This message focuses on the end of the book of Acts in Rome, the center of power for the Roman Empire. There is attention to Paul’s speaking the message of Jesus at the centers of power, with some reference to his previous proclamation to the Sanhedrin, Felix, and Festus after his arrest in Jerusalem.
Sermon Outline
Because Jesus is the King of kings, He is also Lord of our life, which gives us a story to share.
The Story Summarized (Acts 22:3-21; 24:10-21; 26:1-23; 28:23)
- The crowd, the Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus, Agrippa, the Jews in Rome
- Didn’t matter who he spoke to, it only mattered who he spoke about
- His testimony was always centered on his Damascus Road conversion and the resurrection of Jesus, but each speech was nuanced to appeal to those he was speaking to
The Responses Received (Acts 22:22-23; 24:22-26; 26:24-32; 28:24 & 25)
- Anger (the Jerusalem crowd), Fear (Felix), Confusion (Festus), Dismissiveness (Agrippa), Intrigue (The Jews in Rome)
- What he was responsible for was his faithfulness, not their response.
What can we learn from this?
- For Explorers: Don’t delay deciding! (2 Corinthians 6:2).
- For Growing Disciples: Be ready! (1 Peter 3:15)
- For Christ- Centered Disciples: Seize the day! (Acts 28:30-31)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What is a favorite story of your life you enjoy telling others about?
- Who is the most important person you’ve ever had to speak in front of?
- Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word.
- Read Acts 22:3-21; 24:10-21; 26:1-23; 28:23. What do you find most interesting about Paul’s testimony in these “hearings”?
- What do you think he seems to emphasize the most in all of them?
- What are the most significant changes from one hearing to the others?
- What do think leads him to make these changes? Would you have done anything differently?
- Now Read Acts 22:22-23; Acts 24:22-26; Acts 26:24-32; Acts 28:24 & 25
- What stands out to you about these reactions to Paul’s testimony?
- Is there anything that surprises you in any of these responses?
- Read Acts 28:30-31. As you think about these last two verses in Acts, what stands out to you the most? What questions are you left with?
- What amazes you about either these verses or the entirety of what Acts has showed us?
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith
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At the heart of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus. Did He really come back to life after the crucifixion or not? If He did, then the things He taught and calls us to are truth we need to respond to. In your searching, have you researched the resurrection? If not, consider these resources: gotquestions.org/why-believe-resurrection.html or Evidence for the Resurrection by Josh & Sean McDowell.
Growing in Faith
- Prepare your own story of God’s work in you: what was life before you know Christ and what is it like now that you are following Him? What made you choose to follow Him and what did that decision look like for you?
- You can use the Eastbrook App to help prepare yourself for sharing you story—select Resources and then Sharing my Faith for more info.
Centered in Faith
- Paul knew that his ultimate purpose was to be a servant and witness for Christ (Acts 26:16) to the world; the same is true for you! Prayerfully consider with whom and how you will boldly share your faith this week.
- Who are the other Christ-followers in your life that you can encourage and equip to share their testimony with others as well?