21. How to Investigate such Matters Acts 25:1-22 p. 1030-31

Politics We are well acquainted with the antics of politicians It is rare for them to do what is simply right E.g. The wheeling & dealing over “Trumpcare” It is not a recent phenomenon Happens in the passage before us today

1. Determination of Jewish Leaders Felix replaced by Porcius Festus Festus goes from Caesarea to Jerusalem (70 mi / 120 km)

1. Determination of Jewish Leaders . . . Caesarea Maritima

1. Determination of Jewish Leaders . . . Jewish leaders want Paul transferred to Jerusalem. They want to ambush and kill him (v 3) Why did they want Paul dead? Said he was “against the people, Law, temple” (Ac 21:20) Only part of the story: Many thousands of Jews were believing in Jesus Said Paul was turning people against the Law.

1. Determination of Jewish Leaders . . . Concern of the Jewish Leaders: They did not want people becoming Christians Did not want to give up traditions and observances They would lose their authority and power Wanted to get rid of one of the key leaders (It’s the same thing they did with Jesus)

1. Determination of Jewish Leaders . . . They were the trustees of salvation Supposed to recognize the Messiah – they crucified him Doing everything in their power to oppose God They were: Committed to their own welfare Entrenched in their own comfort and tradition Desperate to hold onto their benefits and advantages May we never be like that ! !

2. Deviousness of the Romans At first Festus seems reasonable and fair Like Felix, he wants to do the Jews a favour Jewish leadership had powerful lobbyists in Rome Festus needs them on his side He cannot violate Roman law with a Roman citizen He tries to cover his back by involving King Agrippa

2. Deviousness of the Romans . . . Festus is playing the political game. Consumed by his political ambitions Desire to please his bosses He cannot hear the message that is coming to him A warning for us in our image, status, and consumer obsessed culture !

3. Devotion of Paul Since Acts 13, two things have stood out about Paul Uncompromisingly presents the Gospel wherever he goes He does not back off – he perseveres. Another: He pursues the will of God. He is not afraid of death (Ac 21:13, 25:11) He uses every opportunity to proclaim the Gospel He knows he must do the same in Rome (Ac 23:1)

He is utterly devoted to the will of God ! 3. Devotion of Paul . . . He needs to get to Rome. He appeals to caesar. Paul orchestrates it the only way he can He is utterly devoted to the will of God !

Living It The Jewish leaders were trustees of God’s salvation He chose them as the instrument of salvation They failed to do what God intended Too committed to their status, influence, traditions Lived in opposition to God while thinking they were the protectors of his truth and doing his will.

Living It . . . Roman leaders were such political players they couldn’t hear the message We must hold our desires and ambitions lightly so that they never obstruct what God is doing. Paul used the political system to advance the Gospel

Living It . . . Focussed on God’s will, not the cost or his preferences Paul is a rehabilitated persecutor of the church He is remarkable in his complete devotion to The will of God Proclamation of the Gospel Growth of all disciples E.g. His words to the church at Philippi (Phil 1:21-26)