Back to the Bible Podcast

Host: Larsen B. Plyler
Episode 133: Acts 24:10-25:12
Date: December 21, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Larsen B. Plyler continues his in-depth, textual Bible study series in the Book of Acts, focusing on Paul’s trials before Felix and Festus (Acts 24:10–25:12). Plyler explores the historical and doctrinal context of Paul's defense, the motivations of his accusers, and the lessons for modern believers, zeroing in on themes of integrity, the gospel’s boldness before political power, and spiritual priorities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: Paul’s Arrest and Trials

• [04:45–07:50] Recaps Paul’s return to Jerusalem (Acts 21), his intentions for bringing a gift to the brethren, misunderstandings by Jewish Christians, and accusations by Jews from Asia Minor that led to his arrest.
  • “They accuse him of blasphemy, of heresy, and of taking this Gentile into the temple, which was forbidden. And so they are about to kill him.” (06:07)
• The Roman commander intervenes, rescuing Paul from the mob and bringing him into custody.

2. Paul Before the Sanhedrin

• [08:00–10:00] Paul’s defense turns the focus onto resurrection, intentionally dividing the Sanhedrin, “because the Pharisees believed in the resurrection and the Sadducees did not.”
  • “This breaks out into a division in the Sanhedrin Council. And there are even some of the Pharisees who say, well, maybe we've judged him too quickly.” (09:25)
• The Lord reassures Paul that he will also testify in Rome.

3. Transfer to Caesarea and Backdrop of Roman Authority

• [10:00–11:30] Due to a plot against Paul uncovered by his nephew, the Romans send him to Caesarea, the provincial Roman capital, for further trial.

4. Paul Before Felix—The Defense

• [13:00–17:50] The Jewish prosecution presents charges to Felix, accusing Paul of inciting riots, being a leader of the Nazarenes, and desecrating the temple.
• Paul’s response:
  • He refutes the time frame of the accusations, notes his peaceful behavior in Jerusalem, and emphasizes his continued faithfulness to the Jewish law and prophets, now fulfilled in Christ.
    • “He says, when I went there, I was not engaging in any argument, in any discussion that would cause a riot... I am part of the way. I am part of this sect, but I am part of it in view of the fact that this is the fulfillment of what the law and the prophets had pointed to.” (15:25)
  • The heart of the dispute: Paul’s hope in the resurrection (cf. v.21).
    • “All I said was, is that I stand here before you because of the resurrection. That's what I'm being judged for.” (17:25)

5. Felix’s Response and Paul’s Message

• [18:00–21:00] Felix, described as having “a more accurate knowledge about the Way,” delays the proceedings, ordering Paul held with relative leniency.
• [22:00–25:30] Paul is summoned privately to speak to Felix and Drusilla about “faith in Christ Jesus.” Plyler underscores that Paul focuses not on self-defense, but on preaching core spiritual principles.
  • “He talks about righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come. Now, if we know anything from ancient world history, Felix was not a good man, Drusilla was not a good woman. They were wicked people, ungodly, immoral, unrighteousness. They lacked self-control and they were not ready for the judgment that was coming.” (23:00)
• Felix becomes frightened and postpones further discussion, hoping for a bribe from Paul.

Memorable Quote: The Power and Priority of the Gospel

“Would we have the courage to sit down from across those men... and rather than using that as an opportunity to push our personal political agenda, would we have the courage to present to them a message of righteousness, temperance and the judgment to come?”
— Larsen B. Plyler, (24:00)

6. Reflections on Courage and Witness

• Plyler challenges listeners to emulate Paul’s example, prioritizing the eternal needs of those in power over personal or political concerns:
  • “I hope that I would have the courage not to make my own case... but rather that I would use that as an opportunity to proclaim righteousness, temperance and the judgment to come.” (25:10)
• Felix repeatedly converses with Paul for two years, never yielding to the gospel. Eventually, Felix is succeeded by Festus, leaving Paul imprisoned to curry favor with the Jews.

7. Paul Before Festus—Renewed Charges

• [27:00–30:00] Festus, the new governor, is approached by Jewish leaders attempting another plot to ambush and kill Paul.
• Paul, aware of the ambush, refuses to go to Jerusalem, instead invoking his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar.
  • “If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.” (29:05)

Memorable Quote: Standing for What’s Right

“If I've done wrong, I'm not afraid to suffer the punishment for my wrongdoing. If I've done something worthy of death, then put me to death. But he says, if these things aren't true, then you don't need to hand me over to them because I haven't done anything against them.”
— Larsen B. Plyler, (29:15)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Paul’s Faithfulness to the Law and Prophets:
  “I am part of the way. I am part of this sect, but I am part of it in view of the fact that this is the fulfillment of what the law and the prophets had pointed to.”
  — Larsen B. Plyler, (15:30)

• The Gospel’s Priority with Political Leaders:
  “Would we have the courage to sit down from across those men... and rather than using that as an opportunity to push our personal political agenda, would we have the courage to present to them a message of righteousness, temperance and the judgment to come?”
  — Larsen B. Plyler, (24:00)

• Paul’s Integrity and Courage:
  “If I've done wrong, I'm not afraid to suffer the punishment for my wrongdoing. If I've done something worthy of death, then put me to death. But he says, if these things aren't true, then you don't need to hand me over to them because I haven't done anything against them.”
  — Larsen B. Plyler, (29:15)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Time | Topic | |------------|-----------------------------------------------| | 04:45 | Summary of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem | | 09:25 | Division in Sanhedrin over resurrection | | 13:00 | Jewish charges before Felix | | 15:30 | Paul’s defense: “The Way” and the Law | | 17:25 | Resurrection as the central issue | | 23:00 | Paul’s private message to Felix and Drusilla | | 24:00 | Challenge: Would we have Paul’s courage? | | 25:10 | Personal application—the Christian witness | | 27:00 | Festus takes over; new charges, new plot | | 29:05 | Paul’s appeal to Caesar | | 29:15 | Paul’s statement on righteousness and justice |

Episode Tone

Plyler maintains a thoughtful, reflective, and earnest tone, blending historical context, textual analysis, and direct spiritual exhortation.

Key Takeaways

• Paul’s defense is not simply legal—it is theological, centered on the fulfillment of the law in Christ and the promise of resurrection.
• When given a rare opportunity to speak truth to power, Paul prioritizes faithfulness, preaching righteousness, self-control, and judgment over personal deliverance.
• True Christian witness involves integrity, humility, and an eternal perspective, even (or especially) in the face of injustice or worldly power.
• The repeated refusals of both Felix and Festus illustrate how worldly concerns can blind people to gospel truth—even after repeated opportunities.

For further study: Next episode will take up Acts 25:13 and following, charting Paul’s defense before Agrippa and his journey toward Rome.