The Cost of Following Christ Acts 24

Introduction - Heb. 13:3; Jn. 3:20; 2 Tim. 3:12

The Setting for Acts 24 - Acts 24:1

Tertullus’ opening remarks - Acts 24:2-4; Psa. 5:9; Prov. 26:28; Prov. 29:5; Prov. 28:23; Eph. 4:15

Tertullus’ accusations -Acts 24:5-8

______charge - Acts 24:5

______charge - Acts 24:5; Jn. 1:46

______charge - Acts 24:6

Paul’s rebuttal - Acts 24:10-21

Paul testified about...

His ______- Acts 24:10-13

His ______faith - Acts 24:14, 15

His clear______- Acts 24:16

His ______- Acts 24:17, 18 - Acts 24:18-21; Matt. 10:19, 20

Felix’s initial response - Acts 24:22, 23

Felix returns with his wife Drusilla - Acts 24:24

Paul preaches to Felix and Drusilla - Acts 24:25

Three Point Outline:

______- Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:21

______- ______

______to come - Heb. 9:27

Felix’s final Response - Acts 24:25, 26; 2 Cor. 6:2

Paul's detention - Acts 24:27

For further study and application:

1. Before beginning your study of Acts 24, confess any known sins (1 Jn. 1:9) and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide you into all truth (Jn. 16:13). Then read Acts 24 slowly and thoughtfully in at least two translations. As you read and reread, record any words or phrases that are meaningful to you and give a simple title to the passage.

2. Read . What can we learn about the context of Acts 24 from Acts 23? What is the setting according to Acts 24:1? Who was Tertullus? Who was Ananias? What significance, if any, is it that they are present at Paul’s trial before Felix?

3. Read Acts 24:1-9. How would you describe Tertullus’ presentation? What does he say about Felix in verses 1-3? In verses 5-8 Tertullus lists three charges against Paul. What are the three? How factual are these charges?

4. Tertullus begins by flattering Felix. What do the following passages reveal about a Christian and flattery: Psa. 5:9; Prov. 26:28; Prov. 29:5; Prov. 28:23; Eph. 4:15?

5. Read Acts 24:10-21. How does Paul address each of the three charges against him? To what does he confess? What does he refute? What appeal does Paul make to Roman law in verse 17? What applications can we derive from Paul’s example?

6. What important principles and promises are presented in Jn. 3:20; Jn. 15:18-21; 2 Tim. 3:12; Matt. 10:16-20; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:20–25; 1 Pet. 4:12-16; and :40, 41 about suffering for Christ?

7. Have you ever been wrongly accused? Do you think that God would be pleased with the way you handled the situation? What can we learn from Paul’s example in Acts 24 about how we are to handle being wrongly accused?

8. In Acts 24:24-25 we find Paul preaching to Felix and his wife Drusilla about “righteousness, self- control, and judgment,” all while explaining what it means to have faith in Christ. Why did Paul use this outline? Explain the significance of each point in the context of our need to place our trust in Christ as our Savior. For example, what would it look like to share your faith with others by using the topic of righteousness? Where would you go in God’s Word to help someone see that we can never be good enough on our own accord?

9. Read 2 Cor. 6:2; Jn. 3:16-18. What is significant about Felix’s response in verse 25 and what does it tell us about how some will react to the message of Jesus? Can you identify in any way with this response? Have you delayed placing your trust in Christ even though in your heart you know the truths of the gospel are real? What’s keeping you from placing your trust in Christ right now?

10. What important lessons about sharing and suffering for Christ are presented in Psa. 40:1-5?

11. Read Acts 24.22-23. Felix foolishly put off making a decision he knew he should. Is there a decision that you are sitting on that you know in your heart God wants you to make?

12. What one thing would you like to see God change in your heart and life because of your study in the Word of God this week?