Sunday School Lessons: Luke Chapter 3

Luke Chapter 3

3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,

Remember, Luke is writing a history—the history of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension.  Therefore, he dates the ministry of John the Baptist with well known figures of the day.  There are six men mentioned.  Caesar Augustus was ruling when Christ was born, but now Tiberius Caesar rules in Rome.  He was known to be a cruel and wicked man.  Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea and we have three tetrarchs; Herod of Galilee, his brother Philip, and Lysanias.  All these men were Roman, secular rulers.  There were also two high priests mentioned, Annas and Caiaphas.  In Israel, there was meant to be only one high priest at a time, however, by this time in Israel’s history, Roman rule had affected the Jewish religion.  Annas was the rightful high priest but Caiaphas was the acting high priest, due to interference by the Roman procurator, Gratus.

Luke is the only Gospel writer that fixes the time when Jesus began his ministry and he does it by the mention of these six men.

3b the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

Do you remember how a man becomes a priest in Israel?  Let’s stop and think about this.  If John’s father, Zechariah was a priest, then John the Baptist was born into the Levite tribe.  And yet he was not acting as a priest.  John was born a prophet, but God made him His prophet.  How do we know this? 

3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord, 
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

John came preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sin and of judgment.  He was a unique individual—Christ Himself said that no man was greater than him (Matt 11:11).  Matthew and Mark tell us that he wore clothes made of camel’s hair and ate locusts and honey.  He was the last of the Old Testament prophets. He was the fulfillment of the prophesy in Isaiah 40—the one crying in the wilderness “Prepare the way of the Lord!”

7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

John calls the people to repentance.  What is repentance? (1 Thess. 1:9)  He calls them to bear the fruit in keeping with repentance.  What do you think that means?  Why is that important?  Repentance is not just saying you’re sorry!  It means turning from your sins and going another direction!  It means turning from sin to God.

10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

The people cried, “What then shall we do?”  Their conscience was awakened.  Let’s go back and review what we learned in the Book of Acts.  (Acts 2:37; 16:30; 22:10)

What did John tell them to do?  Share with those in need. Why?  Because mercy is shown to those who show mercy to others. 

He told the crowds to share and when the tax collectors came to be baptized, they asked the same question.  Rome taxed the people but local men were hired to collect the taxes that went to Rome.  They often demanded more than was owed and even blackmailed people to force them to give.  They were despised.  John tells them to only collect what is due.

Next come the soldiers.  These soldiers were probably Jewish men who served Herod.  The soldiers, too, were using their power to threaten and falsely accuse the people into paying them money.  John told them to be content with what they were paid.

In this way, he was calling them to “show the fruits of repentance.”  No mater what your job or place in life, you will reveal that you are a Christian by the way you conduct yourself.  (Matt 7:20)

15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

The people were looking for the promised Messiah.  John was such an impressive individual that the people were wondering if he might be the Christ!  John makes it clear that he is not, and preached the message he came to preach—that the Christ is coming with judgment.

18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.

John had challenged Herod publically because he had married his brother’s wife.  John was imprisoned because of this.  This happened after Jesus’ baptism, but it is included here as a parenthetical insertion.  Just as you might tell details of a story out of order because you wanted to make a point, Luke does so here.

Next we will read the account of Jesus’ baptism:

21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;  with you I am well pleased.”

Also read:

Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Mark begins his Gospel with the baptism of Jesus:

Mark 1:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

(Discuss the three passages; comparing and contrasting.  Discuss the Trinitarian aspects of the passages and also the importance of Jesus’ submission, even though He had never sinned)

Next comes the genealogy of Jesus.  Luke gives us the genealogy of Jesus through Mary.  Matthew gives us the genealogy of Joseph’s line, beginning with Abraham and through David and Solomon.  Luke starts with Joseph and moves backward to David and then all the way back to Adam.  Jesus’ legal title to the throne of David came through Mary’s husband, Joseph, but his blood title to the throne came through his mother, Mary.

23 Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,  the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

There are many things we can learn by reading through the genealogies of Jesus.  I have highlighted a few familiar names for you.  (discuss briefly) 

The important things I want us to remember for now, though, is that Luke makes it clear that Joseph was not Jesus’ natural father. 

Also, do you remember to whom Luke was addressing his Gospel?  He was speaking to the Gentiles—the whole world!  And so, while Matthew was directing his Gospel to the Jews and traced his genealogy from Abraham forward, Luke traces it backward all the way to Adam.  Why do you think this is important?

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students. You can find lessons for previous chapters here . All scriptures are taken from the ESV.

Resolutions from the Book of James

Resolutions from the Book of James

Compiled by Sinclair Ferguson

James 1:5 To ask God for wisdom to speak and with a single mind
James 1:9-10 To boast only in exaltation in Christ, & humiliation in world
James 1:13 To set a watch over my mouth
James 1:19 To be constantly quick to hear, slow to speak
James 2:1-4 To learn the gospel way of speaking to poor and the rich
James 2:12 To speak always in the consciousness of the final judgment
James 2:16 To never stand on anyone’s face with my words
James 3:14 To never claim as reality something I do not experience
James 4:1 To resist quarrelsome words in order to mortify a quarrelsome heart
James 4:11 To never speak evil of another
James 4:13 To never boast in what I will accomplish
James 4:15 To always speak as one subject to the providences of God
James 5:9 To never grumble, knowing that the Judge is at the door
James 5:12 To never allow anything but total integrity in my speech
James 5:13 To speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer
James 5:14 To sing praises to God whenever I am cheerful
James 5:14 To ask for the prayers of others when I am sick
James 5:15 To confess it freely whenever I have failed
James 5:15 To pray with and for one another when I am together with others
James 5:19 To speak words of restoration when I see another wander

From the 2008 Desiring God Conference, “The Power of Words and the Wonder of God”

HT:  a rustling of leaves

Sunday School Lessons: Luke Chapter 2

Luke Chapter 2

2:1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when  Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Caesar Augustus’ name was Octavious, but he took on the title, Augustus himself.  The word august means ‘marked by majestic dignity or grandeur.  He was the adopted son of Julius Caesar.  The title Augustus was an attempt on his part to deify himself.  This census was for the purpose of counting and locating people so that they could be taxed.  Luke, the careful historian, includes specific information about prominent people who lived during that time (Quirinius) to establish the reliability of his statements.

3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Joseph was from the line of David, so he returned to Bethlehem of Judea.  Micah, the prophet foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)  Even though Mary and Joseph were not yet married, Mary had to go to Bethlehem because she was from the line of David as well.  It may seem as though the decree of Caesar was what caused Christ to be born in Bethlehem, but he was only the instrument that God used to fulfill his plan. Galatians 4:4.  In the fullness of time, Jesus was born.  Luke gives us some details about his birth—he was wrapped in blankets and his crib was a manger.  The inn was full because of the great number of people who were in Bethlehem to answer the decree to be registered.  Here is the first view we have of the Messiah—a tiny baby, Immanuel—God with us.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

These shepherds were keeping watch in the same fields that David had kept watch over his sheep so long ago.

Again we see that when the angel of the Lord appeared to them, the shepherds were afraid.  They were especially afraid because the glory of the Lord shown around them.  This “glory of the Lord” was called the Shekinah glory and it represents the presence of God. (Exodus 24:16)  The shepherds understood what that meant and they were frightened.  (Isaiah 6:1-3)  The angel announced the joyous good news of the Gospel that the Savior had been born.  Christ is a title that means Savior (Greek) just as Messiah means Savior (Hebrew).

12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 

The angel announced the manner of his birth and where he could be found.  Then suddenly the sky was filled with angels praising God.  The heavenly host is the name of God’s heavenly army.  The angels announced that, through the birth of this baby, God was presenting a way to be at peace with God.  It did not mean that immediately all wars would cease and there would be peace among all the men of the world.  There is not peace in the world today.  However, Romans 5:1 tells us that, being justified through faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ.

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

The shepherds were the first evangelists!  They went to see the baby and then told what they had seen—what the Lord had made known to them!  Mary treasured ‘all these things,’ pondering them in her heart.  Only Mary could have know what her response had been to the shepherd’s visit.  This helps us know that Luke got much of the information from Mary.  What were some of the thing Mary was pondering?  Notice, too, that the shepherds were glorifying and praising God for all they had heard (in the fields) and seen (of the Christ child) as it had been told them.  God had sent a Savior into the World, just as Micah had prophesied and just as the angel had proclaimed to them! 

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Read Genesis 17:12 Through the rite of circumcision, Jesus became a member of the covenant community and was ‘under the law.’  (review Galatians 4:4)  This is important because in every way, Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly, and in every way we, as sinners, could never do that!  He became a human was made like us, His brethren.  Read Hebrews 2:16,17.  He was given the name that the angel had told to Mary (John1:30) and Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25.)

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

After a woman gave birth she was considered “unclean.”  When a person was unclean, they could not participate in temple worship or be around other people until those days were completed.  (In the case of a boy, the period of unclean-ness was 40 days, with a girl baby it was 80 days.)  At the end of the period, they took the child to the temple and presented him to the Lord with a sacrifice.  Firstborn males were separated as “holy unto the Lord.”  This is because at the first Passover, God spared the firstborn of Israel when the Angel of Death passed over them. 

Lev 12:8 If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.' "

Notice that Mary had to make a burnt offering and a sin offering according to the Law of Moses.  Mary was a sinner and she needed to bring an offering for sin.  Mary and Joseph did not offer a lamb, because they were poor and could not afford to bring a lamb.  Poverty has never kept anyone from coming to God, nor was it a dishonor to be poor.  Mary was honored above all women!

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

Simeon was a righteous and devout man and one who had greatly been blessed by God.  Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit was upon him.  God had told him that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah.  ‘The consolation of Israel’ was a common name for the Messiah and was part of their daily prayers as they awaited the Messiah.  He came ‘in the Spirit into the temple.’  What do you think that means?  How did he recognize that this little baby was the promised One?  Notice that he blessed God and said:

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon has lived to see the promised Messiah and he is now ready to depart this life in peace, according to what God had told him.  That salvation, he says, God had “prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Is 49:6)  What is a revelation?  What did God reveal to the Gentiles?

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Jesus was either a stumbling stone to those who did not believe or the cornerstone to those who would come to faith in him.  A sign is something that brings attention to something that it signifies, or stands for.  Jesus would be opposed and disbelieved during his life, resulting in his crucifixion.  Simeon understood the prophesies of the suffering Messiah. (Isaiah 42) He tells Mary that a sword would pierce her as well.  Mary was present when Jesus died on the cross—a piercing pain for any mother, but even moreso for Mary. (read Matthew 10:26)

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Anna, like Simeon, was waiting for the Messiah, and she was at the temple praying and giving thanks to God for Jesus and proclaimed him as Messiah to all ‘who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.  He knew that he was the consolation of Israel!

39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

 Luke has proclaimed Jesus first as a baby and now as a child.  Jesus grew physically, spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally and God’s favor was on him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”  50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

They traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Passover, a distance of about 70 mi.  The feast lasted eight days.  The sacrifice was offered on the first and then there were seven days of the Feast of Unleavened bread.

Read 43-50.  It might appear to us that Jesus was being disobedient to his parents.  Nothing was further from the truth! These are the first recorded words of Jesus and he says he “must” be in his Father’s house.  This is the first of many “I must’s” that we will encounter in the life of Christ.  From these first words we are given to understand that Jesus’ Father was God and that his highest call was to do the will of the Father.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

We have to be careful here.  Jesus body and mind and intellect grew, because he was fully human, but did not need to grow in favor with God!  The Son of God is the eternal Son and God is eternally pleased with Him!

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students. You can find lessons for previous chapters here . All scriptures are taken from the ESV.

Sunday School Lessons: Luke Chapter 1

Luke Chapter 1

1:1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Luke begins his Gospel account with his purpose in writing it. His purpose is two-fold; first, he set out to write an “orderly account” of the life, death, burial, resurrection of Christ and the events that surrounded it. In order to do this, he talked to people who were not only eyewitnesses of the events, but who were also “ministers of the word.” Secondly, he wrote his account so that those who read it would have “certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” This was important. Stories were swirling around about Jesus Christ and not all of them were accurate. As we’ve talked about before, it is not enough simply to believe in Jesus. We need to make sure that the things we do believe about Jesus are accurate and can be supported by scripture. The Holy Spirit chose and equipped Luke to write this accurate account of the “things that had been accomplished” so that we can have confidence and assurance that our faith is founded on truth.  Why is it important to write things down?  What were the "thing that had been accomplished?"

1:5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

Zechariah’s name means “God remembers” and Elizabeth’s name means “His oath.” Together that means “God remembers His oath.” What oath are we talking about?

Psalm 89: 34 I will not violate my covenant
or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
35 Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;
I will not lie to David.
36 His offspring shall endure forever,
his throne as long as the sun before me.
37 Like the moon it shall be established forever,
a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah

Zechariah and Elizabeth both came from the line of Aaron, of whom the priests of Israel came.  King David had divided the priests into 24 groups that served according to a schedule.  (1 Chronicles 24:3-19) It was Zechariah's turn to serve.

God had promised King David that one of his descendants, Christ, would have an eternal reign. John the Baptist is the one who announced the coming of the Messiah, the One who would reign as King over Israel. Luke tells us that Zechariah and Elizabeth were both righteous. But Romans 3:10 tells us that there are none righteous, no not one. So it can’t mean that they were perfectly righteous and without sin. But let’s read on: Luke tells us that they walked “blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” Many of the commandments and statutes of the Lord dealt with sin—the sin of the people. God provided a way through the sacrificial system of the Law so that people could confess and repent of their sins before God by bringing sacrifices and sin offerings. Zechariah and Elizabeth were obedient to the Law by recognizing they were sinners that needed to bring a sacrifice before their Holy God. They were “advanced in years” and had no children. Like Abram and Sarai, they had been married long and were now beyond the normal age of bearing children.

8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.

Zechariah belonged to the family of Levi. We know this because only members of the house of Levi could serve as priests before God. On this day, he was chosen by lot to go into the temple and burn the incense on behalf of the people as they gathered for prayer. It was probably a sabbath or a feast day since all the people were gathered there.  While he was there, and angel appeared to him. Zechariah was afraid. Nearly every time angels have dealings with people, the people become greatly afraid in the presence of an angel. (400 years since an angel or prophet had come from God)  And the angel nearly always says, “Do not be afraid.” In this case the angel tells Zechariah that his prayer has been heard. What prayer? His prayer for a son. God heard his prayers and answered. The angel tells him that he should name his son John which means "the Lord is gracious" or "the Lord is merciful."

Notice that this will not only bring great joy to Zechariah and Elizabeth but to many others!

Verse 15 tells us that he will be great before the Lord. Jesus himself said of John, “ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11 . This verse also tells us that John must not drink wine or strong drink, (Nazarite vow, Numbers 6:1-21) that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. Remember this point. It will be important later.

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

John’s job was to prepare the way for the Lord by “making ready for the Lord a people prepared.” The people were prepared for Christ’s coming by turning the fathers hearts toward their children and the disobedient to “the wisdom of the just.” To be just means to be right before God. The ones who were right before God under Moses were those that had the wisdom to know they were sinners and needed to be forgiven. This is the first thing we must know if we would know Christ as Savior. Jesus came as a Savior of His people.

18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

Zechariah had been praying for many years for a son. But when the angel came and told him his prayers had been heard, he doubted. Can you think of anyone else who prayed for a baby and then doubted? Notice how the angel answers Zechariah. (vs 19) Because Zechariah did not believe, he was struck dumb as both a sign of what God was going to do and as a punishment for having asked for a sign.  But Gabriel’s words were fulfilled in their time because he spoke what God had said would happen.

24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Just as Gabriel said, Elizabeth became pregnant in her old age.  When a woman was unable to conceive a child, many people in those days thought that it was a shameful thing and probably caused by sin in the life of the wife or the husband.  It was a hard thing, but now Elizabeth's reproach was being lifted.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Here we have Gabriel visiting Mary with a message from God. It is from this passage that we learn that Mary came from Nazareth in Galilee.  This is six months after he appeared to Zechariah in the temple. Gabriel tells Mary that she was favored by God and chosen to be the one to bear His son, Jesus, who would sit on the throne of David forever , as God had promised.

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

Mary was the first person to question the virgin birth. But, unlike Zechariah, it was not in unbelief.  She wanted to know what was going to happen.  Many people do not believe that a virgin could give birth or that God could be born of a woman, yet without sin. Even Mary wondered how this could be. Gabriel explained it to her:

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

Because of Adam and Eve’s fall, all children are born with a sin nature. Romans tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But Gabriel tells Mary that the child will be born holy—the Son of God.

36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

What was Mary’s response to this amazing news? (vs.38}

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

When Mary knew that she was to be the Mother of the Son of God and also that Elizabeth, her cousin, had also conceived a son, she went for a visit. Two things happened when Mary’s voice was heard: First, the baby “leaped in her womb”. Who was that baby? What was said would be true of him “from the womb?” Secondly, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, she sings what is known as Elizabeth’s song, the first of the Christmas songs recorded in Luke.

Mary’s answer is the second Christmas song recorded in Luke. It is called “The Magnificat”

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home .

Mary came when Elizabeth was in the 6^th month of her pregnancy. After three months it was time for the baby son to be born.

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.

The birth of the baby brought great joy to many, just as Gabriel had said. And when it came time to circumcise him and a name was to be given, Zechariah still couldn’t talk. It is the father’s privilege to name the children and almost always the first born son is named for the father. Since Zechariah couldn’t speak, they assumed that the boy’s name would be Zechariah, but Elizabeth stopped them and said that his name would be John. Once Zechariah confirmed that he was to be named John (just as the angel had said) immediately he was able to talk. And the first thing he did was to praise God! These were very unusual circumstances and the people could see that God’s hand was on John.

Next comes the third song, this time a prophetic song from Zechariah:

67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us;
72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students. You can find lessons for previous chapters here . All scriptures are taken from the ESV.

Sunday School Lessons: Introduction to Luke

The Gospel of Luke
Introduction

Paul describes Luke as “the beloved physician.”  (Col. 4:14)  As we learned in our study of the Acts of the Apostles, Luke was a companion and friend of Paul.  He accompanied Paul on his second and third missionary journeys (Acts 16 to the end).  He probably came to faith in Christ through the ministry of Paul and then stayed with him until the end.  In fact, when Paul came to the end of his ministry, imprisoned in Rome, he says to Timothy, “only Luke is with me.”

We must not make the mistake of thinking that Paul chose Luke to write the story of the early church in the book of Acts or that he asked him to write his Gospel.  The Holy Spirit chose Luke (2 Peter 1:19-21) and had equipped him and used him in a very special way.

Some interesting facts about Luke and his writings:

Tradition tells us that he came from Antioch and was a physician.

Luke uses more medical terms in his writing that Hippocrates, who is known as the Father of Medicine.

He wrote in Greek, and is thought to have been more accomplished in the written language than any other New Testament writer, even Paul.

He was a Gentile convert.

He was an accurate historian.

    Sir William Ramsey was a 19th century archeologist agnostic who wanted to disprove the accuracy of the Bible.  He went to the Holy Lands and followed Luke’s account of the early church and of the travels of Paul, investigating every story, every location, every claim that Luke had made.  He was not able to prove even one historical inaccuracy in Luke’s account in the book of Acts.  Through this experience, he came to faith in Jesus and wrote many books about Paul’s journeys and the early church.

He alone of the Gospel writers included the songs surrounding Christ’s birth.  Many believe he knew Mary and received the information about the birth of Christ directly from her.  

Luke’s purpose in writing his Gospel:

1.    He wanted to write a literary and historical account of the life of Christ.

Luke 1:1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Luke’s Gospel  is the most complete historical narrative.  He mentions more   geography, history, institutions, cultural customs and local details than any of the other gospel writers.  He was not an eyewitness to the Gospel events, so we can be sure he sought out information from many eyewitnesses.

2.    Luke presents Jesus as the perfect, divine Man and Savior; God manifested in flesh.  He wrote to the Greeks.  Greek was the universal language of the day and the NT is written in Greek.  Even the OT was translated into Greek (the Septuagint).  Greek is known to be the finest language in the world with which to communicate a though or idea and Luke was the best.

Luke is one of the three synoptic gospels.  His contains many details that Matthew and Mark do not.  He records the songs at the birth of Christ.  He gives more details about the Virgin Birth.  

Both his Gospel and Acts are addressed to Theophilus.

There are 20 miracles recorded in Luke, six of which are found only in his Gospel.  He gives us 23 parables, 18 of which are found nowhere else.  (Prodigal Son and Good Samaritan being two)

The importance of prayer is stressed in Luke’s Gospel.  Nine prayers of Christ are recorded in the NT and 7 of those are found only in Luke.  (Read sections from Bible)


He is the only one who records the story of the Road to Emmaus, which proves that Christ was resurrected not only spiritually, but bodily.

His accounts of the miracles give us a great deal of medical information.  Because he was a trained doctor, he was a great observer of events and was very careful with details.

The Gospel of Luke is thought to have been written around 63 AD.  

There are 24 chapters in the Gospel of Luke.  We will do one chapter per week.

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

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 28

Lesson 30

Chapter 28

Last week we learned about Paul's dangerous sea voyage and the miraculous salvation of all 276 people on the ship.  This week, we will work our way through the last chapter in the Book of Acts and conclude our study of this book.

When we left off at chapter 27, the ship had broken up but the people had made it to land by swimming or by floating on parts of the wreckage.

          28:1  After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 

The bay that they landed on is called Saint Paul's Bay to this day.

          2  The native people   showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was             cold. 

I find it interesting to notice that it had 'begun to rain again.'  That means the storm must've slowed down long enough for every one to safely make it to land.  This demonstrates the power of God over the winds and the rains.  He had told Paul that he was to go to Rome and witness there before kings and rulers.  We see the providential hand of God in this small detail.

          3  When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his                   hand. 4  When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer.           Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice   has not allowed him to live.” 

This looks like a dreadful accident!  To have survived a terrible storm and a shipwreck, only to be killed by the bite of a poisonous snake!  The people of the island knew these snakes.  They had seen people who had been bitten die.  This snake had not only bitten Paul, but had fastened onto his hand.  What did they think was the purpose of the snake bite?  

Something else to notice here.  Paul had just survived 14 days at sea with very little food and a swim in a tempest tossed ocean in order to make it to the safety of the shore.  Paul had to be exhausted.  The native people had kindled a fire for them, but as tired as he was, Paul was helping to keep the fire going.  Paul was a hard worker, always serving others.

          5  He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6  They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall                   down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he                 was a god.

Why do you think Paul was unaffected by the snake bite?  What was the response of the native people when they saw that Paul did not get sick and die?  The Bible does not tell us, so we can't know for sure, but what do you think Paul's response may have been if he heard what the natives were saying about him?

7  Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8  It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. 9  And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10  They also honored us greatly,   and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Some people wonder about whether Paul shared the gospel with the people of the island.  The Bible is silent about this and does not mention people coming to faith in Christ during Paul's stay.  Do you think it's safe for us to assume that Paul DID indeed preach the Gospel to the natives?  Why or why not.  Can you support your opinion by what you have learned previously in the Book of Acts?

          11  After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods   as a figurehead.                  12  Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13  And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after                 one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14  There we found brothers and were invited to stay                with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15  And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the                    Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16  And when we came into              Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him. 

Paul finally arrives in Rome.  He was met by other believers and was greatly encouraged.  When he got there, he was not kept in prison.  He was allowed to live in a rented house, but he had a soldier with him at all times.  Can you think of how God may have used this circumstance to bring the Gospel to the people of Rome?

          17  After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though           I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands           of the Romans. 18  When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty           in my case. 19  But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my               nation. 20  For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am             wearing this chain.” 21  And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming               here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22  But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect             we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

Paul, while not being forced to stay in a prison cell, is still a prisoner.  Yet he has the freedom not only to move about the city, but also to meet with the leaders of the Jews.  Who called this meeting?  Why did Paul want to meet with them?  Why did they want to meet with Paul?

          23  When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he                         expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from             the Prophets. 

In this last chapter, we will observe some of the same patterns that we have seen before.  Paul went "first to the Jews."  Since he was talking to the Jews, he reasoned with them from the Law and the Prophets.

24  And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 

This is another pattern we have seen.  It is the same thing today. Whenever the Gospel is proclaimed,(what IS the Gospel?)  some will believe and others will not.

25  And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: 

“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26  “‘Go to this people, and say,

Y ou will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
27  For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’

2 8  Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”  

This is the last statement of Paul in the Book of Acts.  I think it is fitting, since God had sent him as Apostle to the Gentiles.  

30  He lived there two whole years at his own expense,   and welcomed all who came to him, 31  proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Even though it seems as though he had dismissed the Jews entirely with that last statement, notice that verse 30 tells us that in the two years he remained in Rome, he 'welcomed all who came to him.'  It is also said that he spent his time proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

The Book of Acts doesn't tell us any details about the two years that Paul spent in Rome before his death.  It seems like a very abrupt ending.   However, it really isn't an ending at all. The church goes on. The Gospel is still proclaimed with boldness and without hindrance in most parts of the world.  People are still coming to faith in Christ; lives are being changed through faith in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 27

 I haven't yet typed up the lesson for Chapter 27, but I shall get it typed up as soon as possible.  Please email me and let me know if you need it before I get to it.

Thanks,

Kim 

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 26

Lesson 29
Chapter 26

Today we will learn about what Paul said to Agrippa when he was given the opportunity.  Before we read it, remember that Paul is not on trial.  He is not making a defense for his actions.  He is declaring the Gospel.  Paul’s appearance before King Agrippa is the fulfillment of the prophecy that he would appear before kings and rulers.  As he stands before this King, it is important to remember that Paul has appealed to Caesar, therefore, the King has no authority over Paul, either to condemn him or to release him.

Let’s think back to chapter 25.  Who is present at this gathering?  What is the purpose of the gathering?  Who called for it?

Let’s take a moment and picture the scene:  This was an official, state gathering.  Read Acts 25:23.  The audience is made up of the rulers, leaders, and prominent people, dressed in their finest, surrounded by all the pomp and splendor of the Roman empire in that region.
Paul is brought into this great hall; a small Jewish man, dressed in prison clothing and chained between two soldiers. 

A writer put it this way, comparing Paul and Agrippa:

Agrippa and Paul.  What a contrast!  One of them is in purple, the other is in prison garb.  One is on a throne, the other is in shackles.  One wears a crown, the other is in chains.  Agrippa is a king, but in the slavery of sin.  Paul is a chained prisoner, rejoicing in the freedom of sins forgiven and liberty in Christ.  Agrippa is an earthly king who could not free Paul nor himself.  Paul is an ambassador of the King who had freed him and who could free Agrippa from the damning effects of sin.  J. Vernon McGee

Paul has appeared before the mob in Jerusalem, before the captain, before Felix, and then Festus.  This day he stands before Agrippa, a man who knows the Jewish land and wants to know about the Way.  This is Paul’s chance to present the gospel before kings.  Let’s read it all the way through, as if we were there, listening to Paul.

26:1 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

Paul thanks Agrippa for the opportunity to speak in front of him, acknowledging that Agrippa is familiar with Jewish customs and controversies. He then tells about his past, before and after conversion, his missionary efforts, and his mission to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.  He describes his vision of Christ and then makes his appeal in verse 1: I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.
In verse 22 he makes it clear that he is following God and that his message is consistant with the prophets and the law of Moses. Then in verse 23, he makes his Gospel statement.  Read vs. 23.  Do you remember how we have defined the Gospel?  Notice that Paul’s presentation of the Gospel doesn’t just speak of His death on the cross, but also His resurrection.  Paul never preaches the cross without the resurrection.  Neither should we.  As soon as Paul gets down to the essential Gospel message he is interrupted:

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”  29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

Notice that Paul answers Festus quickly and then returns to King Agrippa and makes his appeal to him.  What is Agrippa’s response?  Other translations say that Agrippa is “almost persuaded” to be a Christian.  Being almost persuaded about the truth of the Gospel is the same as being unpersuaded.  Either you believe in the Gospel and are saved or you don’t.  Either He is your savior, or He is not.  There is no in between.    Paul knows this.  He does not rejoice that Agrippa is willing to listen. He knows that he must believe—truly believe.  Paul’s greatest desire is for Agrippa and all who are present to believe the Gospel and be saved.

30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Read Romans 1:10-11.  Some people think that Paul made a mistake by appealing to Caesar.  But he knew that it was God’s will that he go to Rome.  He knows the way to Rome will be filled with trial and suffering, but he is ready to go.  His destiny is not in the hands of Festus or Agrippa or Caesar.  His destiny is in God’s hands.

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

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 25

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.        

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 24

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.       

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 23

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.         

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 22

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.        

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 21

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.       

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 20

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.      

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 19

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.     

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 18

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.     

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 17

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.    

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 16

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 the city.

Before they did so, they visited Lydia and encouraged those who were there.  Perhaps Timothy and Luke were with Lydia at her house.

Next week, we will continue the second missionary journey to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens)  Please read chapter 17 before next Sunday.

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

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 15

Lesson 19
Acts 15
The First Church Council (at Jerusalem)

In the beginning of the Church era, what kind of people first made up the church?
As the Gospel went out according to Acts 1:18, who was added to the church?
What kinds of problems did this create? (Discuss the problems from the Jewish point of view as well and the Gentile point of view)

Acts 15 is the account of the first time that there was a general, wide reaching theological or doctrinal question or dispute that affected the teaching of the Gospel in the church.  The issue is brought to the Apostles in Jerusalem.

The Issue

Acts 15:1But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

In the historic Jewish religion, a male child was circumcised on the 8th day as a symbol of his inclusion with the Covenant people.  This was an essential part of the Law of Moses.  The problem with what the men from Judea were teaching was that they made being circumcised an essential part of salvation.  They were teaching that no one could be saved apart from circumcision.

Read Acts 15:2  When these men came to Antioch and started teaching this doctrine, Paul and Barnabas disputed with them.  In order to settle the matter, the church at Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to talk to the Apostles and elders.  This was an important event in the life of the early church because the Gospel was at stake.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

When Paul and Barnabas got to Jerusalem they gave a report of what was happening in Galatia among the Gentiles, just like they had when they returned to Antioch.  As they told of the conversion of the Gentiles and their faith in Christ for salvation, the Pharisees declared that the Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses.

These men were not disputing the facts of the Gospel (Christ’s life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension) but they were disputing the meaning or the interpretation of those facts.  What is the Gospel?  How does the Gospel save you?  What did Christ do on the Cross?  Do you still need to bring sacrifices?  Do you still have to observe the Law?  These are the questions that needed to be clarified.

6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.

The Discussion

7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Peter reminds the assembly that God had used him to first bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. (Review Cornelius, Acts 10)  By doing this, he is also reminding them that this issue had been dealt with at that time.  

Read vs. 8-9. What is Peter reminding them about the salvation of the Gentiles?

Read vs. 10-11 Peter makes an amazing point here.  By this he is telling them that no one is ever saved by the Law!  Even they, themselves, as Jews have never been able to keep the Law, nor had their Fathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc.) Only one Person ever kept the Law and that was Jesus.  Both the Jews and the Gentiles will be saved the same way—through faith in Jesus Christ—His perfect, obedient life; His death and resurrection.

Read vs. 12-13 Everyone then listened to Paul and Barnabas as they told about what God had done among the Gentiles.  Then James, the brother of Jesus, who was a leader of the church in Jerusalem, stood up and spoke next.

The Decision

Read vs. 13-20

13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,
16 “‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,
17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’
19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.

James reminds them that God, by saving the Gentiles, is calling out a people for Himself.  He quotes Amos and then announces his judgment that the Gentiles should not be “troubled” by the addition of the Law and circumcision, but that they should, out of courtesy to the Jews, abstain from these four things:  eating meat sacrificed to idols, from immorality (immorality was a part of the worship of the pagan Gentiles) and from eating meat that had been strangled or had not been drained of blood.  These were not a matter of salvation, but of courtesy.

The Decision Goes Out

Read vs. 22-29

Paul and Barnabas are sent back to the church in Antioch along with two other men, Silas and Judas Barsabas, along with letters from the Apostles and Elders of the church in Jerusalem.  They sent the letters and the other two men along with Paul and Barnabas to confirm the message they were bringing.

Read vs. 30-35 The communications from Jerusalem were received with joy.  Paul, Barnabas and Silas remained in Antioch, preaching and teaching.

The Second Missionary Journey introduced

And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

After a while, Paul thought it was time to go and visit the churches they had established and see how they were doing.  Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul did not.  They disagreed over this, so they parted.  Barnabas and John Mark went to Cyprus, (Barnabas’ home area and Silas accompanied Paul.  Barnabas is no longer mentioned in Acts and we will follow Paul’s second missionary journey.  God used both of these men, even though they did not agree.  They were able to disagree in a way that did not harm their ministry.  It’s alright to disagree.  Later, Paul would greatly desire to have Mark come to him.

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

Sunday School Lessons: Acts 15

Lesson 18

The First Missionary Journey, continued

Acts 14

Read vs. 1-7
As we’ve noted in the past, they take the Gospel “to the Jew first.”  Both Jews and Gentiles believed.  That’s when the trouble began.  Unbelieving Jews stirred things up against them and “poisoned their minds against the brothers.  This didn’t bother Paul and Barnabbas.  They remained there for a long time, preaching and teaching and doing signs and miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit.  They were not afraid of troubles or persecution.  The city was divided.  Remember, this is a Gentile city.  Paul and Barnabbas are on one side and they are both Jewish believers.  The other side, stirring up trouble, are unbelieving Jews.  It was only when the city, along with the rulers joined forces to mistreat and stone them that they left town and headed for Lystra and Derbe.  Where ever they went, they preached the Gospel.  As during the time of persecution in Jerusalem, persecution usually causes the Gospel to spread into new areas.
Read vs. 6-18
They went to Lystra.  (see map) Paul and Barnabbas were able to do signs and miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes these are called the apostolic gifts?  Why do you think that is?  Why were the apostles able to perform miracles?
Read vs. 9.  Why did Paul heal the man?  Why was this miracle so amazing?
What was the reaction of the people when they saw what Paul had done?  Remember, these people were Gentiles, but more than that, they worshipped the Greek gods.  They tried to worship Paul and Barnabbas and even make sacrifices to them. Why did this upset Paul and Barnabbas so much?  
When they heard of it, they tore their clothes. Why?  How did they respond?
First, they told them that they were just men like themselves.  They wanted to turn their attention away from such false worship so that they would turn to the living God.  Even so, they could hardly prevent them from worshipping them and sacrificing to them. (Remember back in Chapter 9 when Peter had to warn Cornelius not to worship him, telling him that he was a man, just like himself)
Read vs.19-20
19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.
Antioch is 100 miles from Lystra!  Unbelieving Jews from Antioch and Iconium came all that way to stir up trouble against Paul.  This time, they stoned Paul and carried him out of the city, supposing he was dead.  Some Bible commentators believe that Paul WAS dead but that God raised him from the dead.  They think this because of what Paul later wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:2-4.  We don’t know for sure, but we do know for sure that it was a miraculous thing that Paul was stoned and yet lived, and was able to get up and go back into the city (that had just thrown him out!) and that he was able to travel to Derbe the next day!
Read vs. 21-23

21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

They went to Derbe and preached there.  They must’ve had more success there because they made many disciples.  Then they returned to Lystra and Iconium—both places where they had not had a good reception.  Why did they return?  What did they do while they were there?  Why was that important?
Read vs. 24-28 (follow their path on map)

24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.

They returned to the church in Antioch to tell them all that God had done through them and especially that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.  They remained there for some time.
Remember that the church, at first, was made up of believing Jews, then it was taken to Jewish communities and to the synagogues some Gentiles believed.  Now the Gospel is going out into wholly Gentile areas.  This ends the first missionary journey.

We’ll meet again on April 9th.  Please read chapter 15 to prepare for our next class.

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