LESSON 11

Trials before the Jewish and Roman authorities (Acts 23–26)

 
 

Outline

  1. Facing Adversity With Courage (CH. 23)

  2. Trusting in God’s Providence (CH. 24–25)

  3. Sharing the Gospel (CH. 26)

Central idea: Study Paul when he was under Jewish and Roman judgment.

Facing Adversity With Courage (CH. 23)

  • Trust in God's sovereignty

    • Even though Paul found himself in a difficult situation, in chains and accused by others, God spoke to him and told him to take courage because he still had more work to do (v. 11)

    • Likewise, when we face difficulties in our faith walk, we must trust that God has a supreme plan and purpose for our trials (Psalm 37:23; Romans 8:28)


  • Trust in God's protection

    • Although Paul earned enemies who wanted him dead for sharing his faith, God still protected him through his nephew (vv. 16–22)

    • If you should suffer for the gospel's sake, trust God to protect you and lift you (2 Samuel 22:34; Psalm 34:19)


  • Do not let resistance discourage you from sharing your faith, for your work is not in vain. Paul went so far as to witness to governors (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Trusting in God’s Providence (CH. 24–25)

  • Maintain your integrity and speak the truth

    • The accusation against Paul was that he persuaded others that Christ was the Messiah (v. 24:5)

    • Paul had to defend himself numerous times against his accusers, but he stood firm, even though he could easily have given in to be set free (vv. 24:21–26; 25:7–12)

    • Standing firm for the truth is never easy, but we cannot be ashamed to testify about God (Luke 9:26)


  • We must show patience to see God's plan come to pass

    • Initially, God spoke to Paul, telling him that he would testify in Rome, but by then, two years had passed in prison until he could appeal to defend himself before Caesar in Rome (vv. 24:27; 25:11–23)

    • Blessings come to those who wait on God (2 Sam. 22:31; Prov. 30:5; Isa. 40:31)

Sharing the Gospel (CH. 26)

  • You must give what you have received in grace (Matthew 10:7–18)

    • Paul shared his testimony of how, once a persecutor of the church, he became a committed lover of Christ, called to proclaim the gospel (vv. 9–18)

    • God has done great things with us, and that should be enough for us to share the gospel with others (2 Timothy 4:2)


  • The gospel transforms hearts, not just minds.

    • As Paul defended himself, King Agrippa cried out that so much knowledge drove Paul mad, but Paul claimed that he spoke the truth rationally (vv. 24–25).

    • For those who are losing their way, the gospel is foolishness, for they cannot understand because of the spiritual veil they have (2 Cor. 3:14; 1 Cor. 1:18)