Book of Acts Week 8 (Acts 25)
February 26, 2017 Preacher: Aaron Lytle Series: The Book of Acts
Topic: Identity Verse: Acts 25
Acts 25:1-12
Festus, the court, Jews, Paul
1Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, 2where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul. 3They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (planning to ambush and kill him on the way). 4But Festus replied that Paul was at Caesarea and he himself would be returning there soon. 5So he said, “Those of you in authority can return with me. If Paul has done anything wrong, you can make your accusations.”
6About eight or ten days later Festus returned to Caesarea, and on the following day he took his seat in court and ordered that Paul be brought in. 7When Paul arrived, the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem gathered around and made many serious accusations they couldn’t prove.
8Paul denied the charges. “I am not guilty of any crime against the Jewish laws or the Temple or the Roman government,” he said.
9Then Festus, wanting to please the Jews, asked him, “Are you willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there?”
10But Paul replied, “No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here. You know very well I am not guilty of harming the Jews. 11If I have done something worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die. But if I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!” —Acts 25:1-11
7When Paul arrived, the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem gathered around and made many serious accusations they couldn’t prove. —Acts 25:7
11If I have done something worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die. But if I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!” —Acts 25:11
30For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him. —Acts 28:30-31
21Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. 22And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household (Oikos).
23May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. —Philippians 4:21-23
What are some practical steps?
KNOW YOUR STORY WITH JESUS
KNOW THE STORY OF JESUS
INVITE PEOPLE INTO YOUR OIKOS
BE WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST
DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE WANT OR DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT GOD
DON’T GIVE UP
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. —Hebrews 12:1-3
More in The Book of Acts
February 19, 2017
Book of Acts: Week 7 (Acts 21)February 12, 2017
Book of Acts: Week 6 (Acts 19)February 5, 2017
Book of Acts: Week 5 (Acts 17)