Paul’s first real trial
Accusation #1 (v.5) For we have found this man a public menace and one who stirs up dissensions among all the Jews throughout the world
Response #1 (v. 11-13) since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 And neither in the temple did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself. 13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
Accusation #2 (v.5) A ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
Response #2 (v. 14) But I confess this to you, that in accordance with the Way, which they call a sect, I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and is written in the Prophets;
Accusation #3 (v. 6) And he even tried to desecrate the temple, so indeed we arrested him.
Response #3 (v. 17-19) Now after several years I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings, 18 in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from Asia— 19 who ought to have been present before you and to have been bringing charges, if they should have anything against me.
A rerun for Governor Festus (v. 27) But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.
See Blazing the Way by CP Wagner, PhD
