The Sabbath-School

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 15, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 19.

The Sabbath-School.

LESSON FOR THE PACIFIC COAST.—MAY 24.

ACTS, CHAPTERS 23:25—24:27.

Paul before Felix.

FIVE days after Paul had been sent from Jerusalem to Cesarea, the high priest and elders, with an orator named Tertullus, came also to accuse him before Felix. This orator (or attorney) opened his case with fulsome praise of the profligate governor, and then presented the charges against Paul. This address, or a synopsis of it, is recorded in Acts 24: 2-8. The Jews generally entertained a feeling of disgust toward Felix on account of his unlawful alliance with Drusilla, who was a Jewess, and whom he had induced to leave her husband. The following pointed comment touching the occasion of the apostle's arraignment is from "Sketches from the Life of Paul," by Mrs. E. G. White:—

"The Jews present at Paul's examination shared in the general feeling toward Felix; yet so great was their desire to gain his favor in order to secure the condemnation of Paul, that they assented to the flattering words of Tertullus. These men in holy office, robed in the sacerdotal garments, were very exact in the observance of customs and ceremonies; very scrupulous to avoid outward pollution, while the soul-temple was defiled with all manner of iniquity. The outward contact with anything deemed unclean was a great offense in their eyes, while the murder of Paul was considered a justifiable act. What an illustration of the blindness that can come upon the human mind! Here were the representatives of those who claimed to be God's covenant people. Like the barren fig-tree, they were clothed with pretentious leaves, but destitute of the fruits of holiness; 'having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.' Filled with malice toward a pure and good man, seeking by every means to take his life, and extolling a vindictive profligate!

"There are many to-day who estimate character in the same manner. Prompted by the adversary of all righteousness, they call evil good, and truth falsehood. It is as the prophet has described,—'Truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.' It is because such is the condition and spirit of the world that God calls upon his people to come out and be separate. Those who mingle with the world will come to view matters from the worldling's stand-point, instead of seeing as God sees. 'What communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?' God's people will see as he sees. The pure and good will be honored and loved by those who are good."

PAUL's reply to the charges of his accusers was masterly and conclusive; and so convincing that the governor, although desirous of pleasing the Jews, did not convict him. Felix evidently understood that it was a case of malice supported by falsehood; but, through mercenary motives, he held on to the prisoner, giving as a pretext, "When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter."

After the prisoner's assertion (chap. 24:13) that they could not prove the things whereof he was accused, he made confession, verse 14, that after the way his accusers called heresy he worshiped the God of his fathers. On this Dr. Barnes comments as follows:—

"This translation does not express to us the force of the original. We have attached to the word heresy an idea which is not conveyed by the Greek word, since we now commonly understand by it error of doctrine. In Paul's answer here, there is an explicit reference to their charge which does not appear in our version. The charge of Tertullus was, that he was the ring-leader of the sect (tees haireseos) of the Nazarenes; verse 5. To this Paul replies, 'After the way which they call sect (hairesin, not error of doctrine, but after a way which they affirm is producing division or schism), so worship I the God of my fathers.' Paul was not ashamed to be called a follower of that sect or party among the Jewish people. Nor should we be ashamed to worship God in a mode that is called heresy or schism, if we do it in obedience to conscience and to God."