We have been walking along with Paul on all of his missionary journeys, hearing that “imprisonment and persecutions” would be waiting for him in Jerusalem. This prophecy comes true in Acts 24 to 26 yet we still have not seen how the prophecy in Acts 9:15 “…this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before … kings …” is to be fulfilled. Paul challenges us by his own words Acts 26:19…” I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision”, to be bold even when we have been told only a portion of what lies ahead or when our lives will take a different turn. Paul’s consistency in presenting the gospel message would be put to the test and he will pass with flying colors. He knew the truth of Dan 11:32b  “the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” How about each one of us? Can we say as Paul said: 2Ti 4:7  I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!
PRINCIPLES: God works in mysterious ways and does not always tell us the means to the end.  Hope in God gives one boldness to present Christ; God, the Holy Spirit opens & closes doors. 
OUR AIM this week is to learn through Paul’s testimony how to present Christ to lost sinners.

DAY ONE: Review…Acts Acts 21 to Acts 24 
Felix: Josephus considered him corrupt (e.g., he would release anyone, including revolutionaries, who bribed him…see Acts 24:26).  He was a Roman who married Drusilla, daughter of Agrippa I.  

1. From Acts 23 who declared Paul innocent? ___________________ and __________________.

2. Give the verse in Acts 23 that reveals God’s plan, love and care for Paul in this time. 

3. Who in  Acts 24 then is bringing a charge against Paul? (Recall your history of the Sadducees and Pharisees).  And in addition, whom have they hired to present their case?  Using Acts 21:27; who is missing that should be there as part of the charge? 

4. Was Tertullus accurate in his description of Felix? What charges did he bring against Paul? Compare Tertullus and Paul’s introduction. 

DAY TWO: Paul’s presentation before Felix Acts 24
5. We can learn much from Paul about how to present the gospel to a hard heart. Let’s analyze what Paul says to Felix and how Felix responds. Use this chart to fully understand how “wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove” Paul is before Felix and how the Holy Spirit fulfilled John 16:8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong concerning sin and righteousness and judgment —
Paul testified:	Question Paul implied by this statement:  	
Vs. 14: I worship Jehovah	Whom do you worship Felix? 
	
Vs. 14 I believe Law & Prophets	
	
Vs. 15: I place my hope in God who resurrects both the righteous and unrighteous	

Vs. 24: I speak about my faith in Christ Jesus	
 	
Vs. 24: I know the doctrines of righteousness, self-control; judgment		
6. How did Felix respond and why did he respond this way? How was God’s grace being poured out on Felix? How does Rom 1:20 fit in here? 

7. For what reason did Felix keep Paul in prison? Acts 24:27  What does this tell you about his character? 
DAY THREE: Acts 25 Festus and Agrippa
Josephus, the Jewish historian and Tacitus, the Roman historian tell us that Rome recalled Felix in AD 59/60 from his post due to the Jews hatred of him and his mishandling of the Jewish issue.  Tacitus writes: Felix is "a tyrant with the disposition of a slave." Further he notes he was corrupt and used his position for personal wealth. Rome removed him and in his place put Festus in AD 59/60.  (History tells us that he ruled wisely and justly yet had no knowledge of Judaism nor Christianity,).  
8. Festus was clearly unsure of what to do about Paul. When he offered Paul to return to Jerusalem to be tried, how did Paul respond and why? See Acts 23:11; 23:16-21; 25:3 

9. Who came to help Festus unravel this case against Paul and how did God open yet another door to fulfill Acts 9:15 and Luke 21:12? 

DAY FOUR: Acts 26 Paul’s defense and testimony before King Agrippa & others.
King Agrippa was the great-grandson of Herod the Great (he attempted to kill baby Jesus); His father was Agrippa I who beheaded the Apostle James and arrested Peter with the same intention and who died by infestation of worms in Caesarea. He had three children: Agrippa II, Bernice, and Drusilla. He was an authority on Jewish customs, scriptures, and conflicts. He had authority to appoint the high priests and was in charge of the temple treasury. He and his sister Bernice had an incestuous relationship; later she was the mistress of Titus (he burned Jerusalem). 
10. Isaiah’s principle fits in with this intrigue in what way? Compare Is 55:8&9 and Acts 25:23. 

11. Again, let’s analyze what Paul is saying and implying to each of the listeners.
Paul testifies	Question Paul implied by this statement. 	
Vs. 6 I hope in God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the 12 Tribes	In what do you place your hope?	
Vs. 8 I believe God can raise the dead	
	
Vs. 16 I serve & witness the One God raised	
	
Vs. 18 God rescued me & sent me to the Gentiles….	

Vs. 19 I was not disobedient to the vision (light given)	

Vs. 20 I declared the message: repent, turn to God, demonstrate fruits of repentance	

v. 22&23 I reveal only what the OT reveals	
	
12. How did Agrippa respond? How does the principle of Matt 13:12 fit in with what Agrippa knew? 

13. Paul spent 2 yrs in prison in Caesarea yet Luke has chosen not to tell us much about Paul’s “waiting time”. Think of some questions that you might propose as you “waited”. Then ask:  Do I see any of my questions in these chapters on Paul’s experiences? What then is a principle you can apply when you begin to ask “why/when/how/where God…”

14. What have you learned about witnessing to “hard hearts”? 

15. Will you ask God to provide a divine opportunity for you this week to use Paul’s technique?