BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

Paul stands before the council of religious leaders to make his defense. After being violently interrupted and mistaking the high priest for someone else, Paul sees things aren’t going well and tries to figure out what to do next. He sees that the council is divided into two religious sects: Sadducees and Pharisees. The Sadducees do not believe in spiritual realities like resurrection or angels, while the Pharisees interpret the law more strictly and are passionate about the spiritual realities that the Sadducees deny. Paul sees the division among the council as an opportunity to deflect the attention away from himself, and he begins shouting that he is a Pharisee and is on trial for the hope of the resurrection of the dead.

At this, a long standing debate breaks out. It seems to work at first, and the Pharisees even begin to defend Paul. But within no time, the argument gets so heated that Paul’s life is once again at risk. He’s taken away from the violence by the Roman commander and unjustly detained. The following night, the resurrected Jesus stands beside Paul to encourage him, saying that Paul will indeed bring Jesus’ cause to Rome. So in the morning, when Paul’s nephew visits to tell him that over 40 Jews are conspiring to ambush and kill him, Paul has a greater word of comfort to anchor him. The ambush will not succeed at ending Paul’s mission. He will live to see Rome, just as Jesus said he would. Sure enough, the warning reaches the commander in time to interrupt the conspiracy. Paul is sent to Caesarea with over 400 trained men to ensure his safe arrival.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Sometimes Jesus moves his people out of difficulty, and sometimes he meets them right in the middle of it. Paul experienced Jesus’ presence in an extraordinary way in the midst of his extraordinary trial. But all Jesus’ followers, whether or not they see or feel it, have the daily promise that Jesus is with them and will never leave their side (Matthew 28:20). What thoughts and feelings come up as you reflect on this?

• Take some time to pray. Express your trust and appreciation for Jesus. Talk to God about the things that are heavy on your heart. And ask him for help to see and experience his presence in the midst of the difficult circumstances you are facing.