Do the church leaders present ________________, _________, or _________?
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought formal charges against Paul to the governor. (Ac 24:1)
2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “We are enjoying a long period of peace because of you, most excellent Felix, and reforms are coming to this nation because of your foresight. 3 In every way and in every place, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. 4 But in order not to detain you any longer, I beg you in your kindness to give us a brief hearing. 5 For we have found this man to be a public menace, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the Nazarene sect. 6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him. 8 By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn from him about all these accusations we are bringing against him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so. (Ac 24:2–9)
... “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law, and against this place. And now he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” (Ac 21:28)
10 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense. 11 You can verify for yourself that it was no more than twelve days ago when I went up to worship at Jerusalem. 12 They did not find me arguing with anyone in the temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the accusations they are now making against me. 14 “But I do confess to you that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything written throughout the Law and in the Prophets; 15 and I have the same hope in God that these men have, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 This is the reason I continue to do my best to have a clear conscience toward both God and people. (Ac 24:10–16)
17 “After several years, I came to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing these things, they found me ceremonially purified in the temple, without a crowd or disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia who ought to be here before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. 20 Or let these men here state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 unless this is about the one thing I shouted while standing in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ” (Ac 24:17–21)
22 Then Felix, because he was rather well informed about the Way, adjourned the proceedings. He said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to guard Paul, but to let him have some freedom and not to prevent any of his friends from taking care of his needs. (Ac 24:22–23)
At about that time, King Herod laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church, in order to mistreat them. (Ac 12:1)
24 Several days later, Felix appeared in public with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 While Paul instructed him about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and replied, “Leave me for now, but when it is convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time, he was also hoping that Paul would give him money, and for this reason he sent for him as often as possible and talked with him. (Ac 24:24–26)
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Portius Festus. But because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. (Ac 24:27)
The following night the Lord [Jesus] stood next to Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have solemnly testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Ac 23:11)
8 Certainly my plans are not your plans, and your ways are not my ways, declares the Lord. 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my plans are higher than your plans. (Is 55:8–9)
10 Just as the rain and the snow come down from the sky and do not return there unless they first water the earth, make it give birth, and cause it to sprout, so that it gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 in the same way my word that goes out from my mouth will not return to me empty. Rather, it will accomplish whatever I please, and it will succeed in the purpose for which I sent it. (Is 55:10–11)
The prayer of a righteous person is able to do much because it is effective. (Jas 5:16b)
Points to Ponder
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?
Look up James 5:16b. What do these words mean. How have or will these words effect your prayer life?
What parallels do you see between this story and the “ways of the world” that still exist today?
