Paul’s Darkest Night

Acts 21:15 – 23:12

I: Paul’s Return to Jerusalem.
1. A Bearer of good news.
2. A Bearer of Financial Help from the Gentile Churches.
3. “The brothers gave us a warm welcome.”
4. The Jude an Christians Hostility.
5. They gave Paul his greatest hostility.
6. Prejudice was the weakness of the Jerusalem Church.

II: “Israelite s to the Rescue!”
1. They jumped to a conclusion. (Their favorite exercise).
2. A wild tumult followed an attempt to kill Paul.
3. The Roman Commander, Claudius came to the rescue.
4. Paul felt again the breath of Death and Jail.

III: Paul and His Circumstances, (Night in Jail).
1. The failures of the day.
2. His claim of sincerity insulted.
3. His testimony rejected.
4. A band of 40 men bound by oath to kill him.
5. He was lonely for even the Christians deserted him.
6. The only friendly person was the Roman Commander.
7. His future was covered with a cloud of despair.

IV: “The Night the Lord Stood by Paul.” Phillips
1. The Lord knew all about his problems.
2. He had a word for his dejection. “Be of good cheer.”
3. He had a word for his sense of failure; “Thou hast testified concerning me at Jerusalem.”
4. He had a word for his future, “So must thou bear witness also at Rome.”
5. Paul never wavered again, he remained poised and balanced.
6. No more sadness because of apparent failure.

The unseen Presence was real to him every hour of the days ahead.

Paul’s Darkest Night
Acts 23:11

I: Paul’s Return to Jerusalem.
1. After 20 yrs. in Mission Works.
2. Coming home to help and report.
3. An offering for the needy.
4. The Church at Jerusalem was glad to see him.

II: Paul’s Darkest Night.
1. Beaten and bruised.
2. Failure to win his people.
3. His apparent failure in witnessing.
4. Even James and the Church failed to show.
5. His plans of future Mission work at Rome shattered.

III: Jesus Stood by Him.
1. Be of good cheer.
2. “As there has testified of me in Jerusalem.” Rome