Acts Chapter Fifteen

 Act 15:1  And going down from Judea, some taught the brothers, saying, If you are not circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. 

Act 15:2  Then dissension and not a little disputation with them having taken place by Paul and Barnabas, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up into Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this question. 

Act 15:3  Then, indeed, having been sent forward by the assembly they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, fully narrating the conversion of the nations. And they were producing great joy among all the brothers. 

Act 15:4  And having arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and the apostles and the elders. And they reported what things God did with them. 

Act 15:5  But some of those rose up from the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. 

Act 15:6  And the apostles and the elders were assembled to see about this matter. 

Act 15:7  And much disputation having occurred, rising up Peter said to them: Men, brothers, you recognize that from ancient days, God chose among us that through my mouth the nations should hear the Word of the gospel, and to believe. 

Act 15:8  And the heart-knowing God testified to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as also to us. 

Act 15:9  And He made distinction in nothing between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. 

Act 15:10  Now, then, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we had strength to bear? 

Act 15:11  But through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be saved, according to which manner they also believed. 

Act 15:12  And all the multitude kept silent and were hearing Barnabas and Paul recounting what things God did through them among the nations, even the miraculous signs and wonders. 

Act 15:13  And after they were silent, James responded, saying, Men, brothers, hear me: 

Act 15:14  Simon recounted how even as at first God oversaw to take a people out from among the nations for His name. 

Act 15:15  And with this agree the Words of the prophets, as it has been written, 

Act 15:16  After these things "I" will return and "will build again the tabernacle of David which has fallen," "and I will build again the things which have been demolished," and I will set it up, 

Act 15:17  so as the rest of men may seek the Lord, "even all the nations on whom My name has been called, says the Lord, who is doing all these things." Amos 9:11, 12 

Act 15:18  All His works are known to God from eternity. 

Act 15:19  For this reason I judge not to trouble those from the nations turning to God, 

Act 15:20  but to write to them to hold back from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and that strangled, and blood. 

Act 15:21  For in every city from ancient generations Moses has those proclaiming him, having been read in the synagogues on every sabbath. 

Act 15:22  Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with all the assembly, to send chosen men from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, Judas having been surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 

Act 15:23  writing by their hand these things: The apostles and the elders and the brothers, to those throughout Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia, brothers from the nations: Greeting. 

Act 15:24  Since we heard that some of us having gone out have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, Be circumcised and keep the Law, to whom we gave no command; 

Act 15:25  it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to send chosen men to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 

Act 15:26  men who have given up their souls on behalf of the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Act 15:27  Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, they by word also announcing the same things. 

Act 15:28  For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to put not one greater burden on you than these necessary things: 

Act 15:29  To hold back from idol sacrifices, and blood, and that strangled, and from fornication; from which continually keeping yourselves, you will do well. Be prospered. 

Act 15:30  Then they indeed being let go, they went to Antioch. And gathering the multitude, they delivered the letter. 

Act 15:31  And reading it, they rejoiced at the comfort. 

Act 15:32  And Judas and Silas, themselves also being prophets, exhorted the brothers through much speech, and confirmed them. 

Act 15:33  And continuing for a time, they were let go with peace from the brothers to the apostles. 

Act 15:34  But it seemed good to Silas to remain. 

Act 15:35  And Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and announcing the gospel, the Word of the Lord, with many others also. 

Act 15:36  And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, Indeed, having turned back, let us look after our brothers throughout every city in which we announced the Word of the Lord, how they are holding it. 

Act 15:37  But Barnabas purposed to take John with them, the one having been called Mark. 

Act 15:38  But Paul thought it well not to take that one with them, he having withdrawn from them from Pamphylia, and not going with them to the work. 

Act 15:39  Then there was sharp feeling, so as to separate them from each other. And taking Mark, Barnabas sailed away to Cyprus. 

Act 15:40  But having chosen Silas, Paul went out, being commended to the grace of God by the brothers. 

Act 15:41  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, making the assemblies strong. 

THE OLD LAW IS TESTED

Verses 1-5: Paul and Barnabas head to Jerusalem to address some Judaizing teachers and their doctrine. It seems the Jews were attempting to bind the law on the Gentiles.   

1. Identify the teaching that caused the debate in verse two. There were Jewish teachers saying that circumcision and adherence to Moses' law was required to be saved.

   a. Why did they decide to go to Jerusalem? It was the epicenter of this doctrine. The Christian church started in Jerusalem. The apostles would be there. There were elders of that congregation that needed to be included in the conversations.

2. What was the general reaction of the conversion of Gentiles? It produced joy among all the assembly.

   a. Why is this important? It was important that the new Christians understand that God is to be considered God of all people. This was a pivotal point in history where Jew and Gentile were now being dispensed to by one God (in their minds). Part of the "repentance" or thinking differently process included this new paradigm.

Verses 6-11: Peter argues the case against Gentiles needing to adhere to the law of Moses.

3. Summarize Peter's argument: Peter testifies that he was destined from ancient times to be the one to preach and covert the Gentiles (establishes authority). He then goes on to argue that it was faith that saved the Jew and also the Gentile. So why would anyone try to bind the law on them when even the Jews had issues adhering to it.

Verses 12-21: Paul and Barnabas recount all the work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles. James rises up and speaks. He confirms that the conversion of Gentiles has always been a part of God's plan. He suggests that they do not bond the law on them, after all, the law is still spoken weekly in the synagogues. 

4. Summarize James’ argument: He reiterates the authority of Gentile conversions. He agrees that they do not need the law. Gentiles do need some basic instruction concerning continuing in what was their previous life practices that are sinful toward God. 

5. From verse nineteen; What was the Judean teaching doing? It was "troubling."  G3926 παρενοχλέω parenochleō par-en-okh-leh'-o From G3844 and G1776; to harass further, that is, annoy: - trouble
The teaching amounted to nothing more than a harassment.
These men saw the reality of the gospel. It did away with the need for a system of law. They knew that this new system was based on faith (with all of its implications).

   a. How can this sort of thing happen today? Yes. Tradition is usually good. Tradition can also become paramount to practice above what God really requires. All of the NT writers agree on the need for every congregation to practice a love that produces unity. The law had become tradition and not a requirement. Binding anything like that on converts is doing the same thing. Opinion is much the same and sometimes worse.

6. Would it have been wrong for the Gentiles to adhere to the Jewish laws and customs? Yes. As the brothers reveal, faith is the basis of salvation. This had to be an extraordinary thought to have and say to a culture that had possession of a system handed to them by Jehovah (the Jews). Binding that on them was NOT part of God's plan. 
The thing typically not talked about is that Christianity requires MORE than what the law requires. The system of law requires obedience. Christianity requires a whole life/heart devotion. It requires an intimate understanding of God. Obedience occurs from a position of love and not necessity.

Verses 22-29: Paul, Barnabas, Judas and Silas are sent with a letter to the Gentiles in Antioch and that region.

7. Summarize the letter: Ignore the Jewish teaching of circumcision and keeping the law. Do not eat meat sacrificed to idols, blood, anything strangled and stop the practice of fornication.

   a. What did the letter try to accomplish? It settles the arguments from outsiders trying to Judaize the Church and addresses the old traditions of Gentiles that were still an issue in the Churches.

Verses 30-35: They take the letter to Antioch and deliver it. It is a relief for them. Judas eventually leaves for Jerusalem. Silas, Paul and Barnabas stay in Antioch and work there.

8. What effect did the letter produce? They rejoiced at the comfort. it's important that we see how much joy the Gospel is bringing these new Christians. Many were serving a law as Jews and many were serving mythological, temperamental gods as Gentiles.  
Neither system was designed to afford the assurance that the gospel delivers.

Verses 36-41: Barnabas and Paul decide to leave Antioch to strengthen the churches where they had already visited. Barnabas wants to take John Mark. Paul says no because he felt Mark had abandoned them on a previous trip. There was a sharp disagreement. Barnabas takes Mark with him to Cyprus. Paul takes Silas with him to Syria and Cilicia. 

9. Recount the incident that led to Paul’s opinion of Mark (13:13). How could two men have such differing opinions of the same man? Who was right?
Act 13:13  And putting out from Paphos with those around him, Paul came to Perga of Pamphylia. And separating from them, John returned to Jerusalem. 
The issue here is perception. We do not know why Mark left the work. When he did, for whatever reason, Paul counted it against him for future work. Paul did not trust Him.
Barnabas on the other hand, held a more forgiving view for whatever the reason was and valued the work that Mark did accomplish with them.
For Paul, the association would not work. For Barnabas, he was convinced of Mark's devotion to bring him along.
In this scenario, Barnabas appears to have been "right." But if we look from a view further back, perhaps this split up was necessary. The brothers were still Christians. They did not hate each other. They still worked for God.
Later in 2Tim 4:11, Paul requests the help of Mark "for he is useful to me for ministry."  

   a. What should this teach us? Our humanity makes us limited. Sometimes we don't always agree on everything. If our focus stays on God and His message through the Christ, we will do well.

10. Many people believe this chapter supports “centralized government” within the church structure. List the reasons why this may or may not be true.
 a. This action was single-issue focused. Once it was resolved, the meeting did not happen again.
 b. It did not attempt to dictate how each congregation should conduct themselves.
 c. It was not focused on collecting funds for dispersion. 
 d. This meeting had the advantage of having apostles who had the gift of the Holy Spirit in way that was unique to them and a few Gentiles. 

 So, no. Many questions and concerns are addressed in the epistles to the churches that clarify church conduct and purpose. The main focus is on Jesus/God through what the Holy Spirit has revealed. 
That does not necessarily mean that elders from multiple churches cannot confer with one another for help and insights. It just means that each congregation is autonomous in its application of scripture for the assembly at their location, without an earthly "body" of humans telling them what they have to do.

Additional: Why did Paul want to revisit churches? Is this done today?
He wanted to see how they were doing. The term literally means interrogative-hold, or ask/see if they are holding on to the truths set before them.
It does happen today. A congregation may decide to support a work. Part of that decision will be based on criteria like are they teaching the truth etc. Occasionally, someone will spend some time with the congregation to make sure that is happening.
There are church-planting efforts in places where the gospel has not been ignored. There are people today who visit these churches to make sure they hold fast to the scriptures.
Here in America, we do not see too much church planting since there are literally churches everywhere.

 

 

 

Acts Chapter Fourteen

 Act 14:1  And it happened in Iconium, they went in together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spoke so as for a huge multitude of both Jews and Greeks to believe. 

Act 14:2  But the unbelieving Jews raised up and embittered the souls of the nations against the brothers. 

Act 14:3  Then, indeed, they stayed a considerable time, speaking boldly on the Lord, witnessing to the Word of His grace, and He giving miraculous signs and wonders to occur through their hands. 

Act 14:4  But the multitude of the city was divided; and some were with the Jews, but others with the apostles. 

Act 14:5  And when a rush of the nations occurred, and both the Jews and their rulers came to insult and to stone them, 

Act 14:6  perceiving this, they fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding country. 

Act 14:7  And they were announcing the gospel there. 

Act 14:8  And a certain man was sitting in Lystra, powerless in the feet, being lame from his mother's womb, who had never walked. 

Act 14:9  This one heard Paul speaking, who, looking intently at him, and seeing that he had faith to be cured, 

Act 14:10  he said with a loud voice, Stand upright on your feet! And he leaped up and walked about. 

Act 14:11  And seeing what Paul did, the crowd lifted up their voice in Lycaonian, saying, The gods have come down to us, becoming like men. 

Act 14:12  And they called Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the leader in speaking. 

Act 14:13  And the priest of Zeus being before their city, carrying bulls and garlands to the gates, he wished to sacrifice along with the crowds. 

Act 14:14  But Paul and Barnabas, the apostles, hearing, tearing their garments, they sprang into the crowd, crying out, 

Act 14:15  and saying, Men, why do you do these things? We also are men of like feelings to you, announcing the gospel to you to turn you from these vanities to the living God, who "made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all things in them," Ex. 20:11 

Act 14:16  who in the generations which have passed allowed all the nations to go in their own ways, 

Act 14:17  though indeed He did not leave Himself without witness, doing good, giving rain and fruitful seasons to us from heaven, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 

Act 14:18  And saying these things, they hardly stopped the crowds, that they not sacrifice to them. 

Act 14:19  But Jews came there from Antioch and Iconium, and persuading the crowds, and stoning Paul, they dragged him outside the city, supposing him to have died. 

Act 14:20  But the disciples surrounding him, arising he entered into the city. And on the morrow he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. 

Act 14:21  And having announced the gospel to that city, and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, 

Act 14:22  confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into the kingdom of God. 

Act 14:23  And having handpicked elders for them in every assembly, having prayed with fastings, they committed them to the Lord into whom they had believed. 

Act 14:24  And passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 

Act 14:25  And speaking the Word in Perga, they came down to Attalia, 

Act 14:26  and from there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 

Act 14:27  And having arrived, and gathering the assembly, they reported what things God did with them and that He opened a door of faith to the nations. 

Act 14:28  And they remained there not a little time with the disciples. 

PERSISTENCE VERSUS OPPOSITION

Verses 1-7: Paul and Barnabas head to Iconium. They teach in the synagogue. They are convincing, but the Jews there are against them and foster considerable retaliation against them among the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas leave. 

1. Who was in the synagogue with the Jews? This reads like there were Gentiles in the synagogue. It is likely that much of their teaching was on the synagogue premises but not actually inside. It does point out that the Gentiles there likely were of a proselyte condition. Their perception was that Paul was threatening that status.

2. How did the apostles “rely” (NASV) on the Lord? (3) "...speaking boldly on the Lord, witnessing to the Word of His grace, and He giving miraculous signs and wonders to occur through their hands."

Verses 8-18: Paul restores a lame man. He and Barnabas are taken to be gods and the priests come to sacrifice to them. They stop them, explaining that they are mere men like them, and they need to turn to the living God (Jehovah).

3. Describe the scene.  What we see here is superstition and belief in the mythological that has morphed into religion. When they see the work of the true God, they assign it to what they already believe, being ignorant of Jehovah. 

Additional: What does Paul say is the evidence of God in times past for these people? (17) "doing good, giving rain and fruitful seasons to us from heaven, filling our hearts with food and gladness."

Verses 19-20: Jews come looking for Paul. They drag him out of the city, stone him and leave him for dead. The disciples find Paul. He rests and leaves the next day to Derbe.

4. Where did these Jews come from to stone Paul? Why? Iconium and Antioch. These were souls devoted to the destruction of Paul. He was changing their belief system and they were not going to let it go. Paul is marked for death for them. They are willing to commit murder without a second thought.

Verses 21-28: Many converts are realized in Derbe. After that, they backtrack through the cities they had preached. They encouraged the brethren and handpicked elders. They return to Antioch.

5. After being stoned and left for dead, what did Paul do? He kept preaching, eventually returning to the place where he was assaulted.

6. What things must we do to gain courage like Paul? We sings a song "I Am Resolved." That is what we do. We become resolute with our faith and look for the opportunities to speak of our faith. We cannot concern ourselves with what others say about us or what they think.
Their salvation is greater that my worry.

Additional: (2, 3) Did you notice that even though much of the crowd became embittered that Paul and Barnabas resolved to stay longer, and even performed miracles? (See response to question six)

Describe the actions in verses 22/23. This was a building up of the body. Imagine the joy it was to return to a city and find the church was still there and hopefully thriving. This was not an easy road, not for Paul and not for the new Christians. There was no immediate reward for the suffering they had to endure for this gospel.

 

Acts Chapter Thirteen

 Act 13:1  And in Antioch some among the existing assembly were prophets and teachers: both Barnabas and Simeon, he being called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 

Act 13:2  And while they were doing service to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, So then separate both Barnabas and Saul to Me, for the work to which I have called them. 

Act 13:3  Then, having fasted and prayed, and placing hands on them, they let them go. 

Act 13:4  Then these indeed sent out by the Holy Spirit went down to Seleucia, and from there sailed away to Cyprus. 

Act 13:5  And coming unto Salamis, they announced the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they also had John as a helper. 

Act 13:6  And passing through the island as far as Paphos, they found a certain conjurer, a false prophet, a Jew named Bar-jesus, 

Act 13:7  who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This one having called Barnabas and Saul to him, he sought to hear the Word of God. 

Act 13:8  But Elymas, the conjurer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 

Act 13:9  But Saul, who is also Paul, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and looking intently on him, 

Act 13:10  he said, O son of the devil, full of all guile and of all cunning, hostile to all righteousness, will you not stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 

Act 13:11  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun until a time. And instantly a mist and darkness fell on him, and going about he sought some to lead him by the hand. 

Act 13:12  Then seeing the thing happening, the proconsul believed, being astounded at the doctrine of the Lord. 

Act 13:13  And putting out from Paphos with those around him, Paul came to Perga of Pamphylia. And separating from them, John returned to Jerusalem. 

Act 13:14  But going through from Perga, they came to Antioch-Pisidia, and going into the synagogue on the day of the sabbaths, they sat down. 

Act 13:15  And after the reading of the Law, and of the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent to them, saying, Men, brothers, if there is a word of exhortation to the people, speak. 

Act 13:16  And rising up, and signaling with his hand, Paul said, Men, Israelites, and the ones fearing God, listen. 

Act 13:17  The God of this people Israel chose out our fathers, and exalted the people in their stay in the land of Egypt. And with a high arm, He led them out of it. 

Act 13:18  And as forty years time passed, He tenderly bore them in the wilderness. Deut. 1:31 

Act 13:19  And He pulled down seven nations in Canaan land, and gave their land to them as an inheritance. Deut. 7:1 

Act 13:20  And after these things, as four hundred and fifty years passed, He gave judges until Samuel the prophet. 

Act 13:21  And from there they asked for a king. And God gave Saul the son of Kish to them, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 

Act 13:22  And removing him, He raised up to them David for a king, to whom He also said, witnessing, "I found David" the son of Jesse "to be a man according to My own heart, who will do all My will." 1 Samuel 13:14; Psa. 89:20; LXX-Isa. 44:28 

Act 13:23  Of the seed of this one, according to promise, God raised up to Israel a Savior, Jesus; 

Act 13:24  John going before to proclaim before the face of His entrance a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 

Act 13:25  And as John fulfilled the course, he said, Whom do you suppose me to be? I am not He, but, behold, "He comes after me, of whom I am not worthy to loosen the sandal of His feet." John 1:27 

Act 13:26  Men, brothers, sons of the race of Abraham, and the ones among you fearing God, to you the Word of this salvation was sent. 

Act 13:27  For those dwelling in Jerusalem, and their rulers, not having known this One, and the voices of the prophets being read throughout every sabbath, condemning Him, they fulfilled the Scriptures. 

Act 13:28  And finding not one cause of death, they asked Pilate to do away with Him. 

Act 13:29  And when they finished all the things having been written concerning Him, taking Him down from the tree, they laid Him in a tomb. 

Act 13:30  But God raised Him from the dead; 

Act 13:31  who appeared for many days to those coming up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are witnesses of Him to the people. 

Act 13:32  And we preach the gospel to you, the promise made to the fathers, 

Act 13:33  that this God has fulfilled to us, their children, raising up Jesus; as also it has been written in the second Psalm, "You are My Son, today I have begotten You." Psa. 2:7 

Act 13:34  And that He raised Him from the dead, no more being about to return to corruption, so He has said, "I will give You" "the holy things of faithful David." Isa. 55:3 

Act 13:35  So He also said in another, "You will not give Your Holy One to see corruption." LXX-Psa. 15:10; MT-Psa. 16:10 

Act 13:36  For having served his own generation by the counsel of God, David truly fell asleep and was added to his fathers and saw corruption. 1 Kg. 2:10 

Act 13:37  But He whom God raised up, this One did not see corruption. 

Act 13:38  Then let it be known to you, men, brothers, that through this One remission of sin is announced to you. 

Act 13:39  And everyone believing in this One is justified from all things which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses. 

Act 13:40  Then watch that the thing spoken in the Prophets may not come on you: 

Act 13:41  "Behold, you despisers," "and marvel," "and perish, because I work a work in your days," a work which you would "in no way believe if anyone declares it to you." Hab. 1:5 

Act 13:42  But the Jews having gone out of the synagogue, the nations begged that these words be spoken to them on the next sabbath. 

Act 13:43  And the synagogue being broken up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who speaking to them persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 

Act 13:44  And in the coming sabbath, almost all the city was gathered to hear the Word of God. 

Act 13:45  And the Jews seeing the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things being spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 

Act 13:46  But speaking boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, It was necessary for the Word of God to be spoken first to you; but since you indeed thrust it away and judge yourselves not worthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the nations. 

Act 13:47  For so the Lord has commanded us, "I have set You for a Light of nations, that You be for salvation to the end of the earth." Isa. 49:6 

Act 13:48  And hearing, the nations rejoiced and glorified the Word of the Lord. And as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 

Act 13:49  And the Word of the Lord was borne through all the country. 

Act 13:50  But the Jews excited the devout and honorable women, and the chief ones of the city, and raised up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out from their borders. 

Act 13:51  But these shaking off the dust of their feet on them, they came into Iconium. 

Act 13:52  And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. 

FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Verses 1-3: Teachers among the Church are separated out for missionary work (Barnabas and Saul).

1. Who is still guiding these men? Holy Spirit.

Verses 4-12: Various travels. Sergius Paulus, a member of the proconsul calls for Paul and Barnabas to hear the gospel. A conjurer (Elymas) tries to stop them. Paul rebukes him and has him struck blind. The proconsul is converted.

2. See verse 7. Proconsul members were typically a part of the Roman Senate. Why would it be important for men like this to know about the Gospel? The gospel is for all people. During this time, religion played an important role in politics and government. 

3. Describe Bar-Jesus (Elymas) - Paul calls him out as "son of the devil, full of all guile and of all cunning, hostile to all righteousness, will you not stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?" 

4. What kind of man is Paul? Determined. Paul now has a more proper zeal for God.

Verses 13-41: Paul speaks a linear/historical sermon revealing Jesus as the Christ, the son of God, through whom is found remission of sins. He then warns them to pay attention.

5. Paul’s “therefore” in verse 38 is based on the fact that Christ did not “undergo decay”. What is the correlation between Jesus not decaying, and his ability to forgive sins? The conquering of death which is the result of sin implies an authoritative position. Jesus is greater than death, and He fulfills the "perfect sacrifice" criteria against sin. It is the hand of God's doing that makes this possible. Paul's main point is "everyone believing in this One is justified from all things which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses."
Let's not forget the context from verse 15"after the reading of the Law."

6. Describe Paul’s warning in verses 40-41. He finishes his historical references with one that has a warning not to ignore all this evidence.

Verses 42-52: Paul teaches Jews and Gentiles. Many of the Gentiles believe. The Jews become jealous and indignant. They persecute Paul and Barnabas. They rile up some of the prominent people. Paul and Barnabas are thrown out of the city. 

7. Everything seemed fine until WHAT? " the Jews seeing the crowds, they were filled with jealousy"  -  Paul's preaching was effective with Gentiles. They begged to have the word expounded to them. Paul's gospel is inflammatory in that it puts Jesus over the law, not as an administrator, bit as one who fulfills it. That statement forces the question, "then what is the law for anymore?" It is bold and provocative...and true.

8. Why would anyone contradict the gospel? As is the case, power and the inability to keep an open mind marks the fall of the brothers that refuse to see God's wisdom.

Additional: At the 2^nd sabbath’s teaching, “almost all the city” came to hear the gospel. Why? These were "the nations" (Gentiles) who were moved by the gospel.

Paul and Barnabas are thrown out of the city. Why rejoice? Like Peter and the others, it was an honor to be mistreated for the name of Jesus.

Acts Chapter Twelve

 Act 12:1  And at that time Herod the king put forth the hands to oppress some of those of the assembly. 

Act 12:2  And with a sword he did away with James the brother of John. 

Act 12:3  And seeing that it was pleasing to the Jews, he added also to seize Peter, (and they were the days of Unleavened Bread ) 

Act 12:4  whom also capturing him, he put him into prison, delivering him to four sets of four soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him up to the people after the Passover. 

Act 12:5  Then Peter was indeed kept in the prison, but fervent prayer was made by the assembly to God on his behalf. 

Act 12:6  But when Herod was about to bring him out, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, being bound with two chains, also guards were keeping the prison before the door. 

Act 12:7  And, behold! An angel of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the building. And striking Peter's side, he raised him up, saying, Rise up in haste! And the chains fell off from his hands. 

Act 12:8  And the angel said to him, Gird yourself, and bind on your sandals. And he did so. And he said to him, Throw around your garment and follow me. 

Act 12:9  And going out, he followed him, and did not know that this happening through the angel was real, but he thought he saw a vision. 

Act 12:10  And going through a first and a second guard, they came on the iron gate leading into the city, which opened to them of itself. And going out, they went on one street; and instantly the angel withdrew from him. 

Act 12:11  And having come, Peter said within himself, Now I know truly that the Lord sent out His angel and plucked me out of Herod's hand, and out of all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 

Act 12:12  And considering, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, the one being surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together, and praying. 

Act 12:13  And Peter was knocking at the door of the porch, and a servant girl named Rhoda came near to listen. 

Act 12:14  And recognizing Peter's voice, from joy she did not open the porch, but running in she reported Peter was standing before the porch. 

Act 12:15  But they said to her, You are raving. But she insisted, holding it to be so. And they said, It is his angel. 

Act 12:16  But Peter kept on knocking. And opening, they saw him and were amazed. 

Act 12:17  And signaling to them with the hand to be silent, he told them how the Lord led him out of the prison. And he said, Report these things to James and the brothers. And going out, he went to another place. 

Act 12:18  And day having come, there was not a little disturbance among the soldiers, saying, What, then, became of Peter? 

Act 12:19  And searching for him, and not finding him, examining the guards, Herod commanded them to be led away. And going down from Judea to Caesarea, he stayed. 

Act 12:20  And Herod was in bitter hostility with the Tyrians and Sidonians. But with one passion they came to him. And persuading Blastus, the one over the king's bedroom, they begged peace, because their country was fed from the royal bounty. 

Act 12:21  And on a set day, having been clothed in a regal garment, and sitting on the tribunal, Herod made a speech to them. 

Act 12:22  And the mass of people cried out, The voice of a god, and not of a man! 

Act 12:23  And instantly an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give the glory to God. And having been eaten by worms, his soul went out. 

Act 12:24  But the Word of God grew and increased. 

Act 12:25  And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, having fulfilled the service, and having taken with them the one surnamed Mark. 

ACTS CHAPTER TWELVE

MURDER TO PLEASE OTHERS

Verses 1-5: Herod is looking to please the Jews. He kills James, the brother of John. He has Peter captured an imprisoned.

1. Read some history on the Herod Kings. Why would this king want to please the Jews? 
The Herod kings were Rome installed leaders over Israel. They were not particularly liked. Herod the Great did rebuild the temple but it must be noted that keeping peace in the region was the likely goal for that project. A peaceful region drew little or no attention from Rome and ensured a steady flow of taxes.

2. Why were there so many guards to watch one man? Peter has already been extricated from prison (by an angel), dumbfounding his captors. It wasn't going to happen again. 

Additional: Consider the feast that was occurring during this time. What should have been the focus of the people? This was Passover. Inaugurated as a solemn occasion to remember freedom by the hand of God from Egypt. It was a time for reflection, thanksgiving and rejoicing. The focus was supposed to be on Jehovah.

Verses 6-10: Peter is well guarded, but an angel comes to him and helps him escape. Peter is unsure if what is happening is even real. He is led through a gate to the city and the angel departs.

3. Considering all the noisy things going on, why didn’t the guards wake up? Assuming they were asleep, or even if they were awake, this was a miracle. A work by the hand of God to deliver Peter and send a message.

Verses 11-17: Peter goes to Mary's house, the mother of John Mark. He knocks at the door of the front porch. See hears Peter's voice and runs off to tell the others (and forgets to open the door). Everyone thinks she is mad. They assumed Peter to be dead like James (a son of Zebedee). Peter continues to knock and they let him in. He recounts how the Lord has rescued him. Then he leaves.

4. Explain Rhoda’s reaction. The room had to be very somber. James had already been killed and now Peter was in custody for the assumed same reason. Her sorrow turns to joy to find him alive. 

Verses 18-19: The guards report that Peter had escaped. The guards are "led away" (for punishment).

5. Why is the punishment of the guards important to the story? (KJV- “put to death”) - No guard, especially an unbeliever, would find it acceptable to be punished or executed for a cause they hated. If they were believers, then they possible paid with their lives (as evidence to the reliability of the gospel).

Verses 20-25: The Tyrians and Sidonians are at odds with Herod. They come to him seeking peace. He dons some royal apparel and gives a speech. The crowd essentially call him a god for his speaking. Herod does not dis agree. He is struck dead for not giving God the glory  

6. Herod’s sudden death has been recorded in the secular world. Why were the people worshiping him? The rift between the coastal city of Cesarea and Tyre/Sidon was likely financially oppressive enough that the citizens looked to play on Herod's ego. They were looking for some relief/favors, so a little fake flattery was perceived as a small price to get what they wanted.

7. What lessons can we learn from Herod and his citizens? People are people and need to keep things real in business. If your superior loves to have his ego stroked, there is an honest way to it, even with someone as treacherous as Herod. Leave God out of it (except maybe for some prayer beforehand).