Acts 24:1-9 records Paul’s trial before Felix. The high priest and his lawyer come to Caesarea to prosecute Paul, with Governor Felix presiding. Tertullus the lawyer tries to flatter Felix by praising his actions as governor. Tertullus then describes Paul as a nuisance who stirs up arguments with the Jews all over the Roman Empire. The Jewish leadership want to judge Paul privately and not waste Rome’s time.

Acts 24:10-21 records Paul’s defense of himself. He explains that he came to Jerusalem to worship, to give charity funds to other Jews, and to make sacrifices in the temple. He did not do any preaching nor did he cause any conflict while in Jerusalem. Paul notes that his accusers can’t prove any wrongdoing, and that the Jewish Ephesians who first attacked him aren’t even there to bear witness against him. Paul admits the only thing the Jewish leadership hold against him is that he believes God will resurrect the dead.

Acts 24:22-27 concludes Paul’s trial in Caesarea. Felix is not ignorant. He knows about the followers of Jesus, and doesn’t seem to find them to be threatening. He delays any judgement against Paul. Felix makes Paul comfortable as a prisoner, allowing friends to visit and help him. The governor then calls Paul to preach to him and his wife, Drusilla. But Paul’s preaching becomes too convicting, and Felix, afraid, dismisses Paul. He keeps Paul as a prisoner for two years, hoping that Paul will pay him a bribe. When Felix loses his position as governor and is called back to Rome, he makes sure to leave Paul as a prisoner in Caesarea, hoping to curry favor with the Jewish leadership.