How does it all end? Acts concludes with Paul’s interaction with the unbelieving Jews in Rome. Luke leaves Paul under house arrest and preaching Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God to all who would come to him.
Faith in God, Love for People
'Persecution' Tagged Posts
Was Paul’s evangelism successful? In around two years, he had spoken to the Roman Tribune Lysias in Jerusalem, the Sanhedrin Council in Jerusalem, and Felix, Festus, and Agrippa in Caesarea, along with others. As far as we know, none of them became believers in Jesus Christ. Was he successful.
Bringing it together As Paul ends his speech before Agrippa, he argues his obedience to the calling from Jesus is the reason for his imprisonment and the animus of the Jews against him. He also demonstrates that his message is only what the prophets had testified before him.
How I got here Paul continues his defense at the hearing before Agrippa. He tells how he went from persecutor to preacher of Jesus.
Paul gets to speak again The whole procession of important persons has entered the place and the hearing begins for Paul.
What should I write? Paul had appealed to Caesar, exercising his right as a Roman citizen. While that helped Festus out of a jam in trying to upset neither the Romans nor the Jews, he still had to send a report to Nero that would explain the case and the appeal. Agrippa came to visit the new governor and agreed to hear…
New Governor and New Trial Paul had been imprisoned for two years. Felix was succeeded by Festus as governor in Caesarea. The Jews from Jerusalem were still trying to kill Paul and seeking extradition to execute their plan. Festus did not grant that request, but does have another trial for Paul.
How did we get here? The accused Paul responds to the charges against him. His defense speech turns the issue away from the political and back to the real heart of the issue, which is theological. His words had an effect on Felix.
False Charges Paul had been moved to Caesarea to the custody of the governor, Felix. Ananias and some of the priest came from Jerusalem to charge Paul before the governor. They use similar tactics as what they used against Jesus thirty years before. Will they work as well this time?
What now? The hearing before the Sanhedrin didn’t go well and Lysias had to remove Paul, fearing he would be killed. By the next morning, a conspiracy was formed to kill Paul and the cooperation of the chief priests was secured. Paul received a special visit and encouragement to keep his courage.