In Acts 23, Paul stares down the Jewish Sanhedrin, reprimands and then apologizes to the High Priest, calls a question that redirects the energy of the Council to internal division while focusing on the resurrection, and earns an all-expense-paid trip to the Mediterranean seashore (Caesarea) due to a plot on his life. In all this, Paul shows his mastery of cultural, religious, and even political realities; his dedication to the gospel of Christ; and his reliance on divine providence to carry him safely from Jerusalem to his ultimate destination: Rome.
Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.
Outline:
- The Great Question
- The Hungry Forty
- Unlikely Bodyguards
Key Takeaways:
- Review of the political, cultural, and religious realities and how Paul navigated them.
- Why we should honor governing officials for their position, even if we disagree with them personally.
- The consistent theme of Christ’s encouragement to Paul–and us.
- Why we should trust divine providence in our lives and ministries.