Luke/Acts for Beginners
Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment
Part 2
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on Paul’s arrest and imprisonment. Of special note is his continued faithfulness in the face of persecution and what we can learn from this.
The span of this lesson is from Acts 23:12-25:12.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: The events leading to Paul’s arrest and imprisonment and what this means to us.
- Feel: Value the importance of faithfulness to our calling as disciples of Jesus.
- Do: Seek opportunities to share the gospel no matter the situation in our lives.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Paul recognized his commission from our Lord to teach Gentiles and leaders. He also recognized that he would eventually be and teach in Rome. Paul demonstrated tremendous faithfulness in obeying our Lord, especially in the face of persecution that would eventually lead to his death. But Paul stated several times in his letters that he was ready to give his life for the cause of Christ. This is an example for us. We may not ever have to give our lives physically or be tortured as Paul was, but we are asked to give our lives completely and remain faithful to our charge to teach the gospel.
Paul was highly respected and known in the Jewish community. He had tremendous influence with Jews and gentiles. The Jewish leaders felt that if they could stop Paul then the spreading of the gospel would be stopped also. They saw Paul as a threat to their way of life and power, and, he was.
Paul used his citizenship to protect himself as well as spread the gospel. He had been told in a vision to go to Rome. By invoking his right of appeal then he would be taken to Rome under protection. Our Lord didn't tell him how to go to Rome, so Paul used what was available to him. In similar ways, our Lord does not tell us how to spread the gospel so we must be aware of opportunities and methods available to us.
Felix was the governor of the region. The Jews would need his approval to put Paul to death, just as they had done with Jesus. The Jews brought about a combination of false or exaggerated charges that were insignificant to the Romans. As such, the Jewish leaders were in the role of unwilling participants in God's plan to spread the gospel into all the world. Paul recognized this by acknowledging the influence of Felix and making a bold presentation of his conversion to Christianity. Felix responded by continuing to protect Paul and allowing him the liberty to continue with his ministry.
Of note is that during Paul's ongoing imprisonment he wrote the letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.
Yet again Paul demonstrates his knowledge of his rights under Roman law and uses this knowledge to further the gospel. Festus brings Paul to Caesarea to speak. This location was close enough to Jerusalem yet offered continued protection for Paul to freely speak. During his trial before Festus, Paul appeals to Caesar, thus continuing to fulfill his ministry.
A point of note: It is speculation, but recall that Cornelius was a Roman Centurion at Caesarea. It is very likely that he could have been among the guard that protected Paul.
Paul clearly demonstrates his faithfulness and serves as an example for us. Paul not only teaches faithfulness as a core characteristic of Christianity but also demonstrates this virtue. We must also remain faithful no matter the opposition. In our faithfulness we must look for opportunities to fulfill our role as teachers of our Lord's message of salvation. We do both of these in word and deed.