1. A new effort to kill Paul (1-5)

After two years, the governorship of Judea passed into the hands of Festus. Paul's situation, however, remained the same. The world seemed to be controlled by politics, not by God. The Jews in Jerusalem made a new attempt to kill Paul. When the new governor visited Jerusalem, they tried to persuade him to send Paul back to Jerusalem. They planned to ambush and kill him on the way. But Paul's life was in God's hand. Governor Festus insisted on trying Paul in Caesarea.

2. Paul uses his Roman citizenship (6-12)

Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor, so he asked Paul if he would return to Jerusalem and stand trial there. Paul knew that to return to Jerusalem was death. He invoked his Roman citizenship and claimed his right to a trial before Caesar. God was keeping his promise (23:11). He sent Paul to Rome in a most unexpected way--in chains.

Application: Lord, thank you for reminding me that you are the Sovereign God, and you control men and history and all things.
One Word: God keeps his promises