Take Courage
Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem was anything but a “welcome mat” reception. The first council meeting of Jerusalem has long since been forgotten. Jews are threatened that the new believers do not have to be circumcised. The Jerusalem church is filled with “many thousands” (21:20) who believed and yet are still zealous for the law.
Read Acts 21:21 What is the issue?
After his arrest and his Roman citizenship surfacing, Paul faces the Sanhedrin led in by the Roman commander.
Read Acts 22:30-23:11
- What tactic does Paul use to shift their focus?
- A name from the past appears – Ananias. Remember, he was Caiaphas’ father-in-law. Caiaphas was the high priest when Jesus was being tried. Notice that Ananias remains in the background here yet stirs the members of the Sanhedrin. What does Paul call the members of the Sanhedrin who smote him?
- According to Josephus, the respected first-century historian, he described Ananias as “profane, greedy, and hot-tempered.” (Footnote: Life Application Bible) According to Old Testament law, Paul was to have received his due process before being assumed guilty. Yet, the members of the Sanhedrin prompted by Ananias, struck him! Thus, Ananias broke the law he was elected to represent and enforce. Lest we feel smug as we read this section, remember to examine our own actions first. What’s the analogy here to Christianity?
- The confrontation was short lived as the commanders had to disperse the Sanhedrin to settle their own internal disputes. Shortly after, the Lord appears to Paul. Read verse eleven again.
- What verb does Luke use to tell of the Lord’s appearance to Paul?
- Do you think Luke is telling us that the Lord was actually (physically) there? Explain your answer.
- The Greek word for “stood near” is ephistemi. It is defined as follows: to stand upon, that is, be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literally), assault, come (in, to, unto, upon), be at hand (instant), present, stand (before, by, over). The only other time this same phrase is used is Genesis 18:8. Go back and describe the scene and its use.
- In our own lives, the Lord stands near you and me. How does the Lord stand near YOU?
- The balance of this particularly important verse eleven cannot be ignored. The Lord tells Paul to “take courage.” Why? Coupling this section with the former, what impact does this have on:
- Your life __________________________
- A missionary _______________________
- A pastor __________________________
- A teacher __________________________
Paul’s nephew warned the Roman commander that the Sanhedrin plotted to kill Paul under false pretenses. The commander took the rumor seriously and had Paul transferred to Caesarea. Go to Acts 23:23. How many men did the commander send to protect Paul’s transfer? Who provided the greatest protection?
Paul was held in prison for over two years at Caesarea. Governorship changed from Felix to Festus. Shortly after Festus’ arrival, Herod Agrippa II arrived in Caesarea to pay homage to the new governor. Let’s read Acts 26.
With both Festus and Agrippa present, Paul begins once again with his calling. Go to verses 15-18. Why is this section so important in Paul’s defense and his work?
- From whom did Paul’s calling come? __________________________
- Jesus appointed him to be a servant and witness:
- _________________________
- _________________________
- I will _________________________you (v. 17)
- Paul’s mission:
- _________________________
- _________________________
- _________________________
- So that _______________________________
Paul with God’s help (26:22), has done what he was called to do. Even in chains, Paul continues to speak boldly. Go to 2 Timothy 2:8-10. What does Paul tell his young pastor? What encouragement do you think this provided Timothy?
At the conclusion of Paul’s audience before Festus and Agrippa II, Agrippa says, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (26:28). Can you imagine, the great grandson of Herod the Great said such a thing? What do you think was the source of his statement? With this Herod’s death marked the end to the Herod dynasty.
Privately, Herod told Festus that had Paul not appealed to Caesar, he could have gone free! God had other plans for Paul. (Acts 23:11). God wanted Paul in Rome and so it will be.