Sermon Notes
I. Paul on trial before __________ (v. 1-23)
A. The __________ come (v. 1)
B. The Jews’ __________ (v. 2-9)
C. Paul’s __________ (v. 10-21)
D. Felix is in a __________ (v. 22-23)
II. Felix on __________ before God (v. 24-27)
A. Paul __________ the gospel with Felix and Drusilla (v. 24)
B. Paul __________ Felix and Drusilla (v. 25a)
C. __________ overtakes Felix (v. 25b-27)
Two challenges
- __________ God’s Word
- __________ God’s Word
Going Deeper
- How did Tertullus go too far in his flattery in v. 2-4? What did he accuse Paul of doing in v. 5-6? Was Paul guilty of these charges? Why or why not?
- Paul is falsely accused. Has this ever happened to you? Read Psalm 3:6-8. What is the hope of the Psalmist? How does this apply to us when we are falsely accused?
- In v. 14 Paul says he is of “the Way” (see Lk. 14:25-33; Jn. 14:6) and he worships the same God (Yahweh) as the Israelites (see Acts 3:13; 5:30; 7:32; Ex. 3:6). What is Paul basically saying?
- The resurrection is promised in the OT. Read Is. 26:19; Dan. 12:2. William Larkin Jr. says: “Paul’s confession gives an encouragement that Christianity is, in the end, not a betrayal but the fulfillment of the Old Testament faith.”
- Paul is not condemned, but now Felix is on trial as Paul speaks with him and Drusilla in v. 24-27. Brian Vickers says, “Paul does not sugarcoat the gospel for Felix, who is ‘alarmed’ by the message - Paul’s
message gets his attention and disturbs him, leaving him unsettled, and so he sends Paul away.” - R. Kent Hughes says: “Two tragedies are possible for every human soul. The first is the tragedy of never trembling—of never coming to face one’s sin before a holy God. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted’ (Matthew 5:4). The second is the tragedy of disregarding such Spirit-produced trembling. The one whom God has brought to fear for his soul must not turn away.” Have you trembled
before God? Have you responded to God through faith in Jesus? - What is Felix looking for from Paul in v. 26? Paul will not give him a bribe! John Stott says: “Certainly, the release of Felix from sin meant more to Paul than his own release from prison. But unfortunately, there is no evidence that Felix ever surrendered to Christ and was redeemed.”
- How will you receive God’s word this week? How will you share God’s Word this week? Be specific.