As a citizen of Rome, Paul was entitled to proper legal procedures, but the Jews were determined to kill him. So with a security force of two hundred men, he is escorted from Jerusalem to a more secure location in Caesarea, where Felix resided as governor of the Roman province of Judea (23:23-35). Five days later, in Acts 24, the high priest and some Jewish elders also come to Caesarea, along with a good prosecuting attorney, to present their case against the accused. After flattering the judge, Tertullus charges Paul with being a political menace and religious heretic. He blames the apostle for starting a riot in Jerusalem and warns Governor Felix that Paul is a legitimate threat to the peace and stability of the Roman empire (v 1-9). It was Paul’s right to defend himself, so Felix gives him a chance to do so. Paul also begins by showing respect to the judge, expressing his confidence that the experienced governor will be more than able to see through these bogus charges. Rather than evading the questions put to him, Paul responds directly, telling the truth about what happened, while testifying clearly on behalf of Christ. His original accusers weren’t even present, so this trial was suspect to begin with. But from Paul’s perspective, the real issue was not what he may have said or done in Jerusalem: it was the gospel itself that was on trial. So again he explains how the resurrection of Jesus verified all His claims and fulfilled every Jewish hope as foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures (v 10-21). It’s hard to know what Governor Felix made of Paul’s assertion that Jesus was raised from the dead. The trial comes to a temporary closure as Felix says he’ll wait until “Lysias the tribune” comes down from Jerusalem. For now, Felix suspends judgment, holding Paul in custody, while granting him a measure of freedom. The apostle’s words had obviously made an impression on him, for it was during this period of confinement that Felix and his wife meet with Paul to hear more from him in a private setting. Several of these sessions occur, though the governor’s motives were not entirely pure, for he hoped to receive a bribe. But Paul offered him no payment, nor did he turn these conversations into a criticism of his opponents. Instead, “he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment.” The procrastination of Felix is a sad response to the call of Christ, and often repeated by others. But Paul’s example is a helpful reminder that we should seek to use every situation for gospel purposes. Rather than wallowing in self-pity, he viewed his jail cell as an opportunity to witness on behalf of his Savior (v 22-27). For further meditation: