Faith on Trial: Paul’s Courage Before Kings and Courts
- Be God's Glory
- Nov 15
- 11 min read
Welcome to Day 318 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In these pivotal chapters, the Apostle Paul’s journey takes a dramatic turn from missionary to prisoner, as his faith and message come under scrutiny from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Facing false accusations, political corruption, and assassination plots, Paul remains steadfast in his witness for Christ. His trials before the Sanhedrin, Governor Felix, and Governor Festus reveal not only the hostility of his opponents but also God’s sovereign protection over His servant. Despite the chains that bind him, Paul’s words carry spiritual authority and truth that unsettle rulers and expose their moral weakness. These chapters show that when faith is tested, God’s plan still prevails—and His servant’s bold testimony becomes a light even in the courts of the powerful.
Acts 23
Acts 23 opens with Paul standing before the Sanhedrin, boldly proclaiming that he has lived in good conscience before God. When the high priest Ananias orders him struck on the mouth, Paul rebukes him, exposing the hypocrisy of those judging him under the Law. Realizing the council is divided between Pharisees and Sadducees, Paul declares his belief in the resurrection—a strategic move that turns the two factions against each other. That night, the Lord appears to Paul, assuring him that he will testify in Rome just as he has in Jerusalem, reinforcing divine purpose amid chaos. Meanwhile, over forty Jews form a secret plot to kill Paul, but their plan is uncovered by Paul’s nephew, leading Roman soldiers to escort Paul safely to Governor Felix in Caesarea under heavy guard. This chapter reveals both God’s protective providence and Paul’s discernment in navigating hostility with wisdom and faith.
Acts 24
In Acts 24, Paul stands trial before Governor Felix, accused by the high priest Ananias and an orator named Tertullus of stirring up riots and defiling the temple. Paul refutes the charges calmly, explaining that he came to Jerusalem to worship and bring alms, not to create disorder. He boldly testifies about his faith in God and the resurrection of the dead, affirming that he strives to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. Felix, though intrigued by Paul’s message, delays judgment, hoping for a bribe, and keeps Paul in custody while allowing him some freedom. For two years, Paul continues to speak about righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come, causing Felix to grow fearful yet remain unrepentant. This chapter reveals the tension between truth and corruption, as Paul’s unwavering testimony contrasts with the moral compromise of those in power.
Acts 25
Acts 25 records Paul’s continued imprisonment after Felix is succeeded by Governor Festus. The Jewish leaders once again press charges and request that Paul be brought to Jerusalem, intending to ambush and kill him. Festus, seeking political favor, proposes a new trial in Jerusalem, but Paul, asserting his Roman citizenship, appeals directly to Caesar—an act that fulfills God’s plan for him to reach Rome. Later, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice visit Festus, and Paul’s case is brought before them to determine the charges to be sent to Caesar. Festus admits he finds no wrongdoing in Paul, yet struggles to explain the accusations concerning “a man named Jesus, who died, but whom Paul claims is alive.” This chapter shows God’s sovereignty working through legal and political systems, positioning Paul not as a defeated prisoner but as a chosen witness destined to proclaim Christ in the heart of the Roman Empire.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The Book of Acts, also known as the “Acts of the Apostles,” derives its name from the Greek word “praxeis,” meaning “deeds” or “actions.” The title reflects the works and ministries carried out by the apostles under the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts serves as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, recording the dynamic acts of the risen Christ through His followers as they spread the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It bridges the story of Jesus’ earthly ministry with the formation and growth of His Church, showing how the Holy Spirit empowered ordinary men and women to fulfill the Great Commission.
Purpose of the Book:
The purpose of the Book of Acts is to provide a historical and theological account of how the Christian faith spread beyond its Jewish roots into the Gentile world. It documents the fulfillment of Jesus’ command in Acts 1:8—“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts emphasizes the unity and power of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church’s mission, confirming the gospel message through miracles, conversions, and the bold witness of the apostles. It reveals how God’s plan of salvation unfolded across cultural, ethnic, and geographical barriers, establishing the foundation of Christianity as a Spirit-led movement.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The author of Acts is Luke, the beloved physician and companion of the Apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11). Early Christian tradition consistently attributes both the Gospel of Luke and Acts to him. The opening verses of both books (Luke 1:1–4 and Acts 1:1–2) confirm that they were written by the same author to a man named Theophilus, indicating Acts as a sequel to Luke’s Gospel. Additional evidence comes from the “we passages” (Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16), where the author shifts to first-person narration, implying he was an eyewitness and companion of Paul during his missionary journeys.
Outside the Bible, early church fathers such as Irenaeus (Against Heresies, 3.14.1), Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History, 3.4.2), and Jerome (De Viris Illustribus, 7) all affirm Luke as the author of Acts. These historical sources, alongside internal biblical evidence, strongly support Luke’s authorship.
Key People:
Peter, who plays a leading role in the early chapters as the spokesperson for the apostles and a key figure in bringing the gospel to the Jews
John, his close companion in ministry
Stephen, the first Christian martyr whose death sparked wider evangelism
Philip, who evangelizes in Samaria and leads the Ethiopian eunuch to faith
Paul (formerly Saul), the most prominent figure in the latter half of Acts, whose missionary journeys carry the gospel throughout the Roman Empire
Barnabas, a trusted encourager and missionary partner of Paul
James, the brother of Jesus, who leads the Jerusalem church.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Book of Acts reveals the unstoppable movement of the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. It chronicles the transformation of fearful disciples into bold apostles, the birth of the global Church, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan to reach all nations. Acts serves as both a historical record and a spiritual model for believers today—calling the Church to live courageously, united in the Spirit, and committed to spreading the message of Jesus Christ to every corner of the world.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Acts 23
In Acts 23, God reveals Himself as Protector and Promise Keeper. Though Paul faces hostility from both religious leaders and political authorities, the Lord’s presence never leaves him. When Jesus appears to Paul in the night and says, “Take courage… you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11), it demonstrates God’s sovereign control and faithfulness to fulfill His plan. Even in danger, God provides protection through Paul’s nephew, showing that He works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary deliverance. The lesson here is that when we walk in obedience, God’s presence and protection surround us, even in the midst of plots and persecution.
There are no Hebrew names of God directly mentioned in Acts 23, but God’s character reflects Yahweh Shammah — “The Lord is There.” Just as the Lord was present with Paul in his imprisonment, He is present with us in every circumstance. Through His divine assurance, He teaches us to trust His promises even when the path ahead looks uncertain. God’s lesson in this chapter is that His purposes will prevail, and His nearness gives us courage to continue His mission despite opposition.
Acts 24
In Acts 24, God is shown as Righteous Judge and Sovereign Over Truth. Paul’s trial before Felix displays how God empowers His servants to stand boldly for truth even when surrounded by corruption and deceit. Though the accusations against Paul were false, his defense rested on the truth of God’s Word and his clear conscience before the Lord. God’s character is one of unwavering righteousness—He defends truth and exposes injustice, even when earthly rulers are swayed by greed or fear. The lesson God teaches here is that believers must live with integrity and trust Him to be their ultimate defender when human systems fail them.
No Hebrew names of God are specifically mentioned, but His actions reveal the essence of Elohim Mishpat — “God of Justice.” Paul’s faithfulness under pressure reminds us that God sees every injustice and will ultimately vindicate His people in His perfect time. Through this, the Lord teaches that even when judgment from people is delayed or unfair, His justice is certain and His truth stands eternal.
Acts 25
In Acts 25, God displays Himself as Sovereign Ruler and Divine Orchestrator. Although Paul remains a prisoner, God’s plan continues to unfold through political transitions and human decisions. Festus and Agrippa’s involvement seem like coincidence, but each event positions Paul closer to fulfilling God’s purpose—to testify of Christ in Rome. God’s character shines through His ability to turn worldly trials into opportunities for divine testimony. The lesson God teaches here is that He rules over every authority and circumstance, guiding the faithful toward His intended destiny even through adversity.
No Hebrew names of God are mentioned, but His sovereignty reflects the meaning of El Elyon — “God Most High.” This name emphasizes that no earthly power can override God’s will. Through Paul’s example, we learn that submission to God’s higher authority brings peace and purpose, even when earthly justice seems delayed. God reminds us that His control extends beyond courts, kings, and circumstances—He alone directs the path of His servants for His glory.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does God’s presence in Acts 23:11 (“Take courage… you must testify in Rome”) reveal His faithfulness and sovereignty in Paul’s life?
In what ways do you see God’s protective nature displayed throughout Paul’s trials and transfers between leaders?
How does God demonstrate His justice even when human leaders, like Felix and Festus, fail to act righteously?
What does Paul’s experience teach us about God’s character when we face opposition or injustice for doing what’s right?
How does God’s unseen hand of protection in Acts 23 remind us that He is always working behind the scenes on behalf of His people?
What does the patience of God show us in allowing Paul’s imprisonment to continue while still fulfilling His plan?
How do these chapters collectively show that God’s character does not change, even when circumstances become more difficult?
Questions About Themes:
What main themes emerge from Paul’s trials before the Sanhedrin, Felix, and Festus?
How do these chapters demonstrate the tension between truth and corruption in both religious and political systems?
What role does courage play in Paul’s defense of the Gospel, and how is this courage inspired by faith?
How does the theme of divine purpose unfold as Paul moves closer to Rome through imprisonment?
What do these chapters teach about God’s sovereignty in using worldly authority to accomplish His heavenly plan?
How does Paul’s consistent testimony reflect the power of standing firm in faith despite adversity?
In what ways does the Gospel challenge both personal morality and political convenience throughout these trials?
Reflective Application Questions:
When have you seen God protect or guide you in a situation that seemed out of your control?
How can you respond with faith when others misjudge or falsely accuse you for your beliefs?
What can you learn from Paul’s example about maintaining integrity and peace under pressure?
In what ways does trusting God’s timing help you endure long seasons of waiting or uncertainty, as Paul did in prison?
How can you become a stronger witness for Christ even in environments that are hostile to your faith?
What does it look like to rely on God’s sovereignty rather than striving to control outcomes yourself?
How can Paul’s boldness before rulers encourage you to stand for truth and righteousness in your own life today?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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