The success of the thesis expressed in this study relies upon the weight of cumulative evidence. In the earlier chapters it was shown that the traditional portrayal of Paul raises several problems. Luke, it appears, was attempting to portray Paul as a man of high social status and moral virtue at the expense of strict historical accuracy.

The focus of this investigation will now shift to those scenes in Acts in which Paul confronts Roman or provincial legal authority. However, the importance of the perception of Paul's social status will remain primary.

The last eight chapters of Acts are made up of a number of scenes in which Paul has to defend himself and his ministry before the leaders of the Christian community in Jerusalem (21:17ff.), before the Jewish people (22:1ff.), before the council of the Jews (23:1ff.), before Felix in Caesarea (24:1ff.), before Festus and his tribunal (25:1ff.), before Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice (25:13ff.), and before the Jews of Rome (28:17). Some have argued that Paul's trials on the sea are a symbolic hearing before the court of Nature (27:1 to 28:67). Assuming that a final court appearance would occur before Nero, it is undeniable that Paul is on trial for almost the entirety of the last eight chapters of Acts.