Paul the Prisoner

In one paragraph

This message worked through Acts 23-24, following Paul from the night Jesus assured him he would reach Rome all the way through two years of custody in Caesarea. Pastor Ray walked the congregation through the conspiracy against Paul's life, his nephew's intervention, the legal proceedings before Felix, and Felix's repeated refusal to respond to what he heard. The night Jesus appeared to Paul in...

Read together

1. Acts 23:11 Jesus appearing to Paul at night, telling him he would testify in Rome
2. John 16 Jesus telling the disciples that those who kill them will think they are doing God a favor
3. Romans 3:10 there is no one righteous, no not one, as Paul discusses righteousness with Felix
4. Romans 3:23 all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, connected to Paul discussing righteousness

Talk about it

1. Paul received assurance from Jesus the night before facing more danger that he would make it to Rome. How does having a clear sense of calling or purpose affect the way a person endures a hard stretch? Can you think of a time when a promise or a conviction carried you through something difficult?
2. Paul's nephew shows up here and plays a quiet but important role in saving Paul's life. The pastor pointed out that most people skip right past this part of Acts. What does it say about how God works that he used an ordinary family member, not a miracle, to protect his apostle at this moment?
3. Tertullus opened with heavy flattery toward Felix before making his case against Paul. Paul opened by saying he made his defense cheerfully, then stuck to facts. What is the difference between the two approaches, and where do you find yourself tempted to use flattery or spin rather than plain honesty?
4. Paul told Felix he confessed to being a follower of the Way and that he did his best to maintain a blameless conscience before God and before other people, always. What would it look like in your own week to hold those two things together, the vertical and the horizontal, the way Paul described them?
5. Felix became frightened when Paul discussed righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, and he told Paul to go away for now. The pastor quoted Billy Graham saying you may never be any closer than you are right now. Is there an area of your life where you have been doing what Felix did, putting off a response to something you already know is true?