Acts Lesson 3 "Before Rulers"

Our scripture reading for us, which is quite a lengthy passage today, but I wanted to just lay a little groundwork before she did that. So just to remind everyone bring us up to speed on where we are here in the book of Acts. She's going to be reading, acts 22 verse 33 24:27.

Paul in an ax 22, he's in what you might call protective custody. Okay, another word. She's in jail. That happened to Paul quite a bit, but he's been he was there in Jerusalem and you might remember, if you've been with us on this journey through the book of Acts that God prophesied a number of different ways and at a number of different times that Paul would be facing trouble when you got to Jerusalem and we found that to be the case. Haven't we, as we read through, he's into the trouble would be falling there. But he also knew that that was God's plan for his life. And so, he went ahead and Paul was simply went to the temple to fulfill a vow that he hadn't made it to worship at the temple. When some juice from Ephesus recognize him and literally start a riot and tried to kill him. And the Roman government had placed troops all over their empire to keep the peace and they very much frowned on riots there in Jerusalem in anywhere in their empire. And You can imagine the scene where this mobs trying to get this one guy, Paul. It's the easiest thing for the Romans to do is to grab that one guy and sort of pulling back here and say what's going on here. Okay. So they did so they've pulled him out of the way.

So the crowd would tell them apart. Why are they so upset? You might wonder will some of the Jews believed, and maybe most of the Jews in Jerusalem, believe that Paul had turned against the Jewish way of life, and that he was promoting what what they saw as an anti-jewish way of life, which was not the case. And Paul's going to say something about that, in the scriptures that we will read. Look, the Roman leader nearly gave Paul a whipping at one point, but then discovered that he was a Roman citizen and that save Paul from being handled that way and a citizen had more rights than than other people. And so, Paul was given a fair trial, sort of which we'll talk more about the commander. Really wanted to know why the Jews are so mad at this guy, Paul. And so, he calls a meeting of the Sanhedrin in the Sanhedrin is the highest Jewish Court in the nation made up of 70 members with the high priests serving as the president of that body. So the Romans have called on the Sanhedrin to sort of help them figure out. What is this guy done? What's happening here, and they're going to try to go forward from that point. And that's where we pick up our reading Carmen, if you come, please

The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul in him. Brought brought Paul and had him stand before them pull up straight at the Sanhedrin and said, my brother's. I have fulfilled my duty to God and all good conscience to this day at this, the high priest, and Anna, and honest, ordered those standing your Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, God will strike you, you whitewashed, while you sit there to judge me according to the law yet. You yourself. Violate the law by commanding that I be struck. Those who were standing near. Paul said, how dare you insult God's high priest? Paul replied. Brothers. I did not realize that he was the high. Priest for it is written, do not speak evil about the ruler of your people. Then Paul knowing that some of them were seduced seduced and the other Pharisees called out in the Sanhedrin. My brother's. I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because the hope of the resurrection of the Dead. When he said that the dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. And the assembly was divided, the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection and that there are neither angels nor spirits but the Pharisees believe all these things. There was a great uproar in some of the teachers of the law who are Pharisees, stood up and argued vigorously. We find nothing wrong with this man. They said, what if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, the dispute became so violent. That the commander was afraid, Paul would be Torn to Pieces by then. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. 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. The next morning, some Jews, formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul more than forty men were involved in this plot. They went to the chief priests and Elders inside. We have taken solemn oath, not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. Now, then you and the Sanhedrin petition, the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information, about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here. But when the sun's son of Paul's sister, heard up the spot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. Then Park called one of the centurions and said, take this young man to the commander. He has something to tell him. So we took him to the commander the century instead of all the prisoners sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you the commander took the young man by the hand, Drew him aside, and ask. What is it? You want to tell me. He said, some juice have agreed to ask you to bring her before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him, don't give in to them because more than 40 of them are waiting to Ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready. Now, waiting for your consent to their request, the commander, just dismissed, the young man with the warning. Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me. Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them. Get ready. Ready a Detachment of two hundred soldiers 70 Horsemen in two hundred spearmen to go to caesarea at night tonight, provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix. He wrote a letter as follows Claudius lysias in his Excellency, Governor Felix. Greetings. This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him for I have learned that he is a Roman citizen. I wanted to know why they were accusing him. So I brought him to the Sanhedrin. I found out that the accusation had to do with the questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserves death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to resent to you, their case against him. So the soldiers carrying out their orders took Paul with them during the night and brought him. As far as Auntie Pat patras the next day. They let the calvary go on with him while they were returned to the barracks. When the Cavalry arrived in caesarea. They delivered the letter to the governor and hand it all over to him. The governor read the letter, and ask that province. He was what province? He was from learning that he was from celosia. He said, I will hear your case when your accusers get here. Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in herod's Palace. 5 days later, the high priest and a 90s went down to caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named tertullus and they brought their charges against Paul. Before the governor, when Paul was called in tertulias presented his case, before Felix. We've enjoyed a long. Of Peace under you. And your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation everywhere, and in every way a most excellent Seahawks, we had knowledge this with profound gratitude, but in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly. We have found this man to be a troublemaker stirring up riots, among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect, and even tried to desecrate the temple. So we seized him, by examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth and all these charges. We are bringing against him. The other Jews joined in the accusation of 30. And that, these things were true when the governor motioned for him to speak Paul replied. I know that for a number of years, you have been a judge over this nation. So I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago. I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers. Did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple or stirring up the crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city and they cannot prove to you the charges. They are now making against to me. However, I admit that, I worship the god of our ancestors, as a follower of the follower of the wave, which they call us act. I believe everything that is in accordance with the law, and that is written in the prophets. And I have the same hoping God and these men themselves have that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So, I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. After an absence of several years. I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to prevent offering. I am ceremonial ammonia leak clean. When they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance, but there are some juice from the province of Asia who ought to be here before you and bring charges. If you have anything against me or these who are here should state that crime, they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, unless it was this one thing. I shouted as I stood there presents. It is concerning the resurrection of the Dead that I am on trial before you today. Then Felix, who was well, acquainted with the way adjourned. The proceedings. When Lysias, the commander cons. He said, I will decide your case. He ordered the Centurion to keep all under guard but to give him some freedom and permit, his friends to take care of his needs. Several days later, Felix came with his wife, Drusilla, who is Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him. As he spoke about faith, his faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, shall 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 at the same time. He was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for him frequently and talk with him. When two years have passed, Felix was succeeded by porcius Festus. And because Felix wants to Grant a favor to the Jews. He left Paul in prison.

Thank you very much for reading the scriptures. Quite a story, isn't it? A lot of ground to cover and I want to just do my best to hit a few highlights and just touch on some important things that will help us and encourage us as we live in. Try to follow and serve Jesus in in our day and age. The title of this lesson. In our Bible study is before rulers.

We're good. It's there and you never know what you turn around when you're right here.

This segment of of Acts begins a new move in the work of the Gospel, in some ways. Where Paul will have an opportunity to speak about Christ before various rulers and the Gentile world. That's happened to some degree at different times. I think as we as we've looked at the book of Acts and Paul story. But it's going to happen in a more prominent way now going forward. And this is the Fulfillment of this summer. We, we kind of need to keep in mind as we go forward. This is a fulfillment of God's plan for Paul's life. When Paul was on the road to Damascus, before he understood who Jesus really was. Remember, he was going to arrest Christians and put them in prison. And on the road to Damascus, Jesus met him and knocked him off his horse to remember. Jesus said, I've got something for you to do, you know, you need to know who I am. And remember, he made him blind, and then he goes on into Damascus and God sent another ananias. That's the same name that this high priest has at this moment. But a Christian leader, there named ananias came to him and God told him and that ananias. In an act 9 verse 15. He told him that Paul is my joke cuz he was afraid to go to Paul. Because Paul was there to arrest him, really? He was afraid to approach him. And so he he said I've chosen this man. The speak my name before the juice and before rulers? And that's what we're talkin about here. Today is really the Fulfillment of that Paul has faced so many thanks. It's it's unimaginable when I when I read the Bible, I like to try to put myself in the shoes of these characters that we read about in Paul is somebody that it's hard to get your head around him and to think about all the things that he faced. It's really overwhelming, isn't it? and, You kind of have to I think kind of overarching question as you read through stories, like this is, how does he keep going on? How does this Paul guy? Keep putting one foot in front of the other? How does he continue following Jesus? When all these things happened to him? Maybe you feel like that. Maybe you feel like that in your life right now. I like, how do I keep going on? I think there's some things in this story that we're going to touch on that will help us with that. The first thing is, is this A clear conscience. Paul just says this, this is the really the first thing he says to the The body of the Sanhedrin. I mean, he's there, this is not a friendly crowd to Paul. These are the ringleaders of the people out in the streets, that wanted to kill him. Really these. These guys. They want this Christianity thing ended. These Jesus followers. They calling the sect of the Nazarene. They want that in. Did you know? And Paul's opening statement to them. In Acts 23, he says my brother's. I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day. It's pretty simple statement. It seems like almost like something to just pass over maybe but that statement.

Brings this violent reaction from the high priests and everybody else in the room. Paul says this that he has a clear conscience because I think what he has in mind is he knows that from the David, he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. He is done. What God has asked him to do. God's giving him instructions. God's let him hear let him there sometimes. Paul wanted to go one way. God said, no. I'm going to direct you this way and he's done what? He's been asked to do.

And in that way, he says mike my conscience is clear, like in other words. He's he's saying to this group and Paul in another way is Paul's kind of their peer. Pause educated. Like, they've been educated some of the folks that make up the body of the Sanhedrin would be scholars in these are people that have studied the scriptures, their whole lives. Paul, was that kind of person? Paul tells us here that he was a Pharisee. This group is made up primarily, I guess of Pharisees and Sadducees to two different groups, opposing groups in some ways, but they're all kind of in the same camp. Broadly speaking and Paul's, he's kind of one of their He's up there class, I think. But he's a renegade to them.

But he's saying to them, my conscience is clear before God. They cannot abide that they cannot handle that. This conscience is clear because Christ has set him free. You know, Paul and Paul's former life as a Pharisee as a zealous Pharisee, trying to rid the world of Christianity. I would guess. That there was some nights when he pillows his head, that his heart was not a piece of what was going on in his life and the things he was doing.

And all of that happened in Paul did some of those things but now because of Jesus, and because of the grace of Jesus Christ. Hulk and pillow his head and he's at peace. He's in trouble. Here. He just about got killed moments ago and he's okay. He's calm.

Because his conscience is clear. Paul's not claiming perfection. In this, but by the grace of God, he's living with a clear conscience.

We all have to live with our consciences. Sometimes that's not easy. But just, as Jesus was gracious to this man. He's gracious to us is not wonderful. I hope, you know that and believe that today and I hope that you will lean into that Grace that has been provided for us by Christ and that you'll trust him for that. Ananias has a reaction to What Paul says? Where's to at this, the high priest ananias, ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Whoa. That's quite a reaction. Why does he react this way?

I think it's because this high priest knows. That his court is just about to attempt to do to Paul what it did do to Jesus. And sentence, an innocent man. There's something about this whole scene that is upsetting to everybody in that room. And I think it's on a heart level. It's as if the high priest own heart and conscience is offended. By Paul's words when he says my conscience is clear.

Help. All he is. Just a man. He reacts to this and you would too if you got smacked in the face, probably, right? Paul says, in verse 3. God will strike you, you whitewashed wall, and that's quite a thing to call somebody. I've never said that to anybody. I don't believe and maybe doesn't make too much sense to us. But you might remember that Jesus said something similar once about this, same group for the Pharisees and Sadducees. He said that they were like whitewashed tombs. They look great and going to look good and clean on the outside, but he said, you're inside is full of dead men's bones.

It's an indictment on their hearts Jesus and his case. He could look at those people and see their hearts. And he knew that there was something wrong with him. He saw their sin and their hypocrisy. Paul, maybe he's tapping in on that and then Paul's rebuked and they say DePaul. Hey, you can't talk to the high priest that way. And Paul says he really apologizes for this. He says, Brothers. I did not realize that he was the high priest. An Indian. Paul sites. A verse in Exodus, 22 verse 28. And he says, I understand I'm not to talk to the high priest that way that was wrong of me. And I think in this little back-and-forth exchanges, you learn something more about Paul's own heart. And that Purity that were talking about that. Clear conscience. I didn't realize, I'm sorry, you're right. The scripture says this and I didn't, I didn't follow that. Well, obviously this meeting is tense. That these guys are having.

There wasn't much Paul could do. So, he did. What anybody would do, right? He starts a fight. He starts a fight and he Ducks out.

He knows, Paul knows what buttons to push. There we talked a little bit about these two groups that make up the Sanhedrin Pharisees and Sadducees and they're there were probably a lot of things that they disagreed upon but one of those Cardinal things that they disagreed upon was whether or not there was any such thing as a resurrection or that there would be a Resurrection Sunday.

That was the major rub. Okay, it's kind of like if you if you go to your family dinner, maybe you'll get together. I hope you don't do not do this tomorrow at the barbecue. Okay, but if you go get together with some family members because you know that group that's going to be there. You probably know what buttons you could push. And if you're on Ray, you might push those buttons then just sort of stir things up a little bit. Is anybody like that? You're not going to admit that here today in church? Probably, but some of us are that way and it's sometimes it's a little bit entertaining to stir things up. This is beyond that, this is like that on a major scale. Okay, and Paul knows what button to push and this is almost like hitting the ejection seat for Paul. He knows how to get out of this situation. And so he says, In the first six. My brother's. I am a Pharisee descended from figures. He's so he's taking sides. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead and when he said this, a dispute broke out, so now they're fighting each other. Is it a skylight Paul to sort of steps out of the room, you know? Well.

That was a probably a good move for Paul. I don't know where he was going. I don't know if he had anything else planned beyond that. It kind of seems like he just did that to get out of this situation. I don't know if you wanted to talk to them about the resurrection of Jesus and what he his view on that and I don't know if he was maybe looking for an opportunity to share the gospel, but it didn't come. That's got to be the end of that meeting with the Sanhedrin, but we move on to something else that I think is really important. And it tells us where Paul finds his call in his peace. And that is from a special visit from Jesus. Did you notice that, as we read the scriptures today? That? Jesus shows up in the story. I love it when Jesus shows up, don't you? We read through a story like this. This is after the time that Jesus ascended up into heaven. And so he's not there with his Apostles. He's not their leading things visibly physically himself. But he makes an exception and shows up in the in a vision. I guess, two, Paul, and a 23:11. The Bible says, 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. This is a powerful moment. How do you take pulse feeling at this point? Prior to Jesus's showing up? Probably feeling pretty low. Things have not gone. Well with the Sanhedrin.

He knows that he's facing trouble. Maybe Paul is having a down moment. He was just a man, you know, he was every bit as human as we are in. You got a probably dealt with depression and things that we deal with. Jesus shows up to help him. In the first words out of the Lord's mouth. Take courage. Maybe Paul didn't feel like he had much courage at this point. But Jesus just poured some into him. Is this reminder? That Jesus is like it's it's like he's saying I'm not here with you every moment visibly physically, but I never leave your side. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I'm here with your he says, take courage. Keep going Paul. Keep doing what you know, you're supposed to do, keep doing what I've called you to do.

There's been plenty of times in my life. When at a low ebb. Jesus, showed up, not not visibly, or physically, but he has shown me his love, and reminded me that he's with me time and time again. That's what Jesus does. I love the Jesus Pops in this way in the story. I don't know. If you, maybe maybe you've read CS Lewis's, The Chronicles of Narnia that series read that. Do I read the whole series? So you at once upon a time when you were a kid? Maybe I read him some as a kid, but I've enjoyed him as an adult and I would encourage anybody to read them their great stories. One thing I noticed as I read through that series is that Aslan, the lion is a representation of Christ and You might remember that. Aslan shows up. He's not in every story. He's not front and center in every story and all the things that happened with the kids. Some of you. I just I just thought I just realized might be totally confused about what I'm talking about. Google it later. Okay, Chronicles of Narnia, there are movies as well. If you're not a reader, they're not as good, but they're good and you can check it out that way, but there are moments when things get hard for the people in the story when Aslan shows up. He sort of Pops in now, if you're, if you're c.s. Lewis before A Chronicles of Narnia, if you're really a fan, you might know that there's some debate about the order of the books. Have you ever heard of that? You might have some strong opinions on there that. I don't know why we shouldn't fight about it, like Pharisees and Sadducees either. So maybe later we can talk about it, but not right now. The debates about the order, the books and which ones you should read them in. They were released and published in a certain order and then Publishers later came and reorganized them based on some letters that CS Lewis wrote and it's kind of a whole story. But One thing I noticed as I read it the right way. The way it was released, I meant to say. One thing I noticed is that it seemed to me like, at moments throughout the books as one shows up, and when he does, it's like he's bigger than he was before. I think it's the book Prince Caspian. They're on a boat. Okay, and as one shows up and c.s. Lewis just kind of the narrator, just kind of says they could only see aslan's face. In the cabin because he was too far too large to fit in the cabinet. When I read that, I thought that's kind of neat because it's like the more than these characters get to know Aslan this representative. Character of Jesus, he's bigger to them in their life. And I think that as Christians as we try to walk with Jesus, as we read the word of God and study, like we've been studying together. I hope and pray that Jesus. Is bigger to us? My son is my youngest son is 6 and he likes to ask me feel logical questions. His theological questions from the mouth and heart of a six-year-old come out. Sometimes like can Jesus run fast? You know 6 year old boys are concerned about who can run the fastest and stuff like that. So his questions can Jesus run fast. Yeah. I'm sure he can. I answer the best I can type. Of course, you can run fast and he said the other day at breakfast. He said, but is he faster than a cheetah?

Well, I said sure he made the cheetah, you know, so he's he's definitely he could outrun one if he had to. And it in Ben's mind in a 6-year, olds mind, big and fast that equals power. And he's asked me at other times how big Jesus is and I'm like, I don't know. Was he 586 ft? I don't, I don't know how tall he was. But to him. Jesus is like a giant. He said me is Jesus a giant I said maybe in some ways. He's a giant. Maybe you think I'm leading him astray. I don't know, but he's just he's just trying to visualize how powerful Jesus is. And I can tell you right now. I think that Jesus showed up big and Paul's life. At this moment may be a lonely moment. Jesus showed up big time. And I know he wants to do that for you and you and I should look for him. Especially in those hard moments. We need to look for him to show up.

Jesus's words to Paul R. Add another reminder and confirmation of what he's called Paul to do. He says.

You're going to testify about me in Jerusalem. So you must also testify in Rome. Another words, Jesus is saying, what's happening to you now, is out of your control and that's okay.

What's happening to you now, is out of your control. But it's okay. I've got you on this path, and I'm going to see you through. Will the next things that happen is this plot to kill Paul, which we won't talk a whole lot about we just read through that. People that are so filled with hatred for Paul that 40 people make a vow that they will not eat or drink until they have killed him. That's basically like saying we will die. Or we will kill this guy. That's how serious they were. Will they either broke their validate? Or they all starve to death? Because God does not allow them to get their hands on Paul. The plot is found out. It's spoiled. It's explained to the commander by Paul's on nephew and then Paul's escorted out of Jerusalem. To the coastal city of caesarea, for his case to be heard by a ruler Felix. The first of several rulers that Paul will it will appear before these are like Court hearings this King, as judge, presides of, kind of a a sub King. If you will under the Roman Emperor, Felix is one of those and Paul is going to have a chance to make this case the representatives of the Sanhedrin, you know, they're like and they're going to make this case before Felix to try to get Paul and trouble to list their lawyer makes a case. And really just I think spreads lies that he's been fed. He says that Paul has caused riots breaking the Roman law. He says that that Paul has been accused of defiling God's Temple violating the law of God. And he says that Paul has started a new sect of Judaism. That's how they're viewing Christianity. That's how they're viewing the church, not as something separate, but as this new sect, and they don't like that, and they don't want that. But then Paul is permitted speak. And where in Chapter 24. Now if you want to look at it in the your Bible with me, if you have a copy with you.

Again, we've kind of asked this overarching question. How does Paul go on? How does he have peace Under Pressure? That's the, the way I had to describe Paul's demeanor at this trial. This is his chance to speak, and I can't imagine anything worse than having to go to court in and defend yourself. You know, I think everybody feels the comfort of having a professional a lawyer. That's why they exist, right? Paulding have anybody with him. He's there all alone. He's going to have to defend himself. In the way. Paul handles himself. Displays that he has peace, the peace of God. Under the intense pressure. The way we see will ruin the moment. What Paul says again, we've looked at it already, but Paul's calm demeanor. I think is a byproduct of something that we've already talked about is clear conscience before God and the presence of Jesus in his life. I think this is what gives in this calm. He knows that God is with him now, Paul's capable. He is educated. He must have been eloquent. He's done a lot of speaking. He's if you think about this, he's just as comfortable speaking in a synagogue, a church meeting or On Mars Hill before the philosophers of Greece. Sharp. What up, this is evidence of the power of the holy spirit in Paul's life. And we should remember that. Jesus said this and Luke, 12 verses 11 and 12 chapter, 12, verses 11 and 12. Jesus said, to his Apostles when you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities. Do not worry about how you will defend yourself or what you will say. For the holy spirit, will teach you at that time, what you should say. And I think Paul's response here. Is that to a T God has done that for Paul. Will. This is what he says. A 12. Yeah, first 12 of chapter 24. He says my accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or sitting us or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city and they cannot prove to you the charges. They are now making against me. You know, that the lawyer on the opposition has come with these accusations, but offered no Witnesses. Impulses as because there are not Paul, just what does he do? He just tells the truth.

That's all he has to do. That's all you should do is tell the truth and he gives details where it seems like the lawyer was vague. Paul can give details. He tells about when he came to Jerusalem and things like that. He says, no, no one saw me causing a riot. They cannot prove to you the charges. And then he's honest about his faith. I thought this was striking, you know, this is kind of a dicey moment for Paul and inverse 14. He says, however, I admit he's making it admission that's dangerous. And and Court, isn't it? I admit that I worship the god of our ancestors, as a follower of the way. He's saying, the way of Jesus y here, that the way, I always think of what Christ said, in John 14:6. He said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father, except through me. He's that's the way he's talking about the way of Christ Christianity. And so he says, I admit that I am I worship. The god of our ancestors. Another words, just like what the fat Pharisees and Sadducees say they're doing. I Do Worship the god of our ancestors. Like I always have now, God has shown me. That I can worship him. I must worship him through his son, the mediator between God, and man, Jesus Christ. He's the way, and so he says this is my faith. He's honest about that. At this moment. There's 15th. He says and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have that there will be a resurrection both of the righteous and the wicked another word. She sang. I believe that that in the day to come. They're both of these men and all men will have to appear before God. At this Resurrection, so he's gone right back at that. He's not shying away from anything. He's he's honest about even his member back at that first meeting that, that fight that he started. He's even honest about that and verse 21. He tells them, you know, what, if there's anything I could be accused of, it's that

This begins, Paul's work. this begins, Paul's Appearing before the rulers because Felix has heard all of this. Paul's going to be stuck here for 2 years. We thought our justice system was slow. He's going to be stuck there for two years before. The next guy comes to hear his case. Felix is kind of going to pass him off. But Felix think he kind of likes Paul. He wants to hear what he has to say, and fall has the chance to maybe zero in a little bit more on the needs of Felix's on Harden. We read here that. Felix sort of shut the door on that and said, then I don't want to talk any more about that.

We're God's not done with Paul. As I said, this is just the beginning and in weeks to come not next next week necessarily, but and weeks to come, we'll continue our journey through the book of Acts together faster. John will lead us through it and we'll see what happens with Paul. And the, some more wonderful things that God by his spirit, will do through his servant. Just a few takeaways to think about, as we close down this this time. First of all, what God wishes to accomplish will be done.

Like I said earlier, this is Alan, Paul's hands. We've talked about how Paul sort of balanced this idea of him making plans. But then God changing plans and where that balances between what God wants to do and what we decide. It seems like Paul is going to have less control.

In many ways, God's work in our lives, is out of our control.

And that's okay. We also, I want you to remember that that God is present in the lives of his people. He wants to be present in our life.

and then, finally, That Allowing God to be in control. I know that maybe that seems like a funny thing to say, like gods. like anything's ever out of his control, and I know that's not the case that can't be but I do think in some ways we can give God an open door, or green light or whatever you want to say. And other ways, we can resist, we put up resistance to what he wants to do. And I'm telling you that, no matter how hard it is, if we will follow Paul's example and say, okay. Whatever you want to do with me. I'm going to allow you. The lead me to guide me. That is the best way. That's the best way, God will help you and he's going to be with you through that. Let's, let's pray. And then after we had prayer, the, the worship team will come again and leave us in a song. Father, we thank you. For what we've read here in the scripture for what you did and Paul's life and through him. We thank you for his incredible faith in you. That seems like maybe to us, but that's extraordinary. And that's maybe something that we couldn't do ourselves. But I pray that you would help us to grow in our faith and our trust of you. I pray that you would help us in the days to come in and maybe some hard days right now that people are experiencing and we know there are people In our country and all over our world who are hurting. I pray that you and make yourself known to them. I pray that you would show up and their lives people both here and there and everywhere. And I pray that we would give you glory. I pray that you would receive Glory from us through us. We pray all of this now. In Jesus name. Amen.

All right. We're going to close our service. Would you rise As we sing one more time? Shout to the Lord.