Acts 24 Bible study questions are for small groups, Sunday classes and personal reading who want to work through Paul’s trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea. The chapter is a courtroom scene, so the questions below follow what is said, what it means, and how it applies to ordinary Christians facing hostile audiences, delay and unanswered hopes.
Acts 24 at a Glance
The high priest Ananias and the Jewish elders bring a lawyer named Tertullus to Caesarea to accuse Paul of stirring unrest and profaning the temple. Tertullus flatters Felix and makes his case, and the Jews add their agreement. Paul then answers each charge calmly, explaining that he worshiped in Jerusalem peacefully, that his accusers have no proof, and that his real offense is his hope in the resurrection of the dead.
Felix postpones a decision until the commander Lysias arrives, but he keeps Paul in custody with some freedoms. Later Felix hears Paul speak about faith in Christ, grows uneasy when Paul reasons about righteousness, self-control and judgment, and sends him away. Felix keeps calling for him, hoping for a bribe, and when two years pass Felix leaves Paul in prison to win favor with the Jews.
Observation Questions
Use this set first, before anyone offers an opinion. Ask the group to point to the exact words in the text, read slowly, and resist explaining until the facts are on the table.
Acts 24:14-15
14 But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; 15 having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
(WEB)
Reading Paul’s own statement of faith aloud helps the group hear the core of his defense. It ties his hope to the Scriptures and to the resurrection, which is the real center of the dispute in this chapter.
Acts 24:16
Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
(WEB)
This short verse gives Paul’s daily practice in one sentence. Reading it slowly invites the group to consider how their own conscience stands before God and others.
Acts 24:10-13
10 When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 seeing that you can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. 12 In the temple they didn’t find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
(WEB)
Hearing Paul answer his accusers reveals his composure and his reliance on facts. The group can discuss how to respond to charges with clarity rather than heat.
Acts 24:24-25
24 But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
(WEB)
These verses show Felix listening to the gospel and reacting with fear. Reading them together prompts honest reflection on how the same message can be received very differently.
Acts 24:26-27
26 Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him. 27 But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
(WEB)
Reading the closing verses brings the chapter’s tension to a stop. The group can see the cost of self-interest and the long delay that followed, and consider its lessons for their own choices.
Memory Verse for Acts 24
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you see every accusation and every delay, and that nothing in our lives is hidden from you. Give us the calm courage of Paul when people misunderstand us, and let our words be true, measured and kind. Keep us from the flattery and self-interest that led Felix to put off what he knew was right. Where we are waiting, teach us to trust your timing, and where we feel conviction, give us the grace to answer it without delay. Help us keep a conscience clear before you and before others, and let our hope in you be seen in how we live this week. Amen.
