PAUL’S DEFENSE SPEECHES
(PAUL’S IMPRISONMENT)
Acts 21:40 – 26:32
Key Verse 23:11
* Paul in front of the Jews and the Sanhedrin (21:40 – 23:35)
1. What clear testimony did Paul share in his defense speech in front of the crowd? (22:1-21) How did the Lord encourage Paul after his trial by the Sanhedrin? (23:11) What significance did this encouragement have for Paul’s future missionary life? What do you learn about Paul’s courage and trust in God’s plan and counsel?
2. What motivated the Jewish conspirators to swear an oath to kill Paul? (23:12-15) How did God intervene to save Paul in this situation? (23:16-35) What significance did the city of Casarea have for Paul’s future life? (23:31-35) What do you learn here about God’s protection and guidance in the midst of dangerous situations?
* Paul in front of Felix, Festus and Agrippa (24:1 – 26:32)
3. How did Tertullus present his accusation to discredit Paul before Felix? (24:1-9) How did Paul defend himself against these accusations? (24:10-21) Describe Felix’s reaction to Paul’s defense. (24:22-27) How did Paul use this opportunity to serve the governor with the counsel of God? (24:24-25)
4. Why and for what purpose did Paul appeal to Caesar in Rome? (25:11) What do you learn from King Agrippa’s reaction? (25:22) What did Paul testify about God’s counsel for his life and how did Festus and King Agrippa respond? (26:4-23; 24-28) What conclusion did Agrippa and Festus draw? (26:24, 28, 30-32) What is your testimony and faith in the midst of accusations and denunciations?