Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 24
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 24
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 24
"And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and [with] an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by the providence evils are corrected for this nation, we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: [and we would have judged him according to our law.] [But the chief captain Lysias came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,] [commanding his accusers to come before thee.] from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so." — Acts 24:1-9 (ASV)
Observe here the unhappiness of great men—and it is indeed a great unhappiness—to have their services praised beyond measure, and never to be faithfully told of their faults; in this way, they are hardened and encouraged in evil, like Felix.
God's prophets were charged with being troublers of the land, and our Lord Jesus Christ was accused of perverting the nation. The very same charges were brought against Paul.
The selfish and evil passions of men urge them forward, and the gifts and power of speech have too often been used to mislead and prejudice men against the truth.
How different the characters of Paul and Felix will appear at the Day of Judgment, compared to how they are represented in the speech of Tertullus! Let Christians not value the applause or be troubled by the revilings of ungodly men, who represent the vilest of the human race almost as gods, and the excellent of the earth as pestilences and movers of sedition.
"And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defense: Seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem: and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always. Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult: but [there were] certain Jews from Asia-- who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me. Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day." — Acts 24:10-21 (ASV)
Paul gives a just account of himself, which clears him from crime and also shows the true reason for the violence against him. Let us never be driven from any good way because it has a bad reputation. It is very comforting, in worshipping God, to look to Him as the God of our fathers and to establish no other rule of faith or practice but the Scriptures. This shows there will be a resurrection to a final judgment.
Prophets and their doctrines were to be tested by their fruits. Paul's aim was to have a conscience void of offense. His care and endeavor was to abstain from many things and to abound in the exercises of religion at all times, both towards God and towards man. If blamed for being more earnest in the things of God than our neighbors, what is our reply? Do we shrink from the accusation?
How many in the world would rather be accused of any weakness, or even of wickedness, than of an earnest, fervent feeling of love for the Lord Jesus Christ and of devotion to His service! Can such people think that He will confess them when He comes in His glory and before the angels of God? If there is any sight pleasing to the God of our salvation, and a sight at which the angels rejoice, it is to behold a devoted follower of the Lord, here on earth, acknowledging that he is guilty—if it is a crime—of loving the Lord who died for him, with all his heart, and soul, and mind, and strength.
And he will not silently see God's word despised or hear His name profaned; he will rather risk the ridicule and the hatred of the world than one frown from that gracious Being whose love is better than life.
"But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter. And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him. But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me. He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 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." — Acts 24:22-27 (ASV)
The apostle reasoned concerning the nature and obligations of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come, thus showing the oppressive judge and his profligate mistress their need for repentance, forgiveness, and the grace of the gospel. Justice relates to our conduct in life, particularly in reference to others; temperance relates to the state and government of our souls, in reference to God. Anyone who does not practice these has neither the form nor the power of godliness and must be overwhelmed by the divine wrath on the day of God's appearing.
The prospect of the judgment to come is enough to make the stoutest heart tremble. Felix trembled, but that was all. Many are startled by the word of God, who are not changed by it. Many fear the consequences of sin, yet continue in the love and practice of sin. In the affairs of our souls, delays are dangerous.
Felix put off this matter to a more convenient season, but we do not find that this 'more convenient season' ever came. Behold, now is the accepted time; hear the voice of the Lord today. He was in a hurry to turn away from hearing the truth. Was any business more urgent than for him to reform his conduct, or more important than the salvation of his soul!
Sinners often startle like a man roused from his sleep by a loud noise, but they soon sink back into their usual drowsiness. Do not be deceived by occasional appearances of religion in ourselves or in others. Above all, let us not trifle with the word of God. Do we expect that as we advance in life our hearts will grow softer, or that the influence of the world will decline?
Are we not at this moment in danger of being lost forever? Now is the day of salvation; tomorrow may be too late.
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