Acts Chapter Twenty-Eight

 Act 28:1  And being saved, then they knew that the island is called Melita. 

Act 28:2  And the foreigners were showing not the common kindness to us, for having kindled a fire because of the rain coming on, and because of the cold, they welcomed us all. 

Act 28:3  And Paul gathering a bunch of sticks, and putting them on the fire, a snake coming out from the heat fastened on his hand. 

Act 28:4  And when the foreigners saw the beast hanging from his hand, they said to one another, By all means this man is a murderer, whom being saved out of the sea, Justice did not permit to live. 

Act 28:5  Then he indeed shaking the beast off into the fire, he suffered no harm. 

Act 28:6  But they expected him to be about to become inflamed, or suddenly to fall down dead. But over much time, they expecting and seeing nothing amiss happening to him, changing their minds, they said him to be a god. 

Act 28:7  And in the parts about that place were lands to the chief of the island, Publius by name. Welcoming us, he housed us three days in a friendly way. 

Act 28:8  And it happened the father of Publius was lying down, suffering from fevers and dysentery; to whom Paul, entering and praying, laying on his hands, cured him. 

Act 28:9  Then, this taking place, the ones in the island having infirmities also came up, and they were healed. 

Act 28:10  They also honored us with many honors. And on our setting sail, they lay on us such things as were needed. 

Act 28:11  And after three months we sailed in a ship which had wintered in the island, an Alexandrian with an ensign, Twin Brothers. 

Act 28:12  And landing at Syracuse, we remained three days. 

Act 28:13  Going around from there, we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, a south wind having come on, on the second we came to Puteoli, 

Act 28:14  where finding brothers, we were begged by them to remain seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 

Act 28:15  And the brothers from there hearing about us, they came out to meet us, as far as the marketplace of Appius, and Three Taverns; whom Paul seeing, thanking God, he took courage. 

Act 28:16  And when we went into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the camp commander. But Paul was allowed to remain by himself, with the soldier guarding him. 

Act 28:17  And after three days, it happened that Paul called together those being chief of the Jews. And they coming together, he said to them, Men, brothers, I did nothing contrary to the people, or to the ancestral customs. I was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 

Act 28:18  who examining me were of a mind to let me go, because no cause of death was in me. 

Act 28:19  But the Jews speaking against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not as having anything to accuse my nation. 

Act 28:20  On account of this, then, I called for you, to see and to speak to you. For I have this chain around me for the sake of the hope of Israel. 

Act 28:21  And they said to him, We neither received letters concerning you from the Jews, nor having arrived has any one of the brothers reported or spoken anything evil concerning you. 

Act 28:22  But we think it fit to hear from you as to what you think, for truly as concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere. 

Act 28:23  And having appointed him a day, more came to him in the lodging, to whom he expounded, earnestly testifying the kingdom of God and persuading them the things concerning Jesus, both from the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning until evening. 

Act 28:24  And some indeed were persuaded by that being said, others disbelieved. 

Act 28:25  And disagreeing with one another, they were let go, Paul saying one word: Well did the Holy Spirit speak through the prophet Isaiah to our fathers, 

Act 28:26  saying, "Go to this people and say, You will surely hear, and not at all understand; and you will surely see, and not at all perceive; 

Act 28:27  for the heart of this people was fattened, and they have heard with the ears heavily; and they closed their eyes lest at any time they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." Isa. 6:9, 10 

Act 28:28  Then let it be known to you that the salvation of God was sent to the nations, and they will hear. LXX-Psa. 66:3; MT-Psa. 67:2 

Act 28:29  And he saying these things, the Jews went away, having much discussion among themselves. 

Act 28:30  And Paul remained two whole years in his own rented place, and he welcomed all those coming in to him, 

Act 28:31  proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all freedom and without hindrance. 

ROMAN IMPRISONMENT

Verses 1-6: Those rescued are treated well by the islanders. Paul is putting sticks on the fire and a snake bites his hand. The people thing he is a murder and that he will suffer or die from the bite. He does neither so they think he is a god.

1. What conclusions were made about Paul when he was bitten by a viper? They think he is a god. θεός - theos - theh'-os  Of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity;

Was this an irrational perception? Yes, but not for the time period. Mythological gods permeated the culture.

Verses 7-10: The chief of the island (Publius) had father who became extremely ill. Paul miraculously healed him. Others came to Paul and they were healed as well. Upon their departure, the islanders provided them with whatever they needed.

2. List all the ways God supplies/helps Paul? Throughout all of this God has shown His favor over Paul. He finds favor with the Roman guard. He saves the lives of all on board. He gains the favor of the island leadership and the resident inhabitants through miraculous healing.

Additional: Publius likely suffered from dysentery. Considering his age, how serious was his sickness? Dysentery in older folks (parasitic) can be life threatening. The loss of fluid and electrolytes on top of parasitic damage to internal organs can be fatal in some cases.

Verses 11-16: The final push to Rome is made. Paul is separated out and held in secluded custody.

3. When is Paul encouraged? When he meets members of the church, or, perhaps they were Jewish kinsman.

Additional: Be ready to discuss your own “visiting” experience away from home. Does it feel encouraging to be with other Christians, even if you do not know them personally? Yes, of course! We all read the same book, worship the same God and know the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. People are people so everything is nuanced when we visit other congregations. Christianity is built to see beyond the external. We know we are all on this same journey to please God.

Verses 17-22: Paul meets with Jewish leaders. He briefly states his case. The leaders tell him they have not received any instructions from Jerusalem concerning him but they would like to hear from him. They know that Christianity is "spoken against everywhere."

4. What do the Jews at Rome know about Paul’s case? Nada, zilch, zero.

Are they interested in his story? Why? They are curious since Christianity has been spoken against "everywhere." I can't help but think of the Hellenistic brothers who followed Paul around stirring up mobs at every turn. Perhaps the incident at Athens had made its way to the busy-bodies of the day.

Verses 23-31: Paul preaches while under house arrest. He is able to persuade some and others will not believe. He explains that is why he was sent to the Gentiles. He spends two more years doing this while under arrest in his rented apartment.

5. The reaction to the gospel in verse 24 is typical to the reactions throughout the book of Acts. What should that teach us about teaching others? Some will believe. Some will reject it. Some will believe but they need more persuasion (I will hear more later). These are the three main responses. It is not a reflection on the one delivering the message (typically). It comes down to the openness of heart of the listener....is their heart open to God, or no God, or tradition only?

6. What is Paul’s warning to his audience? "for the heart of this people was fattened" or thick - The message from Jehovah is one that seeks to effect the heart. Paul warns that those who flat out reject the gospel, reject God. They hear it, but it is of no effect since they have a thick, impenetrable heart.

 

 

Acts Chapter Twenty-Seven

Act 27:1  And when it was decided for us to sail to Italy, they delivered up both Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of a cohort of Augustus. 

Act 27:2  And boarding a ship of Adramyttium which was about to sail alongside Asian places, we set sail, Aristarchus a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us. 

Act 27:3  And on the next day we landed at Sidon. And treating Paul kindly, Julius allowed him to go to his friends to receive care. 

Act 27:4  And setting sail from there, we sailed close to Cyprus, because of the winds being contrary. 

Act 27:5  And sailing over the sea against Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra of Lycia. 

Act 27:6  And the centurion finding there an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, he put us into it. 

Act 27:7  And in many days, sailing slowly and with difficulty, hardly coming against Cnidus, the wind not allowing us, we sailed close to Crete against Salmone. 

Act 27:8  And coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a certain place named Fair Havens, near to which was a city, Lasea. 

Act 27:9  And much time having passed, and the voyage already being dangerous, because the Fast already had gone by, Paul warned them, 

Act 27:10  saying, Men, I see that the voyage is about to be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship, but also of our souls. 

Act 27:11  But the centurion was rather persuaded by the helmsman and the ship master, than by the things spoken by Paul. 

Act 27:12  And the port not being fit for wintering, the most gave counsel to set sail from there, if somehow they may be able to pass the winter, arriving at Phoenix, a port of Crete looking toward the southwest and toward the northwest. 

Act 27:13  And a south wind blowing gently, thinking to have gained the purpose, raising anchor they sailed along close by Crete. 

Act 27:14  And not much after, a stormy wind being called Euroclydon beat down on it. 

Act 27:15  And the ship being seized, and not being able to beat against the wind, giving way we were borne along. 

Act 27:16  But running under an islet being called Clauda, we were hardly able to get mastery of the boat; 

Act 27:17  which taking, they used helps, undergirding the ship. And fearing lest they fall into Syrtis, lowering the tackle, so they were borne along. 

Act 27:18  But we having been exceedingly storm tossed, they made a casting on the next day. 

Act 27:19  And on the third day they threw out the ship's tackle with their hands. 

Act 27:20  And neither sun nor stars appearing over many days, and no small tempest pressing hard, now all hope of our being saved was taken away. 

Act 27:21  And there being much fasting, then standing up in their midst, Paul said, Truly, O men, being obedient to me you ought not to have set sail from Crete, and to have come by this injury and loss. 

Act 27:22  And now I exhort you to be cheered, for there will be no casting away of soul from among you, only of the ship. 

Act 27:23  For tonight stood by me an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 

Act 27:24  saying, Do not fear, Paul, You must stand before Caesar. And, behold, God has granted to you all those sailing with you. 

Act 27:25  Therefore, be cheered, men, for I believe God, that it will be so according to the way it was spoken to me. 

Act 27:26  But we must fall on a certain island. 

Act 27:27  And when the fourteenth night came, we being carried about in the Adriatic Sea, toward the middle of the night the sailors supposed us to come near some country. 

Act 27:28  And sounding, they found twenty fathoms; and moving a little and sounding again, they found fifteen fathoms. 

Act 27:29  And fearing lest they should fall on rock places, and casting four anchors out of the stern, they wished day to come. 

Act 27:30  But the sailors seeking to flee out of the ship, and lowering the boat into the sea, pretending to be about to cast out anchors from the prow, 

Act 27:31  Paul said to the centurion, and to the soldiers, Unless these remain in the ship, you cannot be saved. 

Act 27:32  Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let it fall. 

Act 27:33  And until day was about to come, Paul begged all to partake of food, saying, Today is the fourteenth day you continued waiting without food, not having taken anything. 

Act 27:34  Because of this I beg you to take of food, for this is to your deliverance, for not a hair of your head shall perish. 

Act 27:35  And saying these things, and taking bread, he gave thanks to God before all; and breaking, he began to eat. 

Act 27:36  And all having become cheered, they also took food. 

Act 27:37  And we were, all the souls in the ship, two hundred seventy six. 

Act 27:38  And being filled with food, they lightened the ship, throwing the wheat out into the sea. 

Act 27:39  And when day came, they did not recognize the land, but they noted a certain bay having a shore, into which they purposed, if they were able, to drive the ship. 

Act 27:40  And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the bands of the rudders, and raising the foresail to the breeze, they held to the shore. 

Act 27:41  And coming on a place between two seas, they drove the vessel. And indeed the prow having stuck firmly, it remained. But the stern was broken by the violence of the waves. 

Act 27:42  And the mind of the soldiers was that they should kill the prisoners, lest any swimming out should escape. 

Act 27:43  But being minded to save Paul, the centurion kept them back from their purpose and commanded those able to swim, first casting themselves overboard, to go out on the land. 

Act 27:44  And the rest went, some indeed on boards, and others on some of the things from the ship. And so it happened that all were saved on the land. 

SHIPWRECK

Verses 1-8: Paul is set asea with others to go to Italy by boat. The journey is slow. Paul seems to be favored by the centurion who allows him to be ministered to by his friends.

1. Who was with Paul on this journey? Julius, Aristarchus, Luke, and others.

2. How was Paul treated? ..."And treating Paul kindly, Julius allowed him to go to his friends to receive care." Paul is not perceived as a flight risk. He is trusted. Paul is not necessarily under any medical duress. The words used for this indicate he is being "refreshed" with some hospitality. This allowance is a bug deal considering he is still under "arrest."

Additional: If Paul is ill, why doesn’t his illness enter more into the story?  See #2

Verses 9-20: Paul warns not to proceed due to danger. Paul is overruled so they set sail. A strong wind pounds the ship and they seek as much safety as possible but it looks hopeless.

Additional: If the centurion favored Paul, why didn’t he listen to his warnings? He is not a believer, and he has to get his prisoners to their port. 

Verses 21-37: Paul reminds them of his warning. He then tells them none of them will perish (being told by an angel of God). The sailors are ready to abandon and leave everyone. Paul tells the centurion they all need to stay onboard. The soldiers cut away the lifeboat. Eventually, Paul encourages those on board to eat and they become revived.

3. How is it Paul can still encourage the others? Paul uses the trust he had already fostered along with his prior warnings to show his trustworthiness. He relates how God is watching over them. His God, who he belongs to. Paul takes command and fosters trust.

Additional: What can we learn from Paul? Every moment can be a teachable moment. Give God the glory.

Verses 38-44:  The ship runs aground. The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners so they would not escape. The centurion stops them. Everyone escapes with their life.

4. Why did the centurion want to help Paul? We cannot ignore that Paul had a positive effect on this man. He must have proved himself to be a man of his word. He was a prisoner, but he must have been kind, without harsh words. Paul prophecies the shipwreck and warns the centurion. He gives the credit to God. Paul conducts himself with the honor and demeanor that should exemplify all Christians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts Chapter Twenty-Six

 Act 26:1  And Agrippa said to Paul, It is allowed for you yourself to speak. Then Paul made a defense, stretching out the hand: 

Act 26:2  Concerning all of which I am accused by Jews, king Agrippa, I count myself happy being about to make defense before you today, 

Act 26:3  you being most of all expert, knowing of all the customs and questions also among the Jews. Because of this, I beg you patiently to hear me. 

Act 26:4  Truly, then, all the Jews know my way of life from youth, which from the beginning had been in my nation in Jerusalem, 

Act 26:5  who before knew me from the first, if they will testify, that according to the most exact sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee. 

Act 26:6  And now for the hope of the promise having been made by God to the fathers, I stand being judged; 

Act 26:7  to which our twelve tribes hope to arrive, worshiping in earnestness night and day, concerning which hope I am accused by the Jews, king Agrippa. 

Act 26:8  Why is it judged unbelievable by you if God raises the dead? 

Act 26:9  Indeed, I then thought to myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazarene, 

Act 26:10  which I also did in Jerusalem, I also shut up many of the saints in prisons, receiving authority from the chief priests; and they being put to death, I cast a vote. 

Act 26:11  And often punishing them through all the synagogues, I compelled them to blaspheme. And being exceedingly furious against them, I even persecuted as far as the outside cities. 

Act 26:12  In which also traveling to Damascus with authority and decision power from the chief priests, 

Act 26:13  at midday along the highway, O king, I and those with me saw a light from heaven shining around me above the brightness of the sun. 

Act 26:14  And all of us falling to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew dialect, Saul, Saul why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the prods. 

Act 26:15  And I said, Who are you, Sir? And He said, I am Jesus whom you persecute; 

Act 26:16  but rise up and stand on your feet, for it is for this reason I appeared to you, to appoint you a servant and a witness both of what you saw, and in what I shall appear to you, 

Act 26:17  having delivered you from the people and the nations, to whom I now send you, 

Act 26:18  to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the authority of Satan to God, in order that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance among those being sanctified by faith in Me. 

Act 26:19  Upon this, king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 

Act 26:20  but to those first in Damascus, and Jerusalem, and to all the country of Judea, and to the nations, I proclaimed the command to repent and to turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. 

Act 26:21  Because of these things, having seized me in the temple, the Jews tried to kill me. 

Act 26:22  Then obtaining help from God, I stand until this day, witnessing both to small and to great, saying nothing else than what the prophets and Moses also said was going to happen: 

Act 26:23  whether Christ was liable to suffer, whether first by a resurrection of the dead He was going to proclaim light to the people and to the nations. 

Act 26:24  And he defending himself with these things, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, You rave! Your many letters turned you into madness. 

Act 26:25  But he said, Not to madness, most excellent Festus, but I speak words of truth and sanity. 

Act 26:26  For the king understands about these things, to whom I speak, even being bold of speech. For I am persuaded not any of these things are hidden from him, nothing. For the doing of this is not in a corner. 

Act 26:27  Do you believe the prophets, king Agrippa? I know that you believe. 

Act 26:28  And Agrippa said to Paul, Do you persuade me to become a Christian in but a little? 

Act 26:29  And Paul said, I would pray to God, both in a little and in much, not only you, but also these hearing me today to become as I also am, except for these bonds. 

Act 26:30  And he saying these things, the king and the governor and Bernice rose up, and those who sat with them. 

Act 26:31  And having gone aside, they spoke to one another saying, This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds. 

Act 26:32  And Agrippa said to Festus, This man was able to have been let go, if he had not appealed to Caesar. 

ACTS CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

DEFENSE BEFORE AGRIPPA

Verses 1-3: Agrippa gives Paul the chance to speak.

1. What is Paul’s attitude? He is happy to do so and he is courteous.

Verses 4-11: Paul recounts who he was. A Pharisee. Against Christians. Ready to persecute those in The Way.

2. How does verse six summarize the gospel? Paul points to scripture to validate his hope. It is not without foundation. His hope is found throughout all of the Old Testament.

Additional: How should this statement encourage us as well? Our God was never a God of only one people. It was mankind's foolishness that led them away from Jehovah. He ALWAYS planned to capture our hearts through love.

3. Again, what about Paul’s life does he use as part of his defense? Pharisee. Agrippa understood the heaviness of this association.

Verses 12-20: Paul recounts his conversion on the way to Damascus. He is commissioned to help people turn from sin, to God.

4. What had Paul been doing all those years? (19) He was simply obeying Jesus, turning people to Jehovah through Jesus.

Additional: Be ready to define all the working components from verse 18.

Act 26:18  to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the authority of Satan to God, in order that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance among those being sanctified by faith in Me. 

The conversion to Christianity is one of complete submission to God's will and all the implications of us trying to be more like Him. Jesus is the example.

Verses 21-23: Paul's commission to the gospel is why he is in trouble. It is what Moses and the prophets spoke of....these things Jesus has done.

5. Who does Paul credit his current position to? The Jews have caused these problems for Paul, because of the Gospel.

Verses 24-32: Paul continues his dissertation. Agrippa accuses him of going mad from the gospel. Paul refutes the claim.

6. Describe the interaction between Paul and Agrippa. Agrippa has authority over Paul through government. Paul "soft" challenges Agrippa's authority (27) by directing the matter to God (29).  What is clear in the moment is that Paul is sincere and acts from a position of love, not (just) authority.

7. What is clear about Paul’s case? He is innocent of the charges.

Additional: What are your impressions of Paul as he stands before these prominent figures. What is driving Paul’s efforts? Love. Paul's love for God, the gospel and for his nation. He does not seek to be released. He is doing the bidding of Jesus: Act 23:11  And coming to him in the following night the Lord said, Be cheered, Paul, for as you fully testified the things concerning Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome. 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts Chapter Twenty-Five

 Act 25:1  Then entering the province, after three days Festus went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 

Act 25:2  And the high priest and the chief of the Jews made a statement before him against Paul, and they begged him, 

Act 25:3  asking a favor against him, so as he might send for him to Jerusalem, making a plot to kill him on the way. 

Act 25:4  Then indeed Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, he himself even being about to go shortly. 

Act 25:5  Then he said, those having power among you may go down with me. If there is a thing amiss in this man, let them accuse him. 

Act 25:6  And remaining among them more than ten days, going down to Caesarea, on the morrow sitting on the tribunal, he ordered Paul to be brought. 

Act 25:7  And he having arrived, the Jews coming down from Jerusalem stood around, also bringing many weighty charges against Paul, which they were not able to prove. 

Act 25:8  Defending himself, Paul said, Neither against the Law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned in anything. 

Act 25:9  But desiring to show a favor to the Jews, answering Paul, Festus said, Do you desire to go up to Jerusalem to be judged before me there about these things? 

Act 25:10  But Paul said, I am standing before the tribunal of Caesar where I ought to be judged. I have wronged the Jews in nothing, as also you very well know. 

Act 25:11  For if I indeed do wrong and have done anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is nothing of which they accuse me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar. 

Act 25:12  Then conferring with the sanhedrin, Festus answered, You have appealed to Caesar; you shall go before Caesar. 

Act 25:13  And some days having passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, greeting Festus. 

Act 25:14  And when they stayed there more days, Festus set out to the king the things as to Paul, saying, A certain man has been left a prisoner by Felix, 

Act 25:15  about whom, on my being in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews made a statement, asking judgment against him; 

Act 25:16  to whom I answered, It is not a custom with Romans to give up any man to destruction before the one being accused may have the accusers face to face, and may receive place of defense concerning the charge. 

Act 25:17  Then they coming together here, making no delay, sitting on the tribunal on the next day, I commanded the man to be brought; 

Act 25:18  about whom, standing up, the accusers brought no charge of which I suspected, 

Act 25:19  but they had certain questions about their own demon worship, and about a certain Jesus dying, whom Paul claimed to live. 

Act 25:20  And being puzzled as to this inquiry, I said, Did he desire to go to Jerusalem and to be judged there concerning these things? 

Act 25:21  But Paul having appealed for himself to be kept to the examination of Augustus, I commanded him to be held until I might send him to Caesar. 

Act 25:22  And Agrippa said to Festus, I also was myself minded to hear the man. And he said, Tomorrow you shall hear him. 

Act 25:23  Then on the morrow, Agrippa and Bernice coming with much pomp and entering into the auditorium, with both the chiliarchs and the chief men, being of the city, also Festus commanding, Paul was led out. 

Act 25:24  And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all those men present with us, you see this one about whom all the multitude of the Jews pleaded with me, both here and in Jerusalem, crying out that he ought to live no longer. 

Act 25:25  But I having perceived nothing he had done worthy of death, also this one himself having appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him; 

Act 25:26  about whom I have nothing certain to write to my lord. Because of this I brought him before you, and most of all before you, king Agrippa, so as the examination taking place, I may have somewhat to write. 

Act 25:27  For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner, and not also to signify the charges against him. 

ACTS CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

DEFENSE BEFORE FESTUS

Verses 1-5: Festus visits Jerusalem. The High Priest asks to have Paul sent to Jerusalem (so he could be killed on the way). Festus says no, but they can come and bring an accusation if they want.

1.  Festus thinks Paul is to be tried for some serious crimes. What is the real plan (unknown to him)? Murder. Perhaps those forty fellows who took an oath are still around.

Additional: Festus is no friend to Jehovah. How is Jehovah using him? Rome is the target and Festus is an agent of Rome. If Paul is executed and it causes dissent within the empire, Festus will pay for not keeping the peace. 

Verses 6-12: Paul is accused. He defends himself. Festus asks is he would go to Jerusalem to be tried before him. Paul says no, he appeals to Caesar. Festus aagrees.

2. What types of charges were leveled against Paul? (8) Paul states that he has not sinned against the law (of the Jews), the temple, or Caesar.

3. Why would Festus want to do a favor for the Jews? 

4. What appeal does Paul use?  Caesar, the highest request available.

Additional: Describe the confidence/boldness we find with Paul in verses 10/11. This type of courage is a repeating theme throughout Acts. The Apostles are armed with the truth, given to them through the Holy Spirit. Paul also knows he is bound to go to Rome. He is fervent for God and Jesus. He withstands Festus and pulls no punches. Festus should have known better and Paul is pointing it out. In a culture of face, Festus is left with no leeway. He HAS to honor Paul's request.

Verses 13-22: Agrippa visits Festus. Festus tells Agrippa about Paul and his case. Agrippa asks to hear Paul's case.

5. What dilemma does Festus face? He sees that his accusers bring no credible case. I believe he really thought Paul would get justice in Jerusalem. But now, Paul has petitioned the emperor. Festus is under obligation to allow Paul to do it, but to Festus, this is trite and unworthy of an audience before the Caesar.

Additional: Why does Agrippa want to hear from Paul?
Herod Agrippa II was the grandson to Herod the great who built Caesarea. (Ties to Jerusalem)
He also has ties to Rome and favors Rome when the Israelites rebel.
He is accused of having an incestuous relationship with his sister Bernice.
Bernice is the sister of Drucilla, the wife of Felix (the governor before Festus). Drucilla is notes as a Jewess in chapter 24. Being the daughter of Agrippa I means that she is 1/2 Jew and likely practiced the Jewish religion.

Verses 23-27: Festus puts on a big show for everyone, saying that he seeks their help on what to say to Caesar about Paul and the charges against him.

6. Relate the issue of Festus as an analogy in today’s terms. A state governor/attorney asking the supreme court to decide if it is ok for a religious faction to perform executions. 

Additional: Do we see the abuse of judicial power as is displayed by those opposing Paul? All the time nowadays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts Chapter Twenty-Four

 Act 24:1  And after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders, and a certain orator, Tertullus, who made a statement to the governor against Paul. 

Act 24:2  And Tertullus being called, he began to accuse, saying, 

Act 24:3  Obtaining much peace through you and excellent accomplishments having come to this nation due to your forethought, in everything and everywhere we accept with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix. 

Act 24:4  But that I not hinder you more, I beseech you to hear us briefly in your fairness. 

Act 24:5  For having found this man pestilent and moving insurrection among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the Nazarene sect; 

Act 24:6  who also attempted to profane the temple, whom we also seized and wished to judge according to our law; 

Act 24:7  but Lysias the chiliarch coming up with much force took him away out of our hands, 

Act 24:8  commanding his accusers to come to you, from whom you will be able yourself to know, having examined as to all these things of which we accuse him. 

Act 24:9  And the Jews also joined in, alleging these things to be so. 

Act 24:10  But the governor signaling to him to speak, Paul answered: Understanding you as being a judge to this nation many years, I cheerfully defend myself as to the things concerning myself. 

Act 24:11  You are able to know that not more than twelve days are to me since I went worshiping in Jerusalem; 

Act 24:12  and neither did they find me reasoning with anyone in the temple, or making a gathering of a crowd, neither in the synagogues, nor throughout the city; 

Act 24:13  nor are they able to prove that concerning which they now accuse me. 

Act 24:14  But I confess this to you that according to the Way, which they say is a sect, so I worship the ancestral God believing all things according to that having been written in the Law and the Prophets, 

Act 24:15  having hope toward God, which these themselves also admit, of a resurrection being about to be of the dead, both of just and unjust ones. 

Act 24:16  And in this I exercise myself to have always a blameless conscience toward God and men. 

Act 24:17  And after many years I arrived doing alms and offerings to my nation, 

Act 24:18  among which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd, nor with tumult, but by some Jews from Asia, 

Act 24:19  who ought to be present before you and to accuse if they have anything against me. 

Act 24:20  Or these themselves say if they found anything unjust in me, I standing before the sanhedrin, 

Act 24:21  than concerning this one voice which I cried out standing among them, that I am being judged today before you concerning a resurrection of the dead. 

Act 24:22  And hearing these things, Felix put them off, knowing more accurately about the Way, saying, When Lysias the chiliarch comes down, I will examine the things as to you. 

Act 24:23  And having ordered the centurion to keep Paul, and to have ease, and not to forbid anyone of his own to minister or to come to him, he dismissed them. 

Act 24:24  And after some days, Felix having arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul. And he heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 

Act 24:25  And Paul having reasoned concerning righteousness and self control, and the Judgment that is about to be, becoming afraid, Felix answered, For the present, go; but taking time later, I will call for you; 

Act 24:26  and with it all also hoping that silver would be given to him by Paul, that he might free him. Because of this he also more frequently sent for him and conversed with him. 

Act 24:27  But two years being completed, Felix welcomed a successor, Porcius Festus. And wishing to show a favor to the Jews, Felix left Paul bound. 

ACTS CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

HOT AIR & IMPRISONMENT

Verses 1-9: Tertullus lays out the accusations against Paul before Felix. The attending Jews are in agreement.  

1. Who is Tertullus and why is he there? He is a hired attorney, trained in Roman traditional court proceedings. His nationality is unclear. 

2. What is Tertullus doing in verses 2-4? It is common practice to address the court with respect. Tertullus seems to take it to a false flattery level.

3. Remember that these Jews wanted Paul dead. What was their accusation(s) against Paul? Insurrection among the Jews, the world and a ringleader of the Nazarene sect (implicating a radical nature). Profaning the temple.

Verses 10-13: Paul starts his defense.

4. Summarize Paul’s defense. I've been in Jerusalem 12 days. Not once was I teaching in the temple. Not once did I attempt to gather crowds. They cannot prove any of these accusations.

Additional: Compare the opening statements of Paul and Tertullus as they address Felix. Do you have any observations? Paul is conspicuously leaving out the false flattery that Tertullus speaks.

Verses 14-23: Paul further notes that the ones who accuse him are not even there! He worships the same God as them according to the Way. "The Way" concerns resurrection of the dead in which he has hope.

5. Paul further defends himself. What does he admit to? He worships God according to the Way (of Christ). Paul is further adjoining the resurrection of Jesus to the Jewish religion. He is correct. He worships the same God spoken of in scripture (Law). Christians being a "sect" is their word for his walk, and he is ok with that.

   a. What does he have to say about the Asian Jews? Where are they? They are the ones starting all of this.

6. Describe Paul’s imprisonment.  House arrest. He may have visitors. 

Additional: What does verse 22 indicate about the motivation of Felix? Once he knew more about the whole story. He could not proceed without further evidence from Lysias. As eloquent as Tertullus was, his hot air did not amount to much.

Verses 24-27: Paul preaches to Felix (to no avail). Paul stays in prison for two years. Festus takes over. Paul is left in prison.

7. How does Felix react to Paul’s teaching? Fear. I scares him.

Additional: What insights to Felix do we find in verse 24?  His wife was a Jew, so he was not without some understanding of Jewish religion. He was interested enough to hear some of the gospel but did not respond. We also see that he hoped he would gain financially through Paul offering a ransom for his release.

Consider the length of time Paul is in custody (27) and compare it to the promise in 23:11. Paul must have relied on this promise to foster his patience. What promise(s) do Christians rely on?

Eph 1:5  having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6  to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:
Eph 1:7  in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 

Acts Chapter Twenty-Three

 Act 23:1  And looking on the sanhedrin, Paul said, Men, brothers, I in all good conscience have conducted myself toward God to this day. 

Act 23:2  But Ananias the high priest ordered those standing by him to strike his mouth. 

Act 23:3  Then Paul said to him, God is going to strike you, whitened wall! And do you sit judging me according to the Law, and contrary to the Law command me to be stricken? 

Act 23:4  And those standing by said, Do you revile the high priest of God? 

Act 23:5  And Paul said, Brothers, I did not know that he is high priest; for it has been written, "You shall not speak evil" "of a ruler of your people." Ex. 22:28 

Act 23:6  But knowing that the one part consisted of Sadducees, and the other of Pharisees, Paul cried out in the sanhedrin, Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am being judged concerning hope and resurrection of the dead! 

Act 23:7  And he having spoken this, there was a discord between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the multitude was divided. 

Act 23:8  For the Sadducees indeed say there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit. But Pharisees confess both. 

Act 23:9  And there was a great cry. And the scribes of the part of the Pharisees rising up, they were contending, saying, We find nothing evil in this man. And, If a spirit spoke to him, or an angel, let us not fight against God. 

Act 23:10  And discord having arisen, fearing lest Paul should be torn by them, the chiliarch commanded the soldiers to go down to snatch him out of their midst, and to bring him into the fortress. 

Act 23:11  And coming to him in the following night the Lord said, Be cheered, Paul, for as you fully testified the things concerning Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome. 

Act 23:12  And it becoming day, some of the Jews making a conspiracy cursed themselves, saying neither to eat nor to drink until they should kill Paul. 

Act 23:13  And those making this plot were more than forty; 

Act 23:14  who, having come near to the chief priests and to the elders, said, With a curse we have cursed ourselves to taste of nothing until we shall kill Paul. 

Act 23:15  Now, then, you with the sanhedrin inform the chiliarch, so that tomorrow he may bring him down to you, as intending more accurately to find out about him. And before his drawing near, we are ready to kill him. 

Act 23:16  But the son of Paul's sister hearing of the ambush, having come near, and entering into the fortress, reported to Paul. 

Act 23:17  And calling near one of the centurions, Paul said, Bring this young man to the chiliarch, for he has something to report to him. 

Act 23:18  Then indeed taking him, he brought him to the chiliarch and said, Paul the prisoner having called me near asked me to bring this young man to you, having a thing to tell you. 

Act 23:19  And laying hold of his hand, and drawing aside privately, the chiliarch asked, What is it that you have to report to me? 

Act 23:20  And he said, The Jews agreed to ask you that tomorrow you bring down Paul into the sanhedrin, as intending to more accurately inquire concerning him. 

Act 23:21  Therefore, you must not be persuaded by them, for more than forty men of them lie in wait for him who put themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they kill him. And now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you. 

Act 23:22  Then the chiliarch sent away the young man, charging him, Tell no one that you reported these things to me. 

Act 23:23  And having called near a certain two of the centurions, he said, Get two hundred soldiers ready, so that they may go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, from the third hour of the night; 

Act 23:24  and animals to stand by, so that setting Paul on, they may bring him to Felix the governor. 

Act 23:25  For he was writing a letter, having this form: 

Act 23:26  Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor, Felix, greeting: 

Act 23:27  This man being seized by the Jews, and being about to be killed by them, coming on with the soldiers I rescued him, learning that he was a Roman. 

Act 23:28  And being minded to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their sanhedrin; 

Act 23:29  I found him to be accused concerning questions of their law, and having no charge worthy of death or of bonds. 

Act 23:30  And it being revealed to me that a plot against the man was about to be executed by the Jews, I at once sent him to you, also commanding the accusers to say the things against him before you. Farewell. 

Act 23:31  Then indeed taking up Paul according to the thing appointed to them, the soldiers brought him through the night to Antipatris. 

Act 23:32  And on the morrow, allowing the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the fortress. 

Act 23:33  Having entered into Caesarea, and giving the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 

Act 23:34  And having read it, the governor asked from what province he is. And having learned that he was from Cilicia, 

Act 23:35  he said, I will hear you fully when your accusers arrive. And he commanded him to be kept in the praetorium of Herod. 

ACTS CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN, THE PLOT

Verses 1-5: Paul begins his defense. The high priest orders him to be slapped. Paul withstands the priest. He is told he has reviled a high priest. He says, he did not know he was high priest.

1. Why was Paul struck? He spoke with authority when he says he has a clear conscience. It insinuates his innocence and by proxy, the guilt of the accusers. No one gets to withstand a high priest to the point of losing face (by the high priest) without rebuttal.

Additional: Why did Paul back-pedal on his response (5)? He is perfect in his response. Not being aware that Ananias is the high priest 1) forgives an oversight 2) calls into question the validity of his right to the position without any direct accustion. Paul cites scripture to reinforce their position while leaving a passive/aggressive accusation on the table. The following verses bears out his tactics.  

Verses 6-10: Paul sees both Sadducees and Pharisees. He takes advantage of their differences. He claims to be a Pharisee and he is being tried for "I am being judged concerning hope and resurrection of the dead! " That causes a great uproar. So great was the division that the Roman chiliarc steals Paul away so they do not rip him to shreds.

2. What is Paul’s strategy? Divide and conquer. Some historians say that Ananias was likely a Sadducee. The discord over life-after-death was a major fight between these two factions. He speaks the truth of what he is teaching. That small note was enough to bring tensions and quarrels to the forefront. The Pharisees are DEFENDING him.

Verses 11-24: Forty men take an oath to kill Paul. Paul's nephew hears of it. He tells Paul. Paul has his nephew taken to the chiliarc to tell him. The chiliarc has 470 soldiers readied to take Paul to Felix the governor.

3. What was the conspiracy? As an oath, forty men promise not to eat until they have killed Paul.

   a. Who was involved? Forty conconspriators.

   b. Was the plot for murder or judgment? Murder

   c. How is the conspiracy thwarted? Paul's nephew overhears the plan and tells Paul who gets word to the chiliarc.

Additional: Verse eleven reveals an open door for Paul’s confidence. There are multiple facets to God’s providence at work here. Identify them. Jesus speaks directly to Paul and encourages him. The nephew hears of it and tells Paul. The jailer is concerned enough to take the nephew to the chiliarc. The chiliarc is concerned enough as well to send Paul away under guard. 

When can we know God is working in our own lives?
Jas 1:17  every act of good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning.

Verses 25-30: The chiliarc Claudius Lysias pens a letter to Felix. He tells of the plot to kill Paul. He says Paul is accused concerning Jewish law, but nothing that requires bonds or death. He is sending Paul to him so he can perform his own judgment. 

4. Is the letter accurate?  Mostly accurate. He did rescue Paul. He did leave out the part when he was going to scourge Paul to examine him (until Paul revealed their citizenship).

Verses 31-35: Paul is taken out in the night. The next day, most of the guard return and the horsemen take Paul the rest of the way. Felix reads the letter and asks where Paul is from. He says they will " hear you fully when your accusers arrive."

5. What is going to happen to Paul now? More defenses before a tribunal. Jesus has told him he WILL go to Rome.

Additional: Reread the chapter and note the similarities to the Sanhedrin’s treatment of Jesus. What do we learn from this? Not much has changed. The quickness to a mob mentality is still rampant in all of these cultures. The actions of the chiliarc are admirable to a degree. He sees that this is way over his pay grade and sends it up the ladder. 
The big difference is that Paul will be out of Jerusalem.

 

 

 

 

 

Acts Chapter Twenty-Two

 Act 22:1  Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense now to you. 

Act 22:2  And hearing that he spoke in the Hebrew dialect to them, they showed more quietness. And he said: 

Act 22:3  Indeed I am a man, a Jew having been born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been trained according to the exactness of the ancestral law, being a zealous one of God, even as you all are today. 

Act 22:4  I persecuted this Way as far as death, binding and delivering up both men and women to prisons, 

Act 22:5  as also the high priest and all the elderhood witnesses to me. And receiving letters from them to the brothers, I traveled into Damascus even to lead those to Jerusalem being bound there, in order that they might be punished. 

Act 22:6  And it happened to me, traveling and drawing near to Damascus: suddenly, about midday, a great light out of the heaven shone around me. 

Act 22:7  And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? 

Act 22:8  And I answered, Who are you, Sir? And He said to me, I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you persecute. 

Act 22:9  But those being with me indeed saw the light, and were alarmed, but did not hear His voice speaking to me. 

Act 22:10  And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me, Rising up, go into Damascus, and there you will be told about all things which are appointed to you to do. 

Act 22:11  And as I did not see, from the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those being with me, I went into Damascus. 

Act 22:12  And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, having been testified to by all the Jews living there, 

Act 22:13  coming to me and standing by, he said to me, Brother Saul, look up. And in the same hour I looked up on him. 

Act 22:14  And he said, The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the Just One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth; 

Act 22:15  for you shall be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 

Act 22:16  And now what do you intend? Rising up, be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. 

Act 22:17  And it happened to me, returning to Jerusalem and praying in the temple: I became in an ecstasy, 

Act 22:18  and I saw Him saying to me, Hurry and go out quickly from Jerusalem, because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me. 

Act 22:19  And I said, Lord, they understand that I was imprisoning and beating the ones believing on You throughout the synagogues. 

Act 22:20  And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was poured out, I myself also was standing by and consenting to his execution, and holding the garments of those killing him. 

Act 22:21  And He said to me, Go, for I will send you to the nations afar off. 

Act 22:22  And they heard him until this word, and lifted up their voice, saying, Take such a one from the earth, for it is not fitting that he should live! 

Act 22:23  And they shouting, and tearing the garments, and throwing dust into the air, 

Act 22:24  the chiliarch ordered to bring him into the fortress, saying for him to be examined with scourges, that he may know for what crime they cried out so against him. 

Act 22:25  But as they stretched him with the thongs, Paul said to the centurion standing by, Is it lawful for you to flog a man, a Roman not found guilty? 

Act 22:26  And hearing, coming near the centurion reported to the chiliarch, saying, Watch what you are about to do, for this man is a Roman. 

Act 22:27  And coming up, the chiliarch said to him, Tell me, are you a Roman? And he said, Yes. 

Act 22:28  And the chiliarch answered, I bought this citizenship with a great sum. And Paul said, But I even was born free. 

Act 22:29  Then at once those being about to examine him stood away from him. And the chiliarch also feared, fully knowing that he was a Roman, and that he had bound him. 

Act 22:30  And on the morrow, desiring to know the certainty as to why he was accused by the Jews, he freed him from the bonds. And he commanded the chief priests and all their Sanhedrin to come. And having brought Paul down, he set him among them. 

ACTS CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

PAUL’S DEFENSE, AND THE ROMAN CITIZENSHIP CARD

Verses 1-5: Paul begins his defense.

1. What does Paul qualify in his opening statements: He points to his education and elite status within the Jewish community. Taught by the venerable Gamaliel. Friends of the Sanhedrin Pharisees and High Priests. 

   a. About his source of learning? Dropping the Gamaliel name shuts the mouths of the lowly Asian (likely Hellenistic) Jews who were casting aspersions on his name. Along with his Roman citizenship, he far and away "outguns" them in the credibility category. 

   b. About his original position towards Christ(ians)? He cites his one-time hatred of Jesus' gospel and at the same time introduces his kinship with the elite Jews. 

Verses 6-21: Paul recounts his conversion and why Jesus sent him away from Jerusalem to the Gentiles.

2. Why did Paul see and hear Christ? "because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me." It was a lost cause for Paul to stay in Jerusalem. That is where he wanted to teach, but he was sent to the Gentiles.

3. In the beginning of his ministry, why did Paul think his Jewish brethren would believe his testimony? His conversion was 180 degrees. He was persecuting the believers. He beat them and sought to arrest them for judgment. He was in full agreement of the execution of Stephen.

Verses 22-30: The crow becomes angry with Paul and they call for his execution. The chiliarch orders that he be drawn and flogged (for examination). As they stretch Paul, he questions if it is lawful for them to do this to a Roman citizen. They stop. The chiliarch orders Paul to stand before his accusers.

4. Why did the commander want to scourge Paul? It was the practice to settle such charges, The one being so violently accused would be tortured until they confessed their wrongdoing and thus could be judged for the offences. 

5. What is scourging? As was the case for Jesus, a whip with multiple strands were used. Each strand had a sharp strong object tied into the end. Multiple lashes would shred skin away from the recipient. Many times muscle and bone were exposed and sometimes death occurred.

6. How does Paul avoid the scourging? He invokes his Roman citizenship. 

Additional: Identify the breaking point of the crowd. Why would this happen? 

Act 22:21  And He said to me, Go, for I will send you to the nations afar off. 
Act 22:22  And they heard him until this word, and lifted up their voice, saying, Take such a one from the earth, for it is not fitting that he should live! 
As we have seen throughout the dispensation of the Gospel, the Law has taken a back seat to the authority of Jesus the Christ. In reality, the Gospel did not threaten those who wished to practice the law under conscience reasons. There is no mistake that the Law will be phased out by this Way. It feels like an assault to those who wish to conserve it. The issue is that they want to conserve it for all the wrong reasons. They refuse to listen to God. They refuse to see the miracles for what they are. This is the same mob mentality that Jesus faced.