Introduction:

1. This section continues Paul’s movement from Jerusalem to Rome.

2. He will first be examined by two Roman governors and a Judean king.

3. The providence of God is a central focus the rest of the way.

Discussion:

I. The Conspiracy and Transfer (23:12-35)

A. After Paul confounded the council, over 40 Jews plotted his death.

B. Paul’s nephew heard the plot and revealed it to the commander.

C. The commander sent Paul to Caesarea under the protection of 470 of his troops with a letter explaining the situation to Governor Felix.

D. This thwarted the plot and forced the case before an impartial judge.

II. The Defamation and Defense (24:1-21)

A. They leveled three charges against Paul: political rebellion, being a ringleader of the Nazarene sect, and defiling the temple.

B. Paul denied charges one and three and embraced charge two, basing his defense on the contents of the law and prophets.

C. He highlighted their shared belief in the resurrection and showed their only point of contention was his pointing to Jesus as fulfillment.

III. Paul Appeals to Caesar (24:22-25:12)

A. Paul’s discussion of righteousness, self-control, and judgment struck fear in Felix’s heart, just not the kind that leads to repentance.

B. Succeeded by Festus, Felix left him bound to appease the Jews who asked Festus to send him to Jerusalem, hoping they might kill him.

C. Once again, they had no substantive charges against Paul, but Festus wanted to do them a favor and send him back to Jerusalem.

D. Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appear before Caesar.

1. As Paul makes his way towards Rome, we learn some great lessons.

2. Satan will try to stop the gospel by any means possible.

3. If we faithfully follow the Lord, He will ultimately upend Satan’s every scheme and deliver us in the end.