The Road leading to Rome—from Jerusalem to Caesarea
(1) In what manner had these 40 plus men decided to kill Paul? As Paul would be in the protective custody of Romans soldiers, if the men succeeded, what would be the consequences, not only to them, but to all the Jews in the city?
(2) Fasting and oath taking are the practice of pious Jews, and these 40 plus men used them to express their pious commitment to kill Paul and were endorsed by the religious leaders. Can killing in the name of God be justified ever? Why or why not?
(3) How did the commander react to the news of the plot and how many soldiers in total did he assign to protect Paul against the 40 plus assassins? If you were Paul, how did the words of the Lord in 23:11 minister to him at a time like this?
(4) The Acts of the Apostles would be widely read in the Roman world in the years to come. How did Luke’s record about the commander’s comment on the charges against Paul help the case of Christianity in a hostile environment in those eras?
(5) Paul was now in relative safety having first been taken to Antipatris (about 35 miles from Jerusalem). He was now in the palace built by King Herod quite some years ago in Caesarea (65 miles from Jerusalem). All these things happened within just a week upon his arrival in Jerusalem. Now in the custody of the Romans, Paul would have time to reflect upon his journey to Jerusalem and the many prophecies that were spoken of his journey. How would he prepare himself to face the charges of the Jews and how would he make use of the opportunity not only to win over his people, but also the many Roman soldiers and leaders who would be listening to his defense?
(6) What is the main message to you today?
The Road leading to Rome—at Caesarea
(1) Now a formal charge was being laid against Paul, with Tertullus, the lawyer, who represented the accusers. On the other hand, who represented Paul as his advocate?
(2) During Felix’s reign over the region, there were many insurrections and he brutally stamped them out. Eventually, he was removed by Caesar himself. Both Tertullus and Paul greeted him with respect in their respective introductions. Compare both introductions and see what you think.
(3) What were the charges brought against Paul formally? What did Tertullus try to achieve?
(4) How did Paul, in his defense, challenge these charges? Was he effective?
(5) Luke said that the governor was well acquainted with the Way. What does it tell you about the spread of the gospel in those days and why?
(6) Since Felix knew exactly what the problem was, why did he not deal with it and pronounce its verdict?
(7) Was Paul’s unfair detention for two years all wasted? Why or why not?
(8) What is the main message to you today?
The Road to Rome—stalled in Caesarea (Felix to Festus)
(1) A change of governor was a political move in that Felix was found with fault by Caesar in another matter (24:27). He was lucky to be spared from harsher punishments and was only removed of his power as a governor. From Paul’s perspective, what did such a move bring?
(2) Festus knew very well what risk he was taking by changing the trial venue from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Why would he refuse the Jews (25:4) and then offer this chance of change to Paul? (25:9)
(3) How did Paul respond to Festus’ offer to change the venue? (25:10) Why?
(4) With his appeal, Paul’s desire to go to Rome was sealed and in chains. This was probably not as Paul would have expected, (see Rom. 1:10 and Acts 26:29). Would it matter that the way was opened though not as he wished? Why or why not?
(5) King Agrippa was a young ruler appointed by Caesar (and was knowledgeable about Jewish matters and religion just like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather…). Now he was visiting the new governor of Caesarea with his sister, Bernice. According to Luke’s report, why did Festus resort to having Agrippa hear Paul? What does this tell you about Paul’s predicament?
(6) According to Festus, what was the core issue against Paul? (Refer to v. 19)
(7) How important is this issue today?
(8) What is the main message to you today?
The Road to Rome—A Side Show with King (Herod) Agrippa
Here Paul delivered the most detailed defense recorded by Luke. It was not directed at a Jewish audience, but to the Roman dignitaries. While it was a defense, Paul also made it into a powerful gospel message, deserving our analysis and reflection.
(1) Vv.
2-3
Paul urges Agrippa to listen carefully (for with his background on Jewish matters, he would understand)
Vv. 4-8
Paul lays out the core issue of the gospel:
“Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (26:8)
What is your answer to this question?
What would be the answer of the world today?
(2) Vv.
9-11
Paul understood the hatred of the Jews (for he was once one of them)
Vv. 12-18
From his encounter with Jesus, Paul declares
- Jesus is still alive and He rules
- “Persecute Christians, you persecute me!”
- With boldness, Jesus will rescue him
- Gentiles also need to repent and be forgiven
Paul was doing much more than retelling this undisputed heavenly encounter, he was also using this message to confront his hearers. What would Festus and Agrippa be confronted with upon hearing his story so far?
(3) Vv.
19-23
Paul's post-conversion obedience, which emphasizes the accurate fulfillment of the Scriptures
Vv. 24-32
Festus and Agrippa’s response to the gospel message
- Festus acknowledged Paul’s high learning, but considered him insane
- Agrippa side-stepped the challenge of the message
Why did Festus have to “shout”?
How did Paul end his message as a personal challenge?
In your own sharing of the gospel, do you always end with making a personal challenge to your hearer? Why or why not?
(4) What is the main message to you today?
The Road to Rome–Extraordinary Voyage (1)
(1) Paul was accompanied by Luke and others, including Aristarchus whom he described as a “fellow prisoner” in Colossians 4:10. While we know Paul was a prisoner, what about Luke and Aristarchus? Were they any different from Paul?
(2) As with most sea voyages of ancient times, it was taken with considerable risks. Luke’s detailed description of the voyage has earned him credibility from his critics as rendering an accurate account.
Let’s see how God was using Paul in this voyage:
(a) Paul, a tent-maker, was no sailor obviously, so his warning in v. 10 was completely ignored by the experts who were actually fooled by a deceptive favorable sign (v. 13), only to plunge themselves into great danger.
What was the lesson here for us today?
(b) As the storm got worse, they had to throw cargo into the sea. What other incident does this remind you of in the Old Testament? How did the people on Jonah’s boat react to the storm? Why? How similar was the situation here?
(c) How do non-believers face their life-storm?
(d) How do you normally face your life-storm?
(e) How did Paul respond to this storm? (vv. 21-26)
(f) What can you learn from Paul, even though you may not have the benefits of having a vision?
(3)What is the main message to you today?
The Road to Rome—Extraordinary Voyage (2)
(1) How did Paul openly demonstrate his faith in a time like this?
(2) We may admire Paul in how he took over the situation among these non-believers. But can you tell what was the key to Paul being able to exert such authority?
(3) Under what conditions may we emulate Paul?
(4) Under what conditions may we not even try to emulate Paul?
(5) What is your opinion about the centurion?
(6) Luke did not describe him as a believer, but did mention how he tried to protect or came to aid Paul several times. Have you experienced God’s provision of help through non-believers in your life?
(7) What is the main message to you today?
The Road to Rome—at Malta
(1) How did the islanders (literally translated, barbarians) interpret Paul’s being “bitten” by a snake? Why?
(2) When was the last time someone you knew came across a sudden calamity or accident in life? What was your interpretation of the matter?
(3) How did you handle similar accidents in life in the past? Why?
(4) This was no accident obviously. What was the result of this incident in Malta?
(5) What can we learn from this?
(6) This was supposed to be an extradition, but based on what happened here on the island, what has this journey turned into?
(7) What is the main message to you today?