Sermons on Pharisees & Sadducees
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.…
Trial before Felix
Acts 24:1-27 Paul is transferred to Governor Felix in Caesarea due to a plot against his life in Jerusalem. Five days later, his accusers arrive. Accusation by Tertullus (the Jewish prosecutor): Flattering Felix falsely, claiming peace and prosperity under his rule. Accuses Paul of being: A “plague” (spreading the gospel). An instigator of unrest among Jews. A ringleader of the “sect of the Nazarenes” (early Christians). Claims Paul tried to profane the temple—an unproven and false charge. Paul’s Defense: Calmly…
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…
Jerusalem counsel
The Gospel started with the Jews, then spread to the Gentiles The Gentiles were not required to follow the Jewish law. But some men arrived at the Antioch church from Judea, teaching that following the law was essential for salvation. So the Church sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to ask the apostles. The disciples debated the matter, and determined that God had granted Salvation and the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles through faith, without the law. The Gentiles should…
Saul’s Conversion
Acts 9:1-22 A great persecution started with the death of Stephen.Saul was present at Stephen’s stoning, and was going house to house to arrest Christians. He hates them so much that he wanted to travel 200 miles to another region to find Christians to arrest and bring to Jerusalem. When he was close to Damascus, a bright light from Heaven shone down on him, and a voice called to him, asking why he was persecuting Jesus. This was one of…
The First Martyr
Acts 7:38-60 This week we continue the history lesson as the story turns sour, when God’s special people reject Him. Stephen is standing before the high council accused of blaspheming God, Moses, and the Temple The Israelites were complaining about God’s provision. While God was writing the 10 commandment on the stone tablets with His own finger, His special people were at the bottom of the mountain breaking them. Stephen turns the spotlight from the wickedness of the Israelites and…
Wisdom and the Spirit of God
Acts 6:1-15 The church continued to grow, and disputes arose between the Jewish and Greek believers The apostles needed to focus on teaching rather than dealing with matters of this sort. They were dedicated to prayer and ministry of the Word. The apostles got the church involved in resolving this issue. 7 men from the Greek believers were chosen to manage the food distribution. The first non- apostolic ministry of the church was feeding the widows One of these men…
Disobedient Disciples and a Wise Pharisee
Acts 5:17-42 This is the second time Peter and John are arrested within a few weeks. They were put in prison to get them out of the way, but at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out. If God has a job for you to do, and you are walking in it, He can do anything to overcome obstacles that would prevent you from accomplishing your job. The witness of the apostles was…
We Cannot But Speak
Acts 4:1-22 The Sadducees were the Jewish political leaders, and didn’t want any changes to their world view or political structure. Instead of marvelling at the miracle and trying to find out more, they want to squash the Apostle’s witnessing Peter and John were put into prison overnight The next day, the entire ruling council gathered to investigate.Peter again uses this opportunity to witness for Jesus, accusing them of killing Jesus and declaring that God raised Him from the dead.…
Jesus Before Pilate
The trial of Jesus happened early in the morning, after a long, harrowing night Before the Last Supper, Passover was prophetic. After the Last Supper, Communion is a symbolic remembrance. But during the Last Supper it was real – He was about to be sacrificed for us. The Sanhedrin didn’t want to enter Pilate’s residence to remain pure, despite their lies and false charges. Pilate wanted to get out of the trial. He sent Jesus to Herod Then he tried…
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