From the moment the military tribune handcuffs Paul in the court of the Gentiles, the apostle conducts his ministry as a prisoner awaiting final trial and verdict. This last quarter of Acts, parallel to the passion narrative of Luke's Gospel, provides a realistic and necessary balance to Luke's report, to this point, of the church's triumphant advance (Lk 24:26; Acts 14:22).

In this section Jewish opposition contrasts with Roman protection as Paul continues to witness with urgency and integrity. As a Roman tribune, two governors and a friendly local monarch inquire into Paul's case, Luke draws us in to ask the same questions and face the same answers about the truth of the gospel.