This part of the series looks at the final chapters 21 through 28. I will first share a summary of each chapter before discussing the three key learnings from these last chapters of Acts.
Summary of Acts 21 through 28
I discussed chapter 21 in my last two reflections: Conviction over Convenience and Power, Perseverance, and Witness.
The chapter is about Paul meeting with James and the Church council in Jerusalem. Paul shows that his teachings aren’t against the Law of Moses, the People of Israel, and the Temple. So, he chooses to observe one of the Jewish rituals before entering the temple.
Now, in the temple, the religious leaders would arrest him because again of his teaching following the report from some of the Jews who have come from Asia.
Claudius Lysias (the Tribune or a Roman Commander) protects Paul from his Jewish brothers and sisters who want to kill him.
Acts 22
As Paul is coming out of the temple, he asks Claudius if he could speak to the crowd. And, he did so in Aramaic after receiving permission to speak.
Part of his speech described how he, originally the one who used to persecute the people in this movement, has now become a member of the Christian Church. He’s talking about his conversation, which you read about in Acts 9.
Acts 23
The Jews still didn’t welcome his message, including his story. So Paul’s case has been sent to the Roman Governor, Felix.
For Paul’s safety from the Jews, he was then put under Roman protection. Also, remember that Paul was a Roman citizen in addition to being a Jew. So, the Romans had to protect him.
In prison, God tells Paul:
“Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11).
Acts 24
Paul defends himself before Felix (the Roman Governor). He explains to the governor that it is concerning the resurrection of the dead that he is on trial before the governor (Acts 24:21).
Felix had a Jewish wife. According to this chapter, they often listened to Paul talk about faith in Jesus Christ.
Here’s the beginning of Paul testifying about Christ to the Romans.
Acts 25 through 27
Paul is in Caesarea for two years. During that time, Festus would replace Felix as the Roman Governor in this area.
Part of Felix’s role as governor was to be filled in on what was going on, and one of what was passed onto Felix from the previous governor was Paul’s case.
Then, King Agrippa and his wife went to visit the new governor, Festus would talk to them about Paul. When they brought Paul before King Agrippa, his wife, Festus and his wife, Paul had to tell them all why he had been arrested.
Paul appeals to Ceasar and then sails for Rome.
Acts 28
Paul is in Rome where he will rent his own place waiting to appear before Ceasar. This chapter ends by saying that Paul lived in this rented residence for two whole years.
While living here, he welcomed people and continued to proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Based on the book of Acts, there is no additional account of what Paul did beyond the two years he was living in that rented house.
Take Away
The entire book of Acts is all about two primary things based on Acts 1:8,
- The disciples receive Power through the Holy Spirit.
- They become God’s Witnesses.
A witness testifies of what he or she has experienced. God’s calling, in the case of Paul, comes out in this scripture:
Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome (Acts 23:11).
Whether in chains or not, Paul did not only testify about Jesus Christ, but he became a walking and living testimony of the transforming power of God through Christ. Read the entire story of his conversion in Acts 9.
Questions to ponder:
- How have you become a testimony in your everyday living?
- Do you testify about the Power of God? Or do you testify about you and your life’s problems?
Our daily challenges and circumstances are a tool God can use to lead people back to God through Christ. But, you and I have to choose to let God do so through our everyday struggles, triumphs, failures, brokenness, and humanity.
In Conclusion
The book of Acts has a lot we can learn as we read it. What appears to be the end of Paul’s life is just the beginning. It’s the beginning of God’s plan for the non-Jews to hear the good news. As a result, Paul’s writings, which make up almost half of the New Testament Books became references for Churches in Rome, Thessalonica, and all other non-Jewish places in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. His testimony about Christ, eventually, opened a door for you and me to become God’s witnesses too through the power of the Holy Spirit.
