Paul on Trial

Acts 21:27-28, 30
Paul returns to Jerusalem - results in riot in the temple court.  Accused of preaching against the Jewish people, against the Law, against the temple.

The Roman Commander (next door in barracks area) intervenes.  (Claudius Lysias - commander of the Roman garrison) Acts 21:31-26

Paul is permitted to address the mob;  gives his personal testimony.  They listen UNTIL ... Acts 22:21-23 - vs. 22 - heresy

Paul taken into the 'barracks' - next day on trial before the Sanhedrin (ruling council of the Jewish nation)
Paul refers to "hope in the resurrection' .. Council is divided and violent.  Acts 23:10

Paul rescued - Acts 23:11 - Lord's message to him.

Plot to kill Paul is thwarted/Paul rushed away to Caeserea to Governor "Felix".  Caeserea - primary port.  Center of Roman politics.

5 days later... Paul has hearing before Felix.  Jews complaint - Acts 24:22-23
Felix calls for personal interview!!  Acts 24:24-26  (Felix was known for taking bribes)

Felix = Convicted but Conflicted ... so... Acts 24:27

Felix is recalled to Rome because of his bribe taking, etc. - replaced by Festus  (Felix' brother-in-law)
Festus goes to Jerusalem and is met by ANGRY Jews!!  Acts 25:1-3

Back in Caesarea .. ANOTHER hearing before Festus!!!  Acts 25:9 - political

But Paul knows PLOT and SENTENCE .... so  Acts 25:11-12 - now has the right to a trial in Rome.

Enter Agrippa!! - Acts 25:13

Festus' dilemma!! - Acts 25:18-19   So... Acts 25:22  He totally doesn't understand what this is all about.

So... Another hearing!!  Acts 26:22-23 - Paul presents his testimony again along with gospel presentation.
       Festus' response - Acts 26:24
the Verdict!! Acts 26:30-32 - Not guilty.

That's the story...,  Are there any lessons?  Any Applications?

Note 1st:  Paul's primary defense is his PERSONAL Testimony!!  (shared before the Jews, Festus, Agrippa!)

Personal Testimony consists of 2 Simple Parts:

#1.  This I KNOW
#2.  This I Believe about what I know.

Example:  the Blind man - John 9:24-25, 32-33
On one hand, need to be able to share the gospel also  (bridge illustration)
However, Testimony is a powerful tool (IF your lifestyle lines up with your testimony)  If it doesn't, your testimony is of no value!!!

Responses to Paul's testimony were varied!!
    Jews - Angry
    Felix - Convicted
    Festus - Indifferent
    Agrippa - Curious
You can expect all these responses to your Personal Testimony.

Notes:

#1)  People get angry when you question their standing with God. 
Example:  Paul and Jewish council.
Because saying "you're NOT in good standing with God, but I am!! - this is why Jews were so angry.

#2.)  Considering Christ creates inner conflict. 
Example:  Felix - Because following Christ means (1) giving up some things
                                                                           (2)  TAKING up some things.
This is true of the believer as well as non-believer.  (This is why is easier for kids)

#3.)  People often appear indifferent to the Gospel.
Example;  Festus - whether they ARE indifferent ... we can't know...
BUT this we CAN Know!!  Isa. 55:10-11

#4)  Curiosity does not necessarily mean a genuine interest. 
Example:  Agrippa - But again, we can't know - so treat it seriously!!  Continue to pray and minister.

And #5)  People can (and do) overcome these obstacles.
Example:  pre-converted Paul and his anger, hostility!!

Therefore:  share, pray, don't give up. You never know when your personal testimony is going to change someone.

FINALLY.....God is making the Gospel known THRU Paul's difficulties!!
(Audience of the Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus, Agrippa, prominent men of Caesarea, etc.)

Remember:  Acts 23:11 - now jump ahead to... Phil. 4:22 - heard Paul's testimony and turned to Christ.

Problems We Face in the Church Today

Acts 23:23-25 - Continuation of previous lessons from Acts.

A plot against Paul by 40 Jews - to kill him.  Paul's nephew hears about the plot, warns Lysias, the Roman commander, and he sends 470 guards from his 1000 member garrison.  They took Paul at night to Caesera.

Lysias also sends report that Paul is not guilty.  No death or imprisonment.

Acts 24:1 - Ananias (High Priest) - not doing the right thing. 
                  Tertullus - Roman or Hellenist Jew, hired hand
                  Pathetic elders - didn't want to testify, so had Tertullus do it for them.   Similar to Paul at the stoning of Stephen.  Didn't throw any stones - just took care of the clothing of those who were.

Acts 24:2-4 Tertullus laying it on thick and Felix (the Roman governor) ate it up.

Acts 24:5-6 - Called Paul a plague, troublemaker, pestilence, a real pest, a pestilent fellow) - really annoying.  They hated Paul.  They hated Jesus, they hated Paul, they hated the way (Christians) threatened their power.  They loved themselves more than God.

But they did bring 3 charges against Paul:
(1)  He led riots (was Rome's business.  Called sedition and could lead to execution.
(2)  He was a Sect leader (heretic)
(4)  Tried profaning the temple.

No specifics - just generalizations.  They knew his heart.  Accusations = very broad.

Acts 24:6-8 - a lot of violence.  Arrested him????  Fake news.  Euphemistic way of saying mob beating.
Acts 24:9 - All these cowards bore false witness violating the 9th. commandment.  In order to murder Paul, violating the 6th. commandment.

Paul's answers to these charges:

Acts 24:10-13 - In regards to the riot, I wasn't there long enough.  Never had any discussions with anybody and they can't prove it.

Acts 24:14-15 - regarding being a Christian:  I am, but we are NOT a cult or sect.  We are the ones who understand the Law and Prophets.  He alludes to Dan. 12:2 - regarding the resurrection.  John 5:39, 46-47 

Acts 24:16 - take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.  What a goal!!

Acts 24:17-20 - I did nothing in the temple.  As a matter of fact, the Jews from Asia are not hear for a face to face accusation.  They were the ones who said this, and they are not here.

Acts 24:21 - all about the resurrection.  Is it real?  Did Jesus do it?  We all need to decide if Jesus is a liar, lunatic, or LORD.

Acts 24:22-23 - Paul could not be charged.  Was no real evidence.  Lysias and Paul and Felix agreed, but to appease the Jews, Felix keeps the peace by keeping Paul in prison for 2 years. 

All right!!  All that narrative to get down to 2 problems we really face as church folks today:

#1.  Vs. 24 - 25 - We run from conviction.  ie:  brutal ruler, 3rd. wife, Drusilla left 1st husband in an affair with Felix.  She knew better.  Jonah, David's sin, Israelites and the promised land.
WE run from repentance.  From God's calling.

#2.  We are afraid of speaking truth.  Paul spoke to one who had the power to kill him. 
What about us?  Statement at work?  Conversation with lost friend?  school assignment? 
Will we stand for Jesus when it's tough?  2 Tim. 3:12, 1:7

#3.  We just pretend to be godly/love God... but hate people, the truth, never submit to Jesus, or His word - - exactly what is going on with the Sanhedrin.
Isa. 9, Isa. 53, Psm. 110 - but they rejected Jesus as Lord!! They weren't blind - John 9.

Are you just pretending?  Are you a believer?   Prov. 20:10 - shady business.
Heb. 13:4 - dating life   James 1:26 - speech  John 1`3:34-35 - love for fellow Christians?

It is HARD to stand for Jesus.  Easy to run!!!!

God Gives Opportunities in Adversity

Acts 21:27-29 
Men probably came from Ephesus (served many idols, had the Artemesian Games)  was a big riot when Paul was there. 
They accused Paul of having contempt for the Jewish people, the Law, the Temple.  False witness.  Accused him of taking a Gentile (non-Jew) into the temple which had a penalty of death.  They wanted to have Paul killed.

Acts 21:30-32 - he was rescued by Gentiles.  Similar to Jesus, other prophets - beaten, etc. by Jewish mob.  Was not lawful for Paul to be beaten as he was a Roman citizen.

Compare to Matt. 23:37 - Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem

Acts 21:33-38  Josephus records an Egyptian Jew names Sikarios who led a revolt in Jerusalem against the Romans.  Had Roman sympathizers.  Paul = not me.  I want out.

Acts 21:39-40 - takes a heart and a love for the people.  God works through adversities. 

Refer to Gen. 50:20 (Jerusalem persecution) - caused people to flee - and they spread the gospel out away from Jerusalem.  See Rom. 8:28 
When in the midst of adversity, pray:  God how can I serve you in this?  What are you trying to teach me?  Lord, use me in this?  Work this out for our good.

Acts 22:1-2 -  Paul = affection, desires salvation, forgives them like Jesus on the cross. 
Question:  Do you love those who hate you like that?

Acts 22:3-5 - Paul shares his testimony, who he was. Like them but better at it.  Continues testimony in Acts 22:6-19 - He was zealous for God.

Testimonies are powerful when played out in the life of a Christian.

You have a testimony.  Share it.  ie.  Luke 8:39 - man with demons   Psm. 107:1-2 - God has been good to you.  Share it!

Acts 22:21-24 - Wanted to stone Paul.  Romans just want to know what's going, decided to flog it out of him.
Find out about Paul's citizenship.

Acts 23:1 - Paul's greeting:  brothers - informal, affectionate, familiar faces.

Acts 23:2-3 - High priest wanted more respect.   Broke the law.  Deut. 26:1-2 - only the guilty are to be beaten.  This installed by Herod.

Paul sounds like Jesus in Matt. 28:37 - No high priest would defy the Law this way.  Sort of apologizes in vs. 5

Acts 23:4-5 - Quotes Ex. 22:28 - back in apology.  

Summarize Acts 23:6-12 - divides pharisees (phonies - honor me with their lips)  Matt. 1:8  vs. Sadducees (liberals on resurrection)

Rom. 9:1-3 - broke Paul's heart.

God meets us in our lowest moments.  Acts 23:11    Heb. 4:14-16

The Lord met with Paul and promised to give the desire of his heart.  Rom. 1:9-11 - Paul's heart.

Ananias = God is gracious

Three Ananias s here.  (1)  a corrupt high priest   (2)  & Sapphira pretending, played church, were phonies
(3)  led Paul to the Lord..  Risked all to be obedient - we don't know what became of that Ananias.

God can do a great work in you and through you!!