Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 3 - Paul before civil authorities: Paul before Felix

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 1

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: Paul before civil authorities: Paul before Felix

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Give an account of Paul’s appearance before Felix

2.) Discuss Paul’s claims in a bid to defend himself and how he proclaimed the word of God boldly to Felix and Drusilla

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Christian Religious Knowledge textbooks for Junior Secondary School 3

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

NOTE

PAUL BEFORE CIVIL AUTHORITIES: PAUL BEFORE FELIX

Paul’s Appearance Before Felix

Paul's appearance before the Roman governor, Felix, is recorded in Acts 24. After Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem, he was transferred to Caesarea for his trial, as the Jewish leaders were plotting to kill him. Felix, the governor, presided over the hearing where the Jewish high priest Ananias and other leaders accused Paul of stirring up trouble, being a troublemaker, and desecrating the temple.

In Acts 24:1-9, Ananias and the Jewish elders presented their case, accusing Paul of being a ringleader of the Nazarenes (a term referring to followers of Jesus) and causing unrest in Jerusalem. They claimed that Paul had defiled the temple by bringing a Gentile into the inner courts, although this charge was untrue.

Paul responded to these accusations in Acts 24:10-21. He began by affirming his peaceful nature and loyalty to the Jewish faith, stating that he worshipped God in accordance with the Law and the Prophets. He clarified that the reason he was in Jerusalem was to bring alms to the poor and to offer sacrifices, not to create disorder. Paul also denied the charge of bringing a Gentile into the temple, asserting that no such thing had occurred.

Paul explained that he was on trial because of his belief in the resurrection of the dead, which he knew divided the Jews—some believed in the resurrection, others did not. This was a key point in his defense, as the resurrection was central to his Christian faith and was seen as a controversial belief within the Jewish community.

Felix, hearing the arguments, was somewhat familiar with the Way (the early Christian movement) and deferred judgment. He left the case unresolved, keeping Paul in custody but allowing him some freedom, even allowing his friends to visit him.

Paul’s Claims in His Defense and Proclamation of the Word to Felix and Drusilla

In his defense before Felix, Paul made several key claims that aimed to clear him of the accusations:

• He was not a troublemaker: Paul emphasized that his purpose in Jerusalem was to offer gifts to the poor and to worship in the temple in accordance with Jewish customs. He refuted the charge of being a ringleader of the Nazarenes or causing any disturbances.
• He was on trial for his faith in the resurrection: Paul shifted the focus of the trial to the core issue—his belief in the resurrection of the dead. This theological issue had been a point of contention between the Pharisees and Sadducees (who denied the resurrection). By emphasizing this, Paul strategically highlighted the divisive nature of his trial, asserting that his beliefs were not criminal but theological.
• He maintained a clear conscience: In Acts 24:16, Paul declared that he always strived to keep his conscience clear before God and man. He presented himself as a man of integrity, aligning his actions with the righteousness he professed.

Paul’s defense was not only aimed at clearing his name but also at using the opportunity to proclaim the gospel to Felix and his wife, Drusilla. Felix, a Roman governor, was a political figure married to Drusilla, a Jewish woman. During Paul's imprisonment, Felix frequently conversed with him, and Paul seized the opportunity to speak about his faith.

In Acts 24:24-25, Paul boldly proclaimed the message of righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. He spoke about the need for moral integrity and the consequences of sin, which included judgment by God. As Paul discussed the subject of righteousness, Felix was convicted, but instead of repenting, Felix was afraid and dismissed Paul, saying that he would call for him again when it was more convenient.

This moment was a significant opportunity for Paul to witness to the Roman authorities. Although Felix was convicted, his reaction was one of fear and hesitation. Instead of embracing the message, Felix procrastinated, hoping to receive a bribe from Paul. This illustrates the difficulty Paul faced in preaching to those in power, who often preferred to maintain their own comfort and status rather than confront uncomfortable truths.

Moral Lessons from the Encounter:

• Courageous witness: Paul’s boldness in proclaiming the gospel, even before a powerful Roman official, serves as an example for believers to witness to others, regardless of their status or position.
• The importance of integrity and a clear conscience: Paul’s defense emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and a clear conscience before both God and others. His character and honesty were central to his defense.
• Proclaiming the gospel to all: Paul’s example shows that the gospel is for all people, regardless of their political or social position. He did not hesitate to speak the truth to Felix, knowing that it was a divine opportunity to share the message of salvation.
• The danger of procrastination: Felix’s reaction to Paul’s message—putting off the decision for a more "convenient" time—illustrates the danger of delaying or rejecting the call to repentance. It serves as a warning that spiritual conviction should not be ignored or delayed.

EVALUATION:

1. What was the main reason Paul was brought before Felix, and how did he defend himself against the accusations made by the Jewish leaders?
2. How did Paul’s belief in the resurrection of the dead play a significant role in his defense during his trial before Felix?
3. What was the impact of Paul’s bold proclamation of righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment on Felix and Drusilla?
4. Why did Felix react with fear when Paul spoke about righteousness and judgment, and what does this teach us about how people may respond to the gospel message?
5. What lessons can be learned from Paul’s handling of his trial, and how can these lessons apply to Christians when facing challenges or opposition for their faith?Bottom of Form

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively