Well...Paul was arrested in Jerusalem because of the testimony of very angry Jews who objected to Paul's ministry to the Jews and Gentiles (see notes on Acts 21). He had an opportunity to present his case before the Sanhedrin, but he failed to win any support there. As a matter of fact, they tried to have him assassinated before he could be transported by the Romans out of Jerusalem, but their plot failed (Acts 23, see notes). At this point in Acts 24, he has been transported away from Jerusalem by the Roman officials. In Caesarea, Felix has sent for Paul's accusers. Upon their arrival, Paul appears before him for a hearing. The high priest (Ananias) brings a mouthpiece, Tertullus the attorney, to represent their cause. He basically presents the case that Paul is one to stir up insurrection among the Jews wherever he goes. It is with a precise choice of words that Tertullus refers to Paul's doctrine as that of the "sect of the Nazarenes. Literally, Tertullus is accusing Paul of bringing another religion into the Jewish temple and synagogues and causing disunity among the people.
Paul gets his opportunity to reply to the accusations beginning in verse 11. He points out that when he was arrested, he was strictly observing the religion, Judaism, which he had embraced for his whole life. He was not doing any of those things for which he is being accused. As a matter of fact, Paul was serving as the sponsor for some Jewish men who were offering the required sacrifices for the Nazarite vow when he was arrested. How much more Jewish can you act? While Tertullus referred to Christianity as the "sect of the Nazarenes," Paul refers to Christianity in verse 14 as "the Way." Paul is attempting to show that "the Way" is the natural extension of Judaism. He does not deny any of the Law or the Prophets, but rather embraces them.
Paul is kept in prison for two years through the end of the term of Felix, the Judean governor. Felix was hoping for a bribe from Paul, and he summoned him from time to time to talk religion...and to probably see how the bribe money was coming. Paul, he just kept on witnessing, writing and preaching to whomever would listen. Felix kept him in prison to keep the Jews happy, but gave Paul a good bit of freedom. It was like a minimum-security prison arrangement with a Roman centurion as a bodyguard. What an opportunity for Paul to share the Word with influential people while under the protection of the Roman government. It turns out that Paul's greater opportunity was realized from prison. Can't you imagine that there were countless Believers praying for Paul's release from prison, not realizing that unique opportunities for service were available to Paul because he was imprisoned. That's why praying for wisdom is so important for Believers. It very well may be that our way is not God's way. We should pray to know God's way.