Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men. Paul’s trial before Felix reveals how unregenerate people hear God’s truth but delay real change, choosing comfort and convenience instead. While the old religious order accuses Paul, Felix listens but never commits, distracted by self-interest. This passage challenges believers not to postpone obedience or pursue temporary gains, but to walk faithfully with a clear conscience, embracing God’s call instead of deferring it.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 24:1-7, Revelation 17:3, Revelation 13:1-4, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 17:15, Revelation 13:2, Revelation 17:16-18, John 2:13-16, John 2:19, John 2:20-21, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 2:21, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Revelation 11:1-2, Revelation 11:19, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Acts 24:14, Acts 24:15, Acts 24:15-16, Mark 12:30-34, 1 John 4:20-21, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Acts 24:22, Acts 24:23-27,
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Testimony before Felix, Acts 24:1-7
Acts 24:1-7
1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
This chapter is all about Paul’s testimony to Felix. Felix now hears Paul’s case. Felix represents the unregenerate man. He listens to both the old order and the new order. The old order has its greatest preacher, an orator named Tertullus. The new order stands with Paul and the word.
The Perspective of Old and New Order
The old order sees New Testament ministry as pestilent, seditious, and profane. They say it should be judged by the law of Moses. The New Testament ministry claims it is neither pestilent, seditious, nor profane. It admits to being a ringleader of those who follow the Nazarene, crucified by the Jews. However, this follows the law and the prophets to worship the God of the fathers.
The Unregenerate Man’s Response
The unregenerate man defers making a decision between the old and the new order. He keeps the new order near but trembles at the truth of righteousness, temperance, and judgment. He waits for a more convenient time to decide. The unregenerate person wants the New Testament ministry to bring money so he can commune with them, hoping to get rich. After two years, conviction leaves, and so does Felix.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
The unregenerate nature still seeks fame and fortune. Let us not be like Felix. Don’t wait too long to change that nature, or God will remove us from making the decision as He did with Felix. This whole chapter focuses on Paul’s testimony before Felix.
Felix is the governor in this area, so Paul is brought before him for trial. There are several ways I could teach this. One way would be to connect it with the idea of revelation, the old order, the new order, the beast, and the system. I could discuss the beast and how it fits into all this. However, the main point I want to focus on tonight is Felix as a type of unregenerate person.
Felix represents someone who hears both the old and new order words but delays making a decision. He waits for a more convenient time before responding. I see the world doing the same today. People put off applying what they know to do. The truth is, I do the same and sometimes get frustrated with myself because I know more than I put into practice.
The Jews present their case. They bring in their orator, named Tertullus. The Bible calls him an orator, and the word comes from the Greek, meaning “speaker.” Strong’s concordance says it means an advocate or someone who defends in a judicial sense. Webster’s dictionary defines an advocate as someone who defends. So, the Jews bring their best speaker, their judicial advocate, to speak to Felix. Old Order is presenting its strongest case and bringing in its top voice to persuade the governor.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
This situation shows the Old Order appealing to government authority to judge the New Testament ministry. Paul is judged first by the Jews and now by the government. There is another approach I could take, connecting this to the book of Revelation. We could look there briefly, but that is not my emphasis tonight. Instead, I want to focus on the application rather than staying in the realm of prophecy or revelation. I want us to be ministered to by what this means for how we live right now.
Revelation 17:3
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Babylon, the Beast, and the Church
We’ve talked a lot about Babylon lately, so I think it’s time to move on for a while. In the spirit, I was carried into the wilderness and saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast. That beast was full of names of blasphemy, and had seven heads and ten horns. Now, let’s look at what the woman is riding. Be careful with your answer. Many were told on Sunday that the beast is Satan or the devil, but that is not correct. I want you to understand this clearly. The passage says she rides upon a beast. Everyone, repeat: she rides upon a beast. I want you to see that for yourself.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
It is essential to understand what the woman represents. If the woman is Babylon—and we know she is—then she stands for the religious system. She is riding on a beast, which means something specific. If the woman has meaning, then the beast also has meaning, and her riding upon it means something as well. We are not teaching the book of Revelation in detail right now, but remember this connection. Back up to the thirteenth chapter and look at the first verse for context.
Revelation 13:1-4
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
The Beast and the Dragon in Revelation
Who gave the beast its power? The text says the dragon gave the beast power, a throne, and great authority. Now, notice that there is one beast and one dragon. If you keep reading this chapter, another beast will come up later. But for now, we only have one beast and a dragon.
Let’s go to verse three. It talks about the beast’s heads. Verse four shows that the people worshiped the dragon. Who did they worship? They worshiped the dragon who gave power to the beast. So, there is both a beast and a dragon here. The people also worshiped the beast and said, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war with him?”
At this point, we are dealing with a beast and a dragon in the story. Now we’ve already been told who the dragon is. If you go back to chapter 12, verse 9, we’ll see something.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Revelation 12:9
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
This passage is about the pure woman, the true church, and what comes against her. Verse nine says the great dragon was cast out. The dragon is called the old serpent, the devil, and Satan. He deceives the whole world. He was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
So, who is the dragon? The answer is Satan. Now, who is the beast? This shows there is more here than we have been taught. The scripture reveals details about the opposition faced by the true church. It is important to recognize the difference between the dragon and the beast. There is depth here we need to understand.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Revelation 17:15
15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
The Waters and the Beast
So the nations are the waters that the horse is sitting on. So we’ve still got something else we’ve got to figure out here. What is the beast?
Revelation 13:2
2And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
If you go back to verse two, you will see that the beast is like a leopard, a bear, and a lion. These were the three most powerful government systems the world has ever seen. So when we talk about the beast, we mean government. The woman is riding the beast, not the devil. She is riding the government, and the government is also riding her—they work together.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
There is a perfect example of this in Revelation and also in the Old Testament. In Revelation, you have the beast and the harlot, which stand for government and a corrupt religious system. In the Old Testament, the perfect type is Ahab and Jezebel. Ahab was the king—he represents government—and Jezebel stood for the religious system. She had prophets of Baal and Ashtaroth, and they were always connected. If you keep going in Revelation, especially in chapters 16 and 17, you will see how closely these systems are linked.
Revelation 17:16-18
16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
The Government Will Eventually Turn on Religion
The ten horns you saw on the beast will one day hate the harlot. This means that the government will eventually turn on the church. The beast will make the harlot desolate, naked, and will devour and burn her. God placed this plan in their hearts to fulfill His will. The kingdoms will unite under the beast until God’s words are completed.
The beast wants everything: lands, buildings, and people. This is God’s plan until His words are fulfilled. Verse 18 says that the woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth. The beast and the harlot work together—government and corrupt religion join forces to judge the New Testament ministry.
But notice, the beast will always turn on the harlot. This is how Babylon will fall. One day, the government will turn on the church, and the church will collapse. Think about what will happen when tax exemptions for religious contributions disappear. Will people still give the way they do now? When the government takes away those exemptions, it will show who the genuine believers are. That is when Babylon will truly fall.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Let’s leave that topic for now. Let’s go back to the book of Acts. I want to talk about Felix again and show that this pattern is actual. In AD 70, the Roman Empire destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, just as Jesus prophesied—no stone left upon another. The beast always turns against the harlot. Always.
The Unregenerate Man and Personal Application
Now, let’s look at this from a different angle. I want to talk about the unregenerate person. My goal is to focus more on personal application in ministry and less on all these revelation themes we’ve been discussing lately. First, pay attention to how the Jews viewed the New Testament ministry. Notice how they saw Paul, and also how they view you. The attitude hasn’t changed—it’s the same then and now.
The Jews present their case. They viewed Paul and any New Testament ministry in a certain way. They called Paul a pestilent fellow. I like that word. Pestilent means a plague—a disease, or figuratively, a pest. The Amplified Bible even says Paul was a “perfect pest,” a “real plague.” Imagine being called a perfect pest or a real plague.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Now, consider this: Do you find references to pestilence and plagues in the book of Revelation? Will New Testament ministry bring tribulation? Absolutely. Such a ministry becomes a perfect pest, bringing real plagues upon the earth. That’s how it works. To the Jews, you become a pest and a plague, just like the ones described in Revelation. I know I am one. If Paul was, I am too. If Paul was a pest and a plague, and Jesus was, then so are we.
Mover of Sedition—Agitator Among the Jews
Next, you are seen as a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world. The word “mover” means someone who stirs things up. “Sedition” refers to a position, an uprising, or a controversy. The word “world” in this context means land or the globe. The Amplified Bible says you are an agitator and a source of disturbance to all the Jews across the world. It is not the lost who care if you create controversy or act as a pest—they don’t pay attention. It is the Jews who react and get stirred up.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
So, what are you doing at work, or when you see relatives? Are you agitating and causing a stir? Are you the type who brings revival or riot wherever you go? That is what Paul did—he turned the world upside down. When I wrote this, I thought of an agitator in a washing machine, using water (the Word) and soap (the blood) to clean up those “whitewash Jews.” Are you doing that? New Testament ministry stands out. It causes controversy and brings God’s wave across the planet like a fireball, bringing tribulation.
Sometimes people think I am the only one teaching this message. But now you see there are others like me. Soon, I will go to Portland, Oregon, and gather with many people who share this view. So remember, you are part of a revelation that will spark a revolution.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
The Charges Against Paul
Now, number three, you are labeled a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. The word “ringleader” means someone standing first in the ranks—a captain or champion. “Sect” comes from the Greek word heresis, which means a choice or party, even a division. “Nazarenes” refers to Nazareth and, by extension, a Christian. The Amplified Bible says a ringleader of a heretical, division-producing sect of the Nazarenes. That is the reputation you are supposed to have.
Luke 12:51
51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division.
Jesus says in Luke 12:51 that He came to bring division, not peace. These ringleaders, the ones causing division, are called heretics and part of a division-producing sect. Are you a ringleader? You are supposed to be. It should make you glad to be among those who stand first in revelation, who will help bring about a revolution. Be a captain and a champion, just as Paul was.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
To the Jews, the real word is always heresy or heretic. You will be labeled as part of a sect, a party of disunion, but that is all right. Paul was called that, and so was Jesus. Many people might call themselves Christians, but few truly identify with the crucified Nazarene. If you serve in New Testament ministry, you must. I am a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarene.
The Accusation—Profaning the Temple
Number four is going about to profane the temple. I need to take some time here.
To profane the temple means to desecrate. Webster defines desecrate as committing sacrilege. The word for temple here is the Greek word hieron, which refers to a sacred place—the physical precinct of the Jerusalem temple or other places. It speaks of the brick, mortar, and wooden temple.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
To truly understand New Testament teaching, you need to understand what “temple” means. I realized this afternoon that I needed to spend more time on this topic, so let’s look at John chapter two. This will help you better understand the epistles, the gospels, and especially end-time teaching and the book of Revelation.
In John chapter two, around verse thirteen, the Jews’ Passover was at hand. Jesus went to Jerusalem and found people selling oxen, sheep, and doves in the temple. Money changers were sitting around. You know what comes next. Jesus is about to cleanse the temple.
John 2:13-16
Subheading: Cleansing the Temple
13 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
The word “temple” in this passage is the Greek word Hieron. Jesus went into the Hieron, which was the natural, man-made temple. In verse fifteen, He made a scourge of small cords and drove out the merchants, sheep, and oxen. He poured out the money and overturned the tables. He told those selling doves, “Take these things away. Do not make my Father’s house a house of merchandise.” The word “temple” here is Hieron, referring to the physical, man-made building.
John 2:19
19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
The Inner Sanctuary—Naos
If you move down to verse nineteen, there’s a change. The Jews ask Jesus, “What sign do you show since you do these things?” Jesus answers, “Destroy this temple,” but now He uses a different Greek word—naos. Naos means the innermost sanctuary, the place where God dwells. This points to the temple you are. The innermost sanctuary was where the Ark of the Covenant and the Shekinah glory of God resided—not out in the Hieron, but inside the naos.
John 2:20-21
20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
Keep these two words separate in your mind. In verse twenty, the Jews say, “It took forty-six years to build the naos, and you will raise it in three days?” Jesus was speaking of the naos of His body. The naos refers to the deeper, spiritual temple, not just the physical one.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Now, what is Jesus talking about here? Is it brick-and-mortar, or is it the naos? What does the naos become now? Is it the building we go to on Sundays and Wednesdays, if we’re faithful Christians? Or is it the body? Yes, that’s what you need to understand. In Acts chapter two, God changed temples. That’s the most crucial thing about Acts chapter two—not the tongues. At nine o’clock in the morning, God left the Hieron, the old temple, and moved into the naos.
God Changes His Dwelling—Acts Chapter Two
He left behind old systems, rituals, and natural priests offering up incense at a natural altar. God went into the upper room where 120 actual temples gathered—people offering real incense on a real altar. That’s what matters in Acts chapter two: God changed His dwelling place.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
1 Corinthians 3:16
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
God changed temples—He moved from Jesus to you. Where does God dwell now? Inside you. You are now the temple. Know this truth—you are the temple. Don’t you know you are the naos of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
Verse 17 says, If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy that person. The temple of God is holy, and you are that temple. In all three cases, the word “temple” is “naos.” After this point, the New Testament only uses this word one more time, and that’s when Paul mentions Old Testament priests working in the natural temple in First Corinthians 9:13. Every other place in the New Testament—including the book of Revelation—uses naos to mean the spiritual temple. That’s where all the thunderings, lightnings, and earthquakes originate from in Revelation.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
You are the temple. You are what should not be desecrated—not a physical building. The Jews always think the temple means the physical structure, but God’s real temple is you.
Ephesians 2:21
21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
In Christ, all the building is fitly framed together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. The word translated “temple” is again “naos.” We are the temple of the Lord. Collectively, we are temples—living stones joined for God’s purpose. We are God’s temple, and the same word, naos, applies throughout the New Testament.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
The Temple in Prophecy—2 Thessalonians and Revelation
Now, let’s look at Second Thessalonians. You’ll appreciate this passage. In Second Thessalonians chapter two, it describes the son of perdition, regarded as the antichrist. I want to start with verse three. This will give us some important understanding.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
The son of perdition sits as God in the temple. Where is he sitting? Is it a physical temple? No—it is you. The Greek word is naos.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
There is a level of “substitute Christ” or antichrist at work in us. “Anti” doesn’t mean against; it means instead of. Sometimes we substitute things or idols for Christ in our lives. This happens. But more specifically, it is our carnal mind—our way of thinking—that sets itself above God and sits on the throne as if it were God. And where does it sit? In you and in me.
You Are the Temple in Revelation
Now, let’s jump over to the book of Revelation. This exact word, temple, shows up again and again. It is the same temple Jesus spoke of, the same temple Paul says you are, the same temple we are all together. If you understand this, you will better understand Revelation. Let’s look at chapter 11, verse 1.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Revelation 11:1-2
1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
That temple is you. Did you know that you are going to be measured? Measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship in it.
Now look at verse two. The court outside the temple should be excluded from measurement. This means there is a group of people who are outside—think back to the tabernacle of Moses. There was the outer court, the holy place, and the most holy place. He says to measure those inside, but not those outside. Where do you stand? It’s the same temple. We need to understand where we are in relation to what God is measuring.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Revelation 11:19
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
The temple, the naos of God, was opened in heaven. This challenges how we think about heaven. Heaven is God’s throne—where God rules. There is a heavenly dimension where Christ is and where believers rest, but there are different dimensions of heaven. Paul said he was caught up into the third heaven. Heaven is simply the place where God rules, where His throne is in your life.
Ephesians says we are made to sit together in heavenly places. Heaven is where God rules right now. The temple of God is opened in heaven. The word “opened” is used in Matthew to describe Jesus opening His mouth to teach. If God rules your life, you open your heaven when you speak.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Inside this temple, the ark of God’s testament appears—God’s presence. There are lightnings, voices, thunderings, an earthquake, and hail. Where does this happen? In you, because you are the temple. All this talk about waiting for Armageddon someday is missing the point. You are the temple now; you are the most holy place when God’s Spirit dwells in you.
Paul said you are the temple. Jesus said He would raise up the temple. If you see these truths as present reality, not just future prophecy, you will open up the word to yourself.
The Danger of Outward Religion
Let’s come back down to earth. The Jew thinks of the temple as a building, and desecrating it means doing something like bringing in a soda. But in reality, desecrating the temple means defiling your body. That’s how New Testament ministry thinks, because we know where God truly lives—within you.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
There is a truth that will help you understand Revelation. Realize you are the earth and the world in the story. It’s your world God is addressing. It is your temple and your throne. The substitute Christ, the man of sin, tries to exalt himself in your life, in your world, in your heaven, in your high place. That is where you must deal with him. You have to confront him inside, before you ever confront him outside.
The Jew will always use the law to judge. The law acts like a mirror—you look into it, and see yourself. You compare yourself to the standard. The Word became flesh and lived among us; His name is Jesus. Use the Word to see Jesus and ask yourself: Can you be conformed to His image?
2 Corinthians 3:18
18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Is it possible to be changed into the same image as Jesus, moving from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord? The answer is yes—this is what the Word can do. The purpose of the Word is not to judge or beat people down, but to change us. The Jew tends to use the Word to tell you what you can’t do, what you should be doing, or where you are wrong. While the Word does show us those things, its true purpose is to transform us from one level of glory to another until we reflect the image of the Master.
Accusations Against New Testament Ministry
The Jews assented that these accusations were true. The word “assented” means to consent, agree, or bargain. Interestingly, the group judging Paul included both Sadducees and Pharisees. They rarely agree, except when they come together against New Testament ministry. Modernists and legalists will unite only when they come against someone preaching or teaching a different message. Typically, they battle each other, but they’ll reach an agreement when they want to judge new teachings.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Now, Paul presents his case (point B). He does so cheerfully, confident in his calling and message. He looks his accusers straight in the eye and answers for himself. Paul is proud of his message, his calling, and Christ. He knows the gospel is the power of salvation. It changed his life, and he declares it with boldness.
Paul denies all the charges. First, he wasn’t a pestilent fellow, because he had only been in Jerusalem for twelve days—hardly enough time to cause trouble. Second, he wasn’t a mover of sedition; he did not dispute with anyone in the temple, the synagogue, or the city. Third, he did not profane the temple; he went there only to worship and perform a purification act.
The Reality of Accusations in Ministry Today
Paul says the Jews cannot prove the accusations they are making against him. As this ministry grows —and as we continue to grow —you, I, and our church will face many accusations, too. These accusations are going to happen for a couple of reasons.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
First, people will not understand what I or you are saying. Instead of coming to us to ask for the truth, they will talk about us and spread accusations. Second, some people will lie because we are doing something for God, and they are not. Accept this, and be ready for it.
It’s not easy—it hurts to be talked about. It wounds you when people call you names or act like you don’t know what you’re doing. But we know the truth, and that’s what matters.
Acts 24:14
Paul’s Confession—Worshiping God as Called
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
Paul makes his third point: he openly and honestly confesses. In Acts 24:14, he says, “But this I confess to you, that according to the way which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers.” What they call heresy, Paul calls worship. He believes everything written in the Law and the Prophets.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Notice what Paul said—he did not take away anything from Moses, Mount Sinai, or the prophets. Instead, he fulfilled their teachings through Jesus. Paul’s message, and the message we share today, does not lessen what happened at Calvary or what the apostles taught. It completes and fulfills those heavenly truths.
Two Groups—Past and Present Truth
There are always two groups—one stuck on what God did yesterday, and the other focused on what God is doing now. Paul did not remove or subtract from the old; he taught how Jesus fulfilled it. Today, our message adds to and fulfills the work of Moses and the prophets.
Does the Word speak of a perfect man being raised up to the fullness and stature of Christ? Yes, it does. Just as Second Corinthians 3:18 says, we are changed from glory to glory into His image. What you are hearing is the fulfillment of God’s plan. We are the people upon whom the end of the age has come.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
God worked on Mount Sinai long ago, He worked on Mount Calvary, but He is now doing something new with a different people in this age. He is raising up another man, and whether we join in or not, God’s plan will be fulfilled. Some will enter into a millennial reign with Jesus. Paul makes it clear—he is not taking away from what Moses or the prophets said, nor from Calvary or the apostles. He is fulfilling it. Now, a perfect man is being created.
Heresy or Present Truth—A Matter of Perspective
Paul says that what is heretical for one group is present truth for another. The Jews focused on the law of Moses at Mount Sinai and the prophets, while God was focused on Jesus at Mount Calvary and the apostles. Paul believed everything in the law and the prophets, but he saw that what Jesus did fulfilled them, not replaced them.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
That’s how it is today. Some still concentrate only on Calvary and Pentecost, but God is doing more. He is raising up a perfect man. This idea may seem heretical to one group, but to another it is the present truth. The perfect man doesn’t take away from Calvary, Pentecost, the prophets, or Moses; he adds to and fulfills them. There is a seed people promised who will crush Satan’s head. It has not happened yet, but it will. God’s purpose is advancing whether we are part of it or not. So, for some, this idea is heretical. For others, it is the only way to worship the God of our fathers.
Each of us must decide: Is the perfect man real? Is this what God wants to do today? I know I cannot go back to how I did things years ago. I am growing in the Lord and becoming a new kind of creature.
The Hope of Resurrection
Paul spoke of hope in the resurrection of the dead, both the just and the unjust. There is much about the resurrection I still don’t understand, and I believe it deserves its own teaching. First, I must be settled about it. There are more surprises about the resurrection than we have heard, and I will share them in time. But I know this: if you want to be in the resurrection Paul talked about, you must exercise your faith.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Acts 24:15
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Exercising a Conscience Void of Offense
Paul says he hopes in God for the resurrection of the dead, both the just and the unjust. He adds, “Herein I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men.” You exercise, and yes, he said that.
The word “exercise” means to train—to strive and elaborate, like an athlete. This kind of living does not just happen overnight. You do not suddenly find yourself free of offense toward God or toward other people. It takes effort to avoid having bad feelings or anger toward others. You have to deliberately train yourself to be inoffensive, faultless, and not led into sin.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Honestly, it is much harder not to harbor offense toward people than toward God. It is harder not to dislike your brother, to keep peace with your spouse, and to avoid conflict with others. But if you want to be part of the resurrection Paul spoke about, you have to train yourself to live this way.
Paul says he strives always to keep a conscience free from offense toward God and man. Studying what helps you avoid the wrong resurrection is even more important than studying the resurrection itself. If you don’t know how to enter the right resurrection, it doesn’t matter what you know about the topic.
This pursuit is something you strive for—it does not just happen. You can’t simply kneel one time, pray, and expect all the work to be done. It requires ongoing training and commitment.
Acts 24:15-16
15And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Paul says he holds onto the hope that God will bring about a resurrection of the dead, both the just and the unjust. He doesn’t say “saved and lost” or “sinners and non-sinners,” but “just and unjust.” There is a difference. Can someone with a saved spirit still be unjust? Is it possible to have a saved spirit but a lost soul? Today, there are many doctrines, and it’s hard to know which one is true.
Was Paul saved? Was his spirit saved? Yes. But he still exercised himself to make sure he would be part of the right resurrection. Which resurrection did he want? You have to work at this. You’re not going to coast into the kingdom of God without effort. You must exercise self-control to stay free from offense toward God and others.
Jesus was asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” That’s the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” You can’t hold offense between God and other people. Jesus said all the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.
Go back to Exodus 20. The first four commandments are directed toward God. The last six are about your relationship with people. Everything in the law and prophets depends on loving God and loving your neighbor.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Mark 12:30-34
30And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
The Greatest Commandments—Love God, Love Neighbor
Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” That’s exercise—living by effort and commitment. This is the first commandment. The second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Nothing is greater than these two commandments.
A scribe standing there responded, “Well said, Master, for there is one God, and no other but Him. And loving Him with all your heart and understanding, with all your soul and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” The scribe didn’t just mention the mind, but added understanding.
How much do you really understand about God? Are you walking in what you know? I’ll be honest, I know more than I live. Still, loving God with all the heart, understanding, soul, and strength—and loving your neighbor—is central. You can’t escape those two. Jesus told the scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Getting into the kingdom isn’t just about your relationship with God. It also depends on your relationship with other people. Both are necessary.
1 John 4:20-21
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
No Room for Hypocrisy
The truth is, you cannot love God and hate your brother at the same time. The Bible is clear—liars will not be in heaven. Are you seeing what I’m saying?
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
We are not living out what we know. We are not applying the revelation God has given us. Many of us keep asking for new revelations and want our ears tickled with something fresh. What we really need is not deeper study of the resurrection itself, but an understanding of what gets us into the right resurrection.
Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor. Paul says to enter into the resurrection of the just, you must train and strive not to hold offense toward God and others. How many today say they love God but hate someone? Which resurrection will they be in? I don’t know the answer, but the Bible says if you love God, you must love your brother too.
I look at the church world today and see bitterness and people who hate one another, yet everyone thinks they’re going to heaven. We must face the fact that something is wrong if that’s the case. It doesn’t match up with God’s revelation.
The Christian world is full of “love God” talk, but also of hatred for others. This is hypocrisy. We need to clean it out and train ourselves to hold no offense toward anyone. That’s the skill God wants us to develop.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
2 Corinthians 5:17
The Ministry of Reconciliation
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Now, how many know what ministry you’ve got? How many understand that you’ve been given a ministry of reconciliation? Does the Bible say that you’ve been given a ministry of reconciliation? If you see that in the Bible, raise your right hand.
Now, how many know what reconciliation is? Learn what reconciliation means. It’s number 2643 in the Strongs, and it means exchange or adjustment. Vine says it means to change from enmity to friendship. Now the ministry that you’ve been given is to change from enmity against God and toward man to friendship.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
2 Corinthians 5:19
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Now stay with me. What did he not do to them? Reconciling the word unto himself, not doing what? Imputing. What does that mean?
You see, this is something we really have to do. I mean, you’re seeing me do it —learn how to do this. You need to get in here and find out what this thing’s really saying, which is throwing these big King James words at you, and you don’t know what they mean, and you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing. You’ve been given a ministry of disuniting enmity toward God and man and creating friendship between God and man, and the way you do it is by not imputing. You got that? What is it then that you don’t do? So we need to learn what the word ‘imputing’ means.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
The word imputing is number 3049 in Strong’s Concordance. The Greek word logizomai. Everybody say logizomai. Logizomai. You’re not talking in tongues, you’re trying to enunciate a Greek word, logizomai. That means to take an inventory. Logizomai means to take an inventory. So, what you do to reconcile people to God and to man is not to take an inventory of them.
Let me read some more. Vine says that logizomai means to reckon, take account, or to put to a person’s account. Now, what you do when you reconcile man to God, God to man, and yourself to man and God is you do not impute logizomai —keep a record of, keep an inventory of people. What are you talking about?
Many Christians act like spiritual mobsters. How often have you heard someone say, “They hurt me, but I’ll just heap coals of fire on their head—God will get them back”? What if God did that to you? Is He keeping a list of your wrongs? You’d better hope not. But we keep our own little hit lists, waiting for the chance to see someone get what’s coming to them. We enjoy saying, “I told you so—God got them!” This attitude blocks us from living out reconciliation.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
We keep records in our minds—a log of who wronged us and how. Jesus calls this out. He said if you have a log in your own eye, how can you help remove the speck in your brother’s? We’re supposed to burn up those records and not keep offense between ourselves and others. First John says if you say you love God but hate your brother, you are a liar. We just read that.
Sadly, we keep these mental storehouses with rolls and logs against others, but God does not want this. Sometimes it’s even hypocritical—arguing on the way to church, then declaring love for Jesus. God’s word commands us to lay our offering at the altar, go and make things right with our brother, and then come back to worship Him. God doesn’t want our offering until we’ve made things right with each other.
More on Accusations and Division
There was a turmoil. Paul said he was not the cause of any disturbance. He wasn’t bothering anyone. It was the Jews who started the turmoil, as they often do.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Moving on, Paul pointed out that some Jews from Asia, who made accusations against him, weren’t even present at the hearing. They should have been there if they had a real issue with him. Often, the people who do the most complaining or talking are not really present when it’s time to address matters. They are the ones who spread gossip and backbite, but aren’t willing to come forward. This happens even among Christians. Sometimes, we use our “Pharisee finger” to point at others, but we also need to check for the tail bearer and back biter inside ourselves. We all fall short in this area and need God’s help.
Acts 24:22
Deferral and the Unregenerate Man—Felix
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
Felix defers Paul’s judgment. This is a key point. Felix, after hearing both the old and new order cases, decides not to act. He sends Paul back to prison for a while and dismisses the Jews.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Felix is a clear example of an unregenerate man. He puts things off—he defers decisions. That’s what unregenerate people do; they delay dealing with Christ until it’s convenient. They act as though they can pick up Jesus when needed—like fixing a marriage in trouble—and then put Him back on the shelf when things are smooth. Only the unregenerate treat Jesus this way, but we must admit that even believers sometimes fall into this trap.
Felix reveals something important. He is an unregenerate soul listening to both the old system and the new. He knows what God did in the past, but only listens to what God is doing now. Felix quickly sends away the old, but he never fully accepts the new. He keeps the new around out of curiosity, wanting to learn about it, yet the god of Mammon is too important to him.
Acts 24:23-27
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
The God of Mammon—Felix’s True Motivation
This is the main reason many people do not accept Christ. It’s also why many Christians aren’t truly faithful. The god of Mammon—money, possessions, and material things—keeps them distracted.
Felix trembles as Paul shares the truth, but he never receives salvation. I’ll summarize Felix again later after we finish looking at him.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
There are many who use excuses to avoid worship and being faithful to Christ’s body. When you come to church, you are being faithful not just to Jesus, but to the body, to this group of believers. People will find a thousand reasons not to come, but if you dig down, it’s often about possessions and Mammon. People get caught up in work and things. Any excuse will do, but the root is still Mammon.
Felix talks with Paul and keeps him around for conversation. He allows Paul’s friends to visit and minister to him. This continued for two years. That’s found in verse 27. There are other reasons Felix kept Paul as well.
Felix came with his wife, Drusilla. She was a Jew married to a lost Gentile, unequally yoked together. This situation shows the spiritual divide—Drusilla the Jew and her lost Gentile husband living in different worlds. That’s a side note, but it connects to the broader message about divided loyalties and priorities.
You will often notice this pattern: one member of a couple comes in, gets excited about the message, and brings their spouse. But when both begin to hear what is really being taught, sometimes the second person won’t accept it and leaves, as Felix and Drusilla did.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Principles of New Testament Ministry—Righteousness and Temperance
The first principle of New Testament ministry is righteousness. It’s important to understand this correctly. Righteousness is not merely something you do; it is a characteristic of God. You become his righteousness—you take on his nature and likeness. Righteousness is seen in your life, not just in your words or your actions. It’s not a set of rules, but God’s nature showing through you. You are righteousness, you don’t just do righteous things.
The second principle is temperance—self-control. This means controlling your passions instead of letting them control you. Most people are ruled by their desires, emotions, and flesh. Their anger, appetite, spending habits, and cravings run their lives. True temperance means having mastery over all these passions—not just the visible, big problems, but even those hidden patterns like overeating or indulging in anything. There are no “big” or “little” sins here—self-control applies everywhere.
The judgment to come
New Testament ministry centers on teaching righteousness, self-control, and judgment, not topics like prosperity or predictions about the rapture. Paul did not tell Felix how to get wealthy or receive material blessings. Instead, he focused on these three essential truths. Many churches today seem to ignore these topics and teach people how to get money and comfort, but that is not what real New Testament ministry is about.
Romans 14 teaches that everyone will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ. It is a mistake to think that God overlooks our own sins while only seeing the faults in others. Every person will answer to God. No one will slip by or escape this. These core issues—righteousness, self-control, and judgment—are not always popular, but they are vital and must not be avoided.
The Reality of Judgment
Felix, after hearing Paul, became afraid—the word used means alarm and terror. The passage does not mention how Drusilla responded, but she was also there. The reality of judgment can cause fear. Still, it is an essential truth that New Testament ministry must address, even if some would prefer to only hear about blessings.
Many people say they will turn to God or get things right when it is convenient for them. That is not just unregenerate people, but sometimes even those in the church fall into this thinking. Procrastination means putting things off for another time. I see many believers putting off the important stuff, waiting for a perfect moment that may never come. But the Bible says today is the day of salvation. We should not delay or wait for a more convenient season.
Felix wanted to keep Paul around because he hoped Paul would eventually give him money. He talked with Paul repeatedly, not for the truth, but for a financial opportunity. That represents the spirit of mammon—putting money at the center. Many people today tune in to ministries mainly to hear how to get rich or prosper quickly. I admit there was a time I chased after those messages myself, looking for the secrets of prosperity every Sunday morning. I now see that when my motivation was wealth, I was not truly seeking God, but mammon—the god of money and things.
The Allure of Prosperity Teaching
Many times, people seek God only for what He can give them. For a long time, I did that myself. My real desire was not for Christ, but for prosperity. I see this same attitude in Felix. He represents an unregenerate man who is more interested in money than in knowing God. Many ministries today are focused on prosperity. Their meetings are packed because people want wealth, not actual spiritual change.
Paul was left in prison for two years because Felix wanted to please the Jews. During this time, there was conflict and violence. Felix lost his position, but Paul stayed in prison. Sometimes God leaves us in difficult places longer than we want. He is working out His purpose in our lives, even when it feels like a test. Just like Abraham, God often leads us through separations and trials before the big test comes. God prepares us along the way.
The Example of Felix
Felix is an example of the unregenerate man. He heard the gospel. He was convicted of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Felix trembled but did not change. He kept procrastinating, waiting for a more convenient time. His heart stayed hard and selfish, wanting money more than truth. Many of us share these struggles. One day, we hope to apply what we know and live out real change. Until then, we recognize that knowledge without obedience is wasted. Even pastors and leaders struggle with honesty and hypocrisy, but we should aim to be honest about our shortcomings.
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
Acts Series Chapter 24: How to Face Unregenerate Men
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