The JudeoRoman political system continues to kick the Paul can down the road. Noone is willing to convict a Roman citizen, yet no one wants a Jewish riot on their hands. The political situation is tenuous. But the truth of the Gospel remains the same.

Pastor Magdiel takes a look at Paul's Defense in Acts 24

A shady plot is born. Paul’s nephew learns of this and the Roman commander is informed.

Paul has a clear conscience before the Council. He knows what he stands for and who he believes in. The council is torn because of religious-politico reasons. Scribes vs. Pharisees disagree on the resurrection of the body.

While in Jerusalem Paul is seized by a crowd in the temple accusing him of rejecting the law of Moses. He makes his case in Aramaic as a former Pharisee. His makes his case to the Roman military by revealing his Roman citizenship--an appeal to the laws of the state spare him in that moment.

In this chapter we see the network of family that Paul and his companions have in the various towns they stop at. Paul is called to travel to Jerusalem to arrive there by Pentecost. People beg him not to go, but Paul nonetheless continues.

Paul says farewell to the leaders in Ephesus. Through his words we are made aware of his passionate conviction to his call to proclaim, love, and serve for the Gospel. Many tears are shed by the church, as they have all been touched/moved by Paul’s love.

We cannot control the HS: It is important for the church to know that we can claim to know more than we really do about the Holy Spirit and her power at work. We need to stop trying to limit and control the action of the Spirit.

12 disciples of Ephesus who only knew baptism in John the Baptist, are given fuller instruction in the Way--faith in Jesus Christ and Baptism by the Spirit.

We know from I Corinthians that Paul has grown tired and weary. In the vision here, God encourages Paul in his weariness. The promise given is the same throughout Scripture: I will be with you. When we follow Jesus and are sent by Jesus, we will inevitably come against opposition. In the midst of this God is with us.