The book of Acts part 3

Intro: We’re back in our outlining of the book of Acts which is all about the holy spirit powered church fulfilling God’s great commission..

Matthew 28:19 ESV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Matt 28:29

We’ve seen the Gospel spreading in Jerusalem

We’ve spoken about the Gospel spreading in Jerusalem

We’ve seen the gospel go out to Judea and Samaria which is essentally the outer areas of Jerusalem

It was by way of persecution that the church scattered and begin to preach to the outer areas by the hands of Phillip

And then week we were introduced to God’s chosen Vessel for the gospel getting to the “Ends of the earth”

tells us about the conversion of a man named Saul of Tarsus…who at that time was a fierce enemy of the christian faith yet on the road to Damascus, Jesus revealed himself, Saul responded…and the Lord just reconstructed him from the ground up

Acts 9:1–19 ESV

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 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.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

This was his resume...

tells us about the conversion of a man named Saul of Tarsus…who at that time was a fierce enemy of the christian faith yet on the road to Damascus, Jesus revealed himself, Saul responded…and the Lord just reconstructed him from the ground up

ACTS 9:

Philippians 3:5–9 ESV

5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

phil 3:5

And this once powerful man, was brought to nothing and actually had to be led into the city blinded…and that would be the beginning Of Saul’s transformation into the man we know as Paul the Apostle

While that was happening we read this...God

Acts 9:17–19 ESV

17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

ACTS 9:17

God

The beginning of this man, was his end...

Now after this takes place the Lord speaks to a disciple from Damascus by the name of Ananias who had essentally been the target of Saul’s before his conversion, no doubt he heard about what was happening in Jerusalem…Yet Ananias does what the Lord tells him to...Paul is laid up in a house in Damascus…and we read this

Paul is laid up in a house in Damascus…and we read this

Acts 9:17–19 ESV

17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

acts 9:1

Ananias was willing to extend the hand of friendship towards a once enemy and see him as a friend which was exactly what Saul needed at the time…

We see that God gives Paul back his sight - Almost as if the Lord take Paul out of commission so he could prepare him the great commission

18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes - such an odd occurrence…what did this represent? I like what spurgeon says...

In different men, sin manifests its chief power in different parts of their nature. In the case of many, sin is most apparent in their eyes. in other words, ignorance, error and prejudice have injured their mental sight.

In different men, sin manifests its chief power in different parts of their nature. In the case of many, sin is most apparent in their eyes. in other words, ignorance, error and prejudice have injured their mental sight. Some have the withered hand of conscious inability, others have the deaf ear of mental dullness, but there are far more who hear the joyful sound and display much energy, but they hear without under- standing and are zealous without knowledge, for they are blind. This was Saul’s condition. He was thoroughly honest—we might say of his heart, that it was always true to its convictions. He was no deceiver and no timeserver. He went in for what he believed to be right with all his might...lukewarmness and selfish policy were alien to his nature. He dashed with all his might against the doctrine of the cross because he thought it to be an imposition. His fault lay in his eyes and so, when the eyes were set right, Saul was right. When he perceived that Jesus was, after all, the Messiah, the man became just as earnest a follower of Christ as before he had been a persecutor!

Some have the withered hand of conscious inability, others have the deaf ear of mental dullness, but there are far more who hear the joyful sound and display much energy, but they hear without understanding and are zealous without knowledge, for they are blind.

This was Saul’s condition. He was thoroughly honest—we might say of his heart, that it was always true to its convictions. He was no deceiver and no timeserver. He went in for what he believed to be right with all his might...lukewarmness and selfish policy were alien to his nature. He dashed with all his might against the doctrine of the cross because he thought it to be an imposition.

His fault lay in his eyes and so, when the eyes were set right, Saul was right. When he perceived that Jesus was, after all, the Messiah, the man became just as earnest a follower of Christ as before he had been a persecutor.

App: Though Saul had become aquatinted with God and his Law, many years ago, he was blinded because he had not seen the that Jesus was the one he was waiting for all along…don’t you miss that ether

So Now that he’s a believer, everything is gonna be great right?

Acts 9:26–31 ESV

26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Acts 9:26-

Acts 9:19–31 ESV

19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. 23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Have you ever played “Hot potato”? Saul has…only he was the potato, he goes and preaches to his own people in the synagogue, and their like “nah we’ll just kill you” He was speaking to the Hellenists and their like “Nah we’ll just kill you” and then he goes to the disciples in Jerusalem and their like “Nah you’ll just kill us”

But then you have Barnabas the encourager coming up and vouching for Saul…talking about all that the Lord has done through him...

And here was the church’s response to him...

Acts 9:30 ESV

30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

ACTS 9:

The church didn’t always get it right…and Saul had a reputation that he had made for himself.

Insight: Thats the thing about hurting people, it lingers…

Paul would go home to Tarsus for Many many years and lived in relative obscurity…but once he Got rolling, there was no stopping him

Paul would go home to Tarsus for many many years and lived in relative obscurity…but once he Got rolling, there was no stopping him

As the gospel began to spread beyond Judea and Samaria, the rest of the book covers…so we will look at those

As the gospel begin to spread beyond Judea and Samaria, the bulk of Luke’s account covers Paul’s missionary journeys.

Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Paul, while persecution increased in Jerusalem.

King Herod beheaded James, John’s brother,

and arrested Peter, who was promptly broken out of prison by an angel ().

In the meantime, Paul and Barnabas headed to Antioch on their first missionary journey - Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire at that time, an urbanized, multicultural, multiethnic hub of politics, travel, and trade. Paul joined the staff of the church at Antioch, and it became home base for their three journeys

Then we read this...

Acts 13:1–2 ESV

1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Acts 13:1-

So you have really diverse group of people here, Niger which means black was presumed to be African, and Manaen was a life long friend of Harod…you have Saul reformed murderer…and in the middle of them all you have happy go luck Barnabas...and all of them have been brought together as one…how? because had a desire to “Worship” or “Minister” to the Lord…in other words the wanted to do whats pleasing to the Lord

This is one of the ways a diverse church experiences unity…through having a common desire to please God

They wait upon the Lord, and then the Holy Spirit speaks “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” - Notice he says “separate unto me” It’s important to understand that before Paul could be separated unto the work…he had to be separated unto the Lord

App: If you will separate to God, it means you must separate from some other things.

You can’t really say “yes” to God’s call on your life until you can say “no” to things that will keep you from that call.

i. You can’t really say “yes” to God’s call on your life until you can say “no” to things that will keep you from that call.

Now on this trip Saul and Barnabas traveled from Antioch down to Seleucia (still in Syria), then sailed south to Salamis on the island of Cyprus and northeast to Galatia (modern-day Turkey). From there, they preached the gospel across the eastern part of Asia Minor, going to Lystra, Derbe, Iconium, Perga, and Attalia.

Interesting note: If you were read about this trip closely you’ll notice that it seems like Barnabas begins this trip as the leader…But as the trip progresses Saul looks like he begins to take over

And this passage seems like the turning point...

Acts 13:15–16 ESV

15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.

acts 13:15-

And then Paul goes on to do what Steven did to him, which was give his people a Messianic history lesson…he spoke about Egypt, The promise land, The judges, The Kingdom of David....

And then he says this

Acts 13:23 ESV

23 Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.

Acts 13:23-

Paul gift was in Full effect...

We see Luke’s focus change to over Saul…and this is where Luke starts referring to him as Paul, and it’s interesting that we never hear of Barnabas complaining

App: Thats important for us to remember, in the kingdom of God, there’s a time to lead…but theres a time to come along side and support the leader…both are important

Finally, they sailed to Antioch and we read this...

Finally, they “sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed” ()”

Acts 14:24–28 ESV

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.

Acts 15:24–28 ESV

24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements:

Acts 15:24-

“The church gathered for a report on their travels, the first missionary conference (v. 27). It was a good report of God’s work, even though Paul remained a real live wire.

He was a big mouth for Jesus. He didn’t care what people thought of him, didn’t care if ”

By the power of the Spirit...Paul was unstoppable. After preaching the gospel in Lystra, they stoned him. They dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead and planning to bury him. He wasn’t, but where we would say “Get me out of here!” and head elsewhere, Paul stood up, brushed himself off, and went back into the city to preach again (vv. 19-20).

Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428

“he offended them in pointing out their theological errors; he wanted to get the message out, and he got it out.

Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428

Paul was unstoppable. After preaching the gospel in Lystra, they stoned him. They dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead and planning to bury him. He wasn’t, but where we would say “Get me out of here!” and head elsewhere, Paul stood up, brushed himself off, and went back into the city to preach again (vv. 19-20).

The main thrust of this chapter is a confrontation between some of the pastors from the church in Antioch and some legalistic brothers from Judea who insisted upon circumcision as a necessity for salvation and Paul and his men insisted that salvation came through faith in Christ alone, apart from keeping the Law of Moses ().

This was the first battle of legalism versus grace was waged here, and the outcome affirmed the true nature of the gospel. After Paul gave his missionary report, Peter came to Paul’s defense by showing that the Scriptures predicted salvation wasn’t just for the Jews, but the whole world.

Here’s the big takeaway from Paul’s first journey was a message that was preached, and defended by Paul and the rest of his companions, and agreed upon amongst the Jerusalem council

All can be saved through Faith in God’s Son…Jesus Christ…It’s through keeping a moral code, it’s through believing that Jesus Christ is the Chosen one sent By God to save us from our sins

App: This message is as important today as it was than...

After working for the church in Antioch for a while, Paul and Barnabas decided to go back along their previous missionary route to check on all the churches where they had preached. This second journey started off on a contentious note...

Acts 15:36–39 ESV

36 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,

acts 15:36-

With Paul and Barnabas arguing over A Guy by the name of John Mark and his inclusion in their 2nd group (). Barnabas, Mark’s uncle, wanted him to come with them, but Paul argued against it, saying, “This guy already ditched us once the first time around,” which happened back on their first journey (). They had a falling out over it, and Paul ended up taking Silas with him to Syria and Cilicia, while Barnabas took Mark and headed out for Cyprus ()

App: These reminds us that there are times, when it’s just better and more productive to part ways…when you have different styles, or different opinions on things…sometimes the best way to work with someone is not too:)

And this gives way to something pretty amazing…Paul heads out with his new missions team…a team that included a young man who’s mother was jewish, but his father was greek…a man named timothy

Acts 16:6–9 ESV

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.”

Acts 16:6–10 ESV

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.” 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.

Acts 16:6–8 ESV

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.

Acts 16:6-

with Paul and Barnabas arguing over John Mark’s inclusion in their group (). Barnabas, Mark’s uncle, wanted him to come with them, but Paul argued against it, saying, “This guy already ditched us once the first time around,” which happened back on their first journey (). They had a falling out over it, and Paul ended up taking Silas with him to Syria and Cilicia, while Barnabas took Mark and headed out for Cyprus ()”

acts 16:

Acts 16:6-

Notice how he was forbidden to go to Asia by the Holy Spirit - understand that Asia does not refer to the Far East as we know it today. It refers to the Roman Province of Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey…but Notice Paul was not permitted to go

“After working for the church in Antioch for a while, Paul and Barnabas decided to go back along their previous missionary route to check on all the churches where they had preached. This second journey started off on a fractious note, with Paul and Barnabas arguing over John Mark’s inclusion in their group (). Barnabas, Mark’s uncle, wanted him to come with them, but Paul argued against it, saying, “This guy already ditched us once the first time around,” which happened back on their first journey (). They had a falling out over it, and Paul ended up taking Silas with him to Syria and Cilicia, while Barnabas took Mark and headed out for Cyprus ()”

It’s interesting considering that Paul was doing a good thing, but God closed the doors

Why? We don’t really know - Paul was the right guy, it would eventually be the right place, but it just wasn’t the right time and some how God made that clear to Paul

but then look what happens here...

Acts 16:10 ESV

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.

acts 16:

Acts 16:9–10 ESV

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.” 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.

This is where Paul and his guys, would first make it to a city called Philippi…He would met a wealthy woman named Lydia who was a seller of purple…Her heart was opened by God and her and her whole household were saved and baptized and she asked them if they would say at her house

Another thing that took place was that while in Philippi, Paul cast “a spirit of divination” out of a slave girl (vv. 16-18), which made her masters—who had been making a pretty penny off her “talents”angry and got him and Silas arrested, beaten, and jailed..but then this happened

“While in Philippi, Paul cast “a spirit of divination” out of a slave girl (vv. 16-18), which made her masters—who had been making a pretty penny off her “talents”—angry and got him and Silas arrested, beaten, and jailed. “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken” (vv. 25-26). Paul and Silas stayed put and ended up preaching to their warden, who converted to Christ, along with his whole family, and released them.”

Acts 16:25–26 ESV

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.

Acts 16:25–26 ESV

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.

Acts

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken” (vv. 25-26). Paul and Silas stayed put and ended up preaching to their warden, who converted to Christ, along with his whole family, and released them.”

Paul and Silas stayed put and ended up preaching to their warden, who converted to Christ, along with his whole family, and released them.

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken” (vv. 25-26). Paul and Silas stayed put and ended up preaching to their warden, who converted to Christ, along with his whole family, and released them.”

Here’s the point: Here was see the life of the missionary, of the minister of Christ especially the missionary, The Lord Closes doors, and the Lord Opens doors…but it’s never for nothing, if the Lord the Lord is closing the door, he’s in the process of opening up another one

There was a long road yet to travel, though. Paul and Silas went on to Thessalonica ()—where they ran into conflict with the local Jews, who chased them off. The local church snuck them out of town and took them to Berea (), where they ran into many fair-minded, Scripture-searching Jews but were chased off once again by the Thessalonian haters. Paul then sailed for Athens, leaving Silas and Timothy behind in Berea.

There, Paul sent for his colleagues, but while he waited he got into a debate with the Greek philosophers at the Areopagus (). Paul left on his own terms and went to Corinth, where he took on work as a tentmaker and stayed for a year and a half. Over time, “many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized” (), but many of the local Jews took issue with Paul. Eventually he headed back to Antioch, where he took some time to regroup before heading out again

There, Paul sent for his colleagues, but while he waited he got into a debate with the Greek philosophers at the Areopagus (). Paul left on his own terms and went to Corinth, where he took on work as a tentmaker and stayed for a year and a half. Over time, “many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized” (), but many of the local Jews took issue with Paul. Eventually he headed back to Antioch, where he took some time to regroup before heading out again.”

It wasn’t long before Paul hit the road again, going out to check in on many of the places he had previously visited. He went through Galatia, visiting the various churches there, and then headed south a bit, staying in the port city of Ephesus for about three years (). It was the longest Paul stayed with any one church.

Of course, wherever Paul went, two things happened:

Conversions

Look at this...

Acts 19:11–16 ESV

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. 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.

Acts 19:11

So God is doing incredible things in Ephesus even to the Point were Paul’s touch is healing people, and God always did that to give precedence to the message that his people were preaching...

But we know wherever there are contenders…they will also be pretenders - Enter these “Seven sons of Sceva” - Think professional televangelists

They saw the Spiritual Authority Paul had…and they said “we can do that”

And then they realize they can’t

Acts 19:17–20 ESV

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.

Acts 19:17-

I love this because we see here that these guys just “get it”

It’s almost as if they had not played the church game long enough

They didn’t know the church game

The church game is - Say you want to follow Jesus…and don’t confess, don’t repent, don’t study and obey God’s word…but these guys…didn’t know any better...

They confessed, they repented, they gave themselves to God’s word…Thats conversion...

But there was also

Conflict

Illustration: It might have been easier if, in every city he came to, Paul had gone straight to the officials in the city and introduced himself: “My name is Paul. I am an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ—whom I will tell you about in a moment—and I am wondering if you could just tell me where the city jail is. I’d like to know where I’ll be spending the night at some point while I’m here.”

and conflict. It might have been easier if, in every city he came to, Paul had gone straight to the magistrate and introduced himself: “My name is Paul. I am an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ—whom I will tell you about in a moment—and I am wondering if you could just tell me where the city jail is. I’d like to know where I’ll be spending the night at some point while I’m here.”

. It might have been easier if, in every city he came to, Paul had gone straight to the magistrate and introduced himself: “My name is Paul. I am an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ—whom I will tell you about in a moment—and I am wondering if you could just tell me where the city jail is. I’d like to know where I’ll be spending the night at some point while I’m here.”

In Ephesus, a riot broke out after Paul’s preaching resulted in people abandoning their idolatry, which led to fewer sales for a local silversmith named Demetrius, who riled up a mob to seize a pair of Paul’s traveling companions (vv. 24-29). Paul wanted to go in and talk to[…]”

Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428

In Ephesus, a riot broke out after Paul’s preaching resulted in people abandoning their idolatry, which led to fewer sales for a local silversmith named Demetrius, who riled up a mob to seize a pair of Paul’s traveling companions (vv. 24-29).

Paul wanted to go in and talk to the mob, but his friends held him back, realizing that his presence would be fuel for an already rapidly burning fire ().

A city clerk calmed everything down and dispersed the people, and Paul decided it was time to head over to Greece ().

Paul traveled through Greece and Macedonia for three months, but wanted to get back to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost. First, however, he wanted to check in with the church leaders from Ephesus, so he asked them to meet him in Miletus, where he had a solemn message to share. “Now I go bound in spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulation await me” (vv. 22-23).

Paul traveled through Greece and Macedonia for three months, but wanted to get back to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost. First, however, he wanted to check in with the church leaders from Ephesus, so he asked them to meet him in Miletus, where he had a solemn message to share.

Acts 20:22–23 ESV

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.

-23

Paul’s faith resonates in his words, his sense of God’s will, and his desire to do it. “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus

\. Paul’s faith resonates in his words, his sense of God’s will, and his desire to do it. “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus

Paul’s faith resonates in his words, his sense of God’s will, and his desire to do it. “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus[…]”

() - When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he was indeed arrested. People recognized him in the temple and trumped up false charges against him, dragging him outside and beating him until Roman guards showed up

() - At the soldiers’ barracks, Paul shared his testimony before the Roman guard and the Jewish high council, who were so infuriated with his seeming betrayal of Judaism that they wanted to kill him. He managed to stave off a worse beating than he took by claiming his rights as a citizen of Rome

() - Paul’s testimony before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish supreme court) landed him in the middle of a conflict between the two ruling parties, the Pharisees and Sadducees, that nearly got him torn apart

At what must have been a low moment for Paul, wondering if he would ever get to Rome, God Himself delivered encouragement:

Acts 23:11 ESV

11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

Paul’s path to Rome involved getting him safely out of Jerusalem first.

Paul’s path to Rome involved getting him safely out of Jerusalem first. A band of forty men planned to ambush him on the way to a council meeting and kill him, but Paul informed the Romans, who arranged for a huge military escort to take him to Caesarea and the governor of Judea, Felix

Paul’s path to Rome involved getting him safely out of Jerusalem first. A band of forty men planned to ambush him on the chained to one guard after another. Or rather, they were chained to Paul—he had a captive audience coming in shifts, drawing the guards out of their own lives and sharing about Jesus. “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him” (vv. 30-31).

And that’s where the book of Acts ends. It seems abrupt, but then it’s not the end of the story, is it? There is more to come. Luke didn’t tell us what happened to the hero of the story, the main agent, because it’s not Paul. The Holy Spirit is the main character, remember? He wasn’t done working then, and He isn’t yet. Luke told the story of Jesus in a Gospel and the story of the early church—primarily Peter and Paul—here in Acts, but the Holy Spirit has continued to do His work, down through the centuries, to you and me. We are part of the story, an ongoing account of God’s desire to redeem as many as will believe[…]”

v. 35 - Paul’s case was tied up in court for two years while he stayed incarcerated at Caesarea in Herod’s fortress before being sent to Rome

In - While there, he went through three trials—court appearances before two governors (Antonius Felix and Porcius Festus) and one king (Herod Agrippa II). Members of the Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem came to the first trial, wanting to protect their reputation against a former member becoming a follower of Jesus

Felix let Paul have visitors, and Paul even spoke with him and his wife about faith in Christ, but Felix held back on ruling on Paul’s case and was succeeded after two years by Porcius Festus. He left his office with Paul still in chains.

Festus put Paul on trial again, but because he wanted to “do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said[…]”

We see Festus put Paul on trial again, but because he wanted to “do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?’ ”

“Festus put Paul on trial again, but because he wanted to “do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?’ ” (). Paul had already played this game before and was ready to cut to the chase, so he told Festus he hadn’t wronged the Jews or anyone else, and appealed to Caesar (vv. 10-11). Paul knew he wasn’t going to get any justice from the Jewish council in Jerusalem. So he decided to play his last card—his Roman citizenship—and appeal to a higher power, Caesar himself in this case. In a way, he made Festus’s job easy for him, and off to Caesar he went.

vv. 10-11 Paul had already played this game before and was ready to cut to the chase, so he told Festus he hadn’t wronged the Jews or anyone else, and appealed to Caesar

Paul knew he wasn’t going to get any justice from the Jewish council in Jerusalem. So he decided to play his last card—his Roman citizenship—and appeal to a higher power, Caesar himself in this case. In a way, he made Festus’ job easy for him, and he was sent off to Caesar

Traveling in the prison section of a cargo ship carrying grain to Rome from Egypt, Paul got exactly what he wanted. He had written to the Romans years earlier, telling them, “Now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you” (). He was getting something his heart[…]”

Traveling in the prison section of a cargo ship carrying grain to Rome from Egypt, Paul got exactly what he wanted. He had written to the Romans years earlier, telling them, “Now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you” ().

He was getting something his heart had long desired—an opportunity to do God’s will in the heart of the empire. He didn’t care that he was going as a prisoner, and as a bonus, he would be traveling on Rome’s dime. Rome, in fact, would end up unwittingly sponsoring all the evangelism Paul would do from jail, all the letters he would write to the churches.

When Paul finally arrived in Rome, he testified to the local Jews, some of whom believed after hearing what he had to say (). He lived for two years under house arrest, ”

- When Paul finally arrived in Rome, he testified to the local Jews, some of whom believed after hearing what he had to say

He lived for two years under house arrest chained to one guard after another. Or rather, they were chained to Paul—he had a captive audience coming in shifts, drawing the guards out of their own lives and sharing about Jesus.

“chained to one guard after another. Or rather, they were chained to Paul—he had a captive audience coming in shifts, drawing the guards out of their own lives and sharing about Jesus. “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him” (vv. 30-31).

Acts 28:30–31 ESV

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.

Acts 28:30

And that’s where the book of Acts ends.

And that’s where the book of Acts ends. It seems abrupt, but then it’s not the end of the story, is it? There is more to come. Luke didn’t tell us what happened to the hero of the story, the main agent, because it’s not Paul. The Holy Spirit is the main character, remember? He wasn’t done working then, and He isn’t yet. Luke told the story of Jesus in a Gospel and the story of the early church—primarily Peter and Paul—here in Acts, but the Holy Spirit has continued to do His work, down through the centuries, to you and me. We are part of the story, an ongoing account of God’s desire to redeem as many as will believe[…]”

It seems abrupt, but then it’s not the end of the story, is it? There is more to come.

Luke didn’t tell us what happened to the hero of the story, the main agent, because it’s not Paul.

The Holy Spirit is the main character, remember? He wasn’t done working then, and He isn’t yet. Luke told the story of Jesus in a Gospel and the story of the early church—primarily Peter and Paul—here in Acts, but the Holy Spirit has continued to do His work, down through the centuries, to you and me. We are part of the story, an ongoing account of God’s desire to redeem as many as will believe

Excerpt From: Skip Heitzig. “The Bible from 30,000 Feet™.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-from-30-000-feet/id1233862428

The book of Acts part 3

Saul’s beginning...

Paul’s First missionary Journey 13:1-14:36 (A Focus On faith in Christ alone)

Chapter 15

Paul’s secondary missionary Journey 15:38-18:22 (Open and closed doors)

Chapter 17

Paul’s third missionary journey - 18:23-21:17 (Conversions and Conflict)

Acts 20

Paul in chains - 21:18-28:31