The Book of Acts (Chapters 21-28)
Day 1: Paul’s Arrest and Defence
On Day 1, we explore the events of Acts 21 and 22, where Paul faces arrest and makes a powerful defence of his faith.
Paul’s arrest occurs in Jerusalem, where he is falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple, causing an uproar. He is seized by the crowd and nearly killed before being rescued by Roman soldiers. The situation escalates as Paul is mistaken for a revolutionary leader.
Given a chance to speak, Paul addresses the crowd in Aramaic, recounting his background, his zeal for the Law, and his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus. He shares his mission to preach to the Gentiles, which incites further anger from the crowd.
Paul is then brought before the Sanhedrin, where he skilfully divides the council by bringing up the contentious issue of the resurrection. This sparks a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to Paul being taken into protective custody.
Paul’s boldness and strategic thinking in his defence underscore his deep commitment to his mission and the truth of his testimony.
Day 2: Paul’s Trials Before Roman Officials
On Day 2, we focus on Acts 23 and 24, where Paul undergoes trials before Roman authorities.
A conspiracy to kill Paul is uncovered, prompting his transfer to Caesarea under heavy guard. This event highlights the dangers Paul faced and the providential protection he received.
In Caesarea, Paul is accused by Jewish leaders of causing dissension and profaning the temple. Before the Roman governor Felix, Paul defends himself, denying the charges and explaining his faith in the resurrection. Felix, intrigued but unwilling to decide, keeps Paul in custody, hoping for a bribe, and often converses with him.
Felix is moved by Paul’s discourse on righteousness, self-control, and judgement, but ultimately leaves Paul imprisoned for two years, awaiting a more convenient time to act.
Day 3: Paul’s Appeal to Caesar
Day 3 brings us to Acts 25 and 26, where Paul appeals to Caesar, leading to further testimonies.
Festus succeeds Felix and reopens Paul’s case. The Jewish leaders renew their charges, but Festus finds no fault deserving death. To avoid being handed over to the Jews, Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen and appeals to Caesar.
Before being sent to Rome, Paul presents his case before King Agrippa and his sister Bernice. Paul recounts his former life as a persecutor of Christians, his miraculous conversion, and his subsequent mission. He boldly challenges Agrippa on his belief in the prophets, almost persuading him to convert.
Agrippa acknowledges that Paul could have been set free if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar, recognising the lack of evidence for the charges against him.
Paul’s articulate defence and appeal to Caesar illustrate his strategic use of legal rights and his relentless focus on spreading the gospel, even in the face of political and judicial challenges.
Day 4: Paul’s Journey to Rome
On our final day, we follow Paul’s perilous journey to Rome in Acts 27 and 28, culminating in his ministry under house arrest.
Paul sets sail for Rome under the custody of a centurion named Julius. The journey is fraught with danger, including a severe storm that leads to a shipwreck. Despite the peril, Paul receives divine assurance that all on board will survive.
After the shipwreck on the island of Malta, Paul’s leadership and faith shine through. He survives a viper bite and heals many on the island, leading to a warm reception by the local people.
Upon arrival in Rome, Paul is placed under house arrest. Even in these constrained circumstances, he continues to preach the gospel boldly, welcoming all who come to him and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s journey to Rome, marked by divine intervention and unwavering faith, culminates in his continued ministry, demonstrating that no circumstance can hinder the advance of the gospel.
