In a world that often resists truth and increasingly challenges biblical values, how do we remain faithful? Acts chapter 24 gives us a powerful answer through the example of the apostle Paul, who quite literally put his faith on trial—before religious leaders, political authorities, and a hostile culture. Paul’s defense wasn’t just about clearing his name. It was a bold testimony rooted in Scripture, lived conviction, and unwavering hope in the resurrection.
This message from Pastor Mike Sanders walks us through Paul’s boldness and encourages us to examine our own readiness to stand firm when our faith is tested.
Faith on Trial: Paul’s Example in Acts 24
When we arrive at Acts 24, Paul has already stood before the Sanhedrin, a religious court of divided Jewish leaders. Now, he faces the Roman governor Felix—an official known for corruption, bribe-taking, and moral compromise. False charges are brought by an eloquent accuser, Tertullus, who tries to paint Paul as a dangerous agitator and leader of a so-called “sect.”
But instead of responding with fear or anger, Paul calmly defends himself with clarity, truth, and respect. And more importantly, he uses this moment to proclaim the gospel—pointing everyone in the courtroom, including Felix, to Jesus Christ.
Faith in All the Bible: Not Naïve, but Necessary
When Paul begins his defense in verse 14, he affirms something vital: his belief in the full truth of Scripture.
“But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.” —Acts 24:14
Paul isn’t distancing himself from the Old Testament—he’s showing that his faith in Jesus fulfills it. As Pastor Mike reminds us, our faith is not built on emotional highs or cultural trends, but on the inspired, infallible, and sufficient Word of God.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is not just a religious book—it is the breath of God, a living and active truth that still speaks to us today (2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12). If we’re going to stand strong when our faith is on trial, we need to be grounded in all of Scripture.
Hope for All the Dead: Not Narrow, But Eternal
In verse 15, Paul proclaims:
“I have hope in God… that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.”
This hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Pastor Mike says, the world has a dying hope. But believers have a living hope—a confident assurance that Jesus’ resurrection guarantees ours.
This hope fuels our courage when life is hard. Whether we face trials, injustice, or grief, we cling to the promise that we will one day be raised with Christ and reunited with those who have died in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
But this resurrection is not just for the righteous. Paul reminds us that everyone will be raised—both the just and the unjust. One to eternal life, the other to judgment (John 5:28–29). That reality should ignite both our joy as believers and our urgency as witnesses.
The Courage to Speak: A Faithful Witness in Stressful Situations
Paul’s example in Acts 24 is especially powerful because he’s speaking truth under pressure. He’s been imprisoned, falsely accused, and now stands before a man who has the power to free or kill him.
And yet, as Pastor Mike points out, Paul remains faithful. He speaks with cheerfulness (v.10), he explains his hope in God (v.15), and he boldly reasons with Felix about righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come (v.25).
Why these three topics?
- Righteousness shows us our need for Christ.
- Self-control challenges the way we live.
- Judgment points us to our accountability before God.
Felix, like many today, was convicted—but not converted. He trembled under the weight of truth but pushed it aside for “a more convenient time” (v.25). Sadly, that convenient time never came. And Paul was left imprisoned for two more years because Felix valued politics over repentance.
Obeying the Gospel: Belief and Repentance Go Hand in Hand
It’s not enough to know the gospel—we must obey it. Paul’s message to Felix and to us is clear: belief without repentance is incomplete. Many know the facts of the gospel (Jesus died, was buried, and rose again), but have never truly turned from their sin and trusted in Christ as Savior.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” —Acts 2:38
As Pastor Mike says, “If we have trusted Christ, we’ve obeyed the gospel, then my friends, heaven is our home.” But if all we have is head knowledge without heart surrender, we’re missing the very life Christ offers.
God’s Word Is Sufficient—Let’s Return to It
Too many today have abandoned the power of Scripture in favor of entertainment, emotionalism, or human wisdom. But Paul didn’t rely on tricks—he relied on truth.
“God’s Word will not return void.” —Isaiah 55:11
The Word of God is enough. It’s enough to convict, save, encourage, and sustain us. The early church didn’t change the world with flashy programs—they changed it by boldly proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ.
Eternity Is at Stake: Heaven or Hell
Paul’s message ends with an urgent reminder: there is a judgment to come. Heaven is real. So is hell. Every person will spend eternity in one or the other.
“It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that, the judgment.” —Hebrews 9:27
God doesn’t desire for anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). Hell was not made for you—it was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). But if we reject the gospel, we will face eternal separation from God.
Pastor Mike urges us: don’t delay. Don’t be like Felix, who was convicted but waited too long. Today is the day of salvation.
We Can Be Faithful in Stressful Times
If there’s one truth to take from Acts 24 and this message, it’s this:
We can be faithful witnesses, even in stressful situations.
Paul didn’t wait for comfort to speak. He didn’t need approval to be obedient. He trusted God’s presence (Acts 23:11) and boldly proclaimed the gospel, knowing that eternity was at stake.
So let us also stand strong when our faith is on trial. Let us return to the Word, trust in the resurrection, speak the truth in love, and live with hope—even when the world pushes back.
Join Us This Sunday
Are you ready to build your life on God’s Word? We invite you to join us in person at The Open Door Church in Chambersburg, PA, or tune in to our radio program Hope Worth Having.
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