We have come to an interesting place in our study of The Book of Acts. As we come to the final third of Chapter 22, we come to what can be called, “The Beginning of the End” of Paul’s life and ministry. After being attacked by the Jews in Jerusalem and taken into custody by the Romans, Paul (as a Roman Citizen) appeals to Caesar and begins his journey to Rome. This event and his appearance before the Jewish Council are followed by a series of six major events that make up the outline of the remaining six Chapters of Acts:

First, he is taken before Antonius Felix, the Roman Governor of Judea who ruled from 52 to 59 AD.

Second, during this time Paul appeals to Caesar, and begins his long and difficult journey to the Capital City of the civilized world.

Third, Felix leaves Paul bound over for the new Governor, Porcius Festus, who ruled Judea from 59 to 62 AD.

Fourth, Festus takes him before King Herod Agrippa II before sending him on his way to Rome.

Fifth, Paul is placed on a ship heading to Rome but encounters a great storm and is shipwrecked on the island of Malta.

Finally, in Acts Twenty Eight, Paul arrives in Rome where he is put under house arrest and begins his ministry there. Later he is transferred to the Mamertine Prison where he will be sentenced to death by beheading by Emperor Nero.

As the Lord leads, it is my present intention to take a sermon for each of these major events which will allow me to complete our study in Acts in a total of sixty-eight sermons! These are large “bites” of Scripture, so I may take one or two more sermons, but either way, we should complete this study by early to mid-October.

As you prepare to hear God’s Word on this coming Lord’s Day, let me give you some questions to contemplate that I will cover in the sermon:

How do you expect people to react when you share your personal testimony of salvation? What has your experience been?

Are you afraid to share your testimony? If you are, why is that so? Do you believe that God is able to protect and use you when you share?

If those in authority oppose us sharing our testimony, how should we react to them?

Can God use our trials and our failures for His glory and the good of those who hear us? Is Romans 8:28 applicable to those who share their testimony and face opposition?

Does opposition and suffering drive you toward God or away from Him? Do you believe that God becomes closer or more distant during these times?

Why do people oppose us when we try to share the facts about our salvation with them? How did they treat Jesus when He told them about salvation?

Should we fear people and do what they want; or, should we fear rather God and obey Him?

These are some deep and soul-searching questions! I pray that the Lord will use these verses to bless, challenge, and disciple us as we seek His will for our lives.

I hope to see you Sunday with a smile on your face, your Bible in your hand, and your family and friends by your side!