4. What title is given to Felix by the lawyer (:3)?

Small Group Questions a. This title is only used of three people in Scripture. “The Church Afire: When It’s Convenient Who else is given this title? See :26; Acts 24:1–25:12 26:25; and Luke 1:3.

Previous Message Summary: Paul was arrested by b. What might we conclude about from Commander Lysias, brought to trial before the Sanhedrin, this observation? visited by the Lord in jail, escaped an ambush, and then brought by 470 soldiers to Governor Felix in Caesarea. 5. Tertullus flatters Felix by stretching the truth in order to accomplish his goal (Acts 24:2-4). We learned that will not necessarily spare us from the trials of life, but will see us through them. We also a. From what you have learned about Felix, is this learned that in tough times and with God’s help we can flattery deserved? take heart and stand strong. 6. Paul is accused of being the ringleader of what sect 1. What is the most effective incentive someone could (Acts 24:5)? This is the only time in Scripture that use to persuade you to do a favor for them? “ringleader” is applied to (although it is applied to Christ). 2. In our passage, we now see Paul in Caesarea as a prisoner of Governor Felix. Can you share an a. Why would this term be attached to Christians? experience when you endured tough times? How did you make it through? b. Was it derogatory or complimentary? (See John 1:46) 3. God had told Paul that he would take the gospel to (Acts 23:11), and yet Paul remained in jail for 7. What was the driving force for Paul’s ministry and the over two years. reason he was being persecuted by the Jews? (See Acts 24:15.) a. As Paul waited day after day in a very uncomfortable prison, do you think he asked the 8. In , after Paul had been beaten by the crowd Lord what was taking so long, or if he had been in , he gave his testimony to the Jews. In forgotten? Acts 24:10-21, instead of giving his testimony, what does Paul do differently? b. When in your life have you had to wait for God to answer your prayers? a. Why didn’t he take the opportunity to give his testimony? c. Waiting can be very hard to do. What can waiting on God’s help accomplish in us? 9. Felix was governor of and Samaria, and was a Roman. What ethnic group was his wife from (. When Festus became governor after Felix’s departure, 24:24)? what secret plan did the Chief Priests and Jewish leaders have that involved transferring Paul to 10. Paul was asked to speak to Felix many times during Jerusalem (:1-5)? his imprisonment. In Acts 24:24-25, Felix was listening to Paul but became afraid and sent him 16. After hearing Paul’s defense, Governor Festus wanted away, choosing to put off or ignore the truth about to do the Jews a favor by sending Paul to Jerusalem to God’s word and its life-changing power. stand trial. What did Paul do that prevented him from making this trip (Acts 25:10-12)? a. Why was Felix afraid? 17. In this passage we see Paul enduring through his b. How do worldly pressures affect spiritual imprisonment. What can we learn from this and apply decisions? Give examples. to our life?

11. Felix knew the right thing to do and did not do it. He postponed making a decision for Christ. Next Steps:

a. What is the danger of postponing a decision for G I realize that God’s timing is often much different from Christ? my own—I want to join with God in his timing.

b. Do we have an unlimited number of opportunities G I want to make it a priority to please God rather than to come to Christ? men. I will strive to do the right thing no matter what.

12. Felix knew that Paul was innocent, but left him in G I understand that submitting to God is a matter of prison anyway. Why? (See 24:26-27.) obedience rather than convenience.

13. How do you explain the fierce determination of the G One area in which I need to submit to God is Jews to kill Paul? (See 25:3; Romans 10:2.) ______.

14. History tells us that Felix was recalled to Rome and removed from power for his disturbances and irregularities in his rule.

a. How do you think Felix’s reign would have changed if he listened to Paul and became a Christian?

b. Would his conversion have put him in danger?