SEMESTER 6
489 – Paul’s Arrest and Early Trials
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY VI LESSON # 89
PAUL’S ARREST AND EARLY TRIALS
Read Acts 21:17
through Acts 25:27.
INTRODUCTION:
1. From his arrest on his third journey, Paul’s life seems strange.
2. He is given to the Lord and obviously forgiven of his persecution of the church.
3. The accomplishment up until now has been phenomenal. (1 Cor. 15:9-10)
4. Hitherto, it is obvious that God has been totally in control.
5. Now, suddenly his journeys are stopped. (He will start no more churches.)
6. Can we search out the truth of Romans 8:28 in this scenario?
I. THE ARREST OF PAUL AT JERUSALEM
1. The first rumored accusation against Paul. (Acts 21:20-21)
2. An exercise is suggested to satisfy their doubts. (Acts 21:22-24)
3. This did not appease the wicked legalizers. (Acts 21:27-29)
4. Their ignorance and wickedness is seen in the spirit of riot. (Acts 21:30-32)
5. Notice the chief captain assumed Paul’s guilt blindly. (Acts 21:32-34)
6. Paul attempts (to no avail) to let truth prevail. (Acts 21:37-40)
7. Paul’s defense consists of a testimony of his life, conversion and ministry. (Acts 22:1-21)
8. Both the Jews and the chief captain responded unjustly. (Acts 22:24-29)
9. Normally such a prisoner would have been freed. (Acts 22:30)
II. PAUL’S ATTEMPT TO REASON WITH THE JEWS
1. He appeals according to lawful defense. (Acts 23:1-2)
2. He appeals to the Jewish law as his protection. (Acts 23:3-5)
3. Paul’s strategy against the dishonest becomes subtlety. (Acts 23:6-10)
4. God explains to Paul the reason for this unreasonableness. (Acts 23:11)
5. The Jews’ attempt to murder Paul is foiled. (Acts 23:12-35)
6. The Jews pursue Paul to Caesarea to make a skilled accusation. (Acts 24:1-9)
7. Paul is allowed defense before Felix, and again, he preaches Christ. (Acts 24:10-23)
8. Felix gives Paul a second hearing and trembles at his preaching. (Acts 24:27)
III. PAUL’S HEARING BEFORE FESTUS
1. After two years the high priest still wants Paul dead. (Acts 24:27 through Acts 25:3)
2. The Jews again come to Caesarea to accuse Paul. (Acts 25:4-8)
3. Amazingly the religious community of Jews have learned nothing by the crucifixion of Christ, or the stoning of Stephen.
4. Isaiah 6:9-10 and Matthew 13:14 are yet, progressively being fulfilled.
5. Festus tries to duplicate Pilate’s action, Acts 25:9-12 compared to Mat. 27:24-26.
6. Festus admits no real offense, yet brings Paul before Herod Agrippa. (Acts 25:13-27)