We have now been in Acts for a long time. This book gives us the history of the early church, but it also teaches us how to live faithfully during this time as we bear witness to Jesus and await his return.

Opening: Walk through the structure of Acts as a whole. How are the closing chapters different from the first twenty?

1. Before opening the text, summarize the events that led to Paul's trial before Felix. Why was he arrested, and why was he brought to Caesarea?

2. Read Acts 24:1–9 and 25:1–9.

a. Tertullus was a lawyer; an expert in knowing exactly what to say to get Felix on their side. Why is it significant that they brought him to the trial?

b. How would you summarize the Judean leadership's actions in these verses? In what ways do their actions go against the Old Testament law? (Ex. 20:16; Deut. 16:19; 19:15–21)

c. Why do you think they were willing to disregard the law in order to attack Paul?

d. When have you seen people justify sinful actions, because they believed the end result was good? When have you done this yourself? How do these actions relate to trusting God for his justice?

3. Read Acts 24:10–27.

a. How does Paul act differently than the Jewish leadership?

b. In verse 15 Paul speaks of the resurrection of the righteous and the wicked — a clear reference to the future judgment of Daniel 12:1–4. He raises the same theme again in 24:25. Paul is on trial for his life. Why does he spend his defense preaching to his accusers and judge?

c. Why did Paul not pay the bribe Felix was waiting for? How was he able to refuse compromise and wait on God's justice instead?

d. Two years pass in a single verse (24:27). What do you imagine those two years were like for Paul?

e. In what ways do Paul's actions here highlight a vital aspect of how we bear witness to Jesus during this time?

4. We often think bearing witness is all about action and proclamation — which is what we see in the first twenty chapters of Acts. How does this story show us another aspect of faithful witness?

a. How does this challenge you?

b. What does it look like to be a waiting people? What are you waiting for right now? How does this text encourage you?

c. While Paul was willing to use means to get out of situations, he also would not compromise to be released. What does it look like to refuse compromise while we patiently wait for Jesus to return?

d. What does it look like to trust God with true and final justice? How would this impact your relationships?