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"LET'S GROW UP, NOT JUST OLD" "TURMOIL IN THE FIFTIES" "CAESAREA MARITIMA" (Acts 24:1-27) (Acts 24:1-27) (Acts 24:1-27) (Paul Barnett) (Chuck Swindoll) (Paul Barnett) The formal recognition in of Paul's "apostolate" to Gentiles in c. 47 occurred at a time when Jews in were profoundly unsettled. The death of a popular Jewish King, Agrippa I, in 44 was followed Maturity is one of those qualities we all desire. It's not simply a matter of growing old in the Herod's1 vision extended beyond the boundaries of his realm. A major problem for Herod by the return of the Roman legions. Matters were to deteriorate further. In 49 Claudius expelled the Jews Lord but growing up in Him. We have a wonderful example in the life of the apostle Paul, was the lack of any safe harbour on his coastland. Ships from Egypt or were forced to anchor from . In Judea under Procurator Cumanus (49-52), Jewish religious scruples were repeatedly violated. especially as we see him under the stress of one trial after another in our study of the book of in the open sea, leaving them vulnerable to onshore winds. Many ships were dashed to pieces on A soldier blasphemously exposed his genitals in the temple precincts during Passover. Another publicly tore Acts. As the Lord continues His transformation process, applying divine discipline as needed, I an inhospitable shoreline. up a scroll of the Torah. Galilean pilgrims to Jerusalem for the Passover were killed by Samaritans, with no feel reassured by three truths. Herod conceived the idea of an artificial harbour at an ancient though run-down settlement Roman reprisals. called Strato's tower. This he renamed as Caesarea in honor of his Patron Caesar Augustus. It is First, the disciplines God applies assure us of His love (see Heb. 12:5-11). An athlete knows In the time of Felix (52-60) affairs in Judea were to worsen even more. Felix began in the twilight of referred to as Caesarea Meritima to distinguish it from other cities named after the emperor. In that when a coach stops riding his or her case, it's not a good sign. That means the coach Claudius's principate and continued throughout the early years of the young and inexperienced . A c. 23 B.C. Herod's builders began to rebuild the city with magnificent public buildings constructed former slave, Felix had actually married the Jewish princess, Drusilla, something deeply offensive to Jews. considers other players more promising and, therefore, a better investment of time. We have of white marble. Water was brought for the large population of the new city by aqueducts, whose There are hints that Felix harbored aspirations to royalty. Tacitus comments that "Felix played the tyrant with God's assurance that He will never give up on us; He will always invest Himself in our continued remains are still intact today. Most significant of all, however, was Herod's great harbor, which the spirit of a slave." growth and maturity. Regrettably, not many opportunities for growth are easy, brief, or pleasant. exceeded the Piraeus, the port of . Felix's procuratorship was marked by a harsh campaign against the banditry that had flourished in Nevertheless, they offer tangible evidence that the Holy Spirit remains committed and involved. Herod's motives in the building of Caesarea were twofold. A great port for his kingdom was consequence of the protracted famine that began in the forties. Josephus states that "of the brigands whom fundamental to the expansion of trade into, as well as out of, Israel. But Caesarea was also [Felix] crucified, and of the common people who were convicted of complicity with them and punished by Second, the reproofs they bring carry God's message. At the conclusion of a crucible Herod's bridge to the world's stage on which, it appears, he desired to be a significant player. him, the number was incalculable." Even allowing for some overstatement we are left with a grim picture. experience, something amazing happens. A part of our spirit has been transformed. A place deep Herod was no passive client king, content in the obscurity of remote Israel. Caesarea was Herod's Tacitus notes that Felix "plunged into all manner of cruelty and lust." The problems of Felix's incumbency within us that once responded to temptation now resonates in perfect tune with a truth from statement to the world outside, perhaps his most important symbol. Caesarea provided a were compounded by the character of the notoriously corrupt high priest Ananias, who held office from 48 to Scripture. A biblical truth we once accepted intellectually, but never completely assimilated, now magnificent entry to his kingdom, as well as a majestic stepping stone to the western world. Again c. 55 and who seized sacrifices from the temple for his own use. enlightens every aspect of our lives. We see the world more clearly. We experience relationships Josephus is our witness. Josephus mentions three "movements" that arose in Felix's time and that which he appears to connect more fully. We make decisions more wisely. We work, love, serve, create, learn, and discern more Notwithstanding the totally recalcitrant nature of the site, [Herod] grappled with the with the governor's extreme policies. First, he describes the rise of the sicarii faction, whose modus operandi effectively. With each reproof, we incrementally think and behave more like Christ. was to murder eminent Jews known to be sympathetic to their Roman masters. difficulties so successfully, that the solidity of the masonry defied the sea, while its beauty Second, Josephus writes of a number of "prophets" at that time. "Under the pretense of divine Third, the results of both disciplines and reproofs make us invaluable for His use. The Lord was such as if no obstacle had existed. Having determined upon the comparative size of inspiration fostering revolutionary changes, they persuaded the multitude to act like madmen, and led them doesn't lift believers out of the world when they first begin to trust Him. He has us here for a the harbour as we have stated, he had blocks of stone let down into twenty fathoms of out into the desert under the belief that there God would give them signs of liberation." reason. When prayed on our behalf, He said, "As You sent Me into the world, I also have water, most of them measuring fifty feet in length, some even larger. Upon the submarine foundation thus laid he constructed above the surface a mole two hundred feet broad; of Josephus does not say what those promised "signs" were. Given that the locale was the "desert"—so sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be evocative in the salvation history of Israel—it is likely that the "signs" included those performed by Moses and sanctified in truth" (John 17:18-19). Just before He which one hundred were built out to break the surge, whence this portion was called the breakwater, while the remainder supported a stone wall encircling the harbour. From this Joshua at the time of the exodus-conquest. The "liberation" would have been a reenacted conquest—in the departed physically, He said to His followers, "You will manner of Joshua—over the enemies of the moment, the Roman occupying force. Practical wall arose, at intervals, massive towers, the loftiest receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and most magnificent of which was called Drusion Third, Josephus refers to some kind of an alliance between these apocalyptic prophets and various and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all after the step-son of Caesar. brigands in actions of a political, but religiously inspired, Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the Backgroundnature. In a frenzied manner these organized themselves in Background Numerous inlets in the wall provided landing earth" (:8). He encourages us and equips us through companies threatening to kill any who submitted to Roman places for mariners putting in to harbour, while the disciplines from the outside and by His Spirit on the inside rule. They moved through the countryside murdering those whole circular terrace fronting these channels served who supported Rome, putting fire to many houses. so that we might fulfill our purposes more effectively. as a broad promenade for disembarking passengers.

Such was the world of Judea in the later forties and into God has a plan for you. He made you with a specific In A.D. 6 Herod's patron Augustus took the the fifties when James continued his leadership of the purpose in mind, not because He needs you—He can momentous step of annexing Judea as a Roman church in Jerusalem. It was also the period in which Paul achieve all things on His own—but to let you join Him in province. Archelaus, Herod's son, had proved to be moved even more emphatically westward toward the accomplishing something wonderful and then share the joy an inadequate ruler; disgruntled Jewish aristocrats Gentile heartland, Rome, the great enemy of the covenant people. In this period of religious nationalism and of victory with Him. His disciplines help prepare you to fulfill apocalyptic fervor, anti-Pauline feeling ran high. your unique role in His plan to redeem the world from evil. 1 This is Herod the Great who lived from 73 BC until 4 AD. He was King of Judea when Christ was born but died soon after the birth of Jesus. Questions for WITNESSES Does anyone care about what you are doing for the cause of Christ? Does your witness have integrity? How much are Areyou willing 24 to suffer for Christ? PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME c. AD 59–60 (Ac 27:1—28:16)

A Rome dr Black Sea ia Three Taverns ti c THRACE S TU Forum of Appius ea D PON S AN IA M AC E D O N Puteoli N I A Y H A A T I I I B A C T e O g e Adramyttium A D a

L A A n Rhegium I P S A A e P SICILY H a G A Syracuse C A C I A PELOPONNESE AMPH C P YL I Cnidus LYCIA I I L A C Myra Seleucia S Y US A R I CYP R C I I N A Mediterranean Sea E Sidon O

H P Caesarea Gulf of Syrtis Antipatris E N LIBYA Jerusalem I ST PALE ARABIA Salmone Phoenix C RETE E GYPT Cauda Lasea Fair R Havens e 0 50 km. d

Wind of hurricane 0 150 km. S 0 50 miles e force–”northeaster” a 0 150 miles PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME c. AD 59–60 (Ac 27:1—28:16)

A Rome dr Black Sea ia Three Taverns ti c THRACE S TU Forum of Appius ea D PON S AN IA M AC E D O N Puteoli N I A Y H A A T I I I B A C T e O g e Adramyttium A D a

L A A n Rhegium I P S ASIA A A e P SICILY H a G A Syracuse C A C I A PELOPONNESE AMPH C P YL I Cnidus LYCIA I I L A C Antioch MALTA Myra Seleucia S CRETE Y US A R I CYP R C I I N A Mediterranean Sea E Sidon O

H P Caesarea Gulf of Syrtis Antipatris E N LIBYA Jerusalem I Alexandria ST PALE ARABIA Salmone Phoenix C RETE E GYPT Cauda Lasea Fair R Havens e 0 50 km. d

Wind of hurricane 0 150 km. S 0 50 miles e force–”northeaster” a 0 150 miles

Caesarea Marítima Caesarea Marítima Caesarea Marítima Felix’s procuratorship was marked by a harsh campaign against the bandits that had flourished in consequence of the protracted famine that began in the 40s. Josephus states that “of the brigands Felix crucified, and of the common people who were convicted of complacency with them and punished by him, the number was incalculable.” Allowing for some overestimate we are left with a grim picture. Paul Barnett In five days the accusers arrived. It was an august group headed by the high priest—a most unusual thing—and it included elders and a hired lawyer, .

Charles Ryrie Then he presented the charges against Paul. It was twofold. The political aspect of it was sedition against Rome as a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and the religious aspect of it was profaning the temple.

Charles Ryrie TERTULLUS: THE ACCUSATION

The gospel will turn your life upside down.

Acts 24:1-9 TERTULLUS: THE ACCUSATION Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly. Acts 24:1-9 The seriousness with which the Jewish leaders took the case is apparent in that the high priest himself made the 65 mile journey to Caesarea along with the elders and the lawyer Tertullus. Ajith Fernando Attorney, Rhetorician, Lobbyist (ῥήτωρ) The description of the “lawyer” here is that of a rhetorician or legal advocate. His skills were more persuasive than legal. It might be helpful to see him as a lobbyist or perhaps a “handler.” Tertullus began with an endeavor to capture the judges good will. Traditionally, it was complementary to the point of hypocrisy and often included a promise of brevity, but on this occasion it descended into almost nauseating flattery.

John Stott The call to hear the charges may be a recognition that really hard evidence is lacking, so that Tertullus asks Felix to listen with care.

Darrell Bock TERTULLUS: THE ACCUSATION “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.” The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. Acts 24:1-9 pest, plague, troublemaker (λοιμός) This is the word for a plague. Paul is being called a pest or better a pestilence. Perhaps in contemporary terms we would say he is a cancer, infecting the people and spreading his disease without being stopped. He is dangerous and must be cut out. TERTULLUS: THE ACCUSATION •Cancer •Political Agitator •Cult Leader •Defiled the Temple Acts 24:1-9 This can be reduced to the statement that Paul disturbs the peace as a seditious member of a dangerous sect. The evidence is his act in the temple. He should be stopped. Such charges are serious.

Darrell Bock PAUL: THE DEFENSE

The gospel demands a life of integrity.

Acts 24:10-21 PAUL: THE DEFENSE And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Luke 21:13-15 PAUL: THE DEFENSE •There was no disturbance. •“The Way” is Jewish. •No defiling the temple took place. •No evidence for the charges exist. Acts 24:10-21 PAUL: THE DEFENSE When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. Acts 24:10-21 PAUL: THE DEFENSE However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:10-21 Paul’s confessions consisted of four affirmations: 1) I worship the God of our fathers. 2) I believe the law and the prophets. 3) I have a hope of resurrection. 4) I have a clear conscience.

John Stott PAUL: THE DEFENSE “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin—unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’” Acts 24:10-21 FELIX: THE RESPONSE The gospel is not for sale; it is only available through faith in Christ. Acts 24:22-27 FELIX: THE RESPONSE Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. Acts 24:22-27 FELIX: THE RESPONSE Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self- control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. Acts 24:22-27 Born in AD 38, Drusilla is not yet 20 years old, the youngest daughter of I and sister to Agrippa II. This is her second marriage. She left her first husband, whom she had married in a customary arranged marriage at 14. She is Felix's third wife. Josephus notes that she was beautiful and was persuaded by Felix to leave her first husband. Darrell Bock Righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment are three subjects Felix and Drusilla certainly needed to hear about.

F.F. Bruce In general, Paul focused on faith in Christ Jesus (24). Since Drusilla was a Jewess, he must have rehearsed the facts of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and deployed his customary arguments that this Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ of scripture. John Stott very afraid, frightened, terrified (ἔμφοβος) This word is more intense than the usual word for fear. It has a sense of being thrown into fear. He was more than simply afraid or nervous. He was terrified by all the talk of righteous living and coming judgment. The term [bribe] appeared earlier in Acts when Simon tried to offer money to Peter to gain the right to distribute the spirit (8:18).

Darrell Bock FELIX: THE RESPONSE When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by , but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. Acts 24:22-27 LESSONS FOR WITNESSES

A witness who makes a clear presentation of the gospel must back it up with a life of integrity. In fact, to bring people to faith should result in more law-abiding citizens who have a moral compass and do not harm others but seek what is best for them. In today's world, where the moral compass has lost its magnetism, such a life stands in contrast to that of many. This contrast, if lived out in an effective, engaging manner, can be attractive when people sense the chaos of the alternative lifestyle. Darrell Bock