The Sure Triumph of God’s Kingdom Acts 23:12 – 24:27

Our Context and Paul’s Context The changing context of the Western Church: – – Shifting lines – – Shifting freedoms – – Questions and disorientation

Our Context and Paul’s Context The context of the early Church: – – A secular government (Rome) in control; increasing moral decadence – – Jewish religious factions vying for power in and around Jerusalem – – Christianity a small, new, morally concerned movement with no political power or protection – how survive?

Paul in Jerusalem Acts (review) Attacked and beaten by Jewish leaders for his teaching on the Law, and for sharing the gospel with Gentiles – boldly proclaims the gospel to them Saved from flogging due to his Roman citizenship

Paul in Jerusalem Acts 23 (review) Boldly proclaims Christ’s resurrection, which divides Pharisees and Sadducees Put under protection in Roman barracks by the Roman tribune

Paul in Jerusalem Acts 23 (review) 11 That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” (NLT)

The Backbone of Acts The beginning of the book: Acts 1:8 (ESV) Jesus tells the disciples: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The Backbone of Acts The end of the book: Acts 28:30-31 Paul, now imprisoned in Rome: He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Paul in Jerusalem This week’s story continues in Acts 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. 16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.

Paul in Jerusalem The Roman tribune: – – protects Paul – – takes him to the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea – – reports on Paul’s problems with the Jewish leaders

Paul in Caesarea Paul ends up proclaiming the Gospel and its implications to Felix and his wife: 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...

Paul in Caesarea The relevance of Paul’s topics: Righteousness – living consistent with God’s character and design Self control – human efforts and discipline to align with God’s character Coming judgment – on those who reject God’s righteousness and self control

Paul in Caesarea 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.

Summarizing Paul’s Journey From political and religious power to kingdom power From political and religious power to kingdom power From personal freedom to kingdom freedom From personal freedom to kingdom freedom Following the pattern of Christ Following the pattern of Christ Setting the pattern for the Church Setting the pattern for the Church

Our Journey Where are we headed? God’s kingdom is not dependent on government recognition God’s kingdom is not dependent on government recognition Historically the kingdom prospers in spite of government interference Historically the kingdom prospers in spite of government interference God’s kingdom is sure to triumph – our challenge is faith and faithfulness God’s kingdom is sure to triumph – our challenge is faith and faithfulness