Who Knows What God Might be Doing (Acts 23:12-35)

Who Knows What God Might be Doing (Acts 23:12-35)

A plot was discovered to assassinate Paul. But overnight, Paul was moved to Caesarea. His case would be heard by the Judean Governor. Paul must have wondered what God was doing as he found himself locked up in a Roman cell. But his suffering became a path to greater witness. While it's easy to draw conclusions in our own lives, faith teaches us to recognize more of what God might be doing. Who knows what God might be doing in our own loss, struggle, and discouragement?

Take Courage, God Can Use This Too (Acts 22:22-23:11)

Paul carried two callings. He felt called to preach the gospel in Rome, but he also sensed the Spirit calling him back to Jerusalem, where he would face suffering. Imprisoned by the Romans, it must have felt like Rome was further and further away. But Jesus appeared to Paul to give him courage and remind him that even in loss and injustice, God was still fulfilling his call.

Faith is Not a Life of Risk Management (Acts 21:27-22:24)

Paul's plan failed. He was spotted in the temple by his opponents and quickly seized. I riot formed, and Paul was dragged out of the temple. But after the Romans intervened, Paul was given a chance to offer a defense. He did not defend himself but instead told the truth. God was extending salvation to the Gentiles. We look at Paul's courage and his willingness to risk his own safety for the truth and God's mission.

Doing Good Doesn't Always Work (Acts 21:1-26)

Paul finally arrived in Jerusalem. While the believers there celebrated his work, there was danger. Rumors were spreading that Paul was teaching people to abandon the Jewish law. Paul decided to go to the temple in an act of piety to prove them wrong. We look at Paul's arrival, the plan, and why it doesn't ultimately work.

Paul's final advice for the church in Ephesus (Acts 20:17-38)

On his return to Jerusalem, Paul stopped in to say goodbye to the church in Ephesus. He explained that they would not see him again, as the Spirit had confirmed that he would face suffering and arrest in Jerusalem. Luke records Paul's goodbye speech, and by it, some of Paul's most moving and impassioned words for the leaders of that local church.