Homiletics

 Acts 23:1-35

Content:

1. Paul addresses Sanhedrin confidently, is struck as order of Ananias and Paul responds with harsh words. 1-3
2. Paul responds with sense of error and repentance. 4-5
3. Paul proclaims position as Pharisee and hope in the resurrection, stirring up assembly of Sadducees and Pharisees. 6-8
4. Outburst so violent, commander has Paul removed to barracks. 9-10
5. Jesus appears to Paul in the night speaking encouragement. 11
6. Jews form conspiracy plan to kill Paul. 12-15
7. Paul's nephew learned of  it warning Paul. 16
8. Paul uses centurion to get message to commander. 17-22
9. 470 men engaged to escort Paul to Caesarea in the night at the commander's request. 23-24
10. Commander sends letter of explanation with the troupes for Governor Felix. 25-30
11. Soldiers carry out orders delivering Paul to governor in Caesarea. 31-33
12. Governor puts Paul in Herod's palace under guard awaiting accusers to come make their case. 34-35

Divisions:

1. Paul is safely removed from the crowd when his appearance before Sanhedrin creates uproar. 1- 11
2. The Jews' Plot to trap and kill Paul is discovered and reported by his nephew. 12-22
3. Paul is moved in the night and sent to Governor Felix in Caesarea for safety. 23-35

Subject Sentence:

• Paul secretly removed to Caesarea when infuriated Sanhedrin plot his death. 

Aim:

• TCMT trust Jesus for deliverance in times of great accusation and turmoil.
• (explanation) Although I surely could have enemies trying to destroy me, especially if I was bolder about my faith, I related this passage to my internal persecution.  I do believe that although Satan can not touch me eternally because I am in Christ, he does like to mess with my head and my effectiveness.  He is the accuser who is out to destroy any impact that I might have for the cause of Jesus Christ.  I see that in my thought life.  So I related this passage to how Satan tries to accuse me and destroy what I might desire to do as a follower of Jesus.  My application questions reflect this.

Application:

1. Do I speak truth in humility when accused?  Do I recognize my sin AS WELL as my position and deliverance in Christ?  Am I giving God the time and ear to speak his encouragement to me?
2. Do I trust that God is using people and circumstances to guide me even when I fell threatened and out of control? When Satan accuses me, do I look for a way of escape in the truth of God's word and presence of the Holy Spirit.  Do I seek the help of trusted believers in such times?
3. Do I trust God's power to deliver me from Satan's accusations and the traps he has set before me?