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Paul Appeals to Caesar
In Acts 25:1-27, the new governor, Festus, was pressured by Jewish leaders to send Paul back to Jerusalem, hoping to kill him on the way. Instead, Festus held a trial in Caesarea, where Paul again defended himself, insisting he had broken no laws. When Festus suggested a trial in Jerusalem, Paul used his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar in Rome. Later, King Agrippa visited, and Festus explained Paul’s case, unsure of what charges to send with him. Agrippa agreed to hear Paul himself to understand the situation better.
Paul Shares His Story with King Agrippa
In Acts 26:1-32, Paul stood before King Agrippa and boldly shared his life story. He explained how he once persecuted Christians but then had a powerful encounter with Jesus, who called him to spread the good news. Paul spoke about Jesus’ resurrection and how He fulfilled God’s promises. Festus thought Paul was crazy, but Agrippa admitted Paul had done nothing wrong and could have been freed if he had not appealed to Caesar. Despite this, Paul remained confident, knowing he was following God’s plan to take his message all the way to Rome.
A Storm at Sea
In Acts 27:1-26, Paul was put on a ship to Rome along with other prisoners. As they sailed, strong winds made the journey difficult. Paul warned that continuing the trip would be dangerous, but the sailors ignored him. Soon, a violent storm struck, and for days they couldn’t see the sun or stars. Everyone feared for their lives, but Paul encouraged them, saying an angel had told him that God would keep them safe, though the ship would be lost. He urged them to stay strong and trust God, assuring them they would all survive.
Shipwreck but Safe
In Acts 27:27-44, after two weeks of being tossed by the storm, the sailors sensed they were near land. Fearing they would crash, some tried to escape in a lifeboat, but Paul warned that everyone had to stay on the ship to survive. Before dawn, he encouraged them to eat, reminding them that God had promised their safety. When daylight came, they saw an island and tried to steer toward it, but the ship hit a sandbar and began to break apart. The soldiers considered killing the prisoners, but their commander wanted to save Paul. In the end, everyone made it safely to shore, just as Paul had said.
Paul on the Island of Malta
In Acts 28:1-14, after the shipwreck, Paul and the others found themselves on the island of Malta, where the locals welcomed them kindly. As Paul helped build a fire, a poisonous snake bit him, but he shook it off and was unharmed. The people first thought he was cursed, but when he didn’t get sick or die, they believed he was special. Paul then healed many sick people on the island, and the grateful islanders provided supplies for their journey. After three months, Paul and the others set sail again, eventually reaching Italy, getting closer to Rome.
Paul Preaches in Rome
In Acts 28:15-31, Paul finally arrived in Rome, where believers came to welcome him. Though he was still a prisoner, he was allowed to live in a house under guard. He invited Jewish leaders to hear his message, explaining that he was in chains because of his faith in Jesus. Some believed, while others did not. For two years, Paul continued preaching about God’s kingdom and Jesus Christ to everyone who visited him. Despite his imprisonment, nothing could stop him from sharing the good news with boldness and confidence.