1-9
The introduction of Acts starts off with the book giving a representation of the way Jesus ascended into heaven and how he gave instructions to his disciples about them being his witnesses to all the ends of the world when the Holy Spirit comes to them. The Holy Spirit is very key in this part because Jesus told them, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you,” in verse 8. This is why we should pray that the Holy Spirit guides us and gives us power.
10-11
This is a very powerful part of the message of this chapter and it is that Christ is going to return! Luke writes that as the disciples were looking up into the sky, two men appeared beside them and told the followers of Christ in verse 11 that, “this same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” This is the good news of the gospel that Christ will return. So we have to trust and believe in him and change from our sins. As we do so, we need to spread his word which is important to do for the kingdom of heaven.
Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
Peter shares with the people in Jerusalem, after Jesus went up to heaven, that the Scripture about Judas betraying Jesus had to be fulfilled. The scripture also said in the Book of Psalms that another had to take the place of Judas. And when the disciples nominated two men, they prayed to God asking which one to choose from. They cast out lots and it fell to Matt instead of Joseph called Barsabbas, so he was added to the 11. The first chapter really showed how powerful the Scriptures are by showing that they all came to pass.
Again continuing with this chapter from the previous one, Luke shows how much power is in the Scriptures we read in the Bible. As the Holy Spirit came on all the disciples and they all started speaking in tongues, people all around were amazed and even thought that they were drunk. But Peter told them that they weren’t drunk and gave them a word spoken by the Prophet Joel about the last days. All which came to pass including what he said about God pouring out his spirit and his servants will prophesy.
Peter didn’t stop there. He gave them another Scripture from the word of God, this time about what David said about the resurrection of the Messiah. As the people heard Peter they asked him what they should do and he told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Those of which who accepted his message got baptized and about 3,000 of the people were added to their number that day.
We as Christians should follow Peter’s actions in preaching the gospel to everyone and baptizing them in the name of Jesus.
The Fellowship of the Believers
As the number of people who listened and followed the word grew, the fellowship increased. People started coming together and even sold their property and possessions for the people in need. In verse 47, it states that “the Lord added to their number daily those who being saved.” This comes to show how much of a loving father we have who only wants what’s best for us which is to inherit his kingdom.
1-10
Peter and John were going to the temple for prayer and they noticed a man who was lame from birth who was taken to the temple gate to beg every day. They told the man that they didn’t have any silver and gold to give, but what they did have they would give. Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” The Bible says immediately after he said this the man who was lame started walking and jumping, and praising God. This is a clear example of how mighty our Heavenly Father’s name is and how much of a loving Father he is. When we pray over things in the name of Jesus with faith believing it will go through, miracles happen.
Peter Speaks to the Onlookers
Everyone started to be amazed at what had happened and when Peter saw that, he told them,”Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” He started preaching to the Israelites about Jesus and how each of them needed to repent from their sins and turn to God. Peter not only told them about the good news but after the miracle he gave God all the glory. When good things happen to us, we need to remember that it is God who has given us everything and we need to give him thanks and all the glory just as Peter did in front of everyone.
As the elders and teachers of the law started to question what power or which name did they perform the miracle of the lame man, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and answered by saying, “it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” Brothers and sisters in Christ, God gave us a spirit not of fear as the Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, but of power, love and self-control. So whom shall we be afraid of. If we are ever questioned harshly about our faith, we need to stand on the word of God and declare Jesus Christ as our Lord and who we trust. After they saw the courage of Peter and John, they realized that they were with Christ and they couldn’t say anything to them because they saw that the man who had been healed was standing right there with them. They called them and commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But in verse 19-20, Peter and John replied and said,”Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” They let them go after further threats and they couldn’t decide on how they should punish them because the man that they healed miraculously was over 40 years old.
23-31
When they got released, they went back to their people and shared with them what had happened and they started to pray. They asked God to enable them to speak his word with great boldness, and that God should stretch his hand out to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus. And after they had finished praying, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They prayed with the Holy Spirit as it was said that they were filled with the spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Having a prayerful life is a really powerful thing we should each have and when we pray, we need to call on the name of the Lord asking him to fill us with the Holy Spirit. As we pray we connect with God and grow a deeper relationship with him.
32-37
The apostles were all at one in heart and mind. They felt the need to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. People started to sell their possessions and put it at the feet of the apostles. They started to get the money and distribute it to anyone in need. Barnabas was one of the people who brought their money and placed it at the apostles’ feet. Likewise, we need to do the same and care for others even if it means to sell our possessions for others. Being generous is something that God loves from us and the Bible tells us that when we are generous to the poor, we lend to the lord and God will repay us from our deeds.
Ananias and Sapphire
Many signs and Wonders Done
-In this story the disciples are performing miracles just like Jesus did and is even able to heal them with just his shadow.
-“Just with Faith Peter was able to redeem himself.
The apostles arrested and Freed
-The council and high priest arrest the disciples and tell them not to preach about Jesus but the disciples say “We must obey God rather than men”.The disciples tell them how Jesus was raised who they killed by hanging on a tree.
-An angel opens the door for them and they go back to preaching until it is discovered that they escaped. When they are brought back the scribes make sure not to use force so that the people don’t stone them being they were beginning to favor the disciples.
-The council makes a final decision to “leave it to God’ because if it is of God then they won’t stop them and if it’s not then it will be stopped.
-“If something is of God you won’t be able to stop it”
Seven Chosen to Serve
-Seven men are chosen Stephen,Phillip,Prochorus,Nicanor,Timon,Parmenas and Nicolaus. During this time a lot of people were getting neglected because there was a lot of people who wanted to get saved but there was not enough “laborers”.These seven were chosen to oversee the distribution of food and other practical needs
Stephen is Seized
-Stephen was brought before the people in the synagogue and because of how much wisdom he had they all “saw a face that was like an angel”.
-This is the first example we see of them breaking a commandment(You shall not bear false witness), they break this law trying to accuse Stephen of blaspheming against Moses and God.
Stephens Speech
-In this story Stephen gave the history of Moses. He did this to show them that he was not blaspeming Moses and how they even rejected Moses at first. He did this to show them how quickly they have rejected prophets sent to them and now recently have rejected Jesus who is the son of God.
The Stoning of Stephen
-When they are finished the men are enraged and take Stephen out to stone him. As they are stoning him he sees the heavens open and Jesus sitting at the right hand of God.
-There is a detail about how Stephen “fell asleep” rather than died.
-In this story is also the first sighting of Saul. Verse 58.
Saul Ravages the Church
-Saul approves of Stephens execution. Now he starts to ravage the church and enter house after house committing people to prison.
“Them being wrong starts to grow into shame which leads to them willing to go very far before admitting there wrong.”
Phillip Proclaims Christ in Samaria
-Phillips goes to Samaria and preaches about Jesus and heals those who believe.
Simon the Magician Believes
-Simon, a famous magician who lived in Samaria was giving himself glory within the city. Then after Phillip comes to Samaria and preaches about Jesus and performs miracles he goes to Phillip and asks him if he can buy the gift of the Holy Spirit.
-Acts 8:20
-Phillip then offers him repentance and Simon asks for forgiveness in verse 24.
-“You cannot obtain the gift of God with money.”
Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
-Phillip comes across the Ethiopian Eunuch and the Holy Spirit says to him to go over to talk to him. Then Phillip starts preaching the good news of Jesus after the Eunuch asks him about a scripture in Isaiah. The eunuch then asks Phillip to baptize him after they pass by some water and Phillip does. After he baptizes him the Holy Spirit carries Phillip away to Azotus.
The Conversion of Saul
-Saul asks for letters to the synagogues at Damascus so that he can arrest and kill any believers. While on his way Saul hears the voice of Jesus and see’s a bright light which asks him “why are you persecuting me”. Saul then falls to the ground and when he gets up he loses his vision and is carried to Damascus.
-Then God uses a disciple names Ananias who at first is skeptical because of Saul’s reputation but follows God. The lord the says “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentilles and kings and the children of Israel”.
-Saul is going to see how hard it will be for him to serve Jesus.”I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
-Ananais puts his hand on him and fills him with the Holy Spirit and Saul is renewed and gains his sight.
-“Saul can’t see so now he has to have blind faith”.-Nelly
-“He had to become blind to see”.-Nelly
Saul proclaims Jesus in Synagogues
-Saul then starts proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues and the people are distraught because of his past reputation.
Saul escapes from Damascus
-After many days passes the jews plotted to kill him but Saul learns about their plan. The disciples help him escape through an opening in the wall.
-“At what point is enough enough?”.-Yvan
Saul in Jerusalem
-Saul goes to Jerusalem and attempts to join the disciples but they are all afraid of him. Barnabas then takes him and brings him to the apostles and tells them about all the work he has done. He then goes out and preaches boldly in the name of the Lord. He is preaching against the hellenists and this leads to them wanting to kill him.
-We see the growth of the church throughout Judea and Galilee and Samaria.
“He’s so deep in faith he’s not even letting the disciples deter him”-Nelly
The healing of Aeneas
-Peter while in Lydda finds a paralyzed man named Aeneas who has been bedridden for 8 years. He tells this man “Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” He then immediately rises and all the residents of Lydia and Sharon
-“Rise and make your bed is a symbol of him getting out of his sorrow and his cycle”.-Nelly and Beline
Dorcas Restored to life
-In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha(Also Dorcas) and she was full of good works and acts of charity. Dorcas fell ill and died and was laid in an upper room. The Disciples send two men to go get Peter. Peter then puts them all outside and kneels down and prays and say’s “Tabitha arise”. Dorcas then opens her eyes and sees Peter.
1. Cornelius’ Vision: This begins by introducing Cornelius, a devout man who feared God and prayed regularly. One day, he has a vision in which an angel tells him to send for Peter, who is staying in Joppa.
Peter’s Vision: Then Peter is praying and falls into a trance where he sees a sheet descending from heaven, filled with various animals. He hears a voice telling him to kill and eat, but Peter refuses, saying he has never eaten anything unclean. The voice replies, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This happens three times, emphasizing the message.
Discussion
Discussion:
Baptism: Peter then commands that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, marking a significant moment in the early church regarding the acceptance of Gentiles.
Discussion:
1-18
When Peter was being criticized for for the Gentiles receiving the word of God, he explained to them a dream he had which proved to them that even Gentiles (who were looked upon negatively and as outsiders) were granted repentance that leads to life. In his dream, God told Peter not to call anything that he had made impure. And in his dream, 3 men appeared in front of him and the Spirit told him not to hesitate to go with them. As they entered a man’s house, the man told him that Peter would speak to them and he surely did with the Holy Spirits help. Peter realized that God gave these people the same gift he gave to those who believed in Christ and that he couldn’t stand in Gods way. Everyone deserves to hear the good news of the Lord and it doesn’t matter who they are or where they come from. As the Bible tells in Matthew 28:19, we need to go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.
19-30
Men from Cyprus and Cyrene started to speak about the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ and a lot of the people who heard believed and turned to God. When Barnabas was sent to Antioch, he was glad because he saw what the grace of God had done and he encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. And for a whole year, Barnabas along side Saul taught great numbers of people and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Later on, a prophet named Agabus came down from Jerusalem with other prophets, and he predicted that there would be a severe famine which would spread over the entire Roman world. In hearing this, the disciples decided to help brothers and sisters living in Judea. They did this all in love and this ties back to the earlier chapters in Acts like Acts 4 which talked about the importance of being generous and sharing our possessions.
1-19
An angel of the Lord appeared to Peter when he was locked up in jail and freed him from his chains and helped him out of prison. This happened the night before Herod was to put him to trail. God came through once again showing how our battles are his if we choose to live a life that gratifies him. Peter then went to the house of Mary (Johns mother) and they couldn’t believe their eyes. When Herod saw that Peter was no longer in the prison, he cross examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.
20-25
Herod didn’t give praise to the lord when the people started praising him. He was very prideful and because of that, he was struck down by an angel of the Lord and was eaten by worms and died. And in verse 24, it states that the word of God still continued to spread and flourish!
1-12
Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. They were the two set apart for the work of God which he had called them to do. They proclaimed the word in Salamis and when they came across a false prophet and a Jewish sorcerer in Paphos, Saul told the Elymas the sorcerer that the hand of the Lord is against him and he became blinded.
In Pisidian Antioch
Paul along side his companions sailed to Perga and then to Pisidian Antioch. Paul started to preach to them, starting from God leading his people out of Egypt, to Christs sacrifice on the cross. He told them about the good news and what God had done for his people. They continued to do what God called them to do in that city and on the next Sabbath, almost everyone in that city came to hear the word of the Lord. Jealousy filled the Jews when they saw this but Paul and Barnabas kept preaching and said that the Lord commanded them to bring salvation to the ends of the Earth. The Gentiles were all glad when they heard this and believed in the word. Eventually, the word spread through the whole region and the Jewish leaders wanted to persecute both Paul and Barnabas and they expelled them from their region. The two men warned them by shaking the dust off their feet and headed to Iconium. Although they faced hatred from the Jews, what mattered was the command God gave them and they would do anything to accomplish their God given assignment. They stood firm and the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit.
_____________________________________
Summary
___________________________________
Summary
____________________________________
Take aways:
@Nelly - We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus, not by following religious rituals or laws. While salvation is by grace, the church encouraged Gentiles to follow certain guidelines to maintain peace with Jewish believers. Sometimes, making small sacrifices can help maintain unity in relationships. Paul, Barnabas, and others made an effort to encourage and strengthen believers. This reminds us of the importance of supporting and uplifting one another in our faith journeys. The apostles and elders sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance in making major decisions. This teaches us to rely on God when making important choices in life.
Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
-Paul meets a disciple named Timothy in Lystra. Timothy is curcumsized by Paul in order to not offend the Jews because his father was a Greek even though his mom was Jewish.
Pauls Vision of the Man of Macedonia
-Paul and his companions are traveling through and being kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching in the province of Asia.When they tried to enter Birthynia but the spirit of Jesus didn’t allow them. During the night Paul has a vision of a a man of Macedonia standing and begging him to go help them. Paul then heads for Macedonia.
Lydia’s Conversion in Phillipi
The Slave Girl with a Spirit of Divination: Paul encounters a slave girl who has a spirit that enables her to predict the future. After being annoyed by her following them, Paul casts out the spirit, which leads to her owners losing their source of income.
Paul and Silas Imprisoned: The owners of the slave girl drag Paul and Silas before the authorities, accusing them of disturbing the city. They are beaten and thrown into prison. Despite their circumstances, they pray and sing hymns at midnight.
Release from Prison: The next day, the magistrates send word to release Paul and Silas. However, Paul insists that they come themselves to escort them out, highlighting their Roman citizenship and the injustice of their treatment.
In Corinth
-Paul goes to preach in Corinth where he preaches about Jesus in the synagogues on every sabbath. The jews opposed Paul and became abusive and Paul felt like leaving them alone because he had told them all he could.
-Then God speaks to Paul and tells him “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.
-
-God promised Paul two promises. 1. To protect him and keep him safe. 2. That his word would be heard by other people.
Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos
-Paul sets sail for Ephesus where he goes into the synagogues and reason with the jews. They asked if he could spend more time with them but he refused and said they would come back if it is Gods will.
-Paul took the Nezrite vow which is where he vows to not cut his hair until a promise is fulfilled.
-Paul then arrives at Caesarea and travels from place to place strengthening all the disciples.
-A Jew names Apollos became a very learned man even though he had very limited knowledge on the subject was teaching this information accurately. Hone Priscilla and Aquila heard him they invited him to their home and explained to him the of God more adequately. Apollo then went to Achaia where disciples greeted him.
Paul in Ephesus
-Paul tells Johns baptism was a baptism of repentance. And that John told the people about the one coming after him who is Jesus. Paul then baptizes them and the Holy Spirit comes on them and they begin to speak in tongues and prophesied.
-God does such great works through Paul that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick and healed them and took all the evil spirits out.
-This leads to people going out there way to take demons out of people and it is working. However this one time while trying to cast out a demon the demos says “Jesus I know, Paul I know, however you I do not”.
-This word spread and people held the name of the Lord Jesus in high honor. A lot who practiced sorcery burned their scrolls and the total came up to a lot.
The Riot in Ephesus
-Some people who believed in other Gods such as Artemis became enraged when they heard Paul say god’s made by human hands are not gods. They feared their business would go out of business so they through a riot. They end up seizing the people traveling with Paul Gaius and Aristarchus. Friends of Paul urge him not to venture into the theater. In verse 32 It showed how these people were not even sure why they were there.
-Another fact shown in this chapter Is how the people of Ephesus were more fair in their trials as they did not immediately begin stoning him like the Jews.
Through Macedonia and Greece
-After the uproar Paul tells the disciples goodbye and sets sail for Macedonia. HE then arrives in Greece and stays there for 3 months. He then sets sail for Troas where he stays for seven days.
Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas
-Paul is talking to people until midnight and a man named Eutychus started sinking into deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. Then young man falls to the ground from the third story and is picked up dead. Paul then puts his arms around him and proclaims him alive.
Pauls Farewell to the Ephisian Elders
-Verse 24.
-Verse 26-27.
-Paul decides to Saul past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia because he was In a hurry to reach Jerusalem so he can be there for the day of Pentecost.
-Paul sends the elders of Ephesus a letter telling them you know how he lived the whole time while he was there. He tells them how he has not hesitated to declare to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in Jesus.
-Paul says that his only aim is to testify the good news of God’s grace. He also tells them to be shepherds of the Church of God which he bought with his own blood.
-“Paul the man who hated christians begins to hate his life and now carry’s his cross”-@Yvan
-“If you need an answer, why not just ask the answer”-@Yvan
-“The world pulls you 10x harder when you’re trying to let go”- @Hyguette
-“Just talk to God”-Beline
-Paul tells the Ephesians leader about how he has said all he can and has not HESITATED.
Departure from Miletus: Paul and his companions set sail from Miletus, stopping at various ports along the way, indicating his commitment to spreading the Gospel.
Visit to Tyre: In Tyre, Paul meets with the disciples who warn him through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem. This shows the concern of the early Christians for Paul’s safety.
Arrival in Caesarea: Paul continues to Caesarea, where he stays with Philip the Evangelist. Here, Agabus, a prophet, predicts that Paul will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles in Jerusalem, further emphasizing the dangers he would face.
Paul's Determination: Despite the warnings, Paul expresses his willingness to face imprisonment and even death for the sake of the Gospel, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his mission.
Arrival in Jerusalem: Upon reaching Jerusalem, Paul is warmly received by the church. However, he faces opposition from some Jewish leaders who are concerned about his teachings regarding the Law.
Paul's Defense: Paul shares his testimony about his conversion and mission, but tensions rise, leading to his arrest.
Acts 21 highlights themes of obedience, the struggles of the early church, and the tension between the mission to the Gentiles and the Jewish traditions. It showcases Paul's dedication to his calling despite the risks involved.
1. Introduction and Context: Acts 22 is part of the narrative where Paul is arrested in Jerusalem. The chapter serves as Paul’s defense speech to a hostile Jewish crowd after he is accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple, which was seen as a severe violation of Jewish law.
2. Paul’s Background (Verses 1-5): Paul begins his speech by addressing the crowd in Aramaic, which immediately grabs their attention. He identifies himself as a Jew, born in Tarsus but raised in Jerusalem. He mentions his education under Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, highlighting his deep Jewish roots and his prior zeal in persecuting Christians. Paul explains that he was present at the stoning of Stephen and actively sought to imprison Christians.
3. The Conversion (Verses 6-16): Paul recounts his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He describes being blinded by a bright light and hearing Jesus’ voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" This moment is crucial as it marks his transformation from a persecutor to a follower of Christ. He mentions being led into Damascus, where a man named Ananias, a devout Jew, restored his sight and baptized him. Ananias tells Paul that God has chosen him to know His will, see the Righteous One (Jesus), and be a witness to all people.
4. Mission to the Gentiles (Verses 17-21): After his conversion, Paul returns to Jerusalem and is in prayer when he receives a vision from God instructing him to leave Jerusalem quickly, as the people there would not accept his testimony about Jesus. Paul emphasizes that God sent him to the Gentiles, which is a pivotal point in his ministry.
5. The Crowd’s Reaction (Verses 22-23): When Paul mentions his mission to the Gentiles, the crowd erupts in anger, shouting for him to be removed and claiming that he should not be allowed to live. This reaction underscores the tension between Jewish exclusivism and the inclusive message of the Gospel.
6. Roman Citizenship (Verses 24-29): As the Roman soldiers prepare to interrogate Paul by flogging him, he reveals that he is a Roman citizen. This revelation shocks the soldiers, as Roman citizens had legal rights and protections. The commander is concerned about the legality of his actions against a citizen without a trial.
7. Conclusion and Significance: The chapter concludes with Paul being brought before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council) the next day. Acts 22 serves to highlight Paul’s identity, his dramatic conversion, and the challenges he faced while spreading the Gospel, especially in a context resistant to the inclusion of Gentiles. It emphasizes themes of grace, identity, and the power of personal testimony in the face of opposition.
Overall, Acts 22 testament to Paul’s faith journey and the early church's struggles in bridging cultural and religious divides.
Discussion
Paul's Defense: The chapter begins with Paul addressing the Sanhedrin. He declares that he has lived his life in good conscience before God. However, the high priest Ananias orders those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth, which Paul reacts to by calling Ananias a "whitewashed wall," indicating hypocrisy.
2. Paul's Strategy: Realizing that the council is made up of both Pharisees and Sadducees, Paul cleverly declares that he is on trial because of his hope in the resurrection of the dead. This statement creates a division between the two groups, as the Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection, while the Pharisees do.
3. The Conflict: A heated debate arises between the Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to chaos in the council. The Roman commander, concerned about Paul’s safety, orders his soldiers to take him away from the council.
4. Divine Assurance: Later that night, the Lord appears to Paul and encourages him, assuring him that he will testify in Rome, which gives Paul strength and hope amidst his trials.
5. The Plot Against Paul: The chapter concludes with a plot formed by more than forty Jews who vow not to eat or drink until they have killed Paul. This conspiracy is revealed to Paul’s nephew, who informs the Roman authorities, leading to a plan to safely escort Paul to Governor Felix in Caesarea.
Discussion
1. Accusations Against Paul: The chapter opens with the arrival of the high priest Ananias and some elders, along with Tertullus, a professional orator, who presents their case against Paul. They accuse him of being a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews, and attempting to desecrate the temple.
2. Paul's Defense: Paul is given the opportunity to respond to the accusations. He defends himself by stating that he has not caused any disturbance and that he was in Jerusalem to worship. He emphasizes that he believes in the resurrection of the dead, which aligns him with the Pharisees.
3. Felix's Reaction: Felix, who is familiar with the Way (Christianity), listens to Paul’s defense but does not make an immediate decision. He adjourns the proceedings, saying he will wait for the commander to come to clarify the situation.
4. Paul's Imprisonment: Felix orders that Paul be kept in custody but allows him some freedom, including visits from friends. Over the next few days, Felix and his wife Drusilla, who is Jewish, listen to Paul speak about faith in Christ, righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.
5. Felix's Dilemma: Felix is afraid of Paul’s message and often sends for him, hoping for a bribe to release him. However, he ultimately leaves Paul in prison for two years, wanting to appease the Jewish leaders
Paul’s trial before festus:
In this lesson Paul is taken before festus (mind you his the new governor of judea). So the Jewish leaders want to have paul killed ( they fasted too). So they ask Festus to send him to Jerusalem for trial.
However, Festus decides to keep Paul in Caesarea. So then Paul defends himself saying ngo he did nothing wrong against Jewish law or the Roman government.
Festus wanting to show off he asks Paul if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem for trial. But Paul did not let that slide so he said he a Roman citizen and wants to be tried by Caesar. Festus agrees to send him to Caesar and he asks king Agrippa to hear Paul’s case as well. Agrippa is so interested about Paul and his story.
Paul is took in front of Agrippa and explains the circumstances and why he was taken in jail. Paul tells them that he prays that they may become like him except for the chains. Agrippa said that if they had not wrote a letter of appeal he would’ve been free.
-Verse 29 “ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Paul sails for Rome
-Paul and other prisoners set sail for Italy and were handed to a centurion named Julius. Julius in kindness to Paul allows him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. They are traveling from place to place making very slow headway because of the weather. Paul warns them that the voyage is going to be disastrous and bring a great loss to ship and cargo and to their lives.
-“Sometimes theres warning but we choose not to listen”-Benny
-“The person believed in the Pilot instead of seeing and listening to the signs of God just like how we do at times”-Beline
The Storm
-Paul tells them how an Angel came to him and said that their lives will not be lost because he must stand trial before Caesar.He also tells them how they should’ve listened to him to begin with.
-“God is showing mercy to the other people on the boat by keeping them alive even though they are not believers.”-Beline
-“God gives a choice and when we chose not listen to it because still provides us even if the choice is not as rewarding as the original choice.”-Benny
The Shipwreck
-The sailors try to leave the ship to go to the nearest island but Paul tells them that unless they stay with the ship they will not be saved. God also provides food for them to eat until they are full and Paul shares It among them.When daylight came they saw an island and some of the soldiers were planning on killing the prisoners so they could not run away. But the Centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and stopped them.
“I will not let a single hair fall from your head”
Paul Ashore on Malta
-Once they landed on shore on an island called Malta.The islanders were kind, they build a fire and welcomed them. When they got there a viper attacked Pauls hand and the people thought that it was justice for him possibly being a murderer. Paul shakes the snake off his hand and it has no effect on him. Paul then heals the chief official of the island’s father who was suffering. Paul then prays and heals all the others who are sick and the islanders help them set sail with all the supplies they need.
Paul’s Arrival at Rome
-Paul has aura.
-“Even if he ends up being cooked by Ceasar, at least he seasoned the world.”
Paul Preachers at Rome Under Guard
-Paul finds out that the letter never reached Caesar.But since he is there they choose to hear him out and he turns some of them into believers. Paul also quotes what the scripture says and what the prophets have said about Jesus. However the jewish leaders decide to walk out on him after he quotes a scripture from Isaiah. However Paul keeps living in Rome and people come to him to hell.