I.     The history of the charges against Paul

1. He teaches against the Jewish people, their laws, and polluted their temple (Acts 21:28)

2. The accusers create mass confusion and try to pin the blame on Paul (Acts 21:27,30)

3.  Engaged a well respected orator who uses a reasonable approach to reset the stage and gain condemnation of Paul (Acts 24:1-9)

4. Paul’s reply is that if I’m to die as a criminal of the law then I ought to have a Roman trial and with the charges made by the Roman criminal code and be sentenced by a Roman judge- for the purpose of being God’s witness (Acts 25:1-12)

II. How do I take a stand?

1. Who is my ultimate authority?

2. What do I believe?

3. Resist the temptation to retaliate (Acts 23:1-5)

4. Laying down my reputation and status

5.  Giving up my possessions and time

6. My physical wellbeing is in God’s hands

III. Will my stand make a difference?

1. Some will call me “mad”

2. Evangelism vs salesmanship

3. My testimony becomes real to others when there is a cost