Acts 24: 10-21 | Paul’s Defense Before Felix

“We need to seek God and continue to walk humbly with Him to allow Him to navigate for us.” - Pastor Brandon

Paul highlights the truth without defensiveness. He simply explains where he was, what he did, and how no evidence exists to support the charges. Pastor Stacey points out that Paul even mentions the specific number of days he had been in Jerusalem, showing that he welcomes examination. His integrity gives him a quiet confidence, and his faithfulness becomes the foundation of his defense.

From here, the discussion turns toward integrity- what it looks like to remain faithful to God when criticism or misunderstanding comes against us. Pastor Brandon shares that it can feel shocking when someone questions your motives or character, especially when you are doing your best to follow Christ. The emotion of those moments rises quickly, and it becomes tempting to defend yourself harshly or respond out of frustration. Yet Paul shows another way. He stays rooted in truth while keeping his heart steady before God.

Pastor Chris adds that modern life often trains us to expect positive outcomes when we do the right thing. But Scripture shows something different. Following God does not guarantee an easy path. Paul’s story is a reminder that obedience sometimes leads to difficulty, not comfort. Moments of false accusation or misunderstanding are part of a much larger spiritual story, where God shapes His people through endurance and trust.

The pastors share personal examples of witnessing situations of unfair treatment and how difficult it can be to avoid reacting out of anger. These kinds of experiences highlight the tension between wanting justice in the moment and trusting God to bring justice in His timing. Pastor Chris notes that the Psalms give language for these honest emotions. God invites His people to bring their raw feelings to Him rather than take matters into their own hands.

One of the central themes of this episode is learning when to speak and when to allow God to defend us. Paul makes a truthful case, but he never tries to manipulate the situation. He does not attack his accusers or bend the truth to protect himself. He speaks clearly and trusts God with the outcome.

Pastor Stacey shares real-life moments when criticism of church decisions tempted her to respond sharply. Yet again and again, God reminded her that some battles are not ours to fight. The group discusses how Christians can offer grace even in moments of unfair treatment, allowing God to shape the environment rather than trying to control outcomes through forceful responses.

Pastor Brandon points to the call in Micah to walk humbly with God. Humility becomes the posture through which believers can seek God’s guidance: when to speak, when to stay quiet, and how to move with wisdom rather than emotion. Trusting God’s timing often requires patience, especially when we long for immediate resolution.

As the conversation turns back to the passage, the pastors reflect on Paul’s comments about the resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. Pastor Chris explains that Paul is holding onto the core of the Christian hope- Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of a resurrected life to come. Paul is not introducing new doctrine but pointing to what the Jewish Scriptures already taught. His belief in the resurrection aligns with the very traditions his accusers claim to defend.

This hope shapes Paul’s conscience. He tells Felix that he strives to maintain a clear conscience before God and before people. Living with a clear conscience does not mean he avoids conflict or fear. Instead, it means he chooses obedience and truth even when those choices bring difficulty. The pastors connect this idea to everyday Christian life, reminding listeners that a clear conscience is built through small acts of faithfulness, honest conversations, and consistent trust in God.

The episode closes with a reminder that Paul’s greatest goal is always the gospel. Whether standing before crowds, governors, or hostile accusers, Paul sees every moment as an opportunity to point to Jesus. Pastor Chris encourages believers to do the same. In every situation- misunderstanding, conflict, or challenge- the question becomes: Will I represent Jesus well?

Rather than seeking to “win” arguments or prove others wrong, Christians are invited to consider how each response can show the grace and truth of Christ. Paul models a life oriented toward the mission of Jesus, and his defense before Felix becomes another example of faith expressed with honesty, courage, and hope.

This Bible Study invites listeners to consider where they may need to trust God with battles they cannot control, respond with integrity when misunderstood, or keep the gospel at the forefront of difficult conversations. Paul’s story in Acts 24 offers a clear picture of steady faithfulness- a posture that remains rooted in Christ regardless of what others say or assume.