Sermons on Persecution
Trial before Festus
Acts 25:1-27 Acts 25 outlines the political and religious tensions the Apostle Paul faced in Caesarea under Roman rule, and the gospel opportunities that arose. Governor Felix delayed Paul’s trial for two years, hoping for a bribe, and left him imprisoned to appease the Jewish leaders when he was removed by Emperor Nero. Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor. Shortly after assuming office, he visited Jerusalem, where Jewish leaders requested Paul be brought there, intending to ambush and kill him.…
Paul’s First Trial
Acts 23:1-35 Background Recap: Paul completes his 3rd missionary journey, heading to Jerusalem despite warnings of danger. At the Temple, he testifies until he mentions “Gentiles,” which incites the crowd. Roman commander Claudius intervenes, rescues Paul, and prevents his scourging after learning of his Roman citizenship. Sanhedrin Trial (Acts 23:1-5): Paul begins by declaring he has lived in good conscience, referring to life after his conversion. His bold statement prompts Ananias, the high priest, to order him struck. Paul rebukes…
Paul in Jerusalem
Acts 21:24-40 Paul arrives in Jerusalem and helps four Jewish men complete their Nazirite vows to show he respects Jewish customs. This act is costly, costing Paul about €4560. Despite his efforts, Jews from Asia falsely accuse Paul of bringing Gentiles into the temple, inciting a violent mob. The mob seizes Paul, drags him from the temple, and shuts the doors. The temple leadership rejects the truth Paul brings. Roman soldiers from the nearby Antonia Fortress intervene just in time…
To Go or Not To Go
Acts 21:1-16 describes the end of Paul’s third missionary journey as he heads toward Jerusalem, fully aware he will be arrested. In Acts 20:22–24, Paul states he is “bound in the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem and is willing to face imprisonment or death to fulfill his ministry. As Paul travels, he stops in various cities where believers, through the Holy Spirit, warn him not to go to Jerusalem. This creates an apparent tension: the Spirit both compels Paul to…
Paul’s farewell to the Ephesians
Acts 20:17-38 Paul, on a determined journey to Jerusalem, urgently gathers the Ephesian church leaders to deliver a heartfelt final message. He recounts his ministry in Ephesus: Served with humility. Endured suffering with tears and trials. Preached and taught faithfully in public and private settings. Urged repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes he is “bound in the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem, despite knowing suffering awaits him. His mission and calling outweigh personal safety. He models ultimate dedication…
Paul in Corinth
Acts 18:1-17 In Corinth, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish tentmakers who had been expelled from Rome. They become close friends and ministry partners. Paul follows his usual ministry pattern: preaches in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuading both Jews and Greeks. When his co-workers Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul is reinvigorated and preaches more boldly, declaring Jesus as the Christ. Some Jews resist and blaspheme. Paul, frustrated, declares he will now focus on preaching to Gentiles. A key lesson: We…
Paul in Thessalonica and Berea
The message follows Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke during Paul’s second missionary journey, focusing on two cities: Thessalonica and Berea. In Thessalonica, Paul teaches in the synagogue for at least three Sabbaths, explaining from the Old Testament that Jesus had to suffer, die, and rise again. Some Jews, many devout Greeks, and several prominent women believed and joined Paul and Silas, causing jealousy among the synagogue leaders who lost influence and financial support. Opponents hired troublemakers to incite a mob,…
Joy in Difficult Circumstances
Acts 16:19-40 Paul and Silas are on the Second Missionary Journey Paul had just healed the slave girl who was announcing that Paul and Silas proclaimed the way of salvation. Her owners were furious, because she could no longer make them money. They took Paul and Silas to the authorities, with false charges. Paul and Silas were beaten with rods. threw them in prison and put them in stocks. At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns. Suddenly…
Stoning of Paul
Acts 14 1-20 Paul and his team preached in Iconium, and continued his practice of preaching in the synagogue to both the Jews and the Gentiles God accompanied the preaching with signs and wonders. Half of the city sided with the Jews, and half with the apostles. The Jews, Gentiles and rulers planned to stone Paul and Barnabas, so they left to Lystra. Then they arrived they found a man who had been lame since birth. Paul saw that the…
Peter’s Prison Escape
Acts 12:1-25 Around 43AD King Herod Agrippa began to harass the Church. He killed James, the brother of John, part of Jesus’ inner circle – Peter, James and John. When he saw that the Jews were pleased with that, he arrested Peter as well. As it was Passover, Peter was put in prison, under maximum security, to be dealt with after the Feast of Unleavened bread. But the Church was praying fervently. Peter did not appear to be worried –…
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