Acts.14

A Different Road - God meant it for good

Bible Passage: Acts 22:30, Acts 23:1-35

Summary: In this passage, Paul is thrust into the spotlight amidst tumultuous accusations and a hostile audience. He uses clarity and wisdom to navigate his defense before the Council, showcasing not only his commitment to the truth of the Gospel but also illustrating the complexities of justice and faith. This highlights the struggle Christians face in articulating their beliefs amidst opposition. Understanding the culture and spirit of the time. Today it might be warring with global entities, clashing with progressive influences, standing against liberal ideologies. Christians today need these lessons in standing for truth and righteousness.

1. Facing Trials with Courage

Acts 22:30 “The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.”

Paul was brought before the Council, there he faced an intense atmosphere of accusation. Moments like this should challenge believers to be prepared for scrutiny and opposition in their journey of faith. Notice how God has orchestrated the circumstances to create opportunities for Paul to witness to the truth of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is always present to guide words and actions when defending the faith.

Despite being falsely accused, Paul does not shrink back but stands confidently because of his conviction in Jesus and had he mustered boldness in facing the council. Christians are called to exhibit courage in small trials and especially when much is at stake. Paul's example inspires believers today to gather strength from Christ and face trials with boldness while remaining faithful witnesses.

In all this Paul sat down before his accusers. This was a show down.

2. Boldness Amidst Accusations

Acts 23:1–10 “1 Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?” 4 And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” 5 Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ”

Was Paul being sarcastic about not recognizing the high priest? Or was he sincere in not knowing, Paul is fresh of the mission-field and had not been following the Jewish leadership.

6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!” 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” 10 Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.”

The differences, Pharisees defended the law, angels, and resurrections. Saddudees were more political, and didn’t recognize any resurrections or angles.

Paul percieved their were these two parties present probably because the Pharisees smiled when Paul berated the High Priest and the Sadducees reacted. And he pit one against the other.

The crux of his future defense will be the resurrection and eternal life

3. Reassured by God's Promise

Acts 23:11 “11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.””

The Disciplined Disciple understands assurance. Assurance as a believer is first knowing you have eternal life at the moment of salvation.

There are many promises that go with that. Here Jesus is offering a personal assurance that Paul will live and continue to have the privilege of serving Him in Rome. Paul had security in his mission. He had experienced this assuring voice before in Corinth, Acts 18:9 “Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;”

4. Navigating Hostile Plots - conspiratorial evil

Acts 23:12–24 “12 And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. 14 They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

Blood oaths of men and the promise and assurances of God. I’ll take God at His word and not worry about what man can do to me.

Psalm 56:11 “11 In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Psalm 118:6 “6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Proverbs 29:25 “25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”

Conspiracy - an evil that becomes communal.

40 very hungry men - an alternate title.

16 So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” 19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. 21 But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” 22 So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”

A faithful boy saves Paul’s life. Be that boy that risks all to promote righteousness.

23 And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; 24 and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.””

470 soldiers to protect Paul on the journey out from Jerusalem

35 miles of treacherous travel

5. Protected Through Providence

Acts 23:25–35 “25 He wrote a letter in the following manner: 26 Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. 28 And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. 29 I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. 30 And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him. Farewell.

A soldier carefully stating the case

31 Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. 33 When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.”

I will hear you. Curious or seeking to enrich himself?

The first part of Acts is exciting missionary adventures. Now we come to a different reality. God’s sovereignty allows human hindrance and even uses it!

Consider the protection offered to Paul as he was escorted under Roman guard. This scenario suggests God's providential care over His people, even using secular means to accomplish His purpose. by this we are encouraged to trust that God can use any circumstance for His glory and our good, rooted in our faith in Christ who guides us through opposition with sovereign wisdom and power.