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Overview of Week Five

Acts 23:11 – Chapter 26 NKJV

This week covers the following ways in which the members of God’s Church can grow in their faith as God grows His Church:

• Sometimes we need our own personal “Let not your heart be troubled” moment from Jesus.
• Taking a stand and putting God’s interests first can be an effective witness.
• Respond immediately to the truth before you fall back into complacency.
• No matter the type of spiritual attack, just stand firm on God’s unchanging truth.
• Know your audience to be able to effectively and intentionally witness to them.

An Overview of Acts 23:11 – Chapter 26

Even Paul needed encouragement throughout his ministry and travels. And God delivered His life-energizing encouragement to Paul directly. Paul had experienced a very stressful couple of days. Even though he was able to engage in some one-of-a-kind ministry opportunities, it was not without the heavy weight of being physically bruised and emotionally stirred at every turn.

Paul then received from God the exact encouragement he needed, at the exact right time, and it empowered him for immediate challenges. The encouragement also empowered him as he prepared for the long-term challenge of witnessing in Rome. Paul was safely delivered to Felix, who was the Procurator (i.e., Governor) of the region and presided in Caesarea with 470 Roman soldiers. Felix had received a memo from Claudius Lysias, the Roman Commander, informing him that Paul, a Roman citizen, was threatened for his life simply because of theological disagreements among the Jewish people. As a result, Lysias did not charge Paul with any wrongdoing.

Felix received Paul from the Roman Commander and called the Jewish leaders of Jerusalem to come and present any charges they believed Felix should act upon. The Sanhedrin came with their lawyer, Tertullus, and he presented the case against Paul to Felix. Paul clearly presented his side to Felix, stating that he was in the current situation solely because of their theological disagreements about the Resurrection. Felix paused the hearing, claiming he needed to call the Roman Commander to come and share anything and everything he knew about the situation.

While waiting, Felix and his wife, Drusilla, met with Paul privately and inquired about his faith in Jesus. Paul, knowing their sinful past and current sinful lifestyle, did not withhold in speaking the truth about God’s holiness, the need to have self-control, and the judgment of God. They ended the conversation only to talk to him on more occasions, but Felix’s goal was not to hear what Paul had to say but to receive a bribe from Paul to be released. Receiving none, Felix left him in custody for two years.

At around the two-year mark, Felix was removed from his position and replaced by Festus. The Jewish leaders sent him on his way to Caesarea, defamed Paul, and attempted to have Paul killed. Festus chose to meet with the Jewish leaders, and Paul, like Felix, did. The case ended with Paul’s appeal to present his case before Nero, the Roman Emperor.

Not knowing what to write to the emperor concerning the charges against Paul, Festus consulted with a very seasoned politician, King Agrippa. Agrippa expressed interest in hearing what Paul had to say for himself. Paul stood in front of Festus, Agrippa, and his sister Bernice, and many dignitaries in the main room. He shared his testimony and the Gospel. Knowing Agrippa’s and his sister’s deep roots in Judaism, Paul attempted to persuade Agrippa to put his faith in Jesus Christ right in the middle of his presentation. Festus and Agrippa recessed, returned, and stated that Paul was innocent of any crimes. But because Paul appealed to Caesar, they decided he must be sent to Rome. They returned and declared that Paul would be sent to Rome for his hearing before the emperor.