Lesson 28
Chapter 25
Paul before Festus

25:1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

Festus has now replaced Felix as governor.  Three days after he arrived in the Roman city of Caesarea, he made a trip to Jerusalem.  It didn’t take long for the Jews to swing into action.  They met with Festus, and asked him to call Paul to Jerusalem.  They intended to kill him as he traveled between the two cities.
Remember, it has been two years since Paul was escorted by soldiers to Caesarea from Jerusalem in order to spare his life.  The Jews have not given up their plots against Paul.  Festus does not agree to move Paul.  Maybe he knew something about what had happened before and realized that Paul would be in danger.  Certainly he knew the Jews were riled up against this man and wouldn’t have wanted the Jews to be out of control over dealings with Paul, as in the past.  So tells them that he would soon be returning to Caesarea; they could come and bring charges against him there.  Notice, he asks for “men of authority” to come and bring the charges.  Festus wants to deal with this the right way.

6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.

Do you remember the charges that were brought against Paul by the Jews when he stood before Felix?  (review)
There were only three charges.  One, that he had profaned the temple.  This was false and was not a crime against Rome.  Two, that he was a leader of the Christians.  This was true, but was not a crime against Rome.  The third charge, sedition, was the most serious charge, but it was a false charge and could be proved to be false.  Now we see them bringing “many and serious charges,” none of which could be proved.
Paul answered:

 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

Paul simply proclaims his innocence.  Festus asks him if he wants to be tried on the charges by him in Jerusalem.  Why did he ask Paul this?  What is Paul’s answer? 

Once Paul asked to have his trial before Caesar, which was his right as a Roman citizen, he was allowed to have his trial moved to Rome and no one else could bring charges against him in another court.  By appealing to Caesar, Paul was preserving his rights—and his life.  We must see another thing about Paul’s appeal to Rome.

Remember in Acts 23, the Lord had appeared to Paul and told him that he would be His witness in Rome. It was God’s will that Paul go to Rome.  This is the means He is using to get Paul there.  Festus realizes that he can’t do anything with Paul and agrees, as he must, to send him to Caesar.

13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”

Festus was the governor, but Agrippa was the King!  After some days, Agrippa and his wife came to visit Festus and stayed many days.  Paul had still not been sent to Caesar.  It seems Festus wasn’t sure what to do.  The charge of sedition was a serious one, but it seemed clear to Festus that the Jews could not prove it.  He tells Agrippa about the situation with Paul and tells him he still has him in custody since he had appealed to Rome.  Agrippa decides he wants to hear from Paul, too.
Paul has stood before Lysias, the Roman tribune, the Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus, and now he will stand before Agrippa.  (read Acts 9:15)  Paul is now fulfilling what was said at his conversion.

23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city.

There was quite a gathering of important people the next day!  The King and his wife, military tribunes, and the prominent men of the city!  This was quite a gathering to hear from Paul.  Remember, this is not a trial.  Paul is not defending himself against charges, he is preaching the Gospel.  This is a fulfillment of the prophecy that he would come before kings and rulers in Christ’s name.
Even though the King and the Governor were present, they did not have authority over Paul, either to condemn him, or to free him.  This was merely a public appearance before the King and his court so they could talk to him and hear what he has to say.  Why would all these important people want to hear from Paul?  (They had heard about the Way and were curious)
Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

 

24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

Festus admits that Paul has done nothing to deserve death.  But he finds himself in the awkward position of having a man in his custody that has no valid charges against him.  He wants King Agrippa’s help in knowing what to say when he sends him to Rome.

 

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.        

Lesson 28
Acts 24

24:1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

Ananias, elders and Tertullus come to Caesarea to accuse Paul before Felix, the governor.  Tertullus is a Jewish lawyer and it is he who brings the charges before the court.   Tertullus, as a trained lawyer, is less emotional than Ananias.  We will see that he is well trained and well prepared:

“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.* 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

(*Some manuscripts add and we would have judged him according to our law. 7But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8commanding his accusers to come before you.)

 

Tertullus flatters the governor, makes false charges against Paul, and then tries to discredit Lysias.
What are the charges against Paul?

--That he was guilty of sedition
It is true that the Gospel divides, but it was not Paul’s intention to divide the nation, rather he desired to unite them in Christ.
--That he was a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes/Christians.
--That he had profaned the temple.

Which of these charges are true and which are false?

Now it’s Paul’s turn:

10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.

Notice that Paul is polite and respectful to Felix.  He does not overly flatter him, but recognizes that even though he isn’t a Jew, he is their judge and he knows their customs and laws.

11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem,

Even after the delay caused by the riots/imprisonment/travel it is still only 12 days since Paul had arrived in Jerusalem, hardly enough time to stir up a rebellion.  He also lets Felix know why he was in Jerusalem—to worship.

12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

Paul maintains that he never disputed in the temple, or anywhere else, nor did he stir up the people.  He tells Felix that they can’t prove it.  But he does admit to the religious charge of being “of the sect of the Nazarenes” but declares that he worships the “God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.”  In this he is in agreement with his accusers, though they see things differently.

15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

Paul quickly brings his defense around to the resurrection, as he always does. (Review Gospel)

16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.

Paul appeals to his clear conscience before God and man.  Remember, this is the thing that so enraged Ananias when he stood before the Sanhedrin.  He also gives Felix the other purpose of his visit to Jerusalem—to bring alms and to present offerings. 

 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,

Paul insists that he had not defamed the temple nor started a riot, for he was not there with a crowd and had not stirred up trouble.  He lets Felix know that the real accusers, the Sanhedrin, were not even there, nor had they found him guilty!

21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

Again, Paul brings up the resurrection, keeping his focus on the Gospel, which was the real issue of the day.

22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

Felix knows about “the Way” and about Christ’s resurrection.  He puts off hi judgment until he hears from Lysias because the testimony he had heard was contradictory.  Paul remains a prisoner, but is given liberty and allowed visitors.  He is innocent until proved guilty.  Felix had the authority to release Paul then and there but he didn’t.  Why not?

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”

Felix and his Jewish wife, Druscilla, call for Paul and hear the Gospel

What are the elements of his message?
What was Felix’s response? 

26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Felix kept him in prison for 2 years, calling him in from time to time to talk with him.  What do you think he wanted to talk to him about?  
Why didn’t he release him?  

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.       

Lesson 27

Acts 23

Paul before the Sanhedrin

Paul transferred to Caesarea

Read vs. 1-2

Review the make-up of the Sanhedrin

High Priest

Council

Elders

Sadducees

Pharisees

Ananias was the High Priest AD 48-59. (This is not the same Ananias of Acts 9)

Paul began by declaring that his conscience is clear before God. Ananias is enraged by this and calls for Paul to be striken in the mouth.

Read vs. 3-4

Paul calles him a whitewashed wall. It was customary at that time to whitewash tombs—this is a strong statement concerning Paul’s opinion of Ananias’ spiritual condition. (Looks fine on the outside but dead on the inside)

Read Matthew 23: 27-27 (Jesus’ woes upon the Pharisees)

Vs. 3 The prist is supposed to judge “according to the Law.” According to the law, there must be a trial and a verdict (define) before any punishment

Read vs. 4-5 and Romans 13:7

Paul knows better than to revile the High Priest. He didn’t know it was the High Priest he was speaking to (poor eyesight, confusion, crowded room) Notice what he does when he realizes—(quotes scripture) Notice, too, that he softens his words by calling them “brethren.”

Read vs. 6-7

Sadducess denied resurrection, angels and spirits

Pharisees affirmed (believed in) resurrection, angels and spirits

Read Matthew 22:23-32

This makes for a divided council (politically and religiously)

Paul uses the division to futher his defense. He brings up a theological issue (resurrection in general, not only Christ’s resurrection)

Read vs. 7-9

Apparently, there were many observers because it mentions a multitude. The scribes come in on the side of the Pharisees, who support Paul (Paul was a Pharisees and is “one of their own”). They say, “let us not fight against God”—an important statement.

Read vs. 10

This time Luke says “a great cry” rather than his usual understatement such as “no small cry.” Usually Luke uses understatement, but not this time! This is possibly the time in which Paul was in the most immediate danger. They were ready to pull Paul apart! Again, the Roman captain sends soldiers in to rescue Paul.

Read vs. 11

Jesus appears to Paul and “stands by him.” He says, “be glad Paul—you have done what I asked in Jerusalem, now I’m sending you to Rome.”

This vision proves a couple of important things:

--God’s will for Paul had been done in Jerusalem

--it was God’s will that Paul go on to Rome

--Paul would certainly have opportunity for the Gospel in Rome

Read vs. 12-15 re: the conspiracy (plot) against Paul

The plot:

--more than 40 men

--the chief priests and elders knew about it

--they bound themselves under a curse (vow). They did not curse Paul—the curse was on themselves not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.

--the set up: get the council to call him in again (saying they had a question) and kill him on his way there. (review vs. 11, God’s will)

Read vs. 16-18

Paul’s nephew learns of the plot and goes to Paul. Paul asks for his nephew to see the chief captain, which was his right as a Roman citizen.

Read vs. 19-22

Paul’s nephew tells what he knows and the captain tells him not to let anyone know that he now knows of the plot.

Paul was trusting God, but even so, he told the Roman chief about the plot and was given full protection. Does this show a lack of faith on Paul’s part? No, this is not a lack of faith. God provides the means to accomplish His will and expects us to trust Him and use the means that he has given us.

Read vs. 23-24

Paul was sent to Caesarea guarded by 200 soldiers, 70 mounted soldiers, and 200 spearmen at the third hour of the night. He was moved in secret, but not without full protection.

Read vs. 25-26

The Roman chief sends a letter to Felix, the governor. Note: names were placed at the beginning of letters in those days)

Read vs. 27 He begins by making it clear that Paul is a Roman citizen.

Read vs. 28-29

The chief, Claudias Lysias, lets them know that according to Roman law, Paul was not guilty of death or imprisonment.

Read vs. 30

He let them know that therse was a plot against Paul’s life and that he had commanded that they give an account (not Paul) (turned tables on the conspirators)

Read vs. 31-end of chapter

When they got to Caesarea, they delivered Paul along with Lysias’ letter to Felix, the governor of the region.

Felix asks Paul where he came from. Why? (confirm his status as a Roman citizen)—he will hear him when his accusers get there.

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.         

Lesson 26
Chapter 22  Paul’s Defense in Jerusalem

21:40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language,  saying:

That’s how Chapter 21 ended last week.  Today we will examine Paul’s defense in Jerusalem before the gathered, angry crowd.

22:1 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”
2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

When Paul begins to speak, he says something interesting.  He calls the angry mob “brothers and fathers.”  He calls them brothers because he is one of them—a Jew—and he considers them his brothers.  He also addresses the “fathers.”  This is a title that shows his respect for the men who are older than he is.  Paul understands these people and he wants them to hear the Gospel and believe in Christ.  He is speaking to them as one of them, in their own tongue, and they listen quietly:

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

Paul tells all about himself, where he was from, how he had been educated, (Tarsus was, at this time in history, the center of Greek education with the finest Greek university.  But Paul was raised in Jerusalem and was educated by Gamaiel, the most famous and influential Jewish educator at that time.  They could not dismiss Paul as one who was uneducated or as one who did not understand and follow their own Jewish Law.  In fact, Paul tells them that he had been just like them—zealous for God and against this new sect that was developing around the person of Jesus Christ.  He had not only believed as they did, he worked to stamp it out.  Then he begins to tell them about his conversion by recounting all that had happened on the road to Damascus and with Ananias (The first account of Paul’s conversion was in Acts 9; we will find it again in Acts 26):

6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

So far, the crowd is listening.

17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

This is the only place in scripture that records Paul’s vision in the temple.  

22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this.

What had he said in verses 17-21 to make them so angry and call for his death?
Why did the tribune order him to be carried back into the barracks?  Why do you think he needed to “examine” him to find out what was going on that caused the crowd to become a mob  again?

25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?”

Paul says two very important things here:  first, he is a Roman citizen and, as such, he is entitled to all the rights and privileges of Roman citizenship.  Also, he is uncondemned.  That means that no charges had been brought against him in a court of law and he had not been found guilty of anything.

26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.”

Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

The centurion was the one who was preparing to interrogate Paul, but it was the tribune who had ordered the whipping (vs 24).  Even though he had been ordered to whip Paul, the centurion knew that he didn’t dare do it, so he went to the tribune and told him.  The tribune came and questioned Paul himself.  The tribune had had to buy his citizenship, so he was very aware of the difference between a citizen and a non-citizen and probably prized the privileges and also feared being found out and punished.  Once they learned Paul was a citizen, they left him alone!  They had both broken Roman law when they arrested Paul and bound him.

30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

Even though they had released Paul, there was still great unrest in the city, so they commanded the Sanhedrin to meet so that they could, in a lawful manner, find out what was going on between Paul and the mob.

Next week, Chapter 23:  Paul’s defense before the courts of the Sanhedrin

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.        

Lesson 25
Chapter 21
Paul’s return to Jerusalem and his arrest

21:1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

Chapter 20 ended with Paul’s meeting with the Ephesian Elders.  Now he begins his journey back to Jerusalem by sailing first to Tyre.  Paul stayed there for seven days.  Luke doesn’t mention it, but as it was always Paul’s practice to teach and preach to Jews and Gentiles wherever he went, I am sure he preached to the disciples he found there and probably made new converts.  The people of Tyre must have loved Paul, because when he left them to continue his journey, they accompanied him all the way to the ship.  They knelt and prayed together.  Note what is said in verse 4: And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.  Why do you think they were telling Paul not to continue his journey to Jerusalem?  (Read Acts 20:22-24)  The Spirit was telling the people in Tyre the same thing, but even though they urged him not to go, Paul was “bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem.”  Paul was confident that God was calling him to Jerusalem, even though he knew that hardship and persecution awaited him there.  He later wrote to the church in Philippi:

 

 

Philippians 1:12 “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

 

At Paul’s conversion, God had told Annaias that Paul would have to suffer for the cause of Christ.  (Read Acts 9:15-16)

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

Paul had carried the name of Christ to Jews and Gentiles.  Soon, he would be carrying the name of Christ to rulers and Kings.

7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.

As Paul and Timothy continued their journey to Jerusalem, they stopped for one day at Ptolemais and then departed for Caesarea.  They stayed with Philip the Evangelist, who was one of the seven men who had been called to serve in Acts 6:3.  Philip had four daughters who “prophesied.”  On the day of Pentecost, Peter had preached from the book of Joel, saying,

 

 

I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

 

While he was there, he was visited by Angus the Prophet from Judea.  He tied up his own hands and feet with Paul’s belt as a demonstration of what would happen to Paul when he got to Jerusalem.  When the people heard this, they cried and begged him not to go to Jerusalem. Notice that verse 12 says, “we and the people urged him not to go to Jerusalem.”  Even Paul’s companions were begging him not to go!  Look at Paul’s response in verse 13.  It broke Paul’s heart to see them so upset, but he knew what he must do and he was ready to do anything—even die—in the service of Christ and His Gospel.  

17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.

When Paul finally got to Jerusalem, the church greeted him with joy.  The next day, he met with James and the other elders.  As before, he was making a report about his journeys and the things God had done through him for the Gentiles.  They were delighted with his report and gave glory to God for all that had been done among the Gentiles.

But they quickly moved on to another subject—the Jewish converts.  These Jews were now Christian Jews.  They still observed the Mosaic Law, though not for salvation.  The first counsel of the leaders in Jerusalem had determined that the Gentiles did NOT have to follow the Mosaic law or be circumcised to be in the faith, however, they did not go so far as to say that the Jewish Christians must forsake the Mosaic law.  They understood that Christ had fulfilled the law and that it was faith in Christ and not in the law that saved them.

Some Jews were saying that Paul was telling Jewish converts who lived in Gentile regions that they should not observe the law or teach it to their children or circumcise their children.  This was not true.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians7:17-20:

17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.

The leaders in Jerusalem knew that Paul was not teaching what they were accusing him of teaching, but they also knew that there would be trouble when the Jews learned that Paul was in Jerusalem.  So, they had a plan.

23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled,  and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.

The leaders do not want there to be division in the church.  There was not to be a Jewish church and a Gentile church.  Just as the first council had determined that Gentile converts did not have to convert to Judaism to become Christians, the Jews who came to Christ did not have to stop being Jews!  Therefore, since Paul was a Jew, they thought they might avoid the issue if he went with the four men who had completed their vows and pay their fee to be released from the vow and shave their heads.  They also reminded him of the only requirements they had put on the Gentiles.  Paul agrees, and purified himself along with them and paid the offering for them all.

27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”

What did the crowd accuse Paul of doing?  Did he do any of those things?  All the city was stirred up and they dragged Paul out of the temple.  Notice it doesn’t say that they dragged Paul and Trophimus out of the temple.  There is no evidence that Paul took him into the temple with him.  Paul knew better than that.  The Gentiles were only allowed in the Outer Courts.  When the tribune of the cohort (Roman magistrate) heard what happened, he took soldiers and centurians with him to stop the mob.  These were a LOT of soldiers!  Centurians commanded 100 men!  When the mob saw them coming, they stopped beating Paul.  The tribune arrested Paul and bound him in chains.  He asked the crowd who he was and what he had done.  The mob was so loud and violent that he couldn’t learn what was going on, so he had Paul removed from the situation.

37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language,  saying:

Paul spoke to the tribune in Greek.  This surprised the man.  He thought that since Paul spoke Greek, he must be the person who had recently stirred up a revolt in that area, but Paul told him who he was and asked for permission to speak to the people.  Paul stood on the steps where he could be seen and heard and beckoned to the crowd . He spoke to them in Hebrew and they listened.

Next week we will discuss Chapter 22 and learn what he said to the crowd.

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.       

Lesson 24
Chapter 20
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey, continued

20:1 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.

What uproar?  (review what had happened in Ephesus, Chapter 19)
1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 8-9 tell us that the purpose of this trip was to collect an offering for the relief of the church in Jerusalem.  He may have stayed in Macedonia a year or so.

2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.

When Paul was in Greece, he wrote the book of Romans.  After three months, he left Greece because of a plot against his life.  Some went ahead of Paul to Troas, but he sailed from Philippi.  Paul had wanted to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem, but he didn’t make it back in time.  Instead he met up with the other disciples in Troas.  Apparently, Luke accompanied Paul to Philippi and then to Troas because verse 5 says the disciples that had gone ahead to Troas were waiting “for us.”  They stayed in Troas 7 days.  The men who are mentioned in verse 4 are men who had heard the Gospel of Christ through Paul and had believed.  Now they were serving as missionaries alongside him!

7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

Notice that they were gathered together on the first day of the week.  The Jews worshiped on the last day of the week, the Sabbath, but the Christians gathered for worship on Sunday, the first day of the week.  This is because Jesus was raised from the dead on Sunday.

Paul only stayed in Troas for 7 days and this was his last day there.  The church met together to break bread.  They shared communion and probably had a meal together.  Paul was making the most of his last day among them by preaching and teaching all day and into the evening.

A young man called Eutychus fell asleep as Paul was talking and fell out of a window to his death.  Paul went down and lifted him up and told them that the young man was alive! Some people think that he really wasn’t dead and that Paul was just telling them that he hadn’t died after all.  But this was a miracle.  The boy was dead.  Remember who is writing this book.  Luke.  Dr. Luke.  As a doctor, Luke would certainly know whether someone was dead or not!  He tells us that Eutychus was dead.  Paul went down and raised him from the dead and then told them that “his life was in him!”
Paul stayed with them for the rest of the night and then departed for Assos:

 

13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Paul is traveling through Greece on his way to Jerusalem.  Paul decided to walk instead of sailing with the others.  After about a twenty mile walk, he met up with the others in Assos.  He decided not to take the time to go to Ephesus because he wanted to get to Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost.  (50 days after the Passover)

17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.
Paul didn’t take the time to go to Ephesus, but he still wanted to check up on the church there and talk to the leaders of the church, so he asked them to travel to Miletus (the port of Ephesus) to meet with him there.
18 And when they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. –

Paul begins his visit with the Ephesian elders by reminding them about the kind of minister he had been to them.  What are some of the things of which he reminded them?

22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.

He tells them he is going to Jerusalem “constrained by the Spirit.”  What does it mean to be constrained?  
He is constrained to go, but he doesn’t have a clear view of what is going to happen to him once he gets there.  However, the Holy Spirit has told him that imprisonment and afflictions are coming.  

Paul was not afraid of what was coming.  Read verse 24 again.  What was Paul’s life’s purpose?  Why could he care so little about his own life?  He tells them that he will never see them again.  How does he know this?  He has said he doesn’t know what will happen in Jerusalem.

26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Paul knows that he will lose his life in the cause of the Gospel.  He is not afraid of dying or concerned about what will happen after his death because he knows that he has done all that the Holy Spirit has asked of him.  Having talked to them about his ministry among them and after having told them that this would be their last time together, he warns them to follow his example.

29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

Paul knows what is coming and warns the Ephesian elders that wolves will attack the church and that even some from among themselves will walk away from the truth of the Gospel.  He tells them to be alert and reminds them again of his own ministry among them—he pleaded with them night and day with tears that they remain in the faith.

32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

He commends them to God and to God’s word.  He reminds them that he had provided for his own needs while he ministered to them and had not taken money from them.  He asks them to follow his example in this, too, and to help the week and give to the poor.  The saying of Jesus in verse 35 is recorded no where else in scripture, but the elders of Ephesus knew that he had said it because Paul tells them to remember what Christ had said.  

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Paul prayed with them and they all cried because they knew they would not see each other again.  A minister of the Gospel, sent by the Spirit, will have a love for the church of God and they for him.  Instead of returning to Ephesus immediately, they accompanied Paul to the ship.  It must have been hard for them to say good-bye to Paul.

Next week, Chapter 21.

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.      

Lesson 23
Chapter 19
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey, Part One

During Paul’s third missionary journey, he revisited the churches in Galatia Then he settled in Ephesus for two years.  During the time he was there, he wrote the book of 1 Corinthians.

Paul had a significant ministry in Ephesus.  Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia.  It is located near the mouth of the Cayster river and was on the main trade route between Rome and Asia (between the East and the West).  It was the greatest commercial center in Asia.  It was another city that was the center of religion, but in this case it was the religion of Diana.  The Temple of Diana, located in Ephesus, was one of the seventh wonders of the world, and people came from all over the world to see the temple and to worship there.

19:1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

Remember, Paul had promised to return to Ephesus if God willed it. When Paul got there, he found some disciples who, like Apollos, only knew of the baptism of John.  John’s baptism was one of repentance from sin and pointed to the Messiah who was to come. (vs. 4)  They did not know about the Holy Spirit.  It seems as though they did not really understand about Jesus, either.  Paul told them about Jesus, they believed and were baptized.  They were filled with the Holy Spirit, just as had happened on the day of Pentecost, and in Samaria, and at Caeserea. 

8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

As we’ve seen over and over, Paul goes first to the synagogue and takes the Gospel “to the Jew first.”
As in the past, when the Gospel is preached, some will believe and some will not.  The ones who did not believe became disruptive and stubborn and began to speak against the Gospel, so he left the synagogue, as he had in Corinth, but he didn’t stop teaching or speaking out.  He began to teach regularly in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.

11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.

Read vs. 11 carefully.  Who was doing the miracles?  What kind of miracles were they?  And through whom did he perform the miracles?  Let’s think about what we’ve learned before.  Why was the preaching of the Gospel accompanied by miracles? 

13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

As we’ve seen before, there are always those people who see the miracles and want to have the power to do miracles themselves—for their own glory and usually for money.  This time, some Jewish exorcists (a person who would cast demons out of possessed people) had witnessed Paul’s amazing miracles done in the name of Jesus.  Notice; these were sons of a Jewish High Priest!  The High Priest was the one who offered the sacrifices for the people and represented the people before God and God before the people!  They tried to cast an evil spirit out of a man misusing Jesus’ name.  The demon came out of the man, but then he attacked the men and chased them away.

 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

Everyone heard about what had happened to these men and they were afraid—Jews and Greeks!  What does extol mean?  Why do you think Jesus was extolled among those who did not believe?
This event shook up the believers, too.  They began to confess their sins and repent of their sinful deeds.  According to verse 9, some of them still had pagan articles of worship and, repenting from all works of pagan worship, they burned them.  After this, it is said that the word of the Lord increased and prevailed mightily.  What does prevail mean?

21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

Paul “resolved in the Spirit” to pass through Macedonia, Achaia, and then Jerusalem, but before he left, something happened:

23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana/Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana/Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”

Demetrius gathered together the craftsmen who were in the business of selling idols and stirred them up.  What were his arguments against “the Way?”

28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Diana/Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, (Asiarchs were political or religious leaders) who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

Demetrius and the other idol makers had not only rebelled against the Way because they were losing business, but they incited the entire city with fear that their patron Goddess, Diana/Artemis would be cast from her position. Diana worship was big business in Ephesus.  The crowd became a mob.  They seized two of Paul’s companions in their rage.  Paul wanted to go help them and restrain the crowd, but the other disciples prevented him.

35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

The town clerk came and quieted the crowd.  He was an official of Ephesus, and not a Roman official.  Who does the town clerk remind you of from last week’s lesson? (Gallio)  He reminded them that the disciples had broken no laws and if the idol makers had a complaint, they could take them to court in a lawful manner.  He also warned them that they could be charged with rioting.  Rioting, or unlawful assembly, was against Roman law and provinces that rioted were often dealt with harshly and with oppression. 

Next week, chapter 20.

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.     

Lesson 22
Acts 18
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey continued.

Vs.1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

Corinth was probably the most sinful city of the day.  It was the center of wickedness in that area of the world.  There he met Aquila and Priscilla, tentmakers who had come to Corinth when the Jews were cast from Rome.  Paul’s occupation was a tentmaker, too, so he worked with them and lived with them.  But even though he was working as a tentmaker, he still preached in the synagogue every Sabbath, and Jews and Gentiles were persuaded.  Aquila and Priscilla were among those who believed.

5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

Paul had waited for Silas and Timothy in Athens, but they finally caught up with him in Corinth and found him testifying to the Jews about Jesus.  This is a turning point in Paul’s ministry.  It is here that Paul began to focus his efforts on the Gentiles instead of the Jews.  When they came against him, he shook out his garments.  What do you think that means?  Can you remember any other Jewish customs that we’ve learned about that are similar?
He went next door to the house of Justus.  Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, his household, and many others believed and were baptized.  It is interesting that, once Paul declares judgment on them and leaves, we are told that Crispus, an important Jew, believes with his house.

9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

The Lord came to Paul again, directly guiding him.  Paul must have been feeling afraid and discouraged, but the Lord encouraged him to keep going, told him he would be safe, and that He had many people in the city.  Even in that sinful city, God had his people there.  He knew each one of them.  I think it is safe to say that many of the people of God had not yet heard the Gospel at this point, let alone believed on Christ.  But God knew each one that belonged to Him.  Paul stayed there for a year and a half, teaching God’s word to God’s people.

12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal. 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Gallio, the proconsul, was a Roman official.  The Jews were in one accord against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat. What was their charge against Paul?  Why wouldn’t Gallio hear their complaints?  What did he tell them to do?

After Gallio sent them away from the tribunal, or judgment seat, the Jews seized the ruler of the synagogue and beat him.  Do you remember who was ruler of the synagogue before?  Why do you think there is a new ruler of the synagogue?  Why do you think they beat him?  

Gallio was a Roman magistrate.  He was charged with upholding Roman law.  He told them to handle their own problems since they were of a religious nature. Do you think he did the right thing?  In our form of government, that is called the separation of church and state. (discuss)

18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.
Eventually Paul left Silas and Timothy in Corinth and took Aquila and Priscilla with him to Ephesus.  Paul cut his hair because he had taken a vow. Some people think that Paul was wrong to do this because it seems like he was returning to the Mosaic law instead of the Grace of the Gospel.  However, under grace, Paul was free to make a vow if he wanted to, or not make a vow if he didn’t want to.  Paul wasn’t making other people make a vow like him, or making part of the means of salvation.  

1 Corinthians 10 tells us “whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, do all to the glory of God.”

14:1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Eating meat or not eating meat, taking a vow or not taking a vow is not the most important thing.  The most important thing is to do all to the glory of God.

19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
Remember that earlier, the Spirit would not let Paul go to Ephesus. Now he is in Ephesus and again, he is at the synagogue, preaching to the Jews.  They wanted him to stay, but instead he left Priscilla and Aquila there and promised to return of God wills.  
22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.

From Caesarea, one could go to Jerusalem.  Paul went to Jerusalem as planned and then returned to Antioch.  This ends the second missionary journey.

23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Verse 23 begins the third missionary journey to the region of Galatia.

24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria in Northern Africa.  The church’s headquarters began in Jerusalem, moved to Antioch, and then for several centuries was located in Alexandria.  We know that he is a Hellenist because he has a Greek name.  He was mighty in the Scriptures, which means he was well trained in the Old Testament.  He had been taught, he was bold and accurately taught others about Jesus, but he had more to learn.  When Priscilla and Aquila heard him boldly speaking in the synagogue, they took him aside and corrected him and taught him the things he didn’t yet know about the Gospel.  He was a mighty preacher and was used by God to refute the Jews and prove using the Old Testament scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.  Some people believe he may have written the book of Hebrews.

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.     

Lesson 21
Acts 17
Second Missionary Journey (con't): Thessalonica, Berea, Athens

Read vs. 1-3  Amphipolis was also called “Nine Ways" because the city and its walls were round.  It was a hub of an important Roman highway, with many roads meeting there.  The Roman Army used this road, as did all travelers and tradesmen.  Apollonia was another Roman town on the way to Thessalonica.  Thessalonica was a seaport because of three prominent rivers that joined the sea at that place.

Again we see Paul going first to the synagogue and he was there three Sabbath days.  When is the Jewish Sabbath?  So how long had the missionaries been there?

So for three Sabbaths, Paul had been there preaching.  What was his message?

He reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”

He was preaching the Person and Work of Jesus Christ, specifically the necessity of His death and resurrection.  He uses the Old Testament Scriptures to tell them that Jesus is “the Christ.”  What does the phrase “the Christ” mean?  Why was this an important idea for the Jewish listeners?  Why is the message of the resurrection important to us?

Read vs. 4-5  Some of them believed.  Some of them did not. Some of them got angry and plotted against them and stirred up trouble.  We’ve seen this before.  But some of the Gentiles believed and some of the most important women, too,

Read vs. 6-9

6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

Apparently, the missionaries were staying at the house of Jason, like they had stayed at Lydia’s house in Philippi.  When the angry mob couldn’t lay hands Paul and the rest of the missionaries, they went after Jason.  What charge did they bring against Jason?  How does that relate to the sermon that Paul had preached regarding “the Christ?”

Read vs.10-12
10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

Leaving Thessalonica, they traveled by night to Berea.  Paul went straight to the synagogue and preached to the Jews.  What do you think he preached about?  Why?  How did the people respond?  The people of Berea have given us an important example.  We must check what we have heard to see if it lines up with the Scripture.  It is hard to know where to look for information in the Bible if you don’t know it well.  False teachers could tell you anything and you wouldn’t know if it was true or false if you never read the Scriptures and took the time and effort to learn what is in them and where to find things.  This is why it is essential for every Christian to learn to read and study the Bible!

Read vs. 13-14. As we’ve seen before, when the Jews heard that Paul was preaching in Berea and people were believing the Gospel, they came to Berea to stir up trouble.  Immediately, the believers in Berea sent Paul on to Athens.  Silas and Timothy stayed behind.

Read vs. 15-16.  Athens was the most important cultural center of the world at that time.  Art, architecture, politics, philosophy, logic, education—all these topics were discussed and developed in Athens.  But it was also a city full of idols of all kinds.  While Paul waited for Silas and Timothy to join him, he had time to see the idolatry of the people of the city of Athens.

Read vs. 17-21
 

So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

Paul was there at the marketplace everyday, talking to everyone and anyone who was there!  He spoke with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.  Epicureans believed that the way to control your body was to do whatever you wanted—satisfy yourself!  The Stoics believed the opposite.  They believed that one should have their bodies under control.  The Epicureans believed, “Eat, drink and be merry” while the Stoics denied themselves pleasure and lived meager lives.  Both groups came to listen and questioned him.  Paul preached the resurrected Christ.  Verse 21 helps us understand something about the Athenians.  They liked to talk about new ideas.   They were always discussing the next newest idea and went from one thing to another.

 

Read Paul’s sermon in vs.22-31:

22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said,“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’  
29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Beginning with the altar they had made to the unknown God, Paul begins to tell them about the God that they do not know.
What are some of the things he tells them?  Let’s look at it verse by verse and see what he is telling them. (make a list)
(Help them to recognize that Paul was declaring to them that God is the Creator, the Redeemer and will be the Judge of all.  He tells them that all would be judged by a man appointed by God and that God proved who that was by raising him from the dead! Again, we see the importance of the resurrection in Paul’s teaching and preaching.)
When they got to the matter of the resurrection of the dead, that’s when some mocked, but others wanted to hear more.

That is always the way it is when the Gospel is preached; some will believe, some will not.  Some will ask questions, some will mock and make fun.  Some will get angry.  But the Word will always accomplish what God has intended!

Next week we'll be worshipping with our sister church in Grayslake.  On May 11th we will continue with  Chapter 18.

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.    

Lesson 20
Acts 16
The Second Missionary Journey (Part One)
Paul and Silas return to Galatia to “confirm” the churches and to correct the error of the Judaizers in Galatia.  The letter to the Galatians deals with this error and confirms the doctrine of justification by faith; a person is saved by grace through faith.

In this chapter, the Gospel is taken to Macedonia (Europe) instead of Asia or China.

Read vs. 1 and 2

This is the first time we meet Timothy.  Timothy was a convert to Christianity from Paul’s first visit to Lystra.  His father was a Greek, but his mother was a Jew.  Timothy has a good reputation and he joins Paul and Silas.

Read vs. 3

We learned last week that circumcision does not save you, nor is it necessary to be circumcised.  Timothy was half Greek and half Jew.  Because of Timothy’s Jewish roots, Paul did not want this to become an issue or reason for offense among the Jews, so Timothy was circumcised.  When Paul took Titus, a Gentile, to Jerusalem, Paul did not have him circumcised, but in this case, because of Timothy’s Jewish roots and in order to avoid unnecessary arguments, Timothy was circumcised.

Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-20 In this, Paul did not compromise the Gospel, but he avoided arguments and disputes about Timothy’s ministry.

Read vs. 4-5

They revisit the churches, reminding them of the apostles’ decrees and establishing them in doctrine, in the faith, and increasing their numbers.

6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

The Holy Spirit forbade them to take the Gospel south into Asia.  The people that lived in Asia (Ephesus was the chief city; a heavily populated area and an important cultural, commercial, political, and educational area).  They had come from the east and were forbidden to go to the south, so he went west to Troas.  In Troas, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia, praying and asking for them to come and help them. 

10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Notice what vs. 10 says:  immediately they went to preach the Gospel in Macedonia.  They were certain that God was sending them.  The Spirit was leading them into Europe!

Notice, too, the word “we.”  Who is “we?”  Do you remember who wrote the book of Acts?  It was Luke.  So now the missionaries include Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke.

11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days.

They journeyed from Troas to Philippi.  Philippi was the center of the region, a Roman colony and political center.  The people of Philippi had Roman customs and spoke Latin.  It was a very influential area and a strategic place to establish the Gospel in Europe.  Paul developed a very close relationship with the church in Philippi and it became a great encouragement to him.

13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

What was Paul’s usual custom when arriving at a new location to preach the Gospel?  It was the Sabbath, but there is no mention of them going first to the synagogue.  Perhaps there wasn’t an established group of Jews in Philippi.  Notice, too, that they did not meet with men, but with women!  This is very different from Paul’s usual method, but remember, the Holy Spirit is the one who is directing their ministry and in Philippi, they meet with some women.  They “sat down and spoke to the women.” What do you think they spoke to them about?  It is clear that they were speaking to them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because the Lord opened Lydia’s heart and she believed and was baptized along with her household, who also believed.  They went and stayed with her.

16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

This slave girl possessed of a spirit of divination, which is forbidden by God.  She earned money for her owners.  The people of the area would know this girl and her owners.  They would have seen her make predictions and foretell things for money.  She, and her owners had a reputation for divination.  Even though what she was saying was true, she was disrupting Paul and the others and probably damaged their work by her association with them.  Paul knew that she was possessed of a demon.  He cast out the demon.  

Read vs.17-24

The slave girls owners were angry that she would no longer earn them money as before so they took Paul and Silas before the Roman magistrates.  They didn’t say, “Hey, these guys are making us lose a lot of money!”  Instead, they appealed to the Roman customs and said that they were going against the Roman ways.  The mob rose up against them and they were beaten, whipped, imprisoned and put into stocks.

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.

Paul and Silas were praying and singing.  Notice, the prisoners were listening to them.  The earthquake opened the doors and the chains fell off all the prisoners.

Read vs. 27-30.

When the jailer saw that the prison doors were open he knew that he would be held responsible, so he drew his sword to kill himself.  Paul cries out and stops him, telling him that all the prisoners were still there.  Trembling he went into Paul and Silas and asked them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

How must he be saved?  What about his household?  Could they be saved because of what HE believed?  No, but if they, too, believed on Jesus, they could be saved in the same way!

The jailer took them home to his house, and washed their wounds.  Paul and Silas told them the word of the Lord and they believed and were baptized.  They shared a meal at the jailer’s house and they rejoiced together.

35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

In the morning, the magistrates released the prisoners and told them to leave.  But they had been beaten and imprisoned unlawfully as Roman citizens and would not leave until they had received an apology.  The magistrates were afraid since they were Roman citizens and so apologized and asked them to leave t