• Read Acts 25

Paul had his trial before Felix, and now it is Festus’ turn. Festus has succeeded Felix and finds a leftover Paul still in prison.

The Jewish leaders bring their accusations, Paul denies, and Festus is stymied. I get the feeling that things are just as Paul wants. He appeals to Caesar and apparently those are the magic words!

But it nags at Festus that he can’t figure out exactly what to write to Caesar, so lo and behold, King Agrippa and his wife arrive for a consultation.

• What is interesting to you from this chapter? Confusing?
• How would you describe Festus?
• If you were Paul, how would you be feeling? What are your thoughts about God throughout this season?

Today we will pop into the book of Galatians, one of the first Epistles written by Paul.

We heard during an October sermon how Paul encouraged the Apostles to not burden the Gentile believers with observing the whole law, specifically the command to be circumcised.

He reasoned that we are all saved through the same means: faith. All undeserved. All a gift. Bringing us freedom.

• Read Galatians 5: 13- 26

KNOW (What does the text say about God?)

BE (What does the text say about us?)

DO (What is the text calling me/us to do?)

• How does what you read here impact the ‘together’?

• Read Acts 24

Consider the following questions:

• In your mind, what is going on in this chapter?
• What is interesting or confusing?
• Have you ever been called on to give a defense of your faith in God? What was that situation like?
• After reading this chapter, how would you describe Felix?

Paul is imprisoned for two years so that Felix can appease his curiosity. Felix got rattled by the judgement to come that Paul spoke about.

• What are your thoughts about the coming judgement? Think back to the Revelation series!

Spend this morning reviewing again what you are thankful for. Also spend time praying for God’s kingdom to come and His justice to rule.

Next week and following we will trace Paul’s journey to Rome and prison.

Along the way, we are going to pop in and out of some of the Epistles he wrote to the churches he started and encouraged. We will read his prayers for them as well as some of his thoughts and see his huge heart for those he shepherded and grew up in the faith.

• Read Acts 23:12-35

Reflect on the following questions:

• Who does God show Himself to be in this passage?
• What can we learn about people and the character of humans from this passage?
• How does Paul respond with courage?
• Why do you think that Paul took himself into this situation? What could have motivated him to head to Jerusalem despite the warnings?
• When you are in an impossibly hard situation, what encourages you to turn your face towards the Lord?

• Read Acts 22:30- 23:11

This whole interchange makes me chuckle J. Paul knows of this long dispute and focuses his opponents on each other.

Paul speaks sharply and confronts the leader of this group. But once he learns of his position as high priest, he publicly repents of his disrespect.

It always seems unjust to me that he should have to behave respectfully in the midst of this, but that is what the Lord calls us to.

• When have you been in a situation, or perhaps you are in one right now where you are called to behave respectfully towards someone who is not respecting you?
• What is a situation where you are longing to see God’s justice served? Spend some time praying for this situation.
• The Lord comes to Paul and tells him to “take courage”. Where do you need courage today?

• Read Acts 22: 22-29

When I read about Roman citizenship, it makes me thankful to serve a God who routinely tells me through scripture that I am a citizen of heaven.

The gospel of Jesus had to bring such incredible dignity to everyone—even women and children.

Obviously, being a Roman citizen had great impact in our reading today. Paul belonged to a special group- someone born a citizen.

When you repent and believe the gospel, God calls you His own, and grants you eternal citizenship with Him.

• How has God shown you that you belong in His kingdom?