Are You Pushing Away The Truth? (AM Sermon Notes)
GIST: Pushing away the truth only results in self-destructive living.
SCRIPTURE: Acts 24
This morning we’re going to walk through Acts 24 in our morning and evening services. After all the craziness happened in Jerusalem, last week we saw Paul being led at night, by 270 soldiers, to Caesarea. Here, Governor Felix had agreed to try him when his accusers arrived. Their arrival is where we’ll pick up this morning.
Instead of reading the entire passage in one chunk, I want to break it up. Honestly, I struggled a bit with how to walk through this one. On the surface, it reads like something we’ve seen before: Paul on trial. However, this particular trial, like the ones before and the ones to follow, is recorded on purpose. So, what are we supposed to be seeing here? I think, at least in part, we see the reactions of individuals pushing away the truth, and Paul staying faithful in the midst of that. So, this morning, we’ll look at the pushers, and this evening, we’ll look at Paul.
Here’s our gist for today: Pushing away the truth only results in self-destructive living. Now, I never want to be accused of presenting straw-man arguments here, so I want to quickly address an objection to this claim. We’re looking at two specific examples of how people reacted to hearing the truth about Jesus. Is it fair to apply this to everyone who rejects Christ? While their specific reactions aren’t universal (though it could be argued they are very common), the big picture here is. Their motivations and what results from them parallels the conditions of everyone who hasn’t surrendered to Jesus. That being said, let’s dive in. First, we’re going to see→
I. FLATTERY AND DECEIT
Let’s just move through the first 9 verses and then make a couple of observations.
“1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.” When I read this, I thought it seemed like five days was a long time to wait. If they wanted to accuse Paul so badly, why did it take them five days to get down there? It hadn’t taken Paul five days to be brought here. However, the commentaries I consulted this week put this in a different light. Five days was actually a pretty quick turnaround for preparing a legal case. These Jews were eager to strike while the iron was hot, so they came down prepared. Notice the high priest and some of the Sanhedrin are here, but they also have Tertullus, a spokesman. This word can be translated lawyer or orator. He was a professional public speaker. His name is Roman, but it’s unclear whether or not he was a Roman or a Jew since it was common for individuals to have both a Roman and a Hebrew name if they lived in this area. Nonetheless, he was clearly chosen because of his skill set. Even though we only get a little glimpse of it here, as this is no doubt a summary of everything he said, we still get a good taste for his style. Look at the next few verses→
“2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.” Well, you don’t have to understand anything about the context to understand what he’s doing here! This is 100% just blatant flattery. And here’s the deal, there is absolutely no basis for what he’s saying here either. It’s not like Felix was a well-liked, noble leader. He was a harsh leader. Originally, he had been a slave, but his brother got in good with Caesar, so that resulted in him being not only freed but given positions of authority. Though painted in a fairly kind light here, his reputation was not one of compassion at all. In fact, what I studied this week pointed out that the only peace he could be credited with creating was cutting down on criminal activity in the area. However, he’d done so with such violence and ruthlessness, that it only served to stir up more resentment, and ended up resulting in greater bloodshed. Therefore, all Tertullus is doing here is buttering up a typically hostile man, which could explain why he ends by requesting kindness. ☺️
Then, he gets into his actual accusations against Paul. They’re much shorter ☺️. “5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.” Those are his accusations. What is he lacking? Details! Paul is referred to in strong terms. He’s a plague, something destructive and undesirable who stirs up riots throughout the world, though none are actually mentioned, and he’s a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes. This is the only time we see this term used in the New Testament to refer to Christianity. This is a reference to Jesus as being from Nazareth, which was considered a disreputable place. So, he’s definitely trying to discredit Christianity by connecting it with this location. Still, that’s not really an accusation of crime ☺️. Then we have the last one where he does list a specific crime, profaning the temple. BUT, he even admits that this didn’t happen because he says Paul tried to do it. That isn’t true either, but it was the best he could do because in reality, Paul had done nothing. Plus, what they had originally accused him of was bringing a Gentile into the temple, which would have meant the Gentile, not Paul, was doing the “profaning”. Needless to say, it’s not a strong case. Then you add these concluding remarks, and it’s almost humorous.-->
“7 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him." 9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.” Now he’s placed the burden of examination on the judge, and all the Jewish leaders just nod their heads.
So, what are the implications here? Remember, this is all happening because the Jewish leaders are trying to stop the spread of Christianity. They have been privy to amazing displays of God’s power. They have heard eyewitness testimonies from people who have been changed by Jesus and had witnessed His resurrection. However, they are not willing to accept the truth because it comes at a great personal cost to their authority, the lives they love. As a result, here’s how they react. First, →
Seeking Acceptance Rather Than The Truth. What’s the deal with Tertullus’ blatant flattery? He wants approval. He’s not honest. The Jews aren’t staying true to their own convictions that Roman control is going against what they believe. Instead, they say what they know he wants to hear. We briefly addressed this last week as well, but it bears repeating. Don’t we see this in our lives? I mean, I guess I could say, “Don’t we see this in the lives of some Christians”, but that makes it too easy to assume this isn’t a problem for us. How easy is it to just give lip service to popular perspectives and modern sinful trends instead of standing firm on God’s Word? This will be uncomfortable for some of us, but if the Bible tells us homosexuality and sex before marriage, in general, are sins, why do we dance around the issues like their not really that big of a deal? Because the pressures to conform are strong. Now, hear me out. That does not mean we should hate people who are trapped in these lifestyles. Too often, Christians have lived bitter lives in the name of “standing against sin”, which is also a sin! We stand firm in love. There is a significant difference, however, in caring about people and affirming their sins. Be honest and be compassionate. Point them to the truth in love, but never make it seem like the truth is not as important as them liking you.
Secondly, we see this group→
Allowing Lies To Permeate Their Lives. The flattery was a lie. The accusations were lies. Lying is a slippery and compounding slope. It’s Pringles. Once you pop, you just can’t stop! ☺️ We lie for a number of reasons, and I’m saying “we” because I fall victim to this as much as you. You might not want to admit it, but the temptation is there. And honestly, the temptation to lie is always the same. We lie to protect ourselves. We lie because we’re looking out for our best interest. We want people to look at us a certain way, so that is the version of the truth we portray. There is only one truth though. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! We need to hold on to Him!
So, that’s the first reaction we see: flattery and deceit. Next, we’re going to see→
II. PROCRASTINATION AND SELF-SEEKING
That first word might have made several of you want to just get up and leave now. I know it’s a touchy one for me too. Let’s walk through this next section.
“22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case."” We don’t 100% know where he got this more accurate knowledge, but he has been the governor in this area and is married to a Jewish woman, so it makes sense that this isn’t new to him. Also, it is important to note that there is no indication that Lysias ever came down or was even ever summoned, but it sounded good. ☺️
“23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.” So essentially, Paul is put on house arrest. Then→
“24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.” Drusilla was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I, the one who had James killed and arrested Peter, and the granddaughter of Herod the Great, the one who killed babies after talking to the Wisemen. She had originally been married to another man, but Felix wooed her away. (Keep that in mind when we come to the next section here.) So, she had grown up around people who had a lot to do, in a very negative way, with the early spread of Christianity. It seems that she and Felix are curious to hear from this famous proclaimer, so they send for him. As we’ll talk about tonight, Paul seizes the opportunity to tell them about Jesus. However, look at the way he does it→
“25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you."” Ok, there are two big points here. First, Paul does the opposite of flattery here! This is a couple known for their impulsiveness and their immorality. What does Paul go straight to? Righteousness, self-control, and judgment! ☺️ That is very bold! That’s also how we should live our lives. Speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. This man held Paul’s future in his hands. Human nature would have said, try to make him feel good about himself. Butter him up. Get on his good side. Instead, Paul saw that the spiritual need of these two individuals was far more pressing than his physical ones. Man, what if we had that perspective?!
Now, I want us to focus in on Felix’s reaction here as well. The word the ESV translates “alarmed” could be translated as trembled or was terrified. He’s convicted. The truth gets to him. It makes him uncomfortable. He’s shaken. AND… he tells Paul to go away until he calls for him again. Don’t miss this. He hears the truth. He’s impacted by it. THEN, he runs away. Are you running today? Have you heard the transforming message of Jesus’ grace in the face of your self-destructive sin? Have you realized what that would cost you, so you don’t want to give it up...and you’re just continuing to turn from it? Stop running. You’re not guaranteed tomorrow, and nothing in this world is worth losing your soul.
Felix never stops running. Sadly, his heart remains corrupted. Look at the next verses→ “26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.” He’s still seeking himself. AND, this goes on for two years! →
“27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.” Really, this is just incredibly sad. Let me just make two quick observations here. First, we see him→
Putting Off What God Is Showing Today Without Any Promise Of Tomorrow. We put off so many things. At least, I know I’m guilty of that. However, when it comes to your eternal condition, you can’t afford to put it off. If you’ve never come to Jesus as your personal savior, come to Him today. If you have, He has a plan for you. Don’t put off what He’s leading you to do.
Secondly, he was→
More Interested In Selfish Gains And Worldly Pleasure Than Spiritual Need. Faced with the truth he needed so desperately, Felix remained more focused on what he could get from Paul instead of what Jesus had already done for him. We live in an incredibly materialistic society. May we not become so consumed by “stuff” that we miss out on our Savior.
Let’s recap with two quick→
TAKEAWAYS
Pushing away the truth only results in self-destructive living.
1. Pray for personal conviction and come to Jesus.
2. Pray for compassionate patience and point people to Jesus.
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