Acts 24:1 to 26:32 God gives supernatural boldness to testify to Jesus Christ before powerful rulers, because King Jesus reigns above all earthly authorities. Observe Paul maintaining a clear conscience before God and men during unfair trials. Listen to Paul's personal testimony before King Agrippa and Bernice. Learn Paul's great desire: that everyone who hears would become a follower of Jesus. Rescued from a mob in Jerusalem, Paul was held in custody in Caesarea for over two years, appealing his case to Caesar as a Roman citizen. A Clear Conscience Before Governors When opponents brought false charges against Paul, he stood calmly before Governor Felix in Caesarea, declaring: 'I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.' Felix listened, but delayed a decision hoping for a bribe, leaving Paul in custody for two years. When Festus became the new governor, Paul exercised his legal right as a Roman citizen: 'I appeal to Caesar!' Before King Agrippa and Bernice King Herod Agrippa II and Bernice arrived in Caesarea with great pomp, entering the audience hall with military tribunes and prominent city leaders. Bound in chains, Paul was brought out to speak. Paul did not complain about his chains; instead, he considered himself fortunate to speak about Christ before the king, recounting how Jesus met him in dazzling light on the Damascus road. Almost Persuaded to Be a Christian Festus shouted: 'Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you mad!' But Paul answered: 'I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.' Turning to the king, Paul challenged: 'King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.' Agrippa replied: 'In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?' Paul lifted his chained hands and said: 'Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am, except for these chains!' The king concluded Paul had done nothing worthy of death. And Paul said, Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am, except for these chains. Acts 26:29 What did Paul say he always took pains to maintain in Acts 24:16? A great reputation among the wealthy A clear conscience toward both God and man A large amount of money A private army A clear conscience toward both God and man Paul kept his integrity by maintaining a clean conscience before God and humanity. To whom did Paul appeal his legal trial as a Roman citizen? To King Herod To Caesar in Rome To the high priest To the governor of Egypt To Caesar in Rome Paul exercised his Roman citizenship by appealing his case to Caesar. What did Paul desire for King Agrippa and all who heard him speak? That they give him gold That they would all become believers in Jesus That they fight the Roman soldiers That they remain silent That they would all become believers in Jesus Paul's deepest passion was that everyone would come to know and follow Jesus. Practice speaking up with gentle, respectful boldness when someone at school or in your family asks what you believe about Jesus. Lord Jesus, give us courage like Paul to never be ashamed of your name. Whether speaking to friends, classmates, or leaders, fill our mouths with your truth and our hearts with love for everyone to know you. Amen. Why was Paul able to be so bold and polite when speaking to powerful kings and governors while chained? What does it mean to have a 'clear conscience toward God and man' in our everyday choices? Instill respectful boldness and unwavering witness for Christ before secular and political authorities. Discuss what it would feel like to stand in a courtroom before a king, wearing chains, yet caring more about the king's soul than your own freedom. Was Agrippa really almost a Christian? Many scholars believe Agrippa was deflecting Paul's conviction with irony, but Paul responded with genuine love for his soul. 5 minutes hook, 15 minutes narrative, 10 minutes discussion, 10 minutes prayer.