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3.8 KiB
Acts 24
24:1-9
What was an orator?
[24:1]
An orator was a person who made money speaking in front of many other people. The Jews hired Tertullus to speak against Paul in the Roman court. Scholars do not know if Tertullus was Jewish or not.
See: High Priest; Ancient Trials (Lawsuit)
What was the Nazarene sect?
[24:5]
The Nazarene sect was a group of followers of the Man of Nazareth. The Man of Nazareth is Jesus. However, the orator wanted to make Felix think these people will cause fighting. The orator wanted Felix to judge Paul.
See: JJudge (Judgment)
What did Luke write in verse 6-7?
[24:6, 24:7]
Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament say that the Jews wanted to judge Paul by their law but Lysias took Paul away from them. Other ancient copies of the Greek New Testament do not have these words. Scholars do not know whether Luke wrote these words.
See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible
How did the Jews join the accusation against Paul?
[24:9]
The Jews joined the accusation against Paul by saying again and again these lies were really true.
24:10-21
How did Paul talk to the governor?
[24:10, 24:11]
Paul talked to the governor with confidence because the governor had judged the Jews for years. Paul was glad because Paul did not act against Jewish laws. Paul believed the governor would make the right judgment.
Why did Paul say it was not more than twelve days since he went to Jerusalem to worship?
[24:11]
Scholars think it would have been very easy for the governor to find out whether Paul was guilty of doing evil things. This is because it had only been a period of twelve days.
See: Worship
Why was Christianity called the Way?
[24:14]
“The way” was a name for Chrisitans (see: Acts 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22).
See: John 14:6
24:22-27
Why did Felix say he will decide Paul’s case when Lysias came?
[24:22]
Felix said he will decide Paul’s case when Lysias came because Felix did not want to make a decision. Some scholars think Felix knew about the Christians and did not want to make things difficult for Christians.
Why did Felix give Paul some freedom?
[24:23]
Felix gave Paul some freedom because he knew Paul did not do the crimes of which he was accused. Also, Paul was a Roman citizen.
See: Citizen
Why did Luke write Drusilla was Jewish?
[24:24]
Luke wrote Drusilla was Jewish because the wife of the governor influenced the governor's thinking. Some scholars think her faith made Felix listen to Paul. Other scholars think Felix wanted Paul to give him personal advice in the same way some other Roman leaders paid people to give them personal advice.
See: Faith (Believe in)
Why did Felix become frightened?
[24:25]
Felix became frightened because he and his wife, Drusilla, did many evil things. Paul’s speech about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment reminded Felix of the evil things he did. However, Felix did not repent.
See: Righteous (Righteousness); Judge (Judgment); Day of Judgment; Repent (Repentance)
Why did Felix want Paul to give him money?
[24:26]
Felix wanted Paul to give him money because Felix wanted to be rich from bribes. Some scholars think Paul received an inheritance. Other scholars think Felix wanted Paul’s friends to give Felix money.