When In Rome
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Last week, I did something crazy. We went through two and a half chapters of Acts. We talked about sharing our testimony. We talked about the power, wisdom, and grace that come when we are willing to tell the story of what Jesus has done in our lives. If you missed it, go back and watch it. We all need the reminder that our story matters and is powerful because God is in it.
Now, if you were impressed last week with how I was able to get through that many chapters, just wait. Because this week, I’m feeling really confident. We are covering three.
To recap where we left off last week, Paul didn’t share his testimony and walk away free. He was still in chains. Still under guard. Sometimes a testimony doesn’t get you out of the storm. Sometimes it keeps you right in the middle of it. We don’t share our story to escape hard things. We share it to be faithful in the middle of them. The goal of a testimony isn’t rescue. It’s witness
This morning we’re covering Acts 24, 25, and 26. Same rule as last week. I’m not reading every single verse, so you’ve got homework. Read these chapters on your own this week.
Pop quiz: Is it my job to spoon-feed you Scripture?
Nope. My job is to point you to it, to stir your hunger for it, and to help you see what God is saying in it. The real growth happens when you open your Bible and meet with God yourself.
Now, not only are we covering three chapters in Acts today, I also want to use Romans 12 as an anchor. I know. I’m crazy.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
I’ve titled this message “When in Rome… Be Different.”
Would you pray with me?
Pray
You ever tried to fake your way through something?
Me neither.
Well… okay. I’ve never told this story to anyone, but here goes.
One time I was at the grocery store and decided I was going to prank Alyssa. She was in another aisle, so I thought it’d be funny to grab one of those whole fish. I’m talking scales, eyeballs, the whole thing. I was going to walk up and convince her I was buying it to cook for dinner.
So I’m standing there, holding this fish, when a couple stops me. They say, “You know, we’ve always wanted to try cooking a whole fish like that. What tips do you have?”
And without missing a beat, I just started talking.
“First, you want to score the skin so it cooks evenly. Then season it — salt, pepper, maybe a little garlic. Stuff it with herbs, maybe some lemon slices. Wrap it in foil, high heat for 20–25 minutes…”
Y’all would’ve thought I was Gordon Ramsay — minus the profanity.
They were eating it up. Literally. They went and bought several of those fish. Canceled their original dinner plans and committed fully to the fish.
I calmly walked away, tossed mine back in the cooler, and ran to find Alyssa.
Because here’s the truth…I’ve never cooked a whole fish like that in my life.
While I had just enough knowledge to probably figure out how to cook it, it didn’t change the fact that I was faking it. I wasn’t a whole-fish expert. I just didn’t want to look out of place. So I played along. I blended in.
And honestly, that’s what a lot of us do. Not just in grocery stores, but in life. We step into situations where we feel pressure to fit the moment. To act like we belong. To go with the flow, even if it means pretending.
That’s the spirit behind the phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Today it’s basically a green light to blend in with your surroundings. Adjust your standards. Do what everyone else is doing so you don’t stand out.
But that’s not what the phrase originally meant. It actually comes from church history. In the 4th century a young Christian named Augustine was confused about different customs in different cities. His mentor, Ambrose, told him, “When I’m in Rome, I do as the Romans do.” It was about honoring the body of Christ, not compromising with the culture.
Over time, though, that idea got hijacked. The church’s call to humility became the world’s excuse to conform.
And now that phrase, once rooted in spiritual discernment, has become a cultural slogan for compromise.
And now Christians, we’ve begun to participate too.
We don’t just honor culture. We bow to it.
And we don’t stop there. We begin to participate in it.
Not just in neutral customs or traditions, but in sinful culture.
We start adopting the world’s values.
We echo its priorities.
We normalize its language, its idols, its definitions of success and identity.
What was once unthinkable slowly becomes acceptable.
What once convicted us now entertains us.
And what once set us apart now blends us in.
We don’t just live in a sinful world. We quietly start to participate in it.
And we excuse it under the banner of “relating,” “relevance,” or “grace.”
But make no mistake.
Participation without discernment is compromise.
And if we’re not careful, we’ll look up and realize that the gospel we claim to believe is no longer shaping us. Culture is.
Rome’s idols may have been statues. Ours are in our pockets.
They light up. They scroll endlessly. They feed comparison, pride, and distraction.
We may not bow with our knees, but we bow our attention, our affection, and our time.
Thats why Paul says “do not be conformed to this world.” listen to me if you do not submit to God, you are submitted to the devil.
lLet me tell you an old preacher parable:
There were two fields. One belonged to God. The other to Satan. And between them was a fence.
One day, a man found himself walking that fence. He didn’t want to choose either side just yet. He liked parts of both. So he decided to stay on the fence, thinking he could remain neutral.
Later, both God and Satan came to collect those who belonged to them. God called, and those in His field followed. Satan called, and those in his followed. But the man stayed on the fence.
Then Satan came back and said, “Come on, let’s go.”
The man replied, “Wait a minute. I didn’t choose your side. I’m on the fence.”
And Satan smiled and said, “The fence is mine.”
neutral is a myth. You can’t stay neutral.
Here’s what I want to do.
I want to look at Paul’s imprisonment that takes place over Acts 24 through 26 — and I want to look at how to be in Rome, how to live in a culture like ours, and still be different.
But to do that, we’ve got to start by understanding the world Paul is standing in.
Not a synagogue. Not a church. But a Roman courtroom — in the provincial capital of Caesarea.
This isn’t just any place.
This is a center of power. A place where decisions are made, where politics dominate, and where justice is often traded for influence.
We live in a world of Power.
Let’s look at it:
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.
Felix had Paul in prison. Not because Paul was guilty. Not because the law demanded it.
But because he wanted a bribe.
He was using his power to shake Paul down. To make a little money off the situation.
And when it didn’t work, he just left him there.
That’s not justice. That’s manipulation.
And Felix wasn’t alone. Look at Festus:
9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”
He’s not after truth.
He’s trying to score political points.
Trying to look good. Trying to keep the peace.
Even if it means sending an innocent man into danger.
And Agrippa? He listens to Paul, hears the full defense — and this is what he says at the end:
32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Could have been.
Should have been.
But wasn’t.
Agrippa acknowledged Paul’s innocence and then kept him in prison.
Three rulers. Three chances to do the right thing.
All three pass.
They all choose power and influence.
Image over integrity.
And if that sounds familiar, it’s because we’re still there.
We live in a world where power protects itself.
Where authority is used to preserve influence, not promote righteousness.
Where people with platforms and resources walk free, while justice waits its turn.
Paul’s story may be 2,000 years old, but it’s not out of date.
It’s the world we live in too.
We live in a world of Power without Justice.
thats not all.
We live in a world of Politics.
Where image matters more than integrity.
Where people posture instead of stand.
Where convictions shift depending on the room you’re in and who’s listening.
That’s not just modern it’s exactly what we see in Acts 24, 25, and 26.
These trials Paul goes through?
They aren’t about truth.
They’re about advantage.
In Acts 24 we see the religiuous leaders politicing govener felix look at it:
2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.They aren’t about truth.
That is not a legal argument. That is flattery.
That is performance.
They are buttering him up so he will rule their way.
And let’s be honest… how do I say this in a church-appropriate way?
Their lips probably smelled terrible after that.
You don’t get that much access to the governor without doing some serious… flattery.
They were not interested in truth. They were working the system.
And Felix does not stop it, because he likes it.
He is not after justice. He is after favor, influence, power.
Then fast forward to Acts 25, and now Festus is in charge.
He inherits Paul’s case, but he does not want to upset the Jewish leaders either.
We read it already but lets read it again
9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”
He knows Paul is innocent. But he is not trying to lead with integrity. He is trying to lead with popularity.
Then comes Agrippa in Acts 26. Paul gives this powerful, compelling testimony and Agrippa listens.
28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
Almost.
He is moved, but not committed.
He sees the truth, but refuses to act on it.
His political position and status wouldn’t let him cross that line.
He can’t risk it, not for the truth, not for the gospel.
We live in a world of Politics.
We Live in a World of Corruption.
Look at this Acts 24:26 again
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.
Felix wasn’t spiritually hungry. He was financially motivated. He heard Paul talk about righteousness, self-control, and judgment — and all he wanted was a bribe.
That’s not curiosity. That’s corruption.
Then Festus.
24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”
That’s not an argument. It’s mockery.
When conviction gets too close, people will ridicule to distance themselves.
Because it’s easier to laugh than it is to change.
Then we see Agrippa again.
He’s stirred. He’s impacted. But he still refuses to move. Again we read this already but
28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
He doesn’t say, “This is false.” He says, “Almost.”
Which is another way of saying, “Not yet.”
And that’s the danger.
I wonder how many people are in hell because of a “not yet.”
Delay is often a spiritual defense mechanism.
We say, “I just need more time,” but what we really mean is, “I don’t want to let go.”
It’s not about needing more answers.
It’s about holding on to sin.
We live in a world of Power, Politics, and Corruption.
Where truth is traded for comfort.
Where conviction is postponed.
Where repentance is delayed.
When in Rome right?
we talked about the state of the world. Now its time to figure out how to be different. firstly we have to choose
We Need Humility over Power
Paul is standing in front of powerful, corrupt men.
Men who can decide his fate.
Men who are using their position for political gain.
And yet when Paul speaks, he doesn’t rage.
He doesn’t panic.
He doesn’t fight for control.
Acts 24 verse 10 says this:
10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.
Do you notice the contrast?
Tertullus is laying it on thick.
Talking to Felix like he’s the greatest leader of all time.
Complimenting his peace, his reforms, his leadership.
And Paul?
He simply says, “You’ve done this a long time. I’ll gladly share my side.”
It’s not insecurity.
It’s not arrogance.
It’s quiet strength rooted in trust.
Paul doesn’t perform.
He Just Speaks with Humility
Humility isn’t weakness, It’s strength under submission.
And in a world obsessed with control, that kind of humility is revolutionary.
We have to choose Humility over Power
Next:
We Need Truth Over Politics.
when Paul speaks, he doesn’t spin.
He doesn’t adjust his story to fit the room.
He doesn’t change the message depending on who’s listening.
He tells the truth. Period.
Look at what he says
14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Paul is saying: “Yes, I believe the gospel. And yes, it lines up with everything God has been saying all along.”
Then fast forward to Acts 26, and he says it again:
22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
That’s bold.
And it’s not for applause.
It’s not a calculated statement to gain approval.
It’s witness.
In a world confused by spin and narrative, the church must tell the truth. Graciously. Consistently. Fearlessly.
Not to win an argument.
But because we hold the truth.
We have to choose Truth over Politics.
Lastly,
We Need Freedom Over Corruption
Even though Paul is in chains, he’s the freest person in the room.
25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”
Paul is the one in custody, but Felix is the one who is afraid.
Why?
Because Paul speaks with conviction.
He is not intimidated.
He is not bargaining.
He is calling them to repent.
And that makes Felix squirm.
Then in Acts 26 after Agrippa says, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” — here’s Paul’s reply:
29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
He is saying: “I wish you had what I have. Not my situation. My freedom.”
Because real freedom is not about circumstance.
It is not about the absence of pressure.
It is about the presence of peace.
The gospel frees us from the inside out.
Listen to me.
What you are walking through right now might be terrible.
It might be exhausting.
It might feel overwhelming.
But if you are in Christ, you are still free.
You may be in a storm, but the storm is not in you.
You may be in chains, but your soul is not bound.
Freedom is not the absence of struggle. It is the presence of Jesus in the midst of it.
That’s what freedom looks like.
Not ease.
Not escape.
But peace — planted deep in the soul, even when everything around you feels like it’s falling apart.
Remember when I told you Romans 12:1-2 was our anchor and backdrop for this message?
Lets go back to it:
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Listen to me.
Satan wants you to conform to the storm.
He wants your mind to match the chaos.
He wants your identity to sink under the weight of circumstance.
He wants you to shape your faith by what hurts, not by what’s true.
He wants you to believe the chains are permanent.
To see the prison and forget the promise.
To feel the pressure and lose your peace.
But the gospel speaks louder.
The gospel says, you can be in chains and still be free.
You can be in Rome, in the middle of a corrupt, compromised culture, and still be set apart.
That’s why Paul didn’t say, “Escape the world.”
He said, do not be conformed to it.
Do not copy it. Do not match it. Do not surrender to it.
Let your mind be renewed.
Let your life be transformed.
Let your worship be your witness.
Because the world will press you.
The storm will try to shape you.
But you do not belong to the storm.
You belong to Jesus. (John 10:28–29 — “No one will snatch them out of my hand.”)
You don’t belong to the storm. (Mark 4:39 — “Even the wind and the waves obey him.”)
You don’t belong to the shame. (Romans 8:1 — “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”)
You don’t belong to the chaos. (1 Corinthians 14:33 — “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”)
You belong to the One who speaks and it is so. (Genesis 1:3 — “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”)
I wish we had a church full of people who knew the storm isn’t in charge. (Job 38:11 — “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt.”)
I wish we had a church full of people who knew that the chains aren’t the end of the story. (Acts 12:7 — “And the chains fell off his hands.”)
I wish we had a church full of people who stood in peace while everything around them screamed panic. (Philippians 4:7 — “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”)
I wish we had a church full of people who remembered that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
Because when you know who you belong to, you stop bowing to what you’re going through.
This is not the end.
This is just the beginning.
If God is the Author, the pen is not down.
If it’s not good yet, the story is not finished.
So don’t quit in the courtroom.
Don’t surrender in the storm.
And I declare to you the same words Moses spoke to the Israelites when they stood trapped, with the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s army behind them:
13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.
