On the basis of Paul’s argument until this point, he states that the Christian is living a new experience of God’s forgiveness. Paul uses the imagery of baptism and the sacrificial ritual of the Day of Atonement to explain Christ’s death on the cross. He defines what it is to be a Christian.

Paul is arguing against the rejection of the Jews. He uses an event in the life of Elijah to show that even in the darkest moments, there was a faithful remnant, the elect. Paul is an example of that as are the Apostles. God has made permanent covenants with his people that he cannot break.

Paul gives his testimony to King Agrippa, Festus and others. They react against what he tells them but do not think he has done anything illegal but Paul has claimed the right to be tried by Caesar.

After two years in prison, the Governor changes and Festus decides to re-try Paul in Caesarea. Paul, as a Roman citizen, appeals to Caesar and will be sent to the Supreme Court in Rome. King Agrippa II and his sister visit Festus.

In Caesarea, Paul is imprisoned. The High Priest, Tertullus and other Jews come to accuse in the legal court. Paul defends himself. Felix the Governor, hesitates to make a decision and Paul is kept in prison for two years.

The Roman commander organises a debate between Paul and the Sanhedrin to clarify the situation. It causes more problems as the High Priest and Paul get angry and the Sanhedrin argues with itself - between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Paul is taken back into prison.

The story of Paul in Jerusalem is continued. Paul is allowed to address the crowd and tells the story of his conversion. The crowd listens and then rise up against him. The Romans imprison him and threaten punishment until Paul claims his Roman citizenship.

On his way to persecute the Christians in Damascus, Saul has a very dramatic experience of the risen Jesus. He is blinded and shocked and waits three days for Ananias to come and baptise him, pray with him and confirm his calling. Both Ananias and Saul experience visions.

Stephen answered the charges against him by reminding the Sanhedrin of their history and that at every point the Jews had resisted God - just as they had done, when they rejected him. In an emotional response, Stephen was stoned to death becoming the first Christian martyr.

One of the chosen seven men, began preaching in the Temple and synagogues. There was opposition from the hearers and he was forced to appear before the Sanhedrin to face trumped up charges.