Acts.23.
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Paul was bold in speaking to the council.

He did not mean that he was sinlessly perfect and that his conscience had never told him he was wrong.

The purest conscience is an insecure basis of confidence under the scrutiny of God.

Paul’s claim of a good conscience offended the high priest, Ananias.

Paul exposed the hypocrisy of the man, who made the command.

The center of Paul’s gospel was the Resurrected Jesus .

Saducees denied the reality of life after death and the concept of resurrection.

Paul’s clever ploy rescued him from the council.

His heart longed for the Salvation of his fellow Jews.

When the fears come upon Paul, Jesus came to Paul and stood near him.

Jesus ‘s physical Presence was a unique manifestation.

Jesus promised to every believer that He is always with them.

God knows where we are today, even we are hiding from everyone else.

God knows where we are.
“Be of good cheer” is the only word used often in New Testament.

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Maby Sundar India group no.7070

Acts 23: Integrity, Strategy, Advocacy, Opportunity and Authority

Paul was in danger. If the Romans did not imprison him, the Jews would kill him (22:22). What means did God use to help Paul?

Integrity (1-5). Paul had nothing to hide, and his conscience was clear. Ananias was out of line when he had Paul slapped; but Paul showed respect for the office, not the man.

Strategy (6-10). This did not set Paul free, but it did divide the enemy camp and get the Romans to protect their prisoner better.

Advocacy (11). Paul had the best lawyer available! Christ had assured him when he was in Corinth (18:9-11), and He would assure him again (27:21-25; 2 Timothy 4:16-18). Paul knew that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Opportunity (12-22). Paul’s nephew lived in the city, and by the providence of God, he discovered the Jewish plot. Only the Lord could have worked that out. We never know what friend or relative God will use to help us.

Authority (23-35). Paul had the protection of 472 Roman soldiers, and the whole authority of the government was behind him. The Romans did not give Paul a fair hearing, but God still used them to protect Paul and get him to Rome.

Acts 24. How do the unsaved go about opposing the Lord’s servants and their work?

How do the unsaved go about opposing the Lord’s servants and their work?

Tertullus the lawyer started with flattery (Vs. 2-4), knowing that many people in high places are susceptible to it (12:20-24). Flattery appeals to our pride. If we did not flatter ourselves, others could not successfully flatter us. We really want to believe what they say!

Then Tertullus used slander (Vs. 5-8). Napoleon said, “He who knows how to flatter also knows how to slander.” As his last weapon, the lawyer called on false witnesses (Vs. 9) who together supported Tertullus’s lies about Paul.

Paul’s defense was threefold: his life, his faith and his service to his nation. Although his enemies could not prove their accusations, Paul did not go free. The safest place for Paul was in that prison, for God had work for him to do in Rome.

You may not understand why God permits lies to triumph, but leave it all in His hands. He is in control, and the final judgment rests with Him.

Acts 25

Festus tried to use Paul as a’ political pawn to win favor with the Jews (Vs.3, 9). If he had succeeded and sent Paul to Jerusalem, the apostle would have been killed. Paul did the wise thing: he used his rights as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar.There are times when believers must use the law to protect themselves and the ministry.

But now Festus had a problem. How could he send Paul to Caesar when he had no charges against him that could be proved? God’s people sometimes are treated like the guilty even though they are innocent. Remember Joseph,David, Daniel, and Jeremiah, not to mention our Lord Jesus Christ.

In all that happened, God was fulfilling His promise to Paul that he would witness before rulers (9:15) and finally get to Rome (23:11). Being a prisoner and enduring the hearings were difficult for Paul, but he used his opportunities wisely. He believed Jesus’ words: “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony” (Luke 21:13).

Posted by brother Narayan