TRIAL- Acts 25-26 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

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?

TRIAL (Acts 24)-- Week 2 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

In Acts 23 the Apostle Paul encountered a trial of conspiracy (Acts 23:12). Paul responded to this trial by taking comfort in the presence and promise of Jesus (Acts 23:11). He understood that no trial reaches a child of God apart from God’s consent. (See Job 1) God uses trial in the lives Christ-followers to “prove by experiment” the certainty of one’s faith which leads to spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). Here in Acts 24 the apostle responds to false accusations made against him by the lawyer Tertullus on behalf of the high priest Ananias.

Read Acts 24. Who are the major players in Paul’s trial before Governor Felix? What is observed about each one’s character?

 What counsel or example do the following Scriptures provide to God’s people when faced with false accusations? 

Genesis 39:6-23--

Ezra 4:6-16; 5:1-17; 6:1-12--

Psalm 35:19-20; 24-28--

Psalm 41:5-12--

Matthew 5:11-12--

In Acts 24:10-21 the Apostle Paul offers a strong defense to Governor Felix against the false accusations made against him by Tertullus. Read 1 Peter 2:21-23. When is it right to defend ourselves as Paul did, and when should we follow Christ’s example and say very little? What additional insight does Peter provide in 1 Peter 3:13-17?

 

TRIAL-- Week 1 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 the Apostle Paul instructs his readers, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Paul offered his life and experiences as a tangible example of what everyday followership of Christ looks like. Acts 23 through 28 records numerous trials encountered by the apostle: a mob’s plot, trials before the Sanhedrin, Governors Felix, Festus and King Agrippa, a shipwreck, viper bite, and house arrest. These trails affected Paul physically, spiritually and emotionally. How Paul responded to these trials is an example to every Christ-follower.

In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 Paul sums up his hardships and trials. According to 2 Corinthians 11:30 & 12:10, what is his purpose in doing so?

What response to trial/hardship/suffering does the Apostle Paul instruct of Timothy in the following verses?

2 Timothy 1:8--

2 Timothy 2:3--

2 Timothy 4:5--

In one sitting, read Acts 23 through 28. What are your impressions regarding Paul’s trials? What examples of Paul is the Holy Spirit leading you to emulate?