Our Messages

Acts 27:1-26

Once again, the conclusion is reached that Paul had done nothing deserving death and that had he not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released right then. Today we see the journey to Rome begin in probably October of 59. This was too late in the fall to be on the open seas, and wouldn’t you know that things get a little rough. Paul understood there was real danger ahead and encouraged the crew to find safe harbor for the winter. However, the leaders of the voyage decided to press on. But despite the problems and opposition, God’s plan moves forward.

Acts 26:12-32

Paul had begun to make his defense before King Agrippa last week as we left off on a cliff hanger once again. Today, we will see Paul continue to make his defense, describing his experience with Jesus on the Damascus Road. Finally, Paul demonstrates that he was just being obedient to Jesus in sharing Him as a light to both Jews and Gentiles alike. And just as before, the conclusion reached that Paul had done nothing deserving death Had he not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released right then.

Acts 25:13-26:11

Still in "protective custody," Paul has appealed to Ceasar's judgment seat, probably remembering the assassination plot from a couple of years ago. He's done nothing worthy of the death penalty. But God's plan is for him to go to Rome, and this appeal appears to that end. Governor Festus needs some help understanding the charges against Paul. King Agrippa ll arrives to pay his respects to Festus' new position. Since the king is more familiar with Jewish law, he wants to hear from Paul. So, Paul once again testifies.

Acts 24:22-25:12

Not too long ago, we found ourselves with Paul in “protective custody.” While there, some Jews had taken a foolish vow to not eat or drink until he was killed. However, Paul’s nephew warned Paul of this plan. After informing the tribune, he sends Paul to the governor Felix in Caesarea soon as he arrived, Governor Felix agrees to hear Paul’s case as soon as his accusers arrive. It is not long before the Jewish leader show up and present their case to Felix against Paul, falsely accusing him of being a plague, stirring up riots, and profaning the temple. However, Paul deftly gives his defense to Felix, explaining that every accusation is false. Today, we see Felix tell them that when Lysias the tribune arrives, he would decide their case. While waiting, Felix and his wife both listen to Paul speaking about faith in Christ, righteousness, and the coming judgment. Understandably, this made Felix a little concerned and unfortunately for Paul, Felix was trying to placate the Jews as he left and left him in prison. Finally, after another trial where the Jews bring false accusation against Paul, Paul appeals to Caesar.

Acts 24:1-21

Last week, Paul arrived in Caesarea and Felix read the letter from Claudius Lysias. Afterwards, Felix agrees to hear Paul’s case as soon as his accusers arrive. Today, we will see Ananias the high priest arrives with some elders and a spokesman, Tertullus. He delivers his case to Felix against Paul, falsely accusing him of being a plague, stirring up riots, and profaning the temple. Paul then begins to cheerfully give his defense to Felix, explaining that every accusation is false.

Acts 23:12-35

Paul's Roman citizenship affords him further protection. A plot to deceive the tribune and murder Paul is uncovered, so the tribune sends Paul by night to Governor Felix under heavily armed guard. Accompanied by a letter from the tribune, Paul arrives in Caesarea and is placed in protective custody until his accusers can come and present their case.

Acts 22:22-23:11

In our last message in the Book of Acts, Paul began his defense to the Jewish mob that had gathered in the temple courts and had followed him after he was arrested and taken to the Roman garrison. As he makes his defense, his last statement to them was to repeat what that the Lord had said to him. “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles." Today we start moments after that statement. Unfortunately, at that mention of the gentiles, mob gets angry and at this point, the tribune orders Paul to be flogged to get the truth from him. However, the revelation that Paul is a Roman citizen saves his hide, literally. The tribune then calls a session with the Chief priests to find out what is going on, but it ends in an angry mob once again. We’ll end the message today with Paul once again being taken into custody for his own safety but being encouraged by the Lord that he still has more to do.

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Acts 22:1-21

Having been rescued from the murderous mob by the Roman soldiers, Paul has begged the tribune to permit him to speak to the people. With permission, standing on the steps, he motions with his hand and a great silence falls on the crowd. When he addresses them in their language, they pay all the more attention. He explains how he is a devout Jew, a Pharisee, educated in Jerusalem under Gamaliel, etc. He then testifies how he met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. All goes well until he proclaims the mission to the Gentiles. This ignites such vehement protest that Paul is taken into the Roman barracks for further proceedings. Stay tuned!

Acts 21:27-40

Last week, Paul had finally made it to Jerusalem. He took the advice of the elders and participated in a purification ritual so as not to offend the local Jews. However, his attempt to appease them was to no avail. Instead, he is sighted. Jews from Asia started telling lies about him and stirs up a crowd. If the Roman authorities hadn't showed up, Paul would likely have been beaten or stoned to death.

Acts 21:1-26

After leaving the elders in Ephesus, Paul makes his way towards Jerusalem. Along the way, he stops in Tyre and Caesarea where the brothers, after being told what would happen to Paul by the Holy Spirit, beg him not to go. However, it is God's purpose and will for Paul to go. Then, once he arrives, he shares his success with the local church leadership in Jerusalem.

Acts 19:21-41

Today, we find Paul making the decision to leave Ephesus as he has had great success here. Everyone in the area had heard the message. He decides to move through Macedonia and Achaia, preaching along the way, on his way back to Jerusalem. However, before he goes, the Way causes a riot in the streets.