Luke ends
Acts 24, “When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but
because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.” The Apostle Paul was innocent of the offenses
for which he was charged, yet is treated as if he were guilty. (Acts 25:10;
26:31) Paul is the accused, but it is his captors who behave fearful of the
crowds showing favoritism (Acts 24:27; 25:9). In Acts 25 and 26 Paul models to
fellow Christ-followers a response to continuous trial that is courageous,
persistent and sober minded.
In Acts 25:8
Paul again asserts his innocence, “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish
law or against the temple or against Caesar.” In Acts 26:32, Agrippa and Festus
conclude, ““This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to
Caesar.” Why do you think Paul went ahead with his appeal to Caesar? (Acts
25:11)
What do the
following Scriptures reveal about the Christ-follower’s call to persevere?
Acts 11:23;
13:43--
Romans
12:12--
1
Corinthians 15:58; 16:13-14--
2
Corinthians 1:4-6--
Philippians
1:27--
2 Timothy
1:13--
Hebrews 2:1;
4:14--
Revelation
3:11--
In 2
Corinthians 6:4-7 Paul describes his patience in trial as result of the Holy
Spirit and “in the power of God.” Why is this an important reminder for the
Christ-follower? The King James Version translates “patience” in verse 5,
“long-suffering.” What does this term add to your understanding of patience?
How have you been
challenged as a result of this study? Is there any action you sense the Holy
Spirit leading you to take?
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