1. A solemn oath (12-15)

Forty men took a solemn oath not to eat anything until they had killed Paul. They asked the chief priests to petition the Roman commander to send Paul to the Sanhedrin for questioning. They planned to ambush him on the way to the meeting. It looked as if Paul would never leave Jerusalem alive. But God had one more missionary task for Paul. He must testify to Jesus in Rome. Satan hates world missions, so he used jealous, unbelieving Jews in a plot to destroy God's servant.

2. One step nearer Rome (16-35)

Paul's nephew discovered the plot and reported it. The commander quickly and secretly arranged for a military escort and transferred Paul, the Roman citizen, to Caesarea. He sent a letter to Governor Felix explaining what had happened. Satan cannot thwart God's plans. Paul was one step nearer Rome.

Application: Lord, hold my life and the lives of your servants in the hollow of your hand until you accomplish your purpose.
One Word: God thwarts Satan's plans