In Acts Chapter 21, Paul finds himself on trial. He's been assaulted by the Jews - who are demanding an explanation from him. The Roman Official who came to Paul's rescue - is equally interested in what Paul has to say for himself. And in Chapter 22, Paul makes his "defense."

Paul is a unique character in Christianity. His life (likely) looks far different than yours or mine. Yet, as Christians, we share the same radical identity that Paul had. We belong to a culture that looks radically different from the cultures it finds itself in. And so - as Christians - we ought to expect to give an "answer" or "defense" for our lives.

In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the reasons that Paul is on trial - and considers some ways in which Christians today ought to look different from their surrounding culture.

This sermon was recorded during the outdoor service at Saints Peter and Paul on July 27th, 2025. In Acts 19 & 20, Paul is finishing up his third missionary journey. These two short chapters describe three years of time that Paul spent in Ephesus. In chapter 20, Paul gathers together the Ephesian elders and gives a heartfelt speech reminding them of the purpose for which he came to them. He encourages them to continue steadfast in the faith!

As Paul continues to travel from city to city, he ends up in Corinth in Acts 18. In this sermon, Pastors Aaron and Kevin both bring the sermon. They focus on all of the different names of people over the last couple chapters of Acts 18. When reading through the book of Acts, it can be a little overwhelming to read so many names. But each of those names are the names of real people who were changed for eternity by the good news of Jesus Christ.

The story of Acts is the story of a disciple-making movement. Disciples who make disciples who make disciples, until today. Where we are still disciples who are called to do the exact same thing.

In our world today - there's a skepticism about Christianity (although, it's shifting!). The idea that a Palestinian Jew from the 1st century died and rose again - and that having something to do with our salvation - sounds laughable.

But this is no new challenge.

Paul received a similar response when he shared his faith with the people of Athens (cf Acts 17:32). And yet, the case for Christianity was so compelling to that 1st century audience that the masses joined this minor movement.

Why were "some" of that Athenian crowd compelled? How did the minor movement of Christianity convince a larger Roman culture positioned against it?

Listen as Pastor Kevin unpacks Paul's message to the "men of Athens" -- and see the relevance of that same message for us today.

In Acts 15, the first Church Council meeting was held. The topic: circumcision. The attendees: Peter, Paul, James, Barnabas, and the other apostles and elders.

Does that information sound relevant to you? If you're a Christian (and even if you're not!) - - it might just be the most relevant + important council ever held for your faith + life.

In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the importance of this Church Council meeting - by way of a much more relevant (in terms of timing) cultural artifact.

Listen and consider how their conclusion impacts you this day!

Acts 13&14 is the story of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. The church in Antioch heard the Holy Spirit direct them to send these two on a journey to share the good news of Jesus with people in new lands.

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron focuses on the message that they brought and the varied methods they had to reach different people groups.

This sermon focuses on Acts chapter 11, primarily, as Peter goes back to Jerusalem to give a report on the Holy Spirit's activity at Cornelius' house.

We then, shift to the birth of the Church in Antioch where the disciples of Jesus were first called Christians.

Acts 10 tells the story of Peter bringing the good news of Jesus to Cornelius' household. This is a major shift in the book of Acts as Cornelius is a Gentile, and at this point, Christianity had only been spreading among Jewish people.

After Peter's proclamation of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit is manifested among the Gentiles in a similar fashion to the Day of Pentecost.