Until Death

Lenny Chapman
11/22/15 - Sun AM

UNTIL DEATH

(Acts 23: 12-13)

I. What do you think about when you hear the expression “until death?”

A. Wedding vows may come to mind.

B.  It had a much different meaning to the first century Christians!

II. As the Christian movement began, the religious government did all they could to stop it.

III. Jesus predicted these events (John 16:2) “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the 

time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.”

IV. “Freedom Rock” – “All gave some, some gave all!”

A. This morning we will talk of one who gave it all, the apostle Paul.

1. He was one that Jesus spoke of as “thinking he doeth God service” as he played a 

major role in the early persecution of the church.

B. The Lord chose Saul to become a vessel “"Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My 

name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15).

1. What a vessel he was!

A. Jesus told Ananias, “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's 

B. In defending his apostleship Paul wrote to the Corinthians of what he called his “light 

A. That basket he spoke about, that was the first of two times we have recorded the plots 

B. Then we find Paul in Jerusalem with the same results, threats against his life, (Acts 23:12-15). 

B. Eventually Paul made it to Rome which would be his final destination.

against his life, (Acts 9:20-26).

1. “Chief priests” – David had divided the priests into 24 courses or classes. The head 

of each class was called a “chief priest.”

2. Many were involved in this conspiracy!

1. History records that Paul was beheaded at the hand of Nero in Rome (mid-60’s).

I. Are We Committed To God “Until Death?”

II. Paul Did Not Run From It, But Rather, Ran Into It To Serve God Whatever May Come!

A. At the end it was Himself and Luke only, (2Tim. 4:11). But he had hope, (2Tim. 4:6-8)!