ACTS 24:10–21
PAUL’S DEFENSE BEFORE FELIX AND TESTIMONY TO THE RESURRECTION
Text – Acts 24:10–21
10 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: “Because I know that you have been judge over this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense.
11 As you can verify, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 They did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or throughout the city.
13 Nor can they prove to you the charges they are now bringing against me.
14 But this I do admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything laid down according to the law or written in the prophets.
15 I have the same hope in God as they themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
16 Because of this I always strive to keep my conscience clear before God and before others.
17 After many years, I came to bring alms to my nation and to offer sacrifices.
18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or disturbance.
19 But there were some Jews from Asia who ought to be here before you to make an accusation if they have anything against me.
20 Or let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the Sanhedrin,
21 except for this one statement that I cried out while standing among them, ‘It is about the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”
Historical and Jewish Context
Paul’s defense follows Roman legal norms: clear chronology, factual rebuttal, and challenge for evidence. His emphasis on worship in the Temple shows respect for Jewish tradition. The absence of witnesses from Asia weakens the prosecution’s case. Belief in the resurrection was widely held among Pharisees and rooted in Scripture, making Paul’s claim consistent with Jewish hope rather than rebellion. Offering alms reflects Jewish and early Christian charity practices.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Paul presents Christianity not as a rejection of Israel’s faith but as its fulfillment. Central to his defense is the resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian belief. A clear conscience before God and humanity is presented as the fruit of true faith. Paul demonstrates that Christian witness integrates faith, reason, and moral integrity. The Church learns to defend the Gospel not through hostility but through truth and transparency.
Parallels in Scripture
Daniel 12:2 – Resurrection hope
Acts 23:6 – Resurrection at the center of trial
1 Peter 3:15–16 – Defense with gentleness
John 5:28–29 – Resurrection of all
2 Corinthians 1:12 – Clear conscience
Key Terms
Defense – Truthful testimony
The Way – Early name for Christianity
God of our ancestors – Continuity with Israel
Resurrection – Core Christian hope
Clear conscience – Moral integrity
Alms – Charity and unity
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 24:10–21 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, emphasizing resurrection faith and integrity of life as essential to Christian witness.
Conclusion
Acts 24:10–21 reveals that Paul’s true “crime” is hope in the resurrection. His calm and reasoned defense shows that Christian faith is rooted in truth, continuity, and a clear conscience before God.
Reflection
Is my faith anchored in the hope of the resurrection?
Do I strive to maintain a clear conscience before God and others?
How prepared am I to explain my faith with clarity and peace?
Prayer
Lord God, You are the source of truth and life. Strengthen my hope in the resurrection, purify my conscience, and grant me the grace to bear witness to You with integrity and courage in every circumstance. Amen.