March’s memory verse:

"The following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.'” — Acts 23:11

Acts Chapter 24:

The drama that Luke narrates continues as Ananias, the high priest, and a spokesman (lawyer) claim that Paul is a plague to the Jews around the world and that he profaned the temple. Addressing the governor cheerfully, Paul presents his rebuttal to this statement with the truth. He confesses that according to the Way, he worships God, believes in the law and the prophets, and knows that there will be a resurrection of the just and unjust. He clarifies the real reason, with respect to the resurrection of the dead, that he is on trial.

Felix delays the final judgment of Paul's case and places him in custody with limited freedoms. We see here that Paul doesn't waste time in prison, and that his delayed justice is God's sovereignty. If Felix knew Paul was innocent, why did he really keep Paul in prison? You will have to read to the very end for this one! The conundrum of rulers who keep one eye on public opinion and one eye on justice is at play.

Here are a few application questions from this chapter to ponder this week:

What three points does Paul use to defend himself against the false accusations of the Jewish leaders in Felix’s court? How are these accusations similar to those made against Jesus before Pilate in Luke 23:2, 3, 14?
What happened with Felix when Paul spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment? Why do you think he reacted this way? How did his reaction prevent him from receiving the good news of the Gospel?
Why do you think many people turn away from the Gospel once it gets personal with regard to sin, self-control, and God’s judgment?

If you need a quick synopsis of the events in the previous chapter, keep scrolling.

Summary of Chapter 23:

Paul stands before the council and declares, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
He lays out his defense and the Council is appalled at his rebuke to them.
Paul declares the real reason he is on trial. "It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial." Chaos Erupts.
Roman guards remove Paul from the chaos and place him in the barracks where Jesus meets and encourages him.
Some Jews make a rash oath to not eat or drink till they kill Paul and devise a plot for his murder.
Paul's nephew hears of the plot and reveals it to the tribune.
Paul is sent to Felix, the Governor, where he waited in Herod's praetorium until his accusers arrive for further trial.

This Year’s Memory Verse

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. “

Acts 1:8