Paul enters a new phase in his life – imprisonment on a full-time basis.
Acts 23:
1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day."
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
3 Then Paul said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?"
4 Those who stood by said, "Would you revile God's high priest?"
5 And Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"
6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial."
7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
9 Then a great clamour arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, "We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?"
10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.
11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome."
A Plot to Kill Paul
12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy.
14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul.
15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near."
16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.
17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him."
18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, "Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you."
19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"
20 And he said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him.
21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent."
22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, "Tell no one that you have informed me of these things."
Paul Sent to Felix the Governor
23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, "Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.
24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor."
25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:
26 "Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings.
27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen.
28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council.
29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.
30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him."
31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.
32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him.
33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him.
34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia,
35 he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.
Acts 24: Paul Before Felix at Caesarea
1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.
2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation,
3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.
4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.
7
8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him."
9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defence.
11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem,
12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city.
13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me.
14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,
15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.
16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.
18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia---
19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me.
20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,
21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: 'It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.'"
Paul Kept in Custody
22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case."
23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you."
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.
27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
Things to think about…
1. In Acts 23:1-10 we see Paul before the religious council which included Sadducees and Pharisees. Paul being a wise man and knowing that this group was not seeking after truth, but rather seeking after an opportunity to justify their existence speaks about a topic that he knows they will be divided over – the resurrection. This allows Paul some breathing space by getting them to fight among themselves. The promise from the Lord Jesus to Paul was that he would testify in Rome, vs 11. It is encouraging to hear the Lord’s voice of deliverance when things are tough.
2. The Lord Jesus encourages Paul with these words "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.", Acts 23:11.While these words are encouraging it would be well over 2 years that Paul would have an opportunity to testify in Rome. The bulk of the 2 years being spent in a prison in Caesarea. When the Lord gives us promises, the timing and the circumstances always remain in His hand. This is sometimes difficult to come to grips with, but He does a purging work through His grace in the waiting.
3. Paul’s nephew – the son of his sister, clearly had a love and concern for his uncle, Acts 23:16-22. This young man’s boldness saved Paul’s life. We are all glad for it. Acts of boldness that may seem trivial at the time may have a profound effect on the lives of those around us. This young lad was obedient and faithful with the knowledge he had. We are called to be bold in declaring the saving knowledge of our Saviour with the world. Who knows who will be delivered from the prison of sin as a result.
4. The tribune Claudius Lysias sends Paul away at the third hour of the night- ( 9pm) with 2 Centurions, two hundred soldiers, 200 spearmen and 70 horsemen to Antipatris, Acts 23:23. This was a journey of about 60kms through the night. He is sent to Felix who is in Caesarea and is accompanied just by the 70 horsemen and placed in Herod’s praetorium. This was another 40kms by horseback the following day. Parts of Caesarea were rediscovered in the 1990’s. There is apparently a room in the lower parts of the area of Herod's praetorium which has the word “Paulos” inscribed on the wall. The Israeli antiquities department is yet to allow the public to see this but these areas may one day be opened up to the public. I went to this area in May 2017 and the lower prison is still not open to the public. Hopefully one day in the not too distant future it will be.
5. Paul’s testimony before Felix and his accusers turns out to be a farce from Paul’s point of view, Acts 24:1-9. The High Priest and some Jews arrive and have a man, Tertullius be their mouthpiece. Felix knows a good deal about Christianity, Acts 24:22, but will not submit to the truth. After the initial hearing he stalls and keeps Paul in prison. Felix wanted a bribe from Paul and as such sent for him regularly, Acts 24:26. When Paul starts preaching on righteousness and self-control Felix gets alarmed, Acts 24:25. Two years go by and there seems to be no fruit in this part of Paul’s ministry. It is in these seasons that the Lord seems to be distant, but He is in fact doing a work behind the scenes. If this is a season you are currently going through, at least allow it to be a time of reflection and growth away from other distractions. These seasons can include times of ill health or between jobs. Rest in Christ’s will for the season.
6. Not everyone is going to get converted. Even when you spend a lot of time witnessing to them. Here Felix calls for Paul “often” over a two year period, Acts 24:26 and Felix’s heart remains hard to accepting Christ even though he knows the gospel quite well, Acts 24:22. If you have been witnessing to someone, perhaps a close friend or a family member for many years (and other followers who would fall away – John 6) know that both Christ and Paul both knew what you are going through. Be like the persistent widow, Luke 18:1-8 and keep coming back to the Lord in prayer. A breakthrough awaits in the end. Paul eventually got out of prison. This was a forced retreat. He was fed and given freedom with anyone able to visit him, Acts 24:23. This would have been a blessing for Paul having protection as well as the ability to write and preach to anyone who sought his counsel at that time.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. 6:30pm every Wednesday. 5:30pm prayer.
Young adult Life group – This week – The trinity in the OT. After church on Sunday.
Prayer Points
1. Visitors who heard the Blessed Life part 2 – Seeking God first.
2. Pray for Lauren and family in South Africa for the Lord’s peace, comfort and grace.
3. Keep praying for Anna and the Playgroup on Fridays, pray for more families to be reached.
4. Pray for Chaplaincy and Kids Hope at Karalee State School.
5. The families of the shooting victims at the Trump rally last week. Pray for peace over the US elections
6. The ongoing conflict in Israel and Ukraine.
7. Church finances to continue to grow and expenses to be more than met.
8. Pray for Kids@Church, Life groups. Young Adults.
9. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, 5:30pm at church. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
10. Pray about the possibility and planning of a Farmers Market at Chuwar Baptist Church on Saturdays. Anastasia taking the lead on this. Pray for us as we plan
11. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
12. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. New folk this week.
2. Worship team did a great job.
3. Praise God for young people stepping up in the worship ministry.
4. Playgroup is a great encouragement for our church.
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. The blessed life – Part 3 “Life not Law”. This Sunday morning
2. Working bee Saturday morning 27th July. Please contact Che for a list jobs and requirements.
3. Kids at Church – The Blessed life – Life not law part 3. Anastasia leading.
4. Monday and Wednesday evening prayer at church 5:30-6:30pm
5. Life Group Wednesday 6:30pm at church – start back this week.
6. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
7. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for July...
Q. 22. What is Sin? A. Sin is any transgression of the law of God.
Bible References – 1Jn.3:4; Rom.3:20; James 2:9-11
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
