I believe God / Acts Bible Study Chapters 24 to 27 (TV Audio #504)

Bible Study with David Hathaway (TV Audio Podcast)

'I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.' (Acts 27.22-25, NIV.)

These chapters cover Paul’s trials, his defence of his faith, and the hardships he faces as he heads to Rome to appeal his case before Caesar.

Acts 24: Paul's Trial before Felix
Paul is brought to trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea.
The Jewish leaders accuse him of stirring up unrest among the Jews and defiling the temple.
Paul defends himself, explaining that he came to Jerusalem to worship, not cause trouble. He also asserts that he believes in the resurrection of the dead, which aligns with the Pharisees’ beliefs.
Felix postpones the trial, often summoning Paul to hear him speak, hoping for a bribe.
Paul remains imprisoned for two years under Felix's authority.

Acts 25: Paul's Appeal to Caesar
Festus succeeds Felix as governor and reopens Paul's case.
The Jewish leaders again bring charges against Paul, asking Festus to transfer him to Jerusalem, intending to ambush and kill him on the way.
Festus suggests another trial in Caesarea, but Paul, knowing he won’t get a fair trial, appeals to Caesar (as a Roman citizen, he has the right to do so).
Festus consults with King Agrippa II, who expresses interest in hearing Paul’s defence.

Acts 26: Paul's Defence before Agrippa
Paul presents his case before King Agrippa, Bernice, and Festus.
Paul recounts his life before his conversion, his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, and his mission to spread the Gospel.
He emphasizes that his preaching aligns with the Jewish scriptures and prophecies about the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection.
Agrippa is moved but not persuaded to convert. He declares that Paul could have been released if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar.

Acts 27: Paul's Journey to Rome
Paul, under guard, is sent by ship to Rome, along with other prisoners.
The voyage is difficult due to bad weather. Paul warns the crew that further travel will be dangerous, but they ignore him.
A violent storm hits, and they are driven off course for days. Paul reassures everyone that God has promised his safe arrival in Rome, though the ship will be wrecked.
The crew finally shipwrecks on the island of Malta, but all 276 people on board survive, as Paul had foretold.