The case is presented by Tertullus a trumped-up lawyer for the Jewish leaders is remarkably brief, flattering of the governor, and trite in content. There is obviously no case.
Paul’s defense simply takes on the accusations by referring to his most recent actions, which were not the least contentious. The falseness of the accusations becomes obvious.
Again, Paul adds some more “divide and conquer” here. Felix wants to handle this as a quick case, but there seems to be a personal issue when Paul brings up Jesus. He is married to a Jewess and the words of Paul about judgment and lack of self-control speak powerfully enough to him that he dismisses Paul. But in the end, Felix is corrupt. He will free Paul from the whole mess for a price. The problem is that Paul has already been bought.
Notice, again, how the Christian movement is characterized. “The Way” is seen by the Jewish leaders as a corrupt sect of their faith. But for Paul, Christ is the way to salvation and he shares that designation with pride. Felix ends up being a transitional figure and passes the baton of trying Paul to Festus. He keeps Paul in prison, to appease the Jews and maybe one certain Jew in his own house.
The pace of Acts is moving quickly. The plan of God can seem so slow at times and then when it moves, look out. Thanks for your patience, while I have been catching up to our scripture readings.
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