I have come to sincerely appreciate his repetition and emphasis. We are a forgetful people and need to be reminded of God’s strong and powerful hand. He was quoting Isaiah 54:17 in the King James, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

It is no coincidence that Isaiah 54:17 falls right before Isaiah 53 when we read of the suffering servant, Isaiah 53:3–12,

[3] He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;

and as one from whom men hide their faces

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

[4] Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

[5] But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.

[6] All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the LORD has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

[7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth;

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,

and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,

so he opened not his mouth.

[8] By oppression and judgment he was taken away;

and as for his generation, who considered

that he was cut off out of the land of the living,

stricken for the transgression of my people?

[9] And they made his grave with the wicked

and with a rich man in his death,

although he had done no violence,

and there was no deceit in his mouth.

[10] Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;

he has put him to grief;

when his soul makes an offering for guilt,

he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;

the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

[11] Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;

by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,

make many to be accounted righteous,

and he shall bear their iniquities.

[12] Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,

and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,

because he poured out his soul to death

and was numbered with the transgressors;

yet he bore the sin of many,

and makes intercession for the transgressors. 

The greatest evil plot in all of history was false accusation and the condemnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Evil thought it had won, until it didn’t. For after Isaiah 53, we are reminded in Isaiah 54:17, that, “No weapon formed against us shall prosper.” And then almost emphatically Isaiah writes, Isaiah 55:6–11,

[6] “Seek the LORD while he may be found;

call upon him while he is near;

[7] let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts;

let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him,

and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

[9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

[10] “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

[11] so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (ESV)

Paul had no need to fear for the Lord was in charge. He was going to accomplish his purpose. The Lord did it with the Lord Jesus. Everyone thought he had failed, until the morning on the third day. Do not judge the Lord in the midst of the trial. No weapon, no weapon, no weapon, no weapon formed against you shall prosper, because you belong to Christ. Trust him when the trial comes.

God wanted Paul to go to Rome, so Paul will go to Rome. After all of Job’s suffering, he uttered to the Lord, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” God’s plan may have seemed precarious, but it was not. Acts 23:23–35,

[23] Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. [24] Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” [25] And he wrote a letter to this effect:

[26] “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. [27] This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. [28] And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. [29] I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. [30] And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

[31] So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. [32] And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. [33] When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. [34] On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, [35] he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium. 

The Tribune, Claudius Lysias, was going to take no chances. At the third hour of the night, around midnight to 3 am, Paul was sent by the protection of 200 soldiers and 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen. When the Lord wants to protect his people, he protects his people. 

When the trial comes, testify to God’s Truth

Paul never got a chance to finish his sermon before the Jewish council, but he will receive another opportunity this time by the hand of Felix. Felix was born a slave before securing his freedom and rising to political prominence. It was said of hime that he ruled with the “authority of a king, and the instincts of a slave.” He was known for his ruthless suppression of uprising against Rome. Acts 24:1–9,

[1] And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. [2] And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, [3] in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. [4] But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. [5] For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. [6] He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. [8] By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” [9] The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

Tertullus begins his speech with profuse flattery bringing three charges against him. First, he is a plague who stirs up riots among the Jews throughout the world. This would have for sure caught Felix’s attention especially with his reputation of ending revolts against Rome. Second, he is the leader of the sect of the Nazarenes or those who follow Jesus the Nazarene. Thirdly, he “even tried to profane the temple.” This charge is much different than the first accusation that Paul did defile the temple. Here, Paul tried to profane, but was stopped, admirably, by the Jews. Tertullus finished his charge and the Jews who had come from Jerusalem affirmed all these charges. 

It was then Paul’s turn to speak. A crowd standing against him, but the Lord standing with him, he merely told the truth.Acts 24:10–21

[10] And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. [11] You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, [12] and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. [13] Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. [14] But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, [15] having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. [16] So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. [17] Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. [18] While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia—[19] they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. [20] Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, [21] other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

Paul again confirms that he is a good Jew who worships the God of his fathers, believing everything laid down by the law and written in the Prophets. Paul is a Jew who according to his conscience is following the Word of God. He actually is doing the opposite of what the Jews accuse him of as in verse 17 he shares how he brought gifts and offerings with him. And he says they grabbed him while he was going through the purification rites in the temple alone. And then Paul doubles down on the reason for his trial, “It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.”

Paul did not change his story one bit. He said the same exact thing. And it was with the resurrection of the just and the unjust that caught Felix’s attention. Acts 24:22–26,

[22] But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” [23] Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

[24] After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. [25] And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” [26] At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 

As I said, Felix was a raised a slave before taking his position of authority. He was known for his cruelty. According to historians, Drusilla was Felix’s third wife, who was married before he enticed her to leave her husband for him. Drusilla was very beautiful and at this time was not yet 20 years old. Paul spoke about faith in Jesus Christ. The details of their conversations were not recorded, but Paul’s aim was to convert him to Christ. 

Many commentators note how Paul emphasized certain aspects of the gospel in hopes to apply them directly to Felix. Verse 25, “And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment,” the very things Felix needed to hear. Paul spoke of righteousness to Felix because he was known for cruelty and oppression. He was not living his life in righteousness and his lack of righteousness put him in danger with the Lord. Everyone needs righteousness when they stand before God and the problem for him and for us is that no one is righteous, no not one. Paul also addressed self-control. Felix was guilty of ‘unbridled lust” in luring away a young Drusilla from her husband for himself, rejecting the sacredness of marriage. And because he did not have righteousness and did not live with self-control, he should fear the coming judgment where he would be held accountable for his unrighteousness, injustice and immorality. Paul was concerned with Felix’s soul. 

And the reality of his life choices and the coming resurrection of the dead made Felix afraid. And what often happens when things hit too close to home, we throw it away. Felix couldn’t take the conviction any more so he made Paul leave. Felix would continue conversations with Paul but he was not concerned with Paul’s words or his own soul, he was hoping for a bribe to be released. And after two years, Felix was called back to Rome and left seeking to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. So what we see in Felix was he was an unrighteous man, controlled by the lust of the flesh, did not want to consider future judgment, was concerned with his wealth and his reputation or his glory among the Jews. Friends, how many people are like Felix? Maybe even some here today who start to feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but dismiss it before they respond to it. 

Friend, if you have never trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior, understand you and I are like Felix. We have done unrighteous things. We have been controlled more by our desires and lusts of our flesh than by God’s Word. And we all will face the coming judgment. The question you have to ask is when the judgment comes, will you be standing alone or with Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ has made a way for sinners. 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” Jesus was put to death in our place and God raised from the dead. The death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the way for the unrighteous to be made right with God. Friend, do not be like Felix who was convicted of his sin and then suppressed the truth and ignored the reality of the coming judgment. We cannot escape it. We can suppress for a time, but the day will still come. Friend, repent of your sin and turn to Jesus Christ and live. He is your only hope.

Beloved, be encouraged by Paul’s faithfulness. He was on trial for his life, but he was not concerned for his life. Remember what he said the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:24,

[24] But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 

Paul was in prison and all he cared about was testifying to the gospel of the grace of God to save Felix’s soul. Beloved, this is a great model for us. We can be focused on our own circumstances and how difficult things are in our lives. We can focus on how many people are standing against us and things are not going the way we want. Or we can focus on trust that God is good, sovereign and wise. He has not made a mistake. We are exactly where he wants us to be. He has placed us in our circumstance so that we can share the gospel of the grace of God to whoever he puts in our path. 

Paul was a human being. I am sure there were days over that two year stretch that Paul sat in prison that he questioned what the Lord was doing. There were many silent prayers, many moments of frustration, many moments of crisis, but Paul had learned the secret of being content in every situation whether well fed or hungry, living in plenty or in want. He could do all things through Christ who strengthens him. Jesus Christ was with him. Jesus Christ had given him mercy and he didn’t deserve it so he was willing to stand with Jesus Christ no matter what. 

Beloved, we must stand with Jesus Christ no matter what. Or maybe it’s better to say we get to stand with Jesus Christ no matter what because he is always with us. Over the past few weeks, the theme of the presence of God has come up over and over again. God is with us. Everyone is going to go through intense struggles and difficult circumstances, but the joy of our faith is that we are never, ever alone. God is with us. And because God is with us, we have no need to fear. God will sustain us. God will protect us. And God will carry us through this life to eternal presence when we will see him face to face. 

Beloved, when you face the trials of life, what do you do? We trust in God’s promises hold onto the Lord Jesus Christ,

[Christ] the sure and steady Anchor

In the fury of the storm

When the winds of doubt blow through me

And my sails have all been torn

In the suffering, in the sorrow

When my sinking hopes are few

I will hold fast to the Anchor

It shall never be removed

Christ the sure and steady Anchor

While the tempest rages on

When temptation claims the battle

And it seems the night has won

Deeper still then goes the Anchor

Though I justly stand accused

I will hold fast to the Anchor

It shall never be removed

No, It shall never be removed

Christ the sure and steady Anchor

Through the floods of unbelief

Hopeless somehow, O my soul, now

Lift your eyes to Calvary

This my ballast of assurance

See His love forever proved

I will hold fast to the Anchor

It shall never be removed

Christ the sure and steady Anchor

As we face the wave of death

When these trials give way to glory

As we draw our final breath

We will cross that great horizon

Clouds behind and life secure

And the calm will be the better

For the storms that we endure

Christ the sure of our salvation

Ever faithful, ever true

We will hold fast to the Anchor

It shall never be removed