Acts 24: 1–9 | Paul’s Trial Before Felix

“It is kind to be honest with people. It is kind to be forthcoming with people.” — Pastor Chris

In this Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastor Chris and Pastor Brandon to continue their journey through the Book of Acts. The conversation begins in Acts 24, where Paul faces trial before the Roman governor Felix. The Jewish leaders arrive with accusations, flattery, and falsehood, revealing both the tension and the political weight of the moment.

The group explains how Ananias, the high priest, and Tertullus, a lawyer, represent not only the religious elite but also the uneasy alliance between Jewish leadership and Roman rule. This tension sets the stage for Paul’s defense, highlighting the hypocrisy and fear that often appear when truth challenges status and comfort.

The discussion turns to the speech of Tertullus, who begins with excessive praise of Felix. Pastor Stacey notes that his words were insincere- a strategy meant to manipulate the governor’s favor. Pastor Brandon and Pastor Chris point out how Scripture warns against this kind of flattery, describing it as empty and deceptive.

Flattery, they explain, is often rooted in a desire to please people rather than God. It’s an attempt to gain approval through dishonesty. Pastor Chris reminds listeners that kindness without truth isn’t real kindness at all. True love is honest, even when it’s uncomfortable.
The pastors share that flattery can exist in small moments- compliments given out of fear or manipulation- but it can also grow into a habit that leads believers away from integrity. Instead, followers of Jesus are called to speak truth in love, to honor others sincerely, and to build trust through genuine words and actions.

As the conversation continues, the pastors connect the ancient courtroom scene to everyday experiences. Pastor Brandon reflects on how fear of losing status or approval often shapes behavior, both in leadership and personal relationships. He points to examples in Proverbs and Ephesians where believers are urged to speak truth in love rather than live with divided motives.

Pastor Stacey relates this to her own tendency toward people-pleasing, wanting to be liked rather than risk conflict. The group discusses how God’s Word calls His people to be authentic, learning when to stay quiet, when to speak, and how to choose honesty without cruelty.

They also remind listeners that Paul’s example offers courage. Even when falsely accused, Paul stays calm, steady, and rooted in his identity in Christ. His faith and integrity remain unshaken by fear or pressure.

The second half of the study focuses on the difference between healthy and unhealthy fear of authority. Pastor Stacey observes that many of the Jews likely agreed with Paul’s message but were afraid to show it. Fear of losing standing, comfort, or protection under Rome’s rule caused them to stay silent.

Pastor Brandon connects this to modern life, describing how employees, leaders, or even friends can face the same struggle- when moral conviction meets the pressure to stay quiet. Pastor Chris shares a story from his own teenage years, illustrating how fear of disappointing someone can lead to poor decisions.

Together, they define healthy fear as respect for God’s ultimate authority and trust in His justice. Unhealthy fear, by contrast, is when people surrender their convictions to preserve approval or comfort.

The group encourages listeners to evaluate their motivations, to bring fear and uncertainty before God, and to act with courage rooted in His truth rather than in worldly acceptance.

As the episode draws to a close, Pastor Stacey reminds listeners that obedience sometimes costs something - status, comfort, or even relationships. Yet she also echoes the hope that God meets His people in those costly moments. Pastor Chris closes in prayer, asking for courage, kindness, and integrity to lead every decision.

The study ends where it began: in gratitude for God’s Word that exposes truth and reveals how to live faithfully. Through Paul’s example and the pastors’ discussion, listeners are reminded that genuine faith stands firm, even when falsehood seems powerful.
When believers replace flattery with honesty and fear with faith, they begin to reflect the character of Christ: courageous, gentle, and true.