Paul uses the legal means at his disposal to save his life from persecutors. Although the new governor, Festus, initially seems more decisive than Felix before him, it becomes evident that all he wants to do is please the Jewish enemies of Paul. Paul is forced to appeal to Caesar. Otherwise, he would end up in Jerusalem in the hands of the San Hedrin council, who would undoubtedly kill him as they killed Jesus years earlier.

Now at the end of the section on spiritual armor, the apostle Paul teaches us how to pray and for what to pray. For example, he indicates we should pray constantly, being attentive, devoted, and for all the saints. We should pray for the ability to speak the gospel with boldness in response to our obligation as children of God.

The quest for greatness is the pursuit of diligent service.

Regarding sober-mindedness, we are thinking of a Christian who is level-headed, focused on the important things in life, single-minded instead of double-minded, using the mind well, and maintaining an undistracted narrower focus. Can you think of some real life examples where a sober mind is needed or perhaps was lacking? I found an example in the ancient church fathers, where Ignatius wrote to Polycarp these words: "Be sober as God’s athlete. The prize is immortality and eternal life, of which you have been persuaded."

Like Paul, we should testify for Christ at every opportunity.

If you are a person who doubts or rejects the resurrection of Jesus, please think with me about it for a few moments. I want to first explain why we believe Jesus rose from the dead, that is, to give you reasons why you should believe as well. Then, I want to investigate with you why it is unreasonable that you do not believe in the resurrection.

According to sound principles of historical research coupled with Christian presuppositions, it is very reasonable to believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. In fact, there is no other explanation for the historical data that is more plausible than the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Like Paul, we should testify for Christ at every opportunity.