“God's Ways are behind the scenes;

but He moves all the scenes which He is behind.”

- J.N. Darby

Paul creates “intentional chaos” with the Sadducees by finding common

ground with the Pharisees on the

belief of there being a resurrection from

the dead for all men.

Acts 23:11 The following night

the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have

testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

Acts 23: 12-22 The Jewish Leaders

plot to kill Paul

Acts 23: 12-13, 1612 The next morning some Jews formed

a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had

killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot.

16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into

the barracks and told Paul.

Acts 23: 23-35 Paul is quickly

transferred to Caesarea and into the custody of Governor Felix

to ensure his safety.

Acts 24: 1-23 Paul’s Trial and Defense before

the Roman Governor Felix

Acts 24: 14-1514 “… I admit that I worship the God

of our ancestors as a follower of ‘The Way,’ which they call a sect.

I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in

the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have,

that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.”

Acts 24: 24-27

Paul has regular “religious

conversations” with Felix and

his wife Drusilla; explaining the depth

of the Gospel.

Acts 24: 24-2524 Several days later Felix came

with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him

as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness,

self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough

for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

2 Corinthians 6: 1-2As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For He says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor,

now is the day of salvation.

Acts 25: 1-12 After a 2-year wait

in prison under the procrastinating supervision of Felix, Paul is put on trial again by the new Roman governor,

Porcius Festus.

Acts 25: 13-27 Festus consults with King Agrippa

and Queen Bernice about Paul.Agrippa offers to hear Paul personally.

Acts 26: 1-23 Paul shares his

testimony in ways that would connect with his Jewish and

Gentile hearers.Paul passionately affirms his belief in his miraculous

calling from Jesus.

Acts 26: 17-1817 “I will rescue you from

your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them

18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness

of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

Acts 26:24 At this point

Festus interrupted Paul’s defense.

“You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great

learning is driving you insane.”

1 Corinth. 1:18“For the message of the cross

is foolishness

to those who are perishing,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Acts 26: 28-29 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul,

“Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long,I pray to God that not only you

but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

“We don’t give anyone a reason to ask about what makes us unique, so nobody asks. Yet we still feel the need to evangelize. So we

end up coming across like salespeople peddling a product that didn’t really work for us.”

- Francis Chan

Act 26:32Agrippa said to Festus,

“This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Who Do You Most Resemble?

Paul

The Jewish Leaders

Felix & Drusilla

Festus

Agrippa & Beatrice