This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Acts 24:1-24, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
One day, some people accused Paul of doing bad things and causing trouble. They went to a man named Felix, who was like a judge, and told him that Paul was a troublemaker.
Tertullus, the spokesman for the accusers, said to Felix, “We are very thankful for the peace and reforms that you have brought to our nation. But, we don’t want to take up too much of your time. This man, Paul, is causing a lot of trouble. He is leading a group of people called the Nazarenes and making them riot all over the world. He even tried to disrespect the temple, but we stopped him. You can ask him about these things to find out the truth.”
The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
When it was his turn to speak, Paul said to Felix, “I am happy to defend myself in front of you, who have been a judge for many years. I went to Jerusalem just 12 days ago to worship God, and I didn’t cause any trouble at the temple, synagogues or in the city. The people who accused me cannot prove that I did anything wrong.
I follow a way of living that some people call a sect, but I worship the God of our ancestors and believe in everything that the Law and Prophets teach. I have faith in God and believe that all people, good and bad, will be brought back to life someday. I always try to have a clear conscience with God and other people.
I came to Jerusalem to give money and offerings to my people. While I was in the temple, some Jews from Asia saw me, but they should be here if they have anything to accuse me of. If not, these people who accuse me can’t prove I did anything wrong, except for saying that I believe in the resurrection of the dead.”
Felix listened to both sides and decided to keep Paul in a safe place until he could figure things out. Felix said, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” Then he gave orders to the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
After some days, Felix and his wife Drusilla talked to Paul more about his faith in Jesus.
Even though Paul was accused of doing bad things, he stayed true to his beliefs and tried to tell others about Jesus.
Biblical Lessons
- False accusations can happen to anyone, but we should always stay truthful and defend ourselves with integrity.
- We should be patient and trust in God’s plan, even when we are in difficult situations or facing false accusations.
- Just as Felix listened to both sides of the story before making a decision, we should seek to understand all perspectives before making judgments.
- God can use even difficult circumstances to bring about good, as we see in how Paul used his time in custody to share his faith with Felix and his wife.
- We should not be afraid to share our faith with others, even when it is unpopular or could lead to trouble.
Related Stories
Paul Preaches at Rome under Guard
Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Holiness
A rich, pastoral treatment of sin, sanctification, and the fight for holiness in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Cost of Discipleship
A penetrating look at Jesus' call to follow Him, contrasting cheap grace with true, costly discipleship.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Institutes of the Christian Religion
A classic work of Reformed theology in an accessible form, laying out Christian doctrine with deep biblical roots.
View on Amazon
The Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
The Gospel for Real Life
Shows how the finished work of Christ applies to everyday struggles and assurance.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
Christian Beliefs
A shorter, accessible overview of 20 basic Christian doctrines for everyday believers.
View on Amazon
The Hospitality Commands
Shows from Scripture how vital hospitality is to Christian obedience and fellowship.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
This Momentary Marriage
Shows how marriage is designed to display the covenant love of Christ and His church.
View on Amazon