Scottsbluff Church of Christ
Acts 24
Genesis 45:4-8 ESV
Acts 24
God's Providence
God's involvement within the church, governing officials or mankind to bring about what God directs and demands.
God's Purpose
The means God uses to accomplish His providence.
Acts 24
God's Providence AND Gods Purpose
Not Dependent On:
Human Knowledge
Human Obedience
Human Wickedness
Human Involvement
Acts 24
God's Providence AND God's Purpose
Joseph
Esther
Birth of Christ
Acts 24
God's Providence AND God's Purpose
God's providence brings Paul to Rome
God's Providence Delivers Paul from False Accusations
(Acts 24:1-15)
Tertullus' Argument
A. Flattery
B. Charges
Acts 24:1-15 ESV
God's Providence Delivers Paul from False Accusations
(Acts 24:1-15)
Paul's Defense
I was in the Temple of Jerusalem less than 12 days ago.
No disputes
No proof of these claim.
God's Providence Delivers Paul from False Accusations
(Acts 24:1-15)
Paul's Defense:
1. I worship the same God
2. I believe in the same Scriptures
3. I have the same hope
4. I believe in the resurrection
God's Providence Delivers Paul from False Accusations
(Acts 24:1-15)
God's providence allows Paul to keep preaching
Keep Paul from harm
Discredits his accusers
God's Providence Delivers Paul from False Accusations
(Acts 24:1-15)
God's will and providence will ALWAYS prevail.
Our role is to remain faithful to Him and to His purpose.
God's Providence Vindicates Paul's Innocence
(Acts 24:16-21)
Paul's Argument Continued:
A clear conscience
I was bringing alms
I was found purified
No riot
The real witnesses aren't here
Where's the proof?
Acts 24:16-21 ESV
God's Providence Vindicates Paul's Innocence
(Acts 24:16-21)
How would we stand?
Not guilty of wrongdoing?
Guilty of our belief?
Guilty of our obedience?
God's Providence Strengthens Paul's Disposition
(Acts 24:22-27)
Governor Felix, the man familiar with the teaching so Christ, delays the trial.
Allows Paul "some" freedoms
Wife (Drusilla) a Jew
Acts 24:22-27 ESV
God's Providence Strengthens Paul's Disposition
(Acts 24:22-27)
Pauls' Disposition
Better, but not fair
Remains in prison for two years
Felix never resumes the case
Succeeded by Governor Festus
God's Providence
Seen Time and Again in Scripture
Directs the Affairs of Men
Meant to Prove to the Unbeliever of His Truth, Leading to an Opportunity to Obey
God's Providence Will Happen
God's Purpose is for our Salvation