This class continues the historical discussion of Paul’s appearances before Roman authorities after Jewish ones created a riot. In these verses we find out that the commander Luke has mentioned several times is named Lysias.

He determined to send Paul at night and under guard to Felix who is the Roman governor of Judea. Paul was sent with a carefully written letter from Lysias to Felix describing how this situation with Paul came to be.

Luke’s historical accuracy is impressive. Paul was given the various hearings, including this one, due to his Roman citizenship. Paul’s hearing will turn out to be opportunities for the gospel. We know Paul will get to Rome because of Jesus’ statement to him in Acts 23:11.

We finish the class with an extended discussion about the Biblical definition of the church compared to the institutional church of church history.