Today in chapel, Dr. Jon Wood led us through Acts 24–26. In these chapters, the Apostle Paul stands trial before three different Roman rulers: Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. The author, Luke, slows down the narrative in these chapters, providing us with a detailed account of Paul’s defense, his calm demeanor, and his unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Over the course of two years, Paul endures trials and imprisonment, giving us three critical lessons that still speak to us today.

The first lesson is that God works above the control of humans. Throughout these chapters, we see that none of the Roman governors can solve the problem of Paul. They are baffled by the charges against him, unable to bring clarity or justice to the situation. Despite their best efforts, they cannot find a way to bring about a just decision. In this, we are reminded that human rulers, no matter how powerful or wise, are ultimately not in control. God’s will supersedes all human plans.

In Paul’s case, God uses his imprisonment and trials as an opportunity to advance the Gospel. These Roman rulers, despite being ignorant of the truth, are in a position to hear the Gospel through Paul’s testimony. God is working above and beyond their control, orchestrating events for His purposes. Similarly, we can trust that God’s sovereignty is at work in our lives, even in the midst of seemingly confusing or difficult circumstances.

The second lesson is that God is sovereignly working in all circumstances. Even as Paul is bound in chains and facing accusations, he is not merely a victim of circumstance. He is an instrument in God’s sovereign plan. Throughout these trials, Paul continually testifies to God’s truth, showing that no matter his situation, he remains faithful to the calling God has given him.

Paul’s trials mirror the trial of Jesus in many ways. Like Christ, Paul is falsely accused and faces unjust rulers. Yet, just as Jesus endured suffering with the knowledge that God’s plan would be fulfilled, Paul, too, maintains faith in God's sovereignty over his circumstances. His life serves as a testament to us that we are not helpless in difficult situations. God is at work, and we can rest in His plan, knowing He is sovereign over every circumstance.

The third lesson is a reminder to keep the resurrection central in our lives. In every defense Paul gives, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the heart of his message. He speaks of the hope we have in Christ because of the resurrection (Acts 24:15), and he points to it as the key to his own faith and mission. For Paul, the resurrection is not just a theological concept; it is the basis of the Christian hope.

The resurrection is our only hope as well. It is the foundation upon which we stand, and it is the message we are called to share with the world. In every trial and circumstance, we must keep the resurrection central to our lives and testimony, just as Paul did. The resurrection gives us confidence and courage, knowing that death has been defeated and that through Jesus Christ, we have eternal life.

Dr. Wood concludes the sermon with this challenge and reminder: We stand ready for the same mission as Paul did. Like Paul, we are called to bear faithful testimony to the Gospel, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Just as God worked sovereignly through Paul’s trials, He is working in our lives too. We can trust in His plan, bear witness to the resurrection, and remain faithful to the calling He has given us. May we, like Paul, never lose sight of our mission, no matter what trials we face.