Acts: Go & Be Chapters 19-28Sample

What is this passage saying?

It seems like Paul keeps getting passed around, escaping one bad situation only to find himself in another. In this passage of Acts 24, we see the trial of Paul before Governor Felix. Despite the strong accusations against Paul, he manages to remain calm. He avoids and ignores the red herring charges. He cuts right to the chase in his defense. He believes in the resurrection of the dead, both for the unjust and the just. Paul says he had nothing to do with “stirring up” a crowd or inciting a rebellion. Paul simply identifies as a follower of the Way. He believes in God, the law, and the prophets.

What is this passage teaching?

Sometimes we need to cut to the chase. This is another passage in Acts where boldness is on full display. Instead of cushioning our interactions with excuses or peppering our speech with red herrings, let us speak the Gospel boldly. God can defend Himself. The Gospel doesn’t need anything added to it. There will be times when we can’t make excuses anymore. Let us get to the heart of the matter. Do you believe the resurrection? Do you trust the Word of God? Do you believe that every Word from God is inspired and can teach us? When we share our faith, may we model an urgent boldness like Paul. Cut through the irrelevance and speak truth to a world that needs Jesus!

How do I respond?

Where in your life do you need to speak the truth? Maybe at work? Maybe at school? Maybe with family or friends? Wherever you feel God calling you to step up, do it now with boldness. Now is the time! Now is the time to have that conversation. Now is the time to share your faith. Now is the time to cultivate an urgent boldness for the Kingdom of God.