"Acts 22-26"
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In the early nineties, NBC introduced a new procedural show called Law and Order. Thirty years later, the franchise has six spin-offs and has produced over a thousand episodes. Known for its "ripped from the headlines" storylines and familiar, two-note, signature sound (Duh-duh!), the show blends plot twists with a familiar pattern. The first half of the show follows the investigation, while the second half focuses on the trial.
Like a serialized court drama, this week's readings in Acts will offer one trial after another.
A Series of Trials
- Episode 1: The Crowd (Acts 22) — While not an official trial, the week's readings begin with Paul asking a mob of Jews at the temple steps to "hear the defense" he will make before them (Acts 22:1). What details does he emphasize about Ananias (Acts 22:12), Jesus (Acts 22:14), and his conversion (Acts 22:16)?
- Episode 2: The Sanhedrin (Acts 23) — The high court of the Jews consisted of both Pharisees and Sadducees, two parties fiercely split on the issue of the resurrection of the dead. How does Paul deftly play them against one another?
- Episode 3: Felix (Acts 24) — Now in the coastal city of Caesarea — the Roman seat of government in the area — Paul makes his case before the governor of Judea, Marcus Antonius Felix. What topics alarmed Felix (Acts 25:25)?
- Episode 4: Festus (Acts 25) — Felix leaves the matter for the next governor, Porcius Festus, who ruled over Judea from 60-62 AD. What dilemmas do these rulers face as they try to render a verdict on Paul (Acts 25:18-20)?
- Episode 5: Agrippa (Acts 26) — When Festus hosts King Agrippa II and his wife, the king asks to hear from Paul. Why do you think he gives Agrippa more details?
- To Be Continued (Acts 27-28) — Paul appeals to Caesar — Nero at this time — which will ultimately bring him to the political capital of the world to make his case for the way of Christ.
Plot Twists
These chapters have their share of plot twists (and twisted plots)!
- In Monday's reading (Acts 22), as the Jews riot over Paul's speech (Acts 23:22-23), the Roman soldiers decide to flog and interrogate Paul (Acts 23:24). What does Paul reveal that stops them and changes the course of the events for the rest of the book (Acts 22:25-29; 23:27; 25:11-12)?
- In Tuesday's reading (Acts 23), a plot to assassinate Paul gets thwarted when Paul's nephew discovers it, and they alert a centurion. What promise did the Lord make to Paul right before the conspiracy came to light? How do these efforts of evil men end up facilitating the Lord's purposes?
A Familiar Pattern
In our readings in Luke, we emphasized the Lord's journey to Jerusalem. As Paul made his trip to Jerusalem, he too knew that suffering awaited him (Acts 20:22-23). In this week's chapters, we'll see that Paul — like our Lord — will face four trials before rulers. Despite all this, both Jesus (Luke 23:4,14,22) and Paul (Acts 23:9; 25:25; 26:31) are declared innocent three times in Luke-Acts. Why do you think Luke has emphasized the parallels in the lives of Jesus and his follower, Paul? What differences could we note?
