Faith on Trial
Acts 23-26
Digging Deeper
Paul was always boldly ready to share his faith and salvation story with others. In Acts 23-26, he shared his story with people in various circumstances.
First, Paul shared his story with the Jewish council and used his background as a Pharisee to spur debate and an uproar. Paul then shared his story with Governor Felix of Caesarea, who became frightened by Paul's testimony but felt Paul had done nothing wrong. Finally, Paul appeared before Festus, the new governor of Caesarea, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice. Because Paul appealed to Ceasar, as a Roman citizen, he would need to go to Rome for his case to be heard.
In each of these encounters, Paul was mindful of his audience and relied on the Holy Spirit to give him the words to speak to these very different groups of people. In each case, the integrity of what Paul shared shined through, and his testimony was clear and meaningful. Paul was unafraid to confront those in authority, telling them they needed to know Jesus as the King of Kings and the risen Savior sent to save the world.
Paul's examples in Acts 23-26 challenge us to be prepared to share our faith in whatever circumstances we face and with whatever group of people we encounter. Our mission, just like Paul's, is to persuade, convince and even confront others with the Gospel truth about Jesus. "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!" (Romans 10:14-15)
WHAT NOT TO MISS
Why is Paul on Trial?
Faith
Main Point:
Faith is on trial and should be determined true or false, right or wrong, based upon one's execution of justice.
Faith
Informs the concept of justice and how justice is carried out.
Weighs the truth of faith through the lens of what your faith produces.
Demonstrates what kind of life, community, society, and future is projected.
A Contrast of the Jews and the Apostle Paul's Faith
Whose faith really is the one that lives out true justice that leads the world toward being a better, more functional, more flourishing place?
Faith informs:
Priorities
Promises
Protection
Faith spurs:
Persistence
Patience/Impatience
Prudence/Folly
A case for the faith of the Jews on trial:
Law/Power/Pride (Acts 21:27-28)
Personal Oaths/Promises (Acts 23:12-13)
Protection (Acts 21:31-36; Acts 22:22; Acts 23:12-15, 25-30; Acts 24:5-6; Acts 25:7)
Persistence (Persistent in their pursuit of the law, the temple and controlling power.)
Impatience (Trying to rid the earth of Paul and wanting him dead.)
Imprudent/Foolish/Reckless (Prideful, angry, violent and deceitful.)
Takeaways of the Jews' faith on trial:
They caused disorder.
They caused chaos and confusion.
They wanted to take the law into their own hands.
They weren't gracious or merciful but rather harsh and violent.
They take on both roles of authority and activity.
They play God.
Principle:
When we play God, we naturally usher in chaos and thereby unravel the order and harmony in life and society.
A case for the faith of Paul on trial:
Priorities (Acts 20:24; Acts 22:15; Acts 24:21, 24; Acts 26:22-23)
Promises (Acts 20:22-23; Acts 23:11)
Jesus is with him, and His days are numbered.
Jesus will provide all of his needs according to His riches in glory.
Jesus has already overcome the world; therefore, Paul doesn't need to let his heart be troubled.
The Spirit will give him what he needs.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Protection (Acts 23:15-16, 23-24, 34-35; Acts 24:27-28)
Persistence
Paul is faithful in testifying to whoever he is put in front of, and he wants people to believe.
Patience
Paul never freaks out, retaliates or takes matters into his own hands; he waits patiently, even during governors' transitions.
Prudence (Acts 23:1-8; Acts 25:6-12)
Takeaways of Paul's faith on trial:
Paul is all about a message of love, forgiveness, and transformation.
Paul embodies this message of love, forgiveness, and transformation.
Paul wants others to believe and have faith in Jesus.
He does not react, retaliate, or seek revenge for violence or injustice.
Paul lets God be God, and he is the servant and witness.
Paul will trust God's sovereignty and God's working through the secular governing authorities to bring about His plan—not only for Paul but for the world.
Questions:
Who is the authority of your faith?
What are the activities of your faith?
What kind of life/world is your faith proclaiming and projecting?
The Jews' faith was built upon a combination of a distorted view of the Old Testament and man-made rules and laws created during the 400 years of what many refer to as the
Intertestamental period and the Second Temple period. But while they said God was their authority—they embodied and projected a faith where they were the authority.
Paul's faith was built upon Jesus, with Jesus being the embodiment and fulfillment of the Old Testament.
Application to the life of Jesus with Jesus' life on trial.
The principle of trial and justice when you look at Jesus' life.
Jesus has come to seek and save the lost.
Jesus has come to give His life as a ransom for sinners.
Jesus has come to usher in the New Creation.
Jesus will die for the sin of the world, but He will not stay dead. He will be raised on the third day.
Jesus is persistent, patient, and prudent. He is the perfect sacrifice, a substitute for humanity.
Those who have put their faith and hope in Jesus, become part of the New Creation Jesus has ushered in with His death and resurrection.
This is why Paul lived the way He did!
This is why we gather around the Lord's table—to remember how He balanced the scales of Justice but did so generously, graciously, and mercifully. We renew our commitment, covenant, and relationship with Him to live the life He has purchased for us.
LIFE APPLICATION
Paul was passionate and ready to share his faith in Jesus as he endured many trials with various groups. This week, pray about and determine your response to these questions about your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Who is the authority of your faith?
What are the activities of your faith?
What kind of life/world is your faith proclaiming and projecting?
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Describe when you had to defend yourself against a false accusation and how you felt about the situation and your accusers.
What was Paul's defense before his various accusers in Acts 23-26?
How did Paul demonstrate his faith when dealing with false Jewish accusations?
Describe how Paul delivers a message of love, forgiveness and transformation as he shares his faith in Jesus.
What is the result of Paul's faith and its impact on believers of his time and on believers today?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: Priorities-Matthew 22:36-28; Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:2
Day 2: Promises-Philippians 4:19; Romans 8:28; John 14:27
Day 3: Protection-Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Joshua 1:9
Day 4: Persistence and Patience-2 Peter 3:9; Psalm 37:7; Ephesians 4:2
Day 5: Prudence-Proverbs 15:5; Isaiah 52:13; Proverbs 16:21
PRAYER
Let me be bold, like Paul, to share my faith with others as the Holy Spirit leads me. Give me the right words as I share your love and grace so that others may come to know King Jesus. Open doors for me this week to share my faith. Give me confidence as I go into a hurting and dark world, sharing my faith in Jesus so that neighbors and nations will come to salvation.
