PAUL'S JOURNEY TO ROME (2)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) One of Paul's most important journeys was to Rome, but he didn't get there the way he expected. It turned out to be more of a legal journey than a missionary journey because, through a series of legal trials and transactions, Paul was delivered to Rome where his presentation of the gospel would penetrate even into the walls of the emperor's palace. Sometimes when our plans don't work out as we want them to, they work out even better than we expected.

1. Reference: Acts 23:35

i) ³⁵ he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium. (Acts 23:35 NKJV)

b) What happened

i) Paul was in prison until the Jews arrived to accuse him. Paul defended himself before Felix.

2. Reference: Acts 24:25-26

i) ²⁵ Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” ²⁶ Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. (Acts 24:25-26 NKJV)

b) What happened

i) Paul was in prison for two years, speaking occasionally to Felix and Drusilla.

3. Reference: Acts 24:27

i) ²⁷ But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. (Acts 24:27 NKJV)

b) What happened

i) Felix was replaced by Festus.

4. Reference: Acts 25:1, 10

i) Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. (Acts 25:1 NKJV)

ii) ¹⁰ So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. (Acts 25:10 NKJV)

b) What happened

i) New accusations were brought against Paul - Jews wanted him back in Jerusalem for a trial. Paul claimed his right to a hearing before Caesar.

5. Reference: Acts 25:12

i) ¹² Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!” (Acts 25:12 NKJV)

b) What happened

i) Festus promised to send him to Rome.

The End ...