Acts Introduction
Luke’s account of the early church is a companion volume to his Gospel account. In the first paragraph of Luke’s Gospel, he says that it was written to Theophilus. He is either addressing a man with that name, or the reader as a “lover of God”. Again, at the beginning of Acts, Luke addresses the same “Theophilus”. He had an amazing story to tell, and he greatly wanted to bless all those who loved God with as thorough a rendition as possible of the story of the early church.
The primary theme of Acts is the institution and growth of the church. It is nicely connected with Luke’s Gospel, as Jesus tells his followers (Luke 24:49) just before his ascension, to wait to minister until they have received the fullness of the Spirit, and then repeats Jesus’ instructions in Acts 1:4-5.
The major segments of this early church history are:
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The departure and ascension of Jesus, and Peter’s first run of leading the disciples as they appoint Matthias to take Judas’ place (Acts 1)
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The infilling of the Holy Spirit at the feast of Pentecost and Peter’s first sermon to three thousand (Acts 2)
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The rising of the disciples into the place of Jesus as wonder workers and the resulting conflicts with authorities and growth of the church (Acts 3-5)
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Appointment and commissioning of administrators who also do miracles, grow the church, and Stephen becomes the first martyr (Acts 6-8)
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Saul’s attack on the church and his conversion through Jesus’ appearance to him (Acts 9)
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Peter’s ministry including bringing the Spirit to the first non-Jewish converts, and the subsequent controversy, acceptance, and growth of the church (Acts 10-12)
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Paul and Barnabus’ call as missionaries and first missionary journey to Syria, Cyprus, and southern Turkey, bringing the Gospel both to Jews and non-Jews (Acts 13-14)
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The Council in Jerusalem and resolution allowing non-Jews to be Christians without becoming Jews (Acts 15)
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Paul and Silas’ exploits in the second missionary journey primarily to Macedonia and Greece, including the recruitment, training, and sending of Timothy, and the establishment of a number of churches, including in Corinth (Acts 16-18)
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Paul’s third missionary journey, primarily 2 ½ years devoted to defeating idolatry and establishing the church in Ephesus (in western Turkey) and visiting Macedonia and Greece (Acts 19-20)
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Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem and imprisonment and trial and defense before two different Roman governors Felix and Festus and Jewish King Agrippa (Acts 21-26)
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Paul’s transport by ship to Rome, subsequent shipwreck, rescue, and delivery to prison in Rome (Acts 27-28)
Just as in Luke’s Gospel, the author has clearly interviewed many people to arrive at a coherent account. Based on his use of a first-person plural “we”, Luke appears to have joined Paul’s team in Troas on the way to Philippi in Acts 16:10. However, Luke is not with Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail or at certain other points in his travels. He remains with him however for his journey to Rome. Acts ends before the end of Paul’s life which also apparently is prior to the sacking of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
Luke excellently conveys key aspects of the life of the early church:
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The power and boldness given over and over to ordinary men as they chose to follow Jesus, were discipled, and received the infilling of the Holy Spirit
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The love, unity, and community among the early followers
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The active involvement of God in the person of the Holy Spirit and Jesus himself in guiding, confronting, and emboldening disciples at key points in their lives.
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God’s surprise plan to reach all men everywhere with the Good News of Jesus and full citizenship in the church, regardless of background.
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God’s choosing and empowering of specific individuals such as Peter and Paul to reach people groups and nations
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The difficulties and conflicts among Christian leaders and God’s ability to lead the church to overcome division.
Luke’s story of the acts of God working through his chosen vessels is still inspiring and helps us to believe that all of these things can and will happen even in our own time.
Acts Guide to the Transcommentary
This is a little bit more than a translation and a bit less than a full commentary. It serves a similar function to the Amplified Bible, though that work’s purpose was to provide a complete sense of the meaning of the words used by the writers of scripture. This work has a somewhat different purpose:
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To convey as close as possible the actual meaning of the sentences as they would have been understood at the time they were originally spoken or written. To accomplish this for twenty-first century Americans, dynamic equivalent words and sayings have been used at a sentence level. An attempt has been made to preserve intended wordplay and irony from the original author.
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We have attempted to clarify ideas, references, and thought sequences that would have been clear to first century audiences but are not clear to modern audiences because of differences in culture, customs, language, or degree of familiarity with Old Testament scriptures and Messianic prophecies. The phrasing of the translation itself aims at that clarity, but we have also added words, phrases, and sentences to the narrative for improved understanding. All such additions are in brackets []. This allows the reader to have the explanatory additions when reading but also insulate these additions from the translated scripture – indeed, with a little effort they can be skipped entirely when reading aloud.
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Color codes for different types of additional material are intended to further aid understanding:
- As in many editions, the words of Jesus are shown in red.
- Words of Father God or the Holy Spirit are shown in blue.
- References to scriptures are shown in orange.
- Green is used for words added to descriptive narrative because they are implied or as commentary to explain the context.
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As in many translations and editions, we have added headings in bold to help understand when a new theme is introduced by the author.
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The author frequently refers to "Christ" or to "Jesus Christ". We have employed the words “the Anointed One” rather than "Christ", since that is the meaning of “Christ”. We wanted to avoid the sense of "Christ" as Jesus’ surname, yet still recognize it as a well-known title.
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We have also added study questions at the end of each chapter to help you think more thoroughly about the meaning and application of the author’s writing.
An example of the use of bold headings, color, and brackets can be seen in the following paragraph taken from Acts 1.
The promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit
1 Dear Lover of God. My first book was about all that Jesus did and taught, from the time he began his work, 2 through the giving of instructions to the apostles [sent-out messengers], whom he chose through the [inspiration of the] Holy Spirit, until he was taken up [to Heaven]. 3 To those same apostles, he proved he was [resurrected and] alive after his suffering [and death], through many clear demonstrations. [He had to prove he was no longer dead but that it was his real body alive again, not a spirit or ghost. This he did by showing the disciples his wounds and also by eating. See Luke 24:40-42, John 20:20,27.] He showed himself to them for forty days while he spoke about the things concerning the kingdom of God. 4 And when Jesus and the apostles were all together, he commanded they should not leave Jerusalem but, “Wait for [the fulfillment of] the promise of the Father [Luke 24:49], which you have heard about from me. 5 For John [the Baptist] baptized with water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
We will have succeeded in this translation if you the reader find that you can read this work of scripture with greater comprehension and enjoyment than ever before. Please let us know if you find the various supplementary materials helpful. or too distracting, or if you have any other suggestions about how to improve this approach to translation.
Richard Tittle, pneuma9@gmail.com
Acts Chapter 1
Promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit
1 Dear Lover of God. My first book was about all that Jesus did and taught, from the time he began his work, 2 through the giving of instructions to the apostles [sent-out messengers], whom he chose through the [inspiration of the] Holy Spirit, until he was taken up [to Heaven]. 3 To those same apostles, he proved he was [resurrected and] alive after his suffering [and death], through many clear demonstrations. [He had to prove he was no longer dead but that it was his real body alive again, not a spirit or ghost. This he did by showing the disciples his wounds and also by eating. See Luke 24:39-43, John 20:20,27.] He showed himself to them for forty days while he spoke about the things concerning the kingdom of God. 4 And when Jesus and the apostles were all together, he commanded they should not leave Jerusalem but, “Wait for [the fulfillment of] the promise of the Father [Luke 24:49], which you have heard about from me. 5 For John [the Baptist] baptized with water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 While they were all together, they asked him, “Will you at the time [when the Holy Spirit comes] restore again the kingdom [the right to rule themselves and others] to Israel?” 7 And he replied to then, “It’s not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has appointed in his authority. [It’s up to the Father when Israel will be restored and when I will return. However, there is a kingdom that is being established right now, and it is the Kingdom of God.] 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. And you will be my witnesses[, telling the truth about who I am and what you’ve experienced] in Jerusalem [right where we are], in all Judea [the surrounding area], in Samaria [close but foreign lands], and in the farthest places on the earth [everywhere else].”
Ascension of Jesus
9 And after he had spoken these things, while they were watching, he rose and disappeared into a cloud. 10 And while they kept their attention on the sky as he ascended, there were two men who stood near them in white clothing, who said, 11 “You men of Galilee, why do you stand there staring at the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken from you up to heaven, will come again in a similar way as you have seen him depart into the sky.” [One of the great promises of our faith is that Jesus will return to the earth and, when he does, he will descend from the sky (1 Thessalonians 4:16).]
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is a Sabbath Day’s journey [around half a mile]. [A Sabbath Day’s journey is the distance that rabbis had determined was allowed before it was accounted as work on a Sabbath. During the years the tribes of Israel camped around the Tabernacle, it was the distance from the farthest edge of the camp to the Tabernacle at the center.]
Gathering of 120 believers and Peter’s speech
13 They went inside a house and to the upper room, which is where [the eleven disciples] were living – Peter, John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All of them remained continuously in prayer with one heart, along with the women [who were followers of Jesus], and Mary his mother, and his brothers. [“Brothers” may include other male followers, in addition to Jesus’ family. By now Jesus’ brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Jude (Matthew 13:55), were believers in Jesus. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:7 that Jesus appeared to his brother James after he rose from the dead.]
15 During those days, there was a gathering of one hundred twenty followers of Jesus. Peter stood up in their midst and said, 16 “Friends and family, there is a scripture which had to be fulfilled, spoken by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who guided the mob that arrested Jesus. 17 For he was one of us [whom Jesus named apostles] and had taken part in our work [including going out to bring healing and the kingdom of God and serving as leaders as well as witnesses].
18 “With the payment given for his evil act, a field was purchased. He had fallen headlong [from hanging himself] and had burst asunder, his bowels spilling out. 19 This was known to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so they called the field in their own language, Akeldama, which means “field of blood”. [Matthew 27:5-8 explains that the field was so named because the money from which it was purchased was originally given to Judas to shed the blood of Jesus, but the more popular and colorful reason was because of the bursting of Judas’ body and therefore the field was stained with his blood.]
20 “Now, it is written in the Book of Psalms, ‘Let where he lives be abandoned and no man live there’. [Psalms 69:25 was understood to refer to the Anointed One, and the quote applies to the fate of those who betrayed the Anointed One. Peter is saying that Judas received what he deserved.] [And in Psalms 109:8 it is written,] ‘Let someone else take his position of responsibility’. [This is another psalm, about a betrayer, and it is saying that it is right the person be condemned but someone must take over his responsibilities.]
Selection of Matthias to replace Judas
21 “Therefore, we need to choose someone among the men who have been with us throughout the ministry of Jesus, including all his travels, 22 from his baptism by John until the day he was taken up from us, so that he can be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” 23 They considered two, Joseph called Barsabbas and whose last name was Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which of these two men you have chosen, so that man may take the responsibility and apostleship from which Judas turned away and has gone to his own place [of judgment].” And they brought forth lots [and cast them], and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted among the eleven apostles [as a twelfth].
Discussion questions
1. When Jesus taught the disciples about the kingdom of God, what kinds of things do you think he taught them? Why do you think the disciples were so concerned about the restoration of the kingdom of Israel?
2. Why do you think Jesus bodily departed? Why did he not begin his rule on the earth directly after his resurrection? Why do you think he departed by ascending rather than by simply disappearing?
3. Why did the eleven disciples cast lots rather than pray to find out which of the two men was called to take Judas’ role as apostle? Why was it important for there to be twelve of them?
Acts Chapter 2
Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
1 When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers [the followers of Jesus] were gathered together in one place. [Pentecost is the Jewish Feast of the Grain Harvest which was celebrated 50 days after Passover. In this case, it was also ten days after Jesus had ascended to Heaven, so the believers had been praying together continually for ten days.] 2 Suddenly, there came the sound from heaven of a rushing, mighty wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And something visible formed that looked like fire which separated into tongues over each of their heads. 4 They all were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability to form the words.
Effect on the Jews gathered for Pentecost
5 In Jerusalem, devout Jews were residing who came from every nation under heaven. [It was an international city, especially during feast days such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, as the devout Jews were required to come from wherever they lived to Jerusalem and celebrate at the Temple. The location where the disciples met is generally assumed to be the upper room mentioned in Acts 1:13-14, where the twelve were staying, and which may also be the place of the Last Supper. However, it’s possible the outpouring of the Spirit occurred in the Temple. Acts 2:2-4 says the sound of the Spirit filled the “whole house”, which is appropriate to the house of “the Upper Room”, but the Temple was also called a “house”. Luke 24:53, the last verse of Luke’s Gospel, says that after Jesus’ ascension, the disciples spent all their time in the Temple, praising God. It was the Day of Pentecost, a major feast day, and the disciples would have just participated in the morning sacrifice and worship in the Temple. There were many gathering places inside the Temple. After the Spirit fell on 120 people, at least three thousand heard Peter’s sermon and were converted and then baptized. The baptismal pools for ritual cleansing were all located near the Temple. Thus, the Temple itself is a strong candidate for the location where the Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost.] 6 When the crowd heard the sound of the voices mixed together [from the Spirit being expressed through the believers’ gathering], a large crowd gathered, and they were surprised, because each man heard the believers speak in his own language.
7 They were amazed and wondered [how it was possible], saying, “Look, all of those speaking are Galileans [based on their looks and accents], 8 but we hear each of them speaking in our native languages – 9 [and we are] Parthians [from Iraq and Iran], Medes [from northwest Iran], and Elamites [from southwest Iran], residents of Mesopotamia [between the Tigris and Euphrates in Iraq and Turkey], Judea, Cappadocia [in central Turkey], Pontus [northeast Turkey], 10 Phrygia [west central Turkey], Pamphylia [southern Turkey], Egypt, Libya [the northern area] near Cyrene, and Romans. 11 Whether we are [native born] Jews or converts, Cretes or Arabians, we hear them speaking in our languages the wonderful works of God.” 12 All of them were astonished but also puzzled, saying, “What does this signify?” 13 Others, making fun of them, said, “They are full of new wine [and drunk].”
Peter’s sermon explaining the outpouring
14 But Peter stood up with the [other] eleven [apostles], lifted his voice, and said to them, “Men of Judea and you who are living in Jerusalem, so you can understand what is happening, listen to what I say to you. 15 These men are not drunk, as you were thinking, for it is only the third hour of the day [nine in the morning].
16 “This is what was spoken about by the prophet Joel [Joel 2:28-32], 17 “‘It will come about in the last days’, God declares, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 And on my male and female servants, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs in the earth below – blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 20 And the sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before that great and memorable day of the Lord comes. 21 And it will come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
[Peter has the insight that this very time of the Spirit’s outpouring was described by Joel long in advance. The extent of Peter’s quote indicates that he believed the Spirit would be made available to everyone, and that this would usher in a time of great advancement in the Spirit, with signs and wonders, and many coming into God’s kingdom through faith in Jesus. The fulfillment of this is what the Book of Acts describes.]
Peter’s description of Jesus
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words. [The words I am about to speak are what you most need to know.] Jesus of Nazareth was a man whom God displayed among you through works of power [such as healings and deliverances], wonders [such as multiplying loaves and fishes], and signs [such as fulfilling of prophecies]. God did these things through Jesus right in the midst of you, as you are aware. 23 By God’s own predetermined plan and will, Jesus was handed over to you, and you killed him by having sinful men hang him on a cross. 24 But God raised him up again, breaking the chains of death, because it was impossible that death could keep him prisoner. [Jesus was life itself, and life has victory over death.]
25 “For David spoke [Psalms 16:8-11] concerning Jesus, ‘I saw the Lord before me, for he is always at my right hand [to strengthen me], so that I should not be troubled [by the many problems that come to me]. 26 Therefore, my heart rejoiced and my tongue was glad. In fact, my whole being will remain in hope, 27 because you will not abandon my soul to the place of the dead, nor will you allow your Holy One to see decay. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life, and your face [presence] will fill me with joy.’ [Much of the psalm applies to David, but also applies to the Anointed One, and so it was regarded as a Messianic prophecy, as were many of the psalms.]
29 “Brothers, let me speak to you bluntly about the patriarch David. He is both dead and buried, and his memorial tomb is with us to this day [and remains sealed]. 30 He was a prophet, and he knew that God had promised him that He would raise up one of his own descendants to sit on his throne. [The promise was that one from David’s line would reign forever – see 2 Samuel 7:12-16. This was partially fulfilled when Jesus became a king at his ascending to heaven but will be completely fulfilled in Jesus upon his return to the earth.] 31 David saw in advance what would happen, that the Anointed One would be resurrected, and thus he would not stay in the place of the dead nor would his flesh decay.
32 “This Jesus, God has raised up – of this all of us [twelve] are witnesses! 33 He has now been elevated to the right hand of God [the place of power], and having received the Holy Spirit, which was the promise of the Father, he has poured forth what you are now seeing and hearing[, which is being demonstrated in the supernatural praise of God in other languages].
[John the Baptist had been told by God, and had told the disciples, that Jesus would be the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit [John 1:33]. Jesus could not do this until he had removed our sin by dying in our place [2 Corinthians 5:21], for a holy God cannot live in unholy men. While Jesus paid the penalty on the cross, it is only when we decide to follow Jesus as our Lord and Savior that our sins are erased [Romans 10:9] and we receive a new heart and a reborn spirit [Ezekiel 36:26-27]. Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he instructed his followers to wait and pray together until they received the promise of the Father, which would give them power [Luke 24:49]. Peter was now very aware that the gift of the Holy Spirit was delivered by the Father to Jesus who, at God’s right hand, was responsible now for baptizing in the fullness of the Spirit every believer willing to receive.]
34 “For David did not ascend to the heavens [like Jesus], but it was him who said [Psalms 110:1], ‘Yahweh said to my Lord [Jesus], “Come and sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies into your footstool.”’ 36 Therefore, I announce to all the people of Israel, ‘Know with assurance that this Jesus, whom you crucified, is the one whom God has made both Lord and Anointed One!’” [Both the psalm and Peter’s declaration indicate a conviction that Jesus, having accomplished all he did through his life and death, was now restored to his heavenly glory. Once Jesus returned to heaven, his Father invited him to co-rule with him, and ultimately that rule will result in every enemy being totally defeated. This victory is described in more detail in 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 and Revelation 20.]
Peter’s invitation to 3000
37 When the crowd heard this, they were deeply affected, and said to Peter and the other apostles, “What should we do? [We accept that we are guilty, and we want to make it right.]” 38 Peter said to them, “Turn your hearts over to God and be baptized, every one of you, on the [authority of the] name of Jesus, the Anointed One, for the redemption of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For this promise is to you and your children and to everyone, no matter how far away they are [in distance or righteousness]. It’s for everyone who calls on our Lord God.”
[It was typical for the Jews to be ritually cleansed before attending a feast at the Temple. And John the Baptist had taught that there needed to be a real change of heart to go with the washing. Peter was now telling these men that to be thoroughly cleansed of sin, they needed to turn over their heart to God, and decide to follow Jesus as God himself, as they submitted to baptism using his name. The proof of their forgiveness would be their experience of the Holy Spirit coming into and residing in their hearts.]
40 And with many other words, Peter testified and encouraged them, saying [for example], “Save yourselves from this perverted generation!” 41 They accepted all that he said and were baptized. And around three thousand persons were added to their number that day.
Life of the early church
42 And they continued to regularly receive the apostles’ teaching, spend time together, and share in the breaking of bread [fellowship meals that included a celebration and remembrance of the Lord in Communion] and in prayers [which probably included traditional Jewish morning and evening prayer as well as spontaneous prayers for their needs].
43 Everyone was filled with awe as many signs and wonders were done by the apostles. [They were now beginning to fully function in the ministry of Jesus, but they had not yet taught or imparted to other believers the same ministry.] 44 All of those who believed were together and had everything in common. 45 And they gave what they owned or sold their property so that each person would have what they needed. 46 Daily they met together at the Temple and shared meals together in homes with gladness 47 and praised God with singleness of heart. They had such favor with all the people that the Lord was adding daily to their number those who were being saved [from their old lifestyle and from eternal separation from God].
Discussion questions
1. Have you ever prayed together with others for a number of days in a row? What happened as a result?
2. This is the first instance of people speaking in other languages under the influence of the Holy Spirit. What effect did this have on others who heard it? From your own experience with the gift of tongues, are they always the distinct language of another people group?
3. What would you say caused three thousand people in one day to decide to follow Jesus?
4. What were the elements that characterized the early church? How is that different from what occurs in our churches today?
Acts Chapter 3
Healing of the lame man
1 Peter and John went up into the Temple for prayer at the ninth hour [three in the afternoon, the time of the afternoon sacrifice]. 2 There was a man who had been born lame who was carried daily and dropped off at the gate to the Temple called “Beautiful” so that he could ask for offerings from those who entered the Temple there. 3 The man saw Peter and John about to go into the Temple and asked for offerings from them.
4 And Peter stared at him along with John and said, “Look at us.” 5 And the man looked up at them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 And Peter said, “I don’t have any gold or silver, but I will give you what I do have. [I have faith for you to be healed.] In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Anointed One, rise up and walk!” 7 And Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And springing up, the man was able to stand and walk, and so he entered into the Temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and they recognized that it was the man who begged for offerings at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, and they were filled with amazement and wonder about what had happened to him. 11 The man held onto Peter and John as the astonished crowd rushed over to Solomon’s Porch [the covered area of the Temple where the disciples studied the word and prayed together].
Peter’s sermon on faith in the name of Jesus
12 Seeing this, Peter spoke to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you so amazed about what has happened and about what we have done? Why are you staring, as though it was by our own power or holiness that we made this man able to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has given glory to his son Jesus, whom you turned over and rejected before Pilate, though he [Pilate] had decided to let Jesus go. 14 But you rejected the Holy and Just One and desired a murderer [Barabbas] to be turned loose to you. 15 And you put to death the Prince of Life, but God raised him from death, which we ourselves have witnessed. 16 And it was based on faith in his [Jesus’] name that this man whom you see and know was filled with strength. And the man himself now has received faith in Jesus’ name which has made him completely well in front of all of you.
17 “And now brothers, I understand that you and your rulers did it [that is, killed Jesus] through ignorance. 18 But God had already shown through the mouth of all the prophets what things the Anointed One would suffer, which Jesus has also fulfilled [through his death on your behalf]. [Psalms 22:1-18, Isaiah 53:5-6, Daniel 9:26, Zechariah 12:10 are examples of the prophecies of the suffering of the Anointed One.] 19 Now, confess before God your willingness to change your thinking and to submit to God’s plan, so that your sins may be removed. This will lead to times of revival coming through the presence of the Lord. [As many repent and turn to God, believing in Jesus, God’s presence will be more and more with you, which will strengthen the whole community.]
20 “And he will send to you the one who was chosen, Jesus, the Anointed One[, when he comes to rule as the returning king]. [Jesus will also come personally to each believer and to the entire community of believers through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.] 21 However, Jesus must remain [physically] in heaven until it’s time for the restoration of all things. This is exactly what God has spoken through the mouth of all his prophets since the world began.
[Peter was saying that, in the timing of God, the Anointed One will not return until a period of restoration. One of the restorations will be Israel’s kingdom (Acts 1:6). The prophets speak many times of the return of the Jews both to their land and to their relationship with God. Isaiah 11:11 tells us that there will be a second restoration of Israel after the Anointed One has come. At the time Peter is speaking, there has been one exile and return, but the second exile did not happen until Rome sacked Jerusalem in AD 70, almost forty years later. The return of Israel occurred with the creation of modern Israel in 1948. Second, there is to be a walking out of the restoration of family and community, as prophesied in Malachi 4:6, which began to be fulfilled when John the Baptist introduced the Anointed One to the world but continues through the spread of Christian community to people groups throughout the earth. Third, there was to be a fulfillment of all the earth being blessed through Abraham’s seed (Genesis 22:18), as the non-Jewish peoples received faith through those carrying the good news. Fourth, the Gospel would be preached throughout the earth (Matthew 24:14), and the earth consequently would be filled with the glory of the Lord (Numbers 14:21-23, Habakkuk 2:14). There are other aspects of restoration that will only happen when the Anointed One returns.]
22 “For [example,] Moses spoke truly, “The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you like me[, Moses,] from your brothers. Listen to all he says to you. 23 And every person who does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from among the people”. 24 And yes, in the same way, the prophets beginning with Samuel each have spoken and foretold these days.
[The prophets foretold the coming of the Anointed One, the outpouring of the Spirit, and the return of the Lord. For example, 2 Samuel 7:12-16 says that there would be one from David’s line who would rule forever. As Peter already cited in Acts 2, Joel 2:28-32 described the time of the Spirit’s outpouring. But so did Isaiah 44:3-5, Ezekiel 36:26-27, and Zechariah 12:10. Likewise, the second coming of the Anointed One is also prophesied in many places such as Daniel 7:13-14 and Zechariah 14:1-9.]
25 “You are the sons [heirs] of the promises and of the covenant God made with our fathers. As he said to Abraham, “In your seed [descendant], all of the families of the earth shall be blessed” [Genesis 22:18]. 26 So God, having raised up his servant [Jesus], sent him first to you to turn you away from your sins.”
Discussion questions
1. How did Peter turn the miracle that just happened into a means to glorify Jesus and to lead people to follow Jesus?
2. Peter says that turning to Jesus would lead to times of revival (v 19). What did he say in that verse would be an important ingredient of that revival?
3. Peter also said that Jesus would not return until the “restoration of all things”? Where do you believe the world is in the fulfillment of that restoration? What still remains to happen? What part do you think we play in that restoration?
Acts Chapter 4
Peter and John before the Jewish Council
1 Peter, along with John, was still speaking when some of the priests arrived, including the officer in charge of the Temple guards, and some of the Sadducees. 2 Those who arrived were upset with Peter and John because they taught the people, proclaiming the resurrection of the dead through Jesus. [There were many political and philosophical parties within the Temple and the priesthood. One faction, the Sadducees, did not believe in the Resurrection, but Peter and John were teaching not only that Jesus came back from the dead, but that all who followed Jesus would also resurrect. The Sadducees brought the highest ranking Temple authority other than the High Priest to order Peter and John to stop.] 3 The guards took hold of Peter and John and put them in prison until the next day, since it was now evening. 4 But many believed who had heard what had been preached, and the number of the men [who now believed] was around five thousand.
5 The next day, the chief priests, elders, and teachers of the Law, gathered together in Jerusalem. 6 This group included Annas, [formerly] the high priest, and Caiaphas [who was now the high priest but under the thumb of Annas], and John and Alexander, who were of the high priest’s family. 7 And when they brought Peter and John before this group, they were asked, “By what power, or in [the authority of] what name, have you done this [healed the lame man]?”
8 Then, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You chief priests and elders of the people, 9 if we are being tried for this good deed, which has caused this man who had been lame to be made whole, 10 let it be known to you and to all the people of Israel, that it is in the name of Jesus, whom you crucified, and whom God raised from the dead, that by him this man is standing before you healed. 11 Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders of the house, which has now become the head of the corner [the final and most important stone in the structure, as described in Psalms 118:22-23 and later by Jesus himself in Mark 12:10-11]. 12 In fact, wholeness is found in no other name. The name of Jesus is the only name that men can use under heaven by which we can surely be made whole.”
13 The priests noticed the self-assurance of Peter and John, and realizing that they were uneducated and unskilled speakers, they were amazed. They also realized that these men had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man still standing there who had been healed, they could say nothing against them. 15 But telling them [Peter and John] to leave the group, they [the priests] continued to meet, saying, 16 “What shall we do to these men, for the fact that a remarkable miracle has been performed by them is clear to everyone who lives in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it. 17 But to keep this from spreading further among the people, let us threaten them so they won’t continue to speak this name [Jesus] to any man.”
18 They called Peter and John back and commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Which is right, to listen to the very person of God, or to listen to you. You be the judge. 20 For we cannot but speak of the things we have seen and heard!” 21 The Jewish leaders further threatened Peter and John and then let them go, finding no way to punish them, because the people were all glorifying God for what had been accomplished [the healing of the lame man]. 22 For the man was more than forty years old who had experienced this miracle of healing. [He had been lame for a very long time and was considerably past the age where anyone would hope for him to recover, except for a miracle from God.]
Prayer for boldness of the believers
23 Once they were released, Peter and John returned to their own group and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said. 24 And when the group heard [their account], with singleness of purpose they lifted their voice to God, “You are our ruler, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that are in them. 25 Through the Holy Spirit, you spoke to our ancestor, David, your servant, saying, ‘Why are the non-Jews so angry, and the people making foolish plans? 26 For the kings of the earth prepared for battle and the rulers were gathered together against our Lord and against his Anointed One’ [Psalms 2:1-3]. 27 For in fact, in this city, both Herod and Pontius Pilate gathered together along with both the non-Jews and the Jewish people who were against your holy child Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 Yet they accomplished what your hand and your purpose had determined in advance must happen.
29 “And now, Lord, see what they have threatened, and grant to your servants that we might speak your word with complete boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and grant that amazing things and miracles may be performed through the name of your holy child Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place they were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke out the word of God with boldness.
32 And the crowd of believers were of one heart and mind. And no one claimed any of their possessions as their own, but they had all things together in common. 33 And with great power, the disciples told the story of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was on all of them. 34 For none of them there lacked for anything since those who owned land or houses sold them and brought the proceeds 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet. And what they had was distributed so that everyone had whatever he needed.
36 There was a man, Joseph, called Barnabus by the apostles, which translated [into Greek] means “son of encouragement”. [The word is “parakletos” which is also can mean help or consolation. It is the same as the word Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit. This nickname may have been given to him prophetically at the time of his baptism.] Barnabus was a Levite [a Jew from the tribe of Levi] from the country of Cyprus. 37 He [also] had land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles.
Discussion questions
1. How did the miracle performed through Peter and John affect their examination by the authorities? How did they utilize the miracle in their evangelism? Do you believe that healings and miracles are an important component of spreading the good news?
2. Peter and John declared that listening to God took precedence over being told not to proclaim the name of Jesus by religious leaders. Have you ever gotten in trouble for talking about your faith? What did you do about it? What did God tell you to do?
3. If the disciples were already bold in the spreading of their faith, why did they need to ask for more boldness? Do we need to ask for more boldness?
4. The scripture says that “great grace was on them all”. How did that grace manifest among them? Is there any connection between boldness in sharing and grace in caring?
Acts Chapter 5
Death of Ananias and Sapphira and the fear of lying to God
1 [Among those who sold land,] there was one named Ananias who, along with his wife, Sapphira, sold property they owned but kept back some of the profit, 2 his wife also being aware of it. And Ananias brought a portion of the profit and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said to Ananias, “How did Satan fill your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Before you sold it, was it not yours? And after you sold it, wasn’t it your right to do whatever you wanted? Why did you decide in your heart to do this? You have lied to God, not men.”
5 And hearing these words, Ananias fell down and gave up his spirit. And great fear came over all who heard about this. [People tend to not be fully honest and hold many things back. But this incident made it clear that God expected a much higher standard for followers of Jesus.] 6 And the young men [from among the followers] got up, covered the body, carried him out and buried him.
7 After a space of about three hours, Ananias’ wife came in, not knowing what had happened to him. 8 And Peter spoke to her, “Was it for this specific amount that you sold the land?” And she answered, “Yes, it was for that amount.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “Why have you [and your husband] agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door and they shall carry you as well.”
10 Immediately, she fell at his feet and gave up her spirit. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her away and buried her with her husband. 11 And great fear came on the assembly of believers and all who heard about this story.
Apostles’ miracles and the growth of the church
12 And through the hands of the apostles, many miracles and amazing acts were performed among the people, and they [the followers of Jesus] were unified together in Solomon’s Porch [a covered area of the Temple open to the outside]. 13 Those who were outside their group did not dare to join them, even though the people looked at them favorably. [The story of Ananias and Sapphira made people hesitant who had not fully decided to follow Jesus.]
14 [In spite of this fear,] more and more men and women became believers and were added to the [followers of the] Lord. 15 The movement became so great that people brought out the sick into the street and laid them on beds and couches, so that if Peter passed by, his shadow [the presence of the Lord that abided with him] might touch some of them [and they would be healed]. 16 There were also crowds that came from the cities around Jerusalem bringing those with sicknesses or bothered by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.
Jailing of the apostles and their divine release
17 Then the high priest [Caiaphas] got up along with all those who were allied with him [the party of the Sadducees] and were filled with self-righteous anger. 18 They had the apostles arrested and thrown into the common jail. 19 But in the night the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and brought them [the apostles] out and said, 20 “Go, stand in the Temple and speak to all the people the words of life.”
21 When they heard [what the angel had said to them], it was early in the morning, and they entered the Temple and taught. But the high priest, with his allies, called together the council [Sanhedrin] and the other judges of the children of Israel [there were several levels of court system and Caiaphas wanted them all in on the decision], and sent to the prison to have the apostles brought.
22 But when the officers went and did not find the apostles in the jail, they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison locked and secure with the jailkeepers standing where they normally are, but when we opened the doors, we found no one inside.” 24 When the captain of the Temple guards and the chief priest heard this, they wondered what had happened and what would result from it. 25 Then someone came and told them, “The men you put in prison are standing in the Temple and teaching the people!”
Peter standing up to the council, Gamaliel’s good advice
26 Then the captain with his officers went and led them back without force, for they were afraid of the people, who might stone them [because the people were by this time totally impressed by Peter and John’s boldness]. 27 The officers brought the apostles before the council, and the high priest asked them, 28 “Didn’t we just command you not to teach in that name [of Jesus]? But look, you have filled all of Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to make us responsible for the blood of this man [Jesus].”
29 Then Peter and the other apostles said, “We have to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus [from death]. He’s the one you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God has lifted him up to his own right hand, establishing him as commander and deliverer, so that [all of Israel] could start new and have their sins forgiven. 32 And we are the ones who are witnesses of all this – as is also the Holy Spirit whom God has given to all who [choose to] follow him.”
33 And when the council heard all this, they were enraged, and decided together to have the apostles killed [for blasphemy and outright disregard for their commands]. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law respected by the people, had the apostles taken outside the meeting for a while, 35 and he said to the council, “Men of Israel, think about it before you take action with these men. 36 For, in an earlier time, Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred joined up with him, but he was killed, and all who trusted him were scattered and the movement was brought to nothing. 37 After this, Judas of Galilee [not the betrayer of Jesus] rose up in the days of the census tax, and drew many followers, but he also was destroyed, and all who followed him were scattered.
38 “And now, I say to you, have nothing further to do with these men and leave them alone. For if what they are teaching and doing originated with men, then it will amount to nothing, 39 but if it is from God, you can’t stop it, or you will be trying to fight with God. [In fact, all along they had been doing just that – fighting with God, but no one had pointed it out before.] The council agreed [with what Gamaliel advised]. 40 After they called the disciples and had them beaten, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus and then let them go.
41 And the apostles departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to be dishonored for [the sake of remaining faithful to] the name [of Jesus]. 42 And they never stopped teaching daily in the Temple and preaching Jesus the Anointed One to every household.
Discussion questions
1. Have you ever seen those who pretended to be more than they actually were, like Ananias and Sapphira? Have you ever “pretended” yourself to be more than you were? Why do you think the penalty that God brought to them was so great?
2. What do you think was causing many to become believers during this time? How can a church today become like the early church with such powerful results?
3. The Jewish leaders accused the apostles of “filling all Jerusalem with their teaching”. How did they manage to do that? How could your church do that in your city or area?
Acts Chapter 6
Assignment of leaders over the distribution of goods
1 In those days, as the number of disciples continued to increase, there was a complaint by the Greek-speaking [believers] against the Hebrews [native-born believers], that their widows were not included in the daily ministry [distribution of goods by the community of believers]. 2 Then the twelve [apostles, who were the leaders of the community of believers,] called the whole community of disciples to them and said, “It doesn’t make sense for us to abandon [studying and teaching] the word of God to serve tables [or to do the accounting of who should receive what]. 3 So, brothers, select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint to handle this business [of the distribution of goods to those in need]. 4 Meanwhile, we will dedicate ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.”
5 What the apostles said pleased the whole congregation [of believers]. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nikanor, Timon, Parmenus, and Nikolas, who was a convert from Antioch. 6 The congregation set those whom they had chosen before the apostles, and when the apostles had prayed, they laid their hands on these men [to impart the authority and power to accomplish their assignment]. 7 And the word of God increased [both in its effectiveness and how far and wide it was heard] and multiplied the number of disciples greatly in Jerusalem. And [even] a great number of the [Jewish] priests followed the faith [in Jesus].
Trumped up charges against Stephen
8 And Stephen[, the first of the seven whom the Apostles had appointed over the distribution for the widows], full of the gifting [of the Holy Spirit] and power, performed amazing acts and great miracles among the people. [Stephen had already shown the favor of God in his life, but when the Apostles imparted authority to him through the laying on of hands, this favor became all the greater.] 9 And opposition rose against Stephen among those from the place known as the Synagogue of the Freedmen [followers of the Jewish faith that were part of a congregation formed by former slaves], including some from Cyrene [Libya], Alexandria [Egypt], Cilicia [southeast coastal Turkey close to Syria], and Asia [western Turkey including Ephesus], who were arguing with Stephen. 10 But they were not able to stand up to the wisdom and the Spirit by which Stephen spoke. [Ironically, Stephen was a predecessor to Paul as a brilliant proponent of Christianity who encountered opposition. Jews from the Diaspora, who had come to faith in various communities around the Mediterranean but many of whom now lived in Jerusalem, greatly valued their faith and did not take kindly to the challenge presented by believers in Jesus that purported to advance Jewish doctrine.]
11 Then they bribed some men to say, “We have heard him speak unholy words against Moses and God.” 12 They stirred up the people, and the elders, and the teachers of the Law, and then they came and caught him and brought him before the Council [Sanhedrin]. 13 They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking words against this holy place [the Temple] and the Law. 14 We have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and shall change the traditions that Moses gave us.” 15 And as the council stared at him, all of them saw his face take on the appearance of an angel.
Discussion questions
1. How important was the emphasis of the apostles on prayer and the teaching of God’s word? How much emphasis does your church place on prayer? Or on God’s word? How can you help?
2. Seven were appointed to handle administration, but Stephen and Philip began teaching and performing miracles, outshining even the apostles for a period. Did they overstep their assignment and authority? Or should we expect this kind of explosion of faith when we lay hands on people for an increase of authority and power?
3. What caused Stephen’s face to take on the appearance of an angel? If Stephen was so full of God, why did people oppose him and become so furious against him?
Acts Chapter 7
Stephen’s address to the Council
1 And then the high priest said to him, “Are the charges against you true?” 2 And Stephen replied [by telling in great detail the history of Israel's interactions with God so he can show how his following of Jesus fits in with that history], “Men – brothers and fathers – hear me! The glorious God appeared to our father Abraham when he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to Abraham, ‘Leave your home country and your family, and come to live in the land that I will show you.’ 4 Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran, and then when his father had died, Abraham left again, and God had him move to the land where you now live. [Genesis 11:31-32 tells the story of Abraham moving from Ur (in modern southern Iraq near the mouth of the Euphrates River) to Haran (in modern northern Syria). Genesis 12:1-7 then continues the story of God speaking to Abraham and inspiring him to move to the Promised Land which was to become Israel.]
5 “Yet God had given Abraham no right to this land by inheritance, not even to set his foot on it. Even so, God promised Abraham that he would give this land as a possession to him and his descendants after him, even though Abraham did not yet even have a child. [This story is told progressively in Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:14-17, Genesis 15:18-21, Genesis 22:15-18.] 6 And God told Abraham that his descendants would live in a strange land [Egypt], a country that would enslave them and treat them poorly for four hundred years. 7 And the nation who enslaves them, “I shall judge”, God said, “and they [Abraham’s descendants] shall come forth and serve me in this very land [the Promised Land]. [All God spoke to Abraham about his future is told in Genesis 15:13-16.]
8 “And God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision [Genesis 17:9-14], and so he fathered Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day [Genesis 21:1-4]. And Isaac [fathered and circumcised] Jacob [Genesis 25], and Jacob [fathered and circumcised] the Twelve Patriarchs [his sons] [Genesis 29-30]. 9 And the patriarchs, because of jealousy, sold Joseph to Egypt [Genesis 37:19-28]. But God was with him, 10 and delivered him out of every one of his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made Joseph governor over Egypt and all Pharaoh’s possessions [Genesis 39-41].
11 “Now, a drought fell over all of Egypt and Canaan, and there was great suffering, and no one found provision, including our fathers [Genesis 41:54-57]. 12 And when Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers [his sons] first [before he would come himself] [Genesis 42]. 13 The second visit, Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Pharaoh was introduced to Joseph’s family [Genesis 43, 45]. 14 Joseph sent a message to his father Jacob, inviting him to move there, him and all his family, 75 persons in all [Genesis 45:25-28]. 15 Jacob moved to Egypt [Genesis 46], and he and our fathers [his sons] died there [Exodus 1:1-6]. 16 And they were each carried to Shechem and laid in the burial place that Abraham had bought for a sum of money from [the clan of] Hamor in Shechem [Genesis 23].
17 “But as the time grew closer for the promise [to be fulfilled] that God had declared to Abraham, the people [his descendants] grew and increased in number. 18 By that time, another king rose up in Egypt, who did not know Joseph [or remember all he had done for Egypt]. [According to the Exodus story, the Egyptians were afraid the Jews would rise up and overthrow them or join their enemies.] 19 This king took advantage of our people and treated our fathers with evil, forcing them to abandon their own children so that they would not live. [Exodus 1 tells us the Jews were made slaves. The Egyptian midwives were to kill male babies but would not. And then the Jews were forced to give up their sons who were to be cast into the Nile River.]
20 “During this time, Moses was born, and he was a very beautiful child. He was [hidden by his mother and] taken care of for three months in his own father’s house. 21 And when he was cast out [onto the river as was required], Pharaoh’s daughter drew him from the water and took care of him as her own. [Exodus 2:1-10 tells us the story of how Moses’ mother placed him in a basket on the river near where Pharaoh’s daughter was bathing. The name Moses’ means “drawn up”. Moses’ mother then volunteered to serve as nurse to Moses and take care of him during his early years.]
22 “Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians [including the magical arts] and was powerful both in what he said and what he did. 23 And when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit all his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 He saw one of them treated unjustly, and trying to defend him, he avenged him by killing the Egyptian [who had harmed the Israelite]. 25 For he figured his brothers would have understand how God had positioned him to deliver them, but they didn’t understand. [He was in a unique position since he was descended from Israel’s line but was given the privileges of Egyptian royalty.] 26 And the following day, he showed up when two of the Israelites were having a fight, and wanted to reconcile them, so he said, 'Men, brothers, why are you treating each other unjustly?' 27 But the one who had wronged his neighbor pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you our prince and judge? 28 Will you kill me too as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’. [This story is told in Exodus 2:11-14.] Then Moses ran away when he heard this [because he was afraid he would be punished as a murderer in Egypt], and he became a foreigner who lived in the land of Midian. There he fathered two sons. [Exodus 18:2-4]
30 “Forty years later, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a fire burning in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. And as he drew near to see it, the voice of the Lord came, saying, 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses became terrified [because it was known that those who heard and saw God might die] and turned his face away. 33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take your shoes off, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 Understand, I have seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard the expression of their pain, and I have come down to deliver them. Now come forward. I will send you to Egypt’ [Exodus 3:1-10].
35 “This was the same Moses whom they had rejected, saying, “Who made you a ruler and judge?”, whom God was now sending as ruler and judge, by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 36 He did bring them out [from Egypt]. He showed supernatural signs in Egypt and in the Red Sea, and in the forty years in the wilderness. [The story of deliverance from Egypt is told in Exodus 4-14. The story of wandering in the wilderness is told in Numbers 33 and Deuteronomy 2-4.] 37 This same Moses [later] said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up a prophet like me out of your brothers’ [Deuteronomy 18:15]. 38 This is the same man who was with the people of Israel assembled together in the desert, and who spoke with the angel on Mount Sinai and received the living words of God to give for our fathers and for us [Exodus 19-24]. [Stephen is setting up the case that Jesus is the prophet that Moses referred to, and that the people turned away from his guidance just as they did for Moses. However, Stephen never gets to complete this comparison in his teaching.]
39 “But our Fathers would not obey him. They turned aside from him and turned back toward Egypt. 40 They said to Aaron, ‘Make us some gods who will lead us, for that man Moses who brought us out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ 41 During those days, they fabricated a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and worshipped what they themselves had made [Exodus 32].
42 “God turned away from them and turned them over to worship the starry host, just as written in the Book of the Prophets [a scroll of all the lesser prophets] [Amos 5:25-27], ‘It wasn’t for me that you slaughtered and offered animal sacrifices during the forty years in the wilderness. 43 Yes, you carried the tabernacle of Moloch [a Canaanite God] and the star god Raiphan [an Egyptian God represented by a star], images that you crafted to worship them. [Because of your idolatry,] I will exile you beyond Babylon.’
44 “Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, and God spoke to Moses, instructing and showing him exactly how to make it [Exodus 26]. 45 And the same tabernacle came with our fathers who followed Joshua in to possess the land of the non-Jews, who were driven out by the presence of our God [Joshua 3-4]. And the tabernacle remained there until the time of David.
46 “David won God’s favor and desired to find a [fit] dwelling place for the God of Jacob [2 Samuel 7]. 47 But it was Solomon [his son] who built God a dwelling place [1 Chronicles 22:6-10], 48 though the Most High God [is not restricted to] dwell in that which was made by human hands. As the prophet said [Isaiah 66:1-2], [quoting God,] 49 ‘Heaven is my throne and the earth my footstool. What kind of house could you build that could contain me?’, says the Lord. ‘Or where shall I rest? 50 Has not my hand made all these things?’
[It appears that Stephen is continuing to build the case that God over and over offered himself to the family of the Jews, but over and over the Jews resisted him and turned away. Even at this point in Stephen’s account, he has yet to describe the coming of Jesus, his miracles, and his death and resurrection, and then the coming of the Holy Spirit. It seems his narrative points in that direction. However, Stephen abruptly stops his history lesson here and directly confronts the Jewish leaders. Perhaps he senses their complete resistance to what he has already said and therefore he has accomplished his purpose – to clarify their sin and stand up against them for the sake of his devotion to God.]
Stephen’s accusation and murder
51 “You are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts and ears [not dedicated to God on the inside]! You always resist the Holy Spirit - you are just like your fathers! 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? Have they not murdered all who came before to talk about the coming of the Righteous One? And you now have betrayed and murdered Him! 53 You are the ones who received God’s Law, which was handed down by angels, but you have not obeyed it!”
54 And when they heard all this, they were so enraged they began to grind their teeth. 55 But Stephen, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man is standing on the right hand of God! 57 And they cried out with a loud voice, stopped up their ears, and rushed upon him as one. 58 They forced him out of the city and stoned him. The [so-called] witnesses [who were supposed to testify against Stephen] laid down their garments[, which they removed so they could be freer to throw stones,] at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen. And he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Kneeling, he cried out with a loud voice, “Do not add this to their sins!” And when he said this, he fell asleep [died].
Discussion questions
1. Why did Stephen tell the story of Israel in response to the charges against him that he was teaching the people to abandon the Jewish traditions?
2. Do you find it interesting and helpful to hear a summary of God’s history and training of the Jewish people? Do you agree with Stephen that they are stiff-necked and always resistant to the truth? Why are some people ready to hear the good news and others so resistant?
3. Does it feel to you that Stephen deliberately provoked his accusers to kill him? Why would he do that? What was the value to God’s kingdom for Stephen to become a martyr?
Acts Chapter 8
Persecution and dispersion of believers
1 And Saul went along with Stephen’s death. At that time there was a great persecution against the assembly of believers in Jerusalem. They [left Jerusalem and] scattered throughout all the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the Apostles , who stayed in Jerusalem]. 2 [Meanwhile,] faithful men came and carried Stephen [to his burial] and mourned over him loudly. 3 But Saul brought great harm to the church, invading every house [of the believers], dragging out men and women, and turning them over to be put in prison. 4 And those who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word, telling the good news about Jesus.
Philip in Samaria
[Like Steven, Philip was one of those who had recently been appointed to minister to the believers by managing the distribution of food. Perhaps this had been managed so well that those appointed did not need to remain in Jerusalem.] 5 Philip went to the city [Sebaste, the main city of the province] of Samaria, preaching about the Anointed One to them. 6 And the people listened with great interest to what Philip told them, as they all listened and saw the miracles he did. 7 For many people had unclean spirits [demons] that came out of them with a loud cry, and many who were paralyzed, or lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
9 There was a man in that city named Simon who practiced magic there and had amazed the people of Samaria. He called himself “The Great One”, 10 and, from the least to the greatest, 11 everyone paid attention to him, saying this man is himself “the Great Power of God”, because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic.
12 But when they believed Philip’s preaching about the kingdom of God and the [power of] the name of Jesus, the Anointed One, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed and, when he was baptized, he stayed with Philip, seeing and himself amazed at the signs and miracles which happened.
14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for them [the Samaritans] that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of Jesus.
Interaction between Peter and Simon the magician
17 Then they [Peter and John] laid their hands on them, and they [the Samaritans] received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that through the laying on of hands by the apostles the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power too, so that on whomever I lay my hands will receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 But Peter said to him, “May your money be destroyed along with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased for a price. 21 You have no part or inheritance in this, for your heart is not right before God. 22 So turn away from your evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you for the thoughts of your heart, 23 for I see that you have been poisoned by bitterness and are in bondage to unrighteousness.” 24 Then Simon said [to Peter], “Pray for me to the Lord that none of what you have spoken would come upon me.” [Simon was smart to realize that he needed help.] 25 When they [Peter and John] had testified [of their own experiences] and preached the word of the Lord, on their way back to Jerusalem, they preached the good news in many of the Samaritan villages.
Philip and the Ethiopian
26 [Meanwhile,] the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, “Get up and go south on the way from Jerusalem towards Gaza, through the wilderness.” 27 And Philip [obeyed these instructions and] got up and left, and he saw a man from Ethiopia, a high-ranking eunuch [or official], under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians. The man had charge of Candace’s treasury, and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 but was now on his way back home. He was sitting in his chariot, reading the prophet Isaiah. [The Ethiopians were likely descended from the Queen of Sheba who had visited Solomon. Candace (pronounced “kandakay”) was a royal title similar to “Caesar” or “Pharaoh”. The area they ruled was located in modern day Sudan, somewhat north of modern Ethiopia.]
29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and hang around the chariot.” 30 Philip ran up close, and heard the man reading [out loud] the prophet Isaiah, and said to him, “Do you understand [the meaning of] what you are reading?” 31 And the man said, “How can I unless someone provide me some guidance?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 The place in the scripture that he was reading was this [Isaiah 53:7-8]: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb remaining silent when taken to the shearer, he did not open his mouth. 33 He was humiliated, and never received justice. No one can tell about his descendants, because his life on the earth is ended.” 34 The official asked Philip, “Please tell me, of whom is the prophet speaking? Himself, or someone else?” 35 Philip began to speak and, beginning with this scripture, taught him about Jesus [since the passage was describing Jesus’ atoning death though written 700 years in advance.] 36 And as they continued on their way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, water! Is there any reason I can’t be baptized?” [Some manuscripts add, 37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] 38 So he commanded the chariot to stop. Both Philip and he went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
39 And when they had come up out of the water, the Spirit caught up Philip and took him away. The official no longer saw Philip but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip found himself in Azotus [Greek for Ashdod, a former Philistine city along the sea in Israel]. [The Holy Spirit had transported him physically some miles away.] And he preached to all the towns along the way to Caesarea.
Discussion questions
1. What do you think enabled Steven and Philip to be so effective in preaching about Jesus, and for Philip to heal and deliver so many?
2. What do you suppose is the difference between human magic Simon practiced and the God enabled giftings of Philip?
3. Why did Philip need for Peter and John to come to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit? Do you think that it should be normal for new believers to be prayed for to receive the gift of being filled with the Holy Spirit?
4. Do you think that Philip was unusually sensitive to hear the Holy Spirit, and quick to obey what he heard? In what ways did that contribute to the effectiveness of his ministry? Does it seem to you that he must have been physically and instantly moved from Gaza to Azotus? Do you imagine that Christians can have that same gift of instant transportation if they ask for it?
Acts Chapter 9
Saul’s campaign against Jesus’ followers
1 Meanwhile, Saul was still carrying out his threats to destroy the followers of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who were of “The Way” [those who followed Jesus], whether men or women, he might take them prisoner and bring them to Jerusalem [for trial]. [Rome gave the Jewish Council authority over the Jews throughout the Roman Empire. Paul received delegated authority over Jewish believers. Damascus was the nearest large city to which believers were fleeing from the persecution that he himself was instigating. He was determined that those he felt were perverters of the truth would not get away with it.]
Saul’s encounter with Jesus
3 And as he traveled and came near Damascus, suddenly there was a light from heaven which enveloped him. 4 And he fell to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”. [Some manuscripts add, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” A goad was a stick with an iron protuberance used to prompt an ox to go in a desired direction. The Lord was telling Saul that he had been trying to get his attention, but Saul had resisted up to now.] 5 Saul replied, “But who are you, Lord?” [And he heard the response,] “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 6 Arise, and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men who traveled with Saul stood speechless [with astonishment], as they heard the voice but saw no man. 8 Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but he couldn’t see a thing. They took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 He couldn’t see for three days, and he didn’t eat or drink. [Obviously, he was profoundly affected. He had put all his energy into the persecution of the church, and now a greater power had stopped him in his tracks.]
Saul’s healing and new life
10 And there was a follower [of Jesus] in Damascus named Ananias, 11 and the Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And Ananias responded, “I’m right here, Lord.” And the Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called “Straight”, and at the house of Judas, ask for the one called Saul of Tarsus, for he is praying there. 12 And he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hand on him so that he can receive his sight.”
13 Ananias replied, “I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to the saints in Jerusalem. 14 And now he has the authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go ahead [and obey what I have said], for he is a vessel chosen by me to carry my name before the non-Jewish peoples, 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 And Ananias departed and [found and] entered the house [where Paul was staying on Straight Street], and laid his hands on him, saying, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you as you came on the road has sent me so that you can receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately, something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. And he got up and was baptized [presumably by Ananias]. 19 And when he received some food, he felt stronger. Saul stayed for a few days with the believers in Damascus. [It is worth noting that even though Ananias feared Saul, he was completely obedient in ministering to him, laying hands on him to heal him, baptizing him, talking to him about God's plan for his future, and introducing him to church members. And Paul was also filled with the Holy Spirit, which the early church expected to happen along with baptism with water.]
20 And right away he began to teach in the synagogues that Jesus is the son of God. 21 But everyone that heard him was amazed, saying, “Isn’t he the one who brought destruction in Jerusalem to all who called on the name of Jesus, and came here with the same intention, to capture them [the followers of Jesus] and take them to the high priest?” 22 But Saul became even stronger [in his preaching], and totally perplexed the Jews of Damascus by his proofs that Jesus was the Anointed One.
23 After many days of this, the Jews made plans to kill Saul. 24 But Saul was told of their plot. They watched the city gates day and night, so they could kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him and let him down over the city wall in a basket.
Saul’s introduction to the church in Jerusalem
26 But when Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join up with the followers [of Jesus], but they were all afraid of him and did not believe that he was [truly] a follower. 27 But Barnabus took him and brought him to the apostles and told them the story of how he had seen the Lord on the road [to Damascus] and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And so Saul was with them [the apostles and the Jerusalem company of disciples] and freely went in and out and spoke boldly wherever he went in the name of the Lord.
29 He also repeatedly talked and argued with the Hellenists [Jews from Greek-speaking nations], but they planned to kill him. 30 But when the brother [believers] found out about it, they brought him to Caesarea [on the coast of Israel] and shipped him off to Tarsus [Saul’s home city in Turkey].
31 For that time, gatherings of believers throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, had a time of peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, they greatly increased. [This means that already there were pockets of believers throughout all Israel. Once Saul had been converted to their side, for a period, no one was attacking them. Even so, they did not take their freedom for granted and remained close to the Lord, who enabled them to grow.]
Peter’s healing of Aeneas and Tabitha
32 During this time, Peter traveled around [the assemblies of believers], including visiting the believers who lived in Lydda [not far from Joppa on the coast of Israel]. 33 And there he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Anointed One heals you. Get up and make your bed.” And right away he got up [well]. 35 And everyone who saw him at Lydda and Saron turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa, there was a follower of Jesus called Tabitha [“gazelle” in Aramaic], which translates to Dorcas [in Greek]. This woman spent all her time doing good works and helping the poor. 37 Around that time, she happened to get sick and die, and they washed the body and laid it in an upstairs room [a common practice in Israel for those who have just died]. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, and the local followers of Jesus had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, asking for him that he would remain in the area and come to them.
39 Then Peter got up and came with them. When Peter arrived, they brought him to the upper room [where Dorcas’ body was laid], and all the widows stood around him and showed him all the shirts and other clothes which Dorcas had made. 40 But Peter had them all leave and knelt and prayed. And turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, rise up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. And when he had called the believers and widows, he presented her alive to them. 42And this became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
Discussion questions
1. Saul, the most effective enemy of the good news, became its most devoted and effective preacher. What do you think enabled such a turnaround? When we run into enemies of the good news, what should we do?
2. Why were the Jews so angry with Saul that they kept trying to kill him? Do you think Saul was afraid? Are you afraid to evangelize because it might make people angry at you?
3. In what ways does Peter remind you of Jesus in his healing and raising of Aeneas and Tabitha? If Peter could imitate Jesus and be successful, imagine yourself in the same situations. What would it take for you to be successful too?
Acts Chapter 10
Cornelius’ and Peter’s visions
1 Peter stayed many days in Joppa at the home of Simon, who was a tanner of animal skins. There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion who led Roman soldiers called the Italian Squad. 2 He was a man of faith. He and his whole family worshipped God and gave much to the poor, and he frequently prayed to God.
3 It was about the ninth hour [three o’clock in the afternoon] when Cornelius had a vision in which he saw an angel come to him and say, “Cornelius!” 4 And Cornelius stared at him with fear and said, “What is it, sir?” And the angel replied to him, “Your prayers and charity have been recognized by God. 5 Now, send men to Joppa to call for Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the Tanner who lives by the sea.” 7 And when the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a soldier who was one of his personal attendants and faithful to God. 8 After telling them all that had occurred, he sent them to Joppa.
9 While they were on their journey and approached the city, Peter went up to the housetop to pray about the sixth hour (noon). 10 He became very hungry and would have eaten, but while they [his hosts] prepared a meal, he experienced a vision. 11 [In his vision,] the sky opened and something that looked like a large sheet was lowered by its four corners to the ground, 12 and it contained all kinds of four-legged animals, reptiles, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice spoke to him, “Get up, Peter, kill and eat.” 14 But Peter replied, “No, Lord, I have never eaten anything non-kosher or unclean [as defined by the Law or the rules added to the Law]!” 15 The voice spoke to him again, “What God has called clean, do not call unclean!” 16 This happened three times, and the sheet lifted into the sky.
[What was God’s purpose in giving this vision? In order for the good news to be shared with non-Jews, and for there to be unity, meaning no distinction between Jew and non-Jew among believers (Galatians 3:28), God had to remove the restriction of dietary laws, or else Jewish and non-Jewish believers would be hampered in fellowship. When Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17) by paying the complete penalty for all mankind in his own death, he himself was replacing the Law as the guardian for believers (Romans 3:21-25). From now on, it would be belief in Jesus, walking according to the Spirit, and following the law of love that would replace the written Law (Romans 8:1-4), as the guiding light. All of these changes were signs that the New Covenant (through Jesus’ blood shed for us) was different from and brought a greater freedom than the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:6-7,13).]
17 While Peter was uncertain about what the vision meant, the men sent by Cornelius had found the house of Simon [the Tanner], and stood before its gate, 18 where they called out and asked if there was a man named Simon Peter staying there. 19 At the same time, Peter was thinking about his vision, but the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men are looking for you, 20 so rise up and go downstairs, and go with them without bias against them, for I have sent them.” 21 So Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. Why have you come?” 22 And they told him, “[Our master,] Cornelius the centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man, who is of good reputation among the Jewish people, received a revelation from God through a holy angel to call you to come to his house so he could hear your words.” 23 Peter invited the men in and had them spend the night there. [If Peter had not had the vision, then he would not have been able to invite the non-Jewish servants and soldiers of Cornelius to stay in Simon the Tanner’s house nor would he have traveled with them and stayed with Cornelius.]
The next day, Peter went away with them, along with some of the brother believers from Joppa who accompanied him. 24 And on the following day, they arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius waited for them, having called together his family and closest friends. [Cornelius completely trusted that he had heard accurately from the Lord and that Peter would come, though they had never met.] 25 And as Peter came into his home and was introduced to Cornelius, Cornelius fell down at Peter’s feet to give him reverence.
Peter’s witness to the non-Jews
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Rise up, for I am [only] a man [and not worthy of reverence].” 27 And as Peter was talking with Cornelius, he entered the house, and found many more gathered there. 28 And he said to them, “[I’m sure] you realize that it’s not lawful [according to our scriptures] for a Jewish man to associate or enter the house of a non-Jew, but God has revealed to me that I must not call any man unclean or defiling. [Peter is now understanding the vision he had on the rooftop at Simon the tanner’s house in Joppa.] 29 That’s why I came without hesitation as soon as you sent for me. So now, I ask you, why did you want me to come?”
30 Cornelius said, “This is now beginning the fourth day from when I was in my house praying around the ninth hour [three o’clock in the afternoon], and a man stood in front of me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayers and your charity have been recognized by God. 32 Therefore, send to Joppa, and ask for Simon Peter to come, who is staying in the house of Simon the Tanner, who lives near the sea.’ 33 Right away, I sent for you, and you are good to have come! Now, we are all gathered here before God to hear whatever God tells you to share.”
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and began to speak, “I can see it’s true that God has no favorites, 35 but every people group that is reverent towards God and does what is right is accepted by God. 36 I bring you the word he sent and proclaimed to the children of Israel, the Good News of peace in Jesus the Anointed One, who is Lord of all. 37 That word has spread through all Judea, but it began in Galilee after John preached [the necessity of repentance and] baptism. 38 [It’s all about] how Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by the Holy Spirit and with power and went all around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
39 ”And we are witnesses of everything he did in the Jewish nation and in Jerusalem, where they executed him by hanging him on a tree. 40 But God raised him [from the dead] on the third day and revealed him, 41 not to everyone, but to the witnesses God chose, including us, who ate and drank with him after he raised from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and share our testimony that it was he that was chosen by God to be the judge of those living and dead [at the time of final judgment and resurrection]. 43 All the prophets spoke about him [in advance] that whoever would believe in him would receive forgiveness of their sins through his name.” [Many of the prophecies of the Anointed One tell us that he would be a suffering servant but Isaiah 53:6 and Jeremiah 33:15-16 in particular speak of his removing our sins.]
Holy Spirit falls on the non-Jews
44 While Peter spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to what he said. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter from Joppa were amazed when they saw that the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the non-Jews. 46 For they heard them speak with [Spirit-given] languages and praise God. Then Peter responded, 47 “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water, since they have already received the Holy Spirit, just as we did?” 48 And he instructed that they should be baptized in the name of Jesus the Anointed One. Then the newly baptized prevailed on Peter to stay with them for a while.
Discussion questions
1. Has God ever sent someone to you in response to your prayers? Have you ever had God speak to you through an angel?
2. Have you ever been, like Peter, among people with different customs and foods? How did that affect what you were willing to eat and do when you were with them? What was the effect of Peter’s vision on his actions?
3. Do people have to be baptized before they are baptized in the Holy Spirit? Why do you think that God spontaneously poured himself out on the non-Jews?
Acts Chapter 11
Acceptance of the Holy Spirit’s work among the non-Jews
1 The apostles [church leaders] and brothers [other believers] in Judea heard that the non-Jews had also received the word of the Lord [and had become followers of Jesus]. 2 But when Peter[, accompanied by the six fellow believers from Joppa,] returned to Jerusalem[, reporting back to where the church started and where the majority of believers still lived], those of the “circumcision” [Christians who were of the opinion that you had to be circumcised and become a Jew to follow Jesus] criticized him, 3 saying, “How could you go into the house of the uncircumcised and eat with them?"
[According to the traditions of the elders, eating with non-Jews might cause you to participate in idolatry since much of the meat was from animals offered as sacrifices to idols. Though this restriction was not in the scriptures, it was the prevailing interpretation of the Law. Jesus held that the traditions often went against the intent of the scriptures (for example, Mark 7:9-13). The “circumcision” party wanted to keep Christianity Jewish to make the Good News more acceptable to the Jews.]
4 But Peter started at the beginning and recounted [to the church in Jerusalem] the whole story of what took place [that demonstrated that the Lord wanted non-Jews also to follow Jesus], 5 “I was in the city of Joppa, praying, when in a vision, I saw a sheet lowered by its four corners from the sky to right where I was. 6 And when I looked closely, I saw in it both domesticated animals and wild beasts, reptiles, and wild birds. 7 Then I heard a voice say to me, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘No, Lord, I have never eaten anything unclean or impure!’ 9 But the voice from heaven spoke again saying, ‘What God has cleansed, don’t call unclean.’ 10 This happened three times before the sheet was withdrawn back into the sky.
11 “Immediately after that, three men came into the house where I was, sent from Caesarea to me, 12 and the Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation. [For I had learned my whole life to keep apart from non-Jews. Now he was telling me to go to their house and even stay and eat with them. I had to trust God in spite of how I felt.] These six believers from Joppa [who are before you now] accompanied us to Caesarea, and together we entered the house of the man[, Cornelius, who had sent for us]. 13 He explained to us how an angel had appeared to him and told him, ‘Send to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will speak the words that will save you and your household.’ [With that as an introduction,] 15 I began to speak, and the Holy Spirit fell on them as on us at the beginning [on the Day of Pentecost].
16 “Then I remembered the word of the Lord [Jesus], how he told us, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with Holy Spirit.’ 17 So just as he had done for us, he gave this gift to those who believed in the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. Who was I to stand against God?”
18 When they [the Jerusalem believers who had criticized Peter] heard these things, they ceased their objection and praised God, saying, “Then God has also given to the non-Jews the ability to change their thinking and receive [eternal] life.”
Establishment of the church at Antioch
19 At this same period of time [as Peter’s experience with the non-Jews], believers had spread as far as Phoenicia [modern day coastal Lebanon], Cyprus [a large island in the Mediterranean south of Greece], and Antioch [then capital of the province of Syria], due to the persecution that began with [the killing of] Stephen, but the message [of the good news of Jesus] had spread only to the Jews. 20 However, there were some men [who were Jews who believed in Jesus] from Cyprus and Cyrene [Libya] living in Antioch who shared the news of the Lord Jesus with the Greeks [non-Jews]. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
[Antioch was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and so there were people from all over the world. The Good News about Jesus had already spread through Jews traveling to many places in the Greek-speaking world. Now men whose faith had been sparked were sharing the word with other Greek speakers in Antioch. People were hearing about Jesus without a well-known teacher or evangelist preaching to them. This is how the church began in Antioch. At least some of the Greek-speakers who believed were non-Jews.]
22 This news [of the word spreading to Antioch] came to the ears of the gathering of believers in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When Barnabas came and saw the grace of God [on the believers there], he encouraged them all to set their hearts to stay close to the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and many people were added to their number.
25 Then Barnabas left to go find Saul in Tarsus, 26 and when he found him, Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch. For a whole year the two of them led the assembly of believers there and taught them much. Antioch was the first place that followers [of Jesus] were called Christians [“Little Anointed Ones”].
27 During this period, prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and foretold that there would be a great famine throughout the [known] world, and [in fact] this happened during the time of [the Roman Emperor] Claudius [around 46 A.D.]. 29 The disciples [the believers in Antioch] decided to send as much help as each was able to their brothers who lived in Judea [the southern part of Israel that includes Jerusalem]. 30 When they had completed [gathering the money], they sent it to the church leaders [in Jerusalem] by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Discussion questions
1. Does it make sense that first century Jews thought believers in Jesus should become Jewish and observe the Law? If a twenty-first century believer is Jewish, do you believe he should give up his Judaism? Should a Muslim or Hindu who decides to follow Jesus give up their former religious practices?
2. What was the evidence to the Jewish believers that made it legitimate to Jewish believers that non-Jews could be believers as well yet not become Jewish?
3. Who started the church of Antioch? Why do you think Barnabus brought in Saul to help grow the church? What would be your guess as to what the followers of Jesus in Antioch were doing that earned them the title, “Little Anointed Ones”?
Acts Chapter 12
Herod’s persecution of Jerusalem church leaders
1 Around this time, King Herod began to persecute the church [the followers of Jesus] especially leaders. 2 He had James [one of the twelve apostles appointed by Jesus], the brother of John [another of the twelve], killed by the sword. 3 Because this pleased the Jews [the ones who stood against the new movement of those who followed and believed in Jesus], Herod escalated his efforts by arresting Peter as well, during the Days of the Unleavened Bread [the Passover Feast]. 4 And when Peter had been taken into custody, Herod put him in prison, turning him over to four four-person squads of soldiers to safely keep him, intending after Passover to put him on public trial before the people [and gain their favor].
5 Though Peter was securely kept in prison, prayers were made continually by the assembly of believers to God on his behalf. 6 The night before Herod would have put him on display publicly, Peter was sleeping between two prison guards. He was bound with two chains and there were more guards posted outside the door to the prison. [Peter and John and already been supernaturally released once from prison (Acts 5:19-20), so Herod was taking no chances.]
Peter’s rescue by the angel
[Even with all of Herod’s precautions, he couldn’t prevent supernatural intervention.] 7 An angel of the Lord appeared and there was a light inside the prison. The angel poked Peter in his side and woke him, saying, “Quickly get up”. And the chains dropped off his hands. 8 The angel said to him, “Tighten your belt and fasten your sandals. After he had done so, the angel said, “Wrap yourself with your cloak and follow me.”
9 Peter followed him out of the prison, not sure whether what the angel was doing was really happening, or if he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed by the first guard station and then the second and came upon the iron gate which leads to the city. The gate opened for them by itself, and they went out and proceeded down the street. At that point, the angel departed from Peter.
11 When Peter all of a sudden got a grip on himself, he said, “Now I know that this has truly happened. The Lord has sent his angel and delivered me from Herod and from what the Jewish people had planned to do to me.” 12 When he realized what had happened, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
13 As Peter was knocking at the outside door, a woman named Rhoda came to answer. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so joyful she didn’t open the door, but ran to tell everyone that Peter was there, standing at the gate! 15 And they said to her, “You’re crazy!” But she insisted it was true. And they replied that it must be his angel [appearing on his behalf]. 16 But Peter kept knocking. When they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Motioning to them to be quiet, he explained to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison.” [He told them,] “Tell what has happened to James and the community of believers with him.” Then he departed himself and went to another location [to spread the good news]. [At some point, Peter must have told the entire story about his rescue by the angel.]
18 As soon as the next day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 19 When Herod had asked for Peter to be turned over to him and he wasn’t found to be there, he had the guards interrogated, and ordered they be put to death. [Herod was very frustrated to lose Peter, and so punished the soldiers with the same punishment Peter would have received.]
Herod’s displeasure and death
After this, Herod left Judea and spent some time in Caesarea. [Herod had been gaining in popularity and had hoped his persecution of the church would continue to increase his standing. But he could not have been in a good mood as he left Jerusalem and arrived in Caesarea. Caesarea was a regional seat of power for the communities along the shore, including Tyre and Sidon.] 20 Herod was ready to take out his displeasure on the people of Tyre and Sidon, so they sent a united delegation of representatives. They appealed first to Blastus, one of Herod’s officials, asking for terms of peace, since they were dependent on grain from King Herod’s realm.
21 And during a festival time, Herod was dressed in his royal clothing, sat upon his throne, and made a speech before them. 22 And the people[, including the delegation from Tyre and Sidon, wanting the King’s favor,] gave him a standing ovation, and declared, “This is the voice of a god and not a man!” 23 At once, the angel of the Lord struck Herod down because he [had the opportunity but] did not give the glory to God. [Apparently,] he had been consumed by worms on his insides, and so he died. [Herod had persecuted the church and then made himself a god rather than acknowledging God who was giving favor to the church. God ended Herod’s life, and thus gave a period of peace to the believers.]
Spread of God’s word
24 Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread and grow. [The reports about who Jesus was and all he was doing among his followers caused many to come into God’s kingdom.] 25 Barnabus and Paul completed their mission [of delivering relief funds to Jerusalem], and returned from Jerusalem [to Antioch], taking John Mark with them. [It appears that the execution of James and the imprisonment and angelic rescue of Peter likely happened while Barnabas and Saul were on their way to Jerusalem since there is no mention of interaction between Saul and Peter. They likely arrived during the time of celebration of Peter’s rescue, which took place at John Mark’s family home. John Mark was Barnabas’ cousin, according to Colossians 4:10.]
Discussion questions
1. Why do you think there was such a resistance to the Christian movement among the Jews? In what ways did this harm or help the movement?
2. When people pray, is there any limit to what can be overcome? Have you ever seen God intervene in amazing ways? What problems seem to you insurmountable right now? Do you believe God can do anything to help you?
3. Though God rescued Peter, the guards paid a price, and the residents of Tyre and Sidon nearly experienced Herod’s wrath at Peter’s escape. How do you understand the spiritual forces at work in such “collateral damage”? What is the individual’s responsibility in such circumstances?
Acts Chapter 13
God’s appointment of Barnabas and Paul as missionaries
1 In the assembly of believers at Antioch there were prophets [inspired speakers of God’s truth and plan] and teachers [explainers of God’s word], such as Barnabas, Simeon the Black, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who grew up with Herod the Governor), and Saul. 2 As they spent an extended time before God while fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set aside for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 When they had completed their time of fasting and prayer, they laid hands on the two of them and sent them on their way. [This appears to have been a time of seeking the Lord by the leadership of the Antioch assembly of believers. During this time, it became clear that the Lord was calling Barnabus and Saul out away from Antioch to carry the “good news” to other locations. The other leaders, and possibly the whole assembly of believers gathered, the leaders laid hands on Barnabus and Saul, to bless and empower them, and sent them off.]
The first missionary journey
4 Barnabas and Saul, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit, traveled first [overland] to [the Syrian port city of] Seleucia, and sailed from there to the island of Cyprus [which is where Barnabus was from]. 5 After they arrived at Salamis [a large port city in Cyprus], they preached the word of God in the synagogues among the Jews. They also had John Mark with them to help. [John Mark had been with them in Antioch, and so was probably with them from the beginning of the mission trip.]
Governor receives faith
6 After they crossed the island to Paphos [the capital city of Cyprus], they found there a magician named Bar-Jesus [“Son of Jesus”, not related to Jesus the Lord], who was Jewish and a false prophet [acting as though inspired but not truly hearing from God]. 7 Bar-Jesus was an advisor of the proconsul [governor] of the country, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul was an insightful man, so he called for Barnabas and Saul, desiring to hear from them the word of God. 8 But Elymas [which means “the sorcerer”] stood against them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from faith [in Jesus].
9 Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit [which gave him both discernment and boldness], looked straight at Elymas. [From this time he was called only Paul, not Saul. Perhaps to a Roman, “Paul” was easier to pronounce. As Paul began to be well known, he was known by this name rather than by his Jewish name. Barnabus had been the leader of the team and therefore earlier was mentioned first, but it now is Paul’s team and he is mentioned first.] 10 He said to Elymas, “You are full of lies and deception, you son of the devil, and opposer of what is righteous. Stop trying to turn people away from the true path to God. 11 And right now, the hand of the Lord will be upon you, and you will be blind and will not see the sun for a time!”
Immediately, there was a mist and shadow that fell upon him, and he had to find someone to lead him by the hand. [Paul had a similar experience himself for having resisted God when Jesus revealed himself on the road to Damascus recounted in Acts 9:3-9. However, though we are not told that Elymas became a follower of Jesus like Paul, his blinding made a great impression on Sergius Paulus.] 12 When the proconsul saw what had been done, he believed, because he was shocked by the [power of the] teaching concerning the Lord.
Departure of John Mark
13 Now when Paul’s team set sail from Paphos they arrived at Perga in [the province of Pamphylia on the mid southern coast of modern Turkey]. John [Mark] left them and returned to Jerusalem. [No reason is given for why John Mark left Paul and Barnabas, but in Acts 15:37-39 it appears that Paul felt John Mark had abandoned them. It may be that John Mark felt that Paul had usurped the lead missionary role from his cousin and mentor Barnabas. Later, Paul and John Mark reconciled, as indicated by 2 Timothy 4:11.]
Paul’s sermon in Antioch of Pisidia
14 Then they traveled from Perga to Antioch near Pisidia [an inland province north of Pamphylia], and they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath Day and sat down. [Even though Paul and Barnabas recognized their assignment was primarily to the non-Jews, still they desired to reach the Jews whenever possible.] 15 After the readings from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent a message to them, “Brothers, if you have a word to encourage the people, you are welcome to speak.” [In the synagogue service, after the initial prayers, there was a reading from the Law (the first five books) and then a reading from the Prophets. The message could be given by anyone in the synagogue as a commentary on the readings, but strangers likely would have something new and different to say.]
16 Then Paul stood up, gesturing with his hand, and began, “Fellow Jews and others who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of our people Israel chose our ancestors [Genesis 12-17] and grew their numbers [Exodus 1:7] when they were still foreigners in the land of Egypt. And with his arm lifted high, God [performed powerful works] to lead them out of that land [Exodus]. 18 He sustained them for forty years in the desert [Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy]. 19 And when he had destroyed the seven nations of Canaan [Joshua], he assigned the land to them by lots so that they could reside there [Joshua 18-19]. 20 All of this took about 450 years.
“After that, he gave them judges [leaders who rose up during a crisis or for a particular need as described in the book of Judges] until Samuel the prophet [who provided strong spiritual leadership]. 21 From that time, they began to desire a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man out of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 But after removing him [for his lack of obedience], God raised up David for them to be their king, for whom he also gave this testimony, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my own heart, who will carry out my desire’ [1 Samuel 13:14].
23 “From this man’s seed [David’s descendants], to fulfill his own promise, God has raised up for Israel a deliverer, Jesus. 24 But before Jesus came, John [the Baptist] preached the need for all the people of Israel to change the way they think [and submit to God] in [the water of] baptism. 25 And when John completed his mission, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? Not [the one you are looking for], but he is coming after me, and I am not worthy to even untie his sandals.’
26 “My brothers, you who are children of Abraham and all of you who worship God, God is now sending to you the word of this salvation. 27 For the inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him [the savior Jesus]. And even though they heard the voices of the prophets that are read every Sabbath Day, they did just what the prophets had predicted by condemning Jesus [because it was these very prophets (Isaiah 53:6, Daniel 9:24) who declared that the Anointed One would remove our sins through his execution]. 28 And though no just cause for death was found in him, they demanded of Pilate that he be executed, 29 and when everything had been done to him that had been written [Psalms 41:9, Psalms 22:16, Isaiah 50:6, Zechariah 12:10], they took him down from the tree [where they had nailed him] and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead. 31 And he was seen for many days by those who had followed him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to all the people.
32 “And we declare to you the good news that what was promised to our fathers 33 has now been fulfilled for us, their descendants. When God raised up Jesus, it had already been written in the second psalm [Psalms 2:7], ‘You are my son. Today I have brought you forth.’ [This verse is quoted in Luke 1:35 concerning Jesus’ baptism, and again in Hebrews 1:5. Romans 1:4 explains that Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is what proved he was the son of God. Thus God claimed him as son first as a physical man at his birth into the world, then as a spiritual man at his baptism and infilling by the Spirit, and finally as a resurrected man. And this is also the path for each of us.]
34 “And concerning [the prediction that] he would rise from the dead and no longer be subject to decay, he said, ‘I will give to you the [fulfillment of the] faithful holy promises made to David.’ [The quote is from Isaiah 55:3. The primary promise made to David was that a descendant of his would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Though David’s understanding of this promise was that his line of descendants would rule on Israel's throne with unbroken continuity, the rabbis understood that this referred to a single descendant of David who would come and rule forever.]
35 “And it says in another psalm, ‘You shall not allow your holy one to see decay’. [This is from Psalms 16:10, which had become understood by the rabbis as applying to the Anointed One.] 36 In fact, when David had served his generation through the plan of God, he died, was buried with his fathers, and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God resurrected [Jesus] did not decay. [Paul’s point is that the only one that could reign forever is one who was given a resurrection body and would live forever.]
38 “Furthermore, my brothers, may you understand that because of [what] this man [did on your behalf] that we can declare to you the forgiveness of sins. 39 And, even though you never could achieve righteousness by following the Law of Moses, those who believe in him are made righteous.
40 “Be careful, then, that what the prophets declared not happen to you, 41 ‘Look, you unbelievers, be amazed and experience your own destruction. For I am doing something in your day that you think impossible even though it is being declared to your face.’ [Paul is quoting Habakkuk 1:5, which predicted that the Babylonians would destroy Israel for their lack of belief and obedience to God.]”
42 As they [Paul and Barnabus] were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them back the next Sabbath Day to tell them more about these things. 43 And when the congregation was leaving, many of the Jews and religious students [non-Jews who were in the process of converting to Judaism] followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke with them and encouraged them to continue in the grace of God [since they were beginning to receive the truth and understand it].
Rejection of the word by the Jews and the gladness of the non-Jews to receive
44 And the next Sabbath Day, nearly the entire city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with envy, and they contradicted and spoke against the things that Paul said. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew even more bold and said, “We felt we needed to speak the word of God first to you [our fellow Jews], but seeing how you reject it [the Good News of what Jesus has done for you] and render yourselves undeserving of eternal life, we now turn our attention to the [non-Jewish] peoples. 47 For the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have appointed you to be a light to the [non-Jewish] peoples, so that all the world may be saved’ [Isaiah 49:6].”
48 And when the non-Jews heard this, they were glad, and honored the word of the Lord, and believed [the Good News], all the ones who were ready to receive eternal life. 49 And the word of the Lord was carried throughout the region [by Paul and Barnabas as well others who now believed]. 50 But the Jews agitated the religious noblewomen and the leading men of the city and stirred up persecution against them and had them thrown out of the area. 51 So Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust from their feet [as a judgment] against them and came into Iconium [to the east of Antioch]. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. [They were glad to suffer and be rejected in obedient service to the Lord.]
Discussion questions
1. What is the value of a team fasting and praying together like the leaders of the church of Antioch? How did this lead to Barnabas and Saul being sent out as missionaries?
2. Do you think that it is common for political leaders to have advisors who are involved in occult power like the proconsul had with Bar-Jesus? What does it take to disarm such an advisor?
3. In Paul’s sermon to the Jews in Pisidian Antioch, why was the resurrection of Jesus so important? What does Paul say it proved?
4. Have you ever been rejected or persecuted for sharing the truth about Jesus? What was Paul and Barnabas’ reaction to this kind of rejection?
Acts Chapter 14
Continued responsiveness amid persecution
1 The same sequence occurred in Iconium - they went into the synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both the Jews and the Greeks [Greek-speaking non-Jews who were learning the Jewish faith] believed [the good news about Jesus]. 2 But the Jews who didn’t believe stirred up the minds of the non-Jews and turned them against the [believing] brothers. 3 They [Paul and Barnabas] stayed for a long time, speaking boldly in [the power of] the Lord, who backed up their message of his grace by giving them the power to perform miracles and amazing acts. 4 The people of the city were divided, some agreeing with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 Then, some of Jews and non-Jews banded together with some of the leading men of the city with the intention to stop the apostles by stoning them. 6 When the apostles heard about it, they fled to the region of Lyaconia [southwest of Iconium and a part of Galatia] where the cities of Lystra and Derbe lay. 7 And they preached the good news there.
Paul heals a lame man
8 In Lystra, there was a man whose feet were paralyzed – in fact, he had been lame and unable to walk since birth. 9 The man was there to hear Paul speak. Paul looked at him intently and saw he had the faith to be healed, 10 so he said in a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he jumped up and walked! 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lyaconian language, “The Gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 They gave Barnabas the name Zeus [the chief God of the Greeks] and Paul the name Hermes [the Greek messenger God]. 13 Then the priest of Zeus [who performed his duties at the temple] just outside the city brought oxen and garlands of flowers to the people so that they could perform a sacrifice [before the two gods they believed had come to earth].
14 When the apostles, Paul and Barnabas, heard about this, they tore their clothes and quickly found the people, crying out, 15 “Why are you doing this [making a sacrifice as though we were gods]? We are men, just like you, who were sent to you to turn you away from worthless things [like the idols and gods you worship] to the [true and] living God who made the sky, the land, the sea, and all the things in them. 16 God used to allow all nations to walk in their own ways, 17 though he always gave witness to himself by his goodness, sending us rain and making plants grow, filling us with food and our hearts with gladness. 18 By explaining things this way they still barely restrained the crowds from making the sacrifice before them they had intended.
Paul stoned but healed by the disciples
19 After that, there were Jews from both Antioch and Iconium who [came and] turned the people [of Lystra against Paul and Barnabas] and having stoned Paul [who had been the chief speaker], they dragged him outside the city gates and left him, thinking he was dead. 20 However, when the disciples surrounded him [and prayed], he rose up and came into the city, and managed to leave the next day with Barnabas to go to Derbe.
Establishment of leaders in the churches
21 They preached the Good News to that city [Derbe] and instructed many [in the ways of the Lord]. [After a time in Derbe,] they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and [Pisidian] Antioch. [This required great courage as only a short time earlier Paul had been stoned by people from Antioch and Iconium.] 22 [In each location,] they strengthened the disciples, encouraged them to stay true to the faith [under persecution and testing], [explaining] that it is through many trials that we enter the kingdom of God. [A great part of faith has to do with trusting God to remove obstacles or strengthen you to bear them.] 23 When they had ordained elders in every assembly of believers, and prayed and fasted with them, they committed them to the Lord, in whom they all believed. [The apostles would not see them for some time, so it was very important to establish leaders and entrust them to God.]
Return to Syrian Antioch
24 [On the way back towards home,] passing through Pamphylia, they arrived in Pisidia. 25 They preached there in Perga, and then went down to Attalia [just west of Perga]. 26 From there they sailed [home to Syrian] Antioch, where they had been first entrusted with the grace of God for the work they had completed. 27 And when they arrived, they gathered together the assembly of believers [in Antioch] and reported all that God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith for the non-Jews. 28 And they stayed there a long while with the disciples.
Discussion questions
1. What was the pattern that Paul’s team established for evangelizing a city? How well did it work? Do you think that they would have been as successful without at the same time stirring up trouble?
2. When Paul healed the lame man in Lystra, what part did the faith of the man play in his own healing? How do you think Paul could tell the man had faith?
3. What are some of the problems the disciples encountered as they shared the good news? Is it worth it to risk death, or at the other end of the spectrum, being worshipped by the people, in order to share the good news?
4. What is the importance of follow up visits to people and places you have shared the good news? How would you pick elders at each location?
Acts Chapter 15
The circumcision controversy
1 And there were some men who came from Judea [which was still the primary center of the growing worldwide church of all believers] and taught the brothers [the believers in Antioch] that unless you were circumcised according to [the Law of] Moses [Genesis 17:10-14], you cannot be saved. [In other words, according to these men, you had to become a Jew to be a follower of Jesus and to receive eternal life.] 2 When Paul and Barnabas argued with them and disputed their teaching, they [the church] decided to send Paul and Barnabas along with some of the others [who believed in the necessity of circumcision] to the apostles and elders [of the assembly of believers] in Jerusalem concerning this issue.
The council in Jerusalem
3 They [Paul and Barnabas] were sent on their way by the assembly of believers [in Antioch], and as they went [south towards Jerusalem] through Phoenicia [Lebanon] and Samaria, Paul and Barnabas reported [to the assemblies of believers along the way] on how the non-Jews had turned to God. This news brought great joy to all the believers. 4 And when they arrived in Jerusalem, after they were welcomed by the assembly of believers and the apostles and elders, they reported on all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers [in Jesus] who were members of the religious party of the Pharisees stood up and said that it was necessary to command them [the non-Jewish believers] to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses.
6 The apostles and elders met together over this issue. 7 After much searching for a solution, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know how quite some time ago, God chose to use my mouth [as the instrument by which] non-Jews would hear the word of the good news and believe. 8 And God, who knows all hearts, gave his approval to the non-Jews, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he had to us. 9 He defined no difference between them and us, and so purified their hearts through faith [just as he had for us when the Holy Spirit first came]. 10 Now, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we are saved by the gift of the Lord Jesus just as the non-Jews are. [A yoke was placed on oxen or other beasts of burden for them to pull a heavy load. The burden described here is the observation not only of the Law written in the Bible but all the ceremonial traditions that the Pharisees were so fond of. Peter was saying that observing the Law had not gotten the Jews closer to God, and that they were going against God to require it, since the Holy Spirit was the proof the non-Jews were acceptable to the Lord simply on the basis of their belief.]
Decision to not impose the Law on non-Jewish believers
12 Then, all the crowd [present for the discussion] kept quiet [rather than continuing to argue] and listened to Barnabas and Paul describe the miracles and amazing acts God had performed among the non-Jewish peoples through them. 13 And after Barnabas and Paul had finished, James [the brother of Jesus and leader of the church] spoke, “Brothers, listen to me! 14 Simon [Peter] has declared to us how God from the first has clearly chosen to make the non-Jews a people to bear his name. 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this. It is written [Amos 9:11-12], 16 ‘“After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent, and I will rebuild it from its ruins and raise it up again, 17 so that the remainder of mankind, the non-Jewish peoples, may seek the Lord and be called by my name”, says Yahweh, who will accomplish these things.’ 18 All of which was known by God from the beginning. [Amos prophesied that God was describing the future restoration of Israel and how it would lead to the spreading of faith to all men including non-Jews. James was perceiving that this restoration had been planned by God long ago and then carried it out through the life and atoning death of Jesus, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, and the restoration of faith to the Jewish community, and that faith was indeed now spreading to all of mankind.]
19 “So, my judgment is that we do not make a problem for the non-Jewish people who turn to the Lord. 20 We will write to them that they should avoid defilement from idols, [abstain from] sex outside of marriage, and [restrict themselves from eating] strangled animals or blood. 21 For [these practices of the Law of] Moses have been preached since olden times on the Sabbath Day in every town [and therefore this is standard practice among well behaved people everywhere].”
[The issue was that in most pagan societies, there were many customs related to worship of idols, that included sexual relations with priestesses, and rituals using the blood of animals. The Law of Moses forbade each of these – idolatry itself (Exodus 20:4), sex outside of marriage (Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 18), and eating of strangled animals (where the blood was retained - Genesis 9:4), or the blood itself (Leviticus 17:13-14). Because these actions were so ingrained among the Jews, it was difficult for Jewish and non-Jewish believers to be in fellowship without some common rules having to do with meals. James is not saying that a believer is actually defiled through meat that is sacrificed to idols, only that to Jewish believers the idea is disgusting. Paul uses a similar argument in 1 Corinthians 8.]
22 This was pleasing to the apostles and elders together with the whole assembly of believers [in Jerusalem], so they chose two highly respected men, Judas Barsabbas and Silas, as their representatives to send with Paul and Barnabus to Antioch. 23 And they wrote to them [a letter to carry and read to churches that included non-Jewish believers], “From the apostles and elders and brothers [in Jerusalem] to the brothers among the non-Jewish people in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia [modern Turkey]. Greetings! 24 We have heard that some have come to you from here and upset you with their words. We gave them no such instructions!
25 “It seemed good to us, when we were together and in complete agreement, to choose some men and send them to you with our beloved Paul and Barnabas, 26 who have risked their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. 27 Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas who will tell you the same things face-to-face. 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these [few] things. 29 Abstain from meat offered to idols, from blood, from strangled animals, and from sex outside of marriage. If you do these things, you will have done well.”
30 When they [Paul and Barnabas] were released to leave [by the apostles and elders], they returned to Antioch and, when they had gathered together all of believers, they read the letter [from Jerusalem]. 31 After it was read, they all rejoiced and were encouraged. 32 Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets [who had accompanied Paul and Barnabas from Jerusalem], spoke a long time with them, and strengthened and encouraged them. 33 After they had stayed for a while, they were let go in peace by the brothers [in Antioch] so they could return to the apostles [in Jerusalem]. [Some manuscripts include a verse 34, “But it seemed good to Silas to remain there”, which makes sense since verse 40 indicates he joined Paul for the next journey.]
Disagreement of Paul and Barnabas
35 Paul and Barnabas continued teaching and preaching the word of the Lord in Antioch, along with many others. 36 After a period, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go again and visit our brothers in all the cities where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 And Barnabas [agreed] but was determined to take John Mark along with them. 38 But Paul thought it was better not to take him, since John Mark had left them in Pamphylia [Acts 13:13] and had not accompanied them in all their work. 39 So there was a sharp disagreement between them and they went their separate ways. Barnabas took [John] Mark and sailed to Cyprus. [Barnabas and John Mark were going to Barnabus’ homeland. However, after Barnabus left Paul, he is not mentioned again in Acts.]
Second missionary journey
40 But Paul chose Silas, and after they were committed to the grace of God by the brothers, they departed. 41 Paul [and Silas] went through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the assemblies of believers. [Paul was taking an overland route back to Asia, so he proceeded north through Syria and then into Cilicia (far southeastern Turkey). The assemblies of believers he visited in these areas were probably not founded by him. His hometown Tarsus was also in this area.]
Discussion questions
1. What do you think of how the early church solved this dispute about the necessity for circumcision? Have you observed disputes in your day, either within your own church or in the wider church? What could we do differently today to resolve these issues?
2. What do you think affected Paul and Barnabas to cause them to have a dispute. Do you think they could have been affected spiritually by being in an atmosphere of dissension?
Acts Chapter 16
Timothy becomes a disciple of Paul
1 [Eventually,] Paul [and Silas] made their way back to Derbe and Lystra [in Pisidia – south central Turkey]. There was a disciple named Timothy, son of a Jewish woman, who was a believer, and a Greek father. 2 Timothy had a good reputation among the brother believers in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to take Timothy with them, so he had Timothy circumcised, because all of the Jews in the area knew that his father was Greek.
[Timothy had been exposed to Jewish faith through his mother and had become a follower of Jesus, but he would not have easily been accepted by Jews because he was not one of them. Paul was helping Timothy “become a Jew to win the Jews” (1 Corinthians 9:20). This was ironic in that Paul and Silas were carrying the letter from Jerusalem that permitted non-Jews to become Christians without requiring them to be circumcised.]
4 As they [Paul, Silas, and now Timothy] went through the cities, they delivered [to the believers] the decrees which had been decided by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, so they could follow them. 5 As a result, the assemblies [of believers] were strengthened in the faith and grew in number daily.
Call to Macedonia
6 They [Paul’s missionary team] traveled through the boundary area of Phrygia and Galatia [just northwest of Pisidian Antioch in what today is central Turkey] because the Holy Spirit would not allow them to preach the word in Asia [the west central part of Turkey including Ephesus]. [As a result, they decided to preach further north.] 7 But when they came to the boundary of Mysia [northwestern Turkey] and tried to go into Bithynia [north central Turkey], the Spirit of Jesus [Holy Spirit] would not let them. 8 [Since the Spirit appeared to be urging them westward,] they travelled without stopping through Mysia to get to Troas [the famous ancient city of Troy on the northwest coast of modern Turkey].
[Eventually Paul would preach in many of these areas he now bypassed. It appears that God’s plan was to have them bypass both northern and western Turkey for the time being so the Good New would reach Macedonia and Greece.]
9 [In Troas,] Paul had a vision in the nighttime, in which a man from Macedonia appeared to him and stood, asking him, “Come to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Right after he had this vision, we tried to gain passage to Macedonia [across the Aegean Sea], all of us believing the Lord had called us to preach the good news to them. [This is the first point in the account that the author changes from “they” to “we”, so it is likely that now Luke, the author of the account, has joined Paul’s team.]
11 Launching forth by ship from Troas, we sailed directly to [the island of] Samothrace and the day after to Neapolis [a Macedonian seaport]. 12 From there we went to Philippi [about 40 miles north of Neapolis], a city in the first district of Macedonia, [which itself was] a colony [of Rome]. We stayed there several days.
Ministry in Philippi
13 On the Sabbath Day, we went out of the city to the riverside, where there was [a regular gathering for] prayer, and we sat down and talked with the women who gathered there. 14 And there was a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira, who had a business selling purple cloth. She was one who worshipped God and her heart was open, so she received the things that Paul spoke about. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she asked us, “If you have found me faithful to the Lord, then come to my house and stay.” And she convinced us to do so.
16 One of the times we were on our way to prayer, we encountered a serving girl who had a spirit of divination which brought much profit to her masters through fortune telling. [Paul or one of his team could easily discern that a demon was controlling her.] 17 This young woman followed Paul and the rest of us and cried out, “These men are servants of the highest God, who are showing us the pathway of salvation.” 18 And she did the same thing for many days. But Paul became angry about this, so he turned to the spirit [that was using the girl] and said, “I command you, in the name of Jesus the Anointed One, to come out of her!” And the spirit came out of her immediately.
19 When the girl’s masters saw that their hope of continuing to make money was gone, they laid hold of them [Paul and Silas] and dragged them to the public square in front of the authorities [where judicial hearings were held]. 20 They brought them [Paul and Silas] before the [Roman] militia and said, “These men are Jews, and they are making a disturbance in our city. 21 They are teaching people to do things which are against the law to listen to or to follow as Romans.”
Deliverance from prison
22 While the crowd rose up against them, the militia tore off Paul and Silas’ clothing and ordered they be beaten. 23 And when they had been thoroughly whipped, the militia cast them into prison, ordering the jailor to keep them secure. 24 The jailor, receiving such a serious order [and wondering how dangerous they might be], moved them to the innermost part of the prison, and secured their feet in the stocks.
25 Around midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, and the other prisoners heard them. 26 Suddenly, there was a great earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison, and immediately the doors all opened and the everyone’s shackles were loosened. 27 Waking up, the jailor saw the doors of the prison open, so he drew out his sword and would have killed himself, since he was sure the prisoners must have left. [He would have been held responsible and paid with both torture and execution.]
28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, “No, don’t hurt yourself! We are all here!” 29 Then the jailor called for a lamp and rushed in [to their cell] and, trembling, prostrated himself before Paul and Silas. 30 Bringing them out [from their cell], he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And Paul and Silas said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and his household. 33 That same hour, he cleaned their wounds [from their earlier beating], and he and all of his family were baptized. 34 When he brought them into his house, he set before them a meal. And his whole house rejoiced, believing in God!
35 When it was the next day, the commanders sent their sergeants, saying, “Release those men.” 36 And the jailor said this to Paul, “The militia has sent orders to release you. Now, please be free and go in peace.” 37 But Paul replied to those present, “They have beaten us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and they threw us into prison, and now they secretly release us? No, let them come themselves and lead us out!”
38 The sergeants told the commanders these words and when they heard that they [Paul and Silas] were Roman citizens, they were afraid. 39 So, the commanders came to Paul and Silas, asked their pardon, and led them out and requested they leave the city. 40 Paul and Silas left the prison, and went back to Lydia’s house, and when they had reassured the brother believers, they left the city [heading west for the next destination God would take them to]. [Even though Timothy and possibly Luke accompanied Paul and Silas, they were not considered leaders, so they were not included in the punishments that Paul and Silas endured.]
Discussion questions
1. Was Paul being a hypocrite to have Timothy circumcised, when in fact the church leaders in Jerusalem did not require non-Jewish believers to be circumcised? Why was Timothy willing to do this?
2. The Holy Spirit was not allowing Paul and his team to minister in northern Turkey, but Paul did receive an invitation in the spirit to go to Macedonia. Have you ever felt blocked from ministering in one place only to feel God’s favor or invitation to minister in a different place? How did you respond?
3. Why was Paul angry about the serving girl declaring that his team were servants of God? Can someone be controlled by evil even if they appear to be saying something true?
4. When Paul brings the jailor to salvation, how could Paul promise that the jailor’s family would be saved as well. Do you think this invitation would apply to young children as well, leading to infant baptism?
Acts Chapter 17
Paul and Silas in Thessalonica
1 After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia [west of Philippi], they came to Thessalonica [then a crossroads port city in Macedonia but today a major city of Greece], where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 In Paul’s usual manner, he went into the synagogue for three Sabbath Days and reasoned with them about the scriptures. 3 He presented and reasoned [to the Jews], “The Anointed One had to suffer [a cruel death] and then rise from the dead. The one I am preaching about is the Anointed One, Jesus. [This is not theoretical – this actually happened. He sent me here to preach about him.]”
4 Some of them were convinced and joined Paul and Silas, including a large group of Greek believers [who had been converted to Judaism] and quite a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews [who did not believe] were jealous, so they gathered a mob from wicked men they found in the marketplace and caused a riot in the city. They attacked the house of Jason [where Paul’s team had been staying], demanding that they [Paul and Silas] be brought out to face the people.
6 But when the attackers didn’t find them there, instead they dragged Jason and others among the believing brothers in front of the city officials, claiming, “These are the men who have turned things upside down all over the world, and now they have come here, 7 and Jason has kept them in his house. They are acting against the commands of Caesar, claiming there is another king named Jesus.” 8 And this upset all the people and the city officials when they heard these things. 9 After fines had been paid on behalf of Jason and the others, they were let go.
Paul and Silas in Berea
10 The brother believers that very night arranged for Paul and Silas to leave the city heading towards Berea [towards the south]. When they arrived, they went to the synagogue. 11 The Jews there were more open than in Thessalonica, receiving the word with a willing mind, searching the scriptures daily to see whether the things Paul said were true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, including many Greeks, and quite a few noble women and men.
13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was now preaching the word of God in Berea, they came there also and stirred up trouble among the people. 14 At once the brother believers sent Paul away to the sea, but Silas and Timothy stayed there [in Berea]. 15 The men who took Paul [by boat] to Athens received [from him] instructions to Silas and Timothy to come join him as quickly as they could, so they departed.
Paul in Athens
16 While waiting for them in Athens, Paul was stirred in his spirit when he saw how completely idolatrous the city was. 17 Therefore, he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and those devoted to God, and daily in the marketplace with whoever came by. 18 There were also teachers [known as] Epicureans and Stoics who debated with him. [Epicureans were materialists who did not believe the gods intervened in daily life and accordingly emphasized sensual enjoyment. The stoics were equally indifferent to divine intervention but promoted acceptance and detachment from pain and pleasure as well as virtuous behavior.] Some of them said, “What is this man babbling about?” Others answered, “He’s talking about gods from other lands”. This was because he was preaching to them about Jesus and the resurrection.
19 They took him to Ares Hill [the place named after the Greek god of war where the Athenian Council met and decided what should be publicly aired] and said, “Would you explain to us this new doctrine you have been speaking about? 20 For some of the things you’ve brought to our ears seem strange, so we would like to know what you mean.” 21 All the Athenians and even the foreigners who were there spent their time doing nothing else than talking or listening about the latest new thing, [so their interest in Paul's teaching did not necessarily mean they were being drawn to Jesus].
Paul’s sermon to the Council of Athens
22 Now, Paul stood in the middle of the council at Ares Hill and said, “Men of Athens, I noticed as I was passing by that you are religious in all things. 23 I was considering your various objects of worship and I found an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown God’. The one you worship without knowing him I declare to you 24 is the God who made the world and everything in it. He is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in manmade temples. 25 Nor does he need anything we can make for him, for he himself gives us life and breath and everything we need.
26 “And from one [man], he has made every people group that lives on the face of the earth, and he has set the times and boundaries of their dwelling places, 27 so that they might desire to know God, searching for him and perhaps finding him. Though he is not far from any of us, 28 since in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your poets[, for example Epimenides,] have said, ‘We are all his children.’ 29 And since we are his children, we should not think that God himself is anything like things shaped by the art and skill of man with gold, or silver, or stone. [God is our Father and wants to be in relationship with us.]
30 “And this time of not knowing [him up to now] has been allowed, but now God is commanding everyone everywhere to reform how they think [and to understand who God is]. 31 Because God has an appointed a day in which he will judge the world with justice by the man he has chosen [Jesus], having given witness to that man by raising him from the dead [Romans 1:4].”
32 When they heard Paul speak about the raising of the dead, some made fun of him, but others said, “We want to hear about this again.” 33 So Paul left the council meeting. 34 However, some continued with him, believing. Among them were Dionysius (a council member), a woman named Damaris, and several others.
Discussion questions
1. Do you think Paul’s strategy to speak at synagogues to the Jews was effective even though he encountered stiff resistance in every city? What strategy has the Lord revealed to you or your church for reaching those who do not know the Lord in your city?
2. Would you say that there were different degrees of openness and/or resistance to who Jesus is in different cities? How would Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens rate in terms of openness or resistance? What factors do you think had an effect on people’s openness?
Acts Chapter 18
Paul’s establishment of the church in Corinth
1 After all this, [Paul] departed from Athens and arrived in Corinth [an important Greek port city which was the Roman provincial capital for all of Greece west of Athens]. 2 There he found a Jewish man named Aquila, born in Pontus, who recently had moved from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius [the Roman emperor] had commanded the Jews to leave Rome [possibly because of disturbances caused by traditional Jews against Christian believers]. 3 Paul came to them [Aquila and Priscilla] because they worked at the same trade [that he himself used to make money]. Paul stayed with them and worked with them, for they were tentmakers by trade.
4 And every Sabbath Day, in the synagogue, Paul reasoned and sought to bring to agreement both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself to preaching the message to the Jews that Jesus was the Anointed One. [It seems likely that Silas and Timothy were able to support Paul so that he no longer needed to work at tentmaking to support himself.]
God’s encouragement of Paul
6 But they resisted and spoke against him, so he violently shook his robe [to indicate a lack of agreement] and said to them, “Your blood is upon your own heads, I am clean from it.[I have tried my best to help you see the truth.] From now on I will go to the non-Jewish peoples. 7 He left them and entered the house of a man named Justus who worshipped God and lived next to the synagogue. 8 And the chief leader of the synagogue, Crispus, came to belief in the Lord along with his whole family. And many of the Corinthians heard the message, believed, and were baptized. 9 Then the Lord spoke in the night by a vision to Paul, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t hold back, 10 for I am with you, and no man shall be able to oppose you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” 11 And Paul continued there for a year and six months, teaching them the word of God.
12 When Gallio was made the [Roman] governor of Achaia [the primary province of Greece], the Jews [saw their chance], banded together, and took Paul to court, 13 saying, “This man tries to get people to worship God in ways that are against the law [since the Roman law made the emperor a God].” 14When Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If this were a matter of some crime, irresponsible behavior, or evil that were done, I would have a reason to listen patiently to you Jews, 15 but since it’s a question of words, and names, and of your own law, you figure it out, for I will not judge matters like that.” 16 And he threw them out of court. 17 They all grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue [and ringleader of the Jews who were standing against belief in Jesus], and beat him up in front of the court. And this did not bother Gallio at all.
18 Paul stayed on with the believers in Corinth for quite a while, then said goodbye, and sailed from there to Syria, taking with him Priscilla and Aquila. Before they left from [the port city of] Cenchrea [next to Corinth], he shaved his head as part of a vow he made.
Paul’s initial visit to Ephesus
19 When he arrived in Ephesus [in western Turkey], he left Priscilla and Aquila there, but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When the Jewish people asked him to stay there longer, he wasn’t able to do so, 21 but instead said, “Goodbye [for now]. If it’s God’s will, I will return to you.” So, he sailed from Ephesus. 22 When he landed at Caesarea, [after] he went up and greeted the church there, he went back to Antioch [where he had begun his missionary travels].
Paul’s third missionary journey
23 After he had spent some time there, he left and went again through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples. [Having embarked on his third missionary journey, Paul and his team were revisiting places he had originally visited either in his first journey (Acts 14:21) or his second journey (Acts 16:6). We don’t know who went with Paul in this journey, but he had in mind getting back to Ephesus where he had just barely started the work of the Lord before the completion of his previous journey.]
Apollos in Ephesus and Corinth
24 [Meanwhile in Ephesus,] there was a Jewish man named Apollos, born in Alexandria [Egypt], and who was both an eloquent speaker and powerful [in his knowledge] of the scriptures, who came to Ephesus [where Paul had left Priscilla and Aquila to lead the believers there only a few months earlier.] 25 This man had been taught the way of the Lord and he was passionate spiritually, 26 so he spoke and taught with accuracy the things of God. However, he only knew the baptism of John [not having heard the whole story of what Jesus had accomplished or about the baptism n the Holy Spirit].
26 Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue [in Ephesus]. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they spent time with him and taught him more completely the ways that God works [including all that Jesus had accomplished in fulfillment of God’s plan]. 27 And Apollos had in mind to go over to Achaia [Greece and Macedonia] as well to encourage the disciples there, so the brother believers [in Ephesus] wrote to the disciples [in Corinth and other Achaian cities] to receive him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who through God’s grace had become believers. 28 He was able with some passion to prove to the Jews in their public discussions of the scriptures that Jesus was the Anointed One. [This helped believers be more solid in their faith, but also helped remove the pressure from Jews who had previously believed that Christian faith was contrary to their Jewish beliefs until Apollos helped them see the truth.]
Discussion questions
1. When Paul arrived in Corinth, how did he support himself, and how did others help him earn funds? What should the church’s attitude be for missionaries or other Christian workers' financial provision?
2. How much do you suppose it helped when Paul heard from the Lord that he didn’t need to hold himself back and that he would be protected? What eventually happened that confirmed this to Paul?
3. What roles did different leaders, such as Priscilla and Aquila, and Apollos, play helping build up young churches?
Acts Chapter 19
Paul building up the church in Ephesus
1 While Apollos was in Corinth, it just so happened that Paul arrived in Ephesus after having travelled through the interior regions [the center of today’s Turkey]. 2 There he found some disciples [followers of Jesus], and he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”. And they replied to him, “We haven’t even heard there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 He said to them, “What was the object of your baptism?” They said, “We received John’s baptism [referring to John's baptism of repentance].” 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was for the turning away from sins, but he taught all the people that there was a man coming after him that they should believe in. He was referring to the Anointed One, Jesus.” 5 When the men heard this, [they were willing to receive,] and they were now baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with [spirit-given] languages and prophesied. 7 There were twelve men in all.
[This episode makes several things clear. 1) When John the Baptist came on the scene twenty years earlier, he ignited a revival in the Jewish faith, which spread throughout the Roman empire, and included even bringing many Greek-speaking non-Jews into faith in God. 2) Baptism was how Jewish believers signified their willingness to turn from selfishness and sin towards God. 3) Shortly after John had come to Israel, Jesus came and the things he taught often were incorporated in the Jewish revival. 4) It was not until Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the coming of the promised Holy Spirit that the new complete faith called Christianity was fully born.
Starting from the time of the outpouring at Pentecost, believers in Jesus were baptized in the name of Jesus, and it was normal for them to receive an in-filling from the Holy Spirit when they were baptized. As part of their baptism, elders in faith laid hands on them for the impartation of spiritual gifts. This became the standard practice of Christians, but it took a while for believers in God everywhere and for leaders of small groups of believers to understand how it all worked. For instance, Priscila and Aquila had to explain this to Apollos. It was not surprising for Paul to find believers who needed the Holy Spirit and teaching about God. Paul recognized that receiving the Holy Spirit was essential to walking in faith, so it was one of the first things he asked when he first met believers in a new location. While Priscilla and Aquila may have explained the Holy Spirit to some individuals, it took Paul’s boldness to reach all the believers and begin to really build up the church.]
Teaching the word of God daily and performing miracles
8 Paul went into the synagogue and for three months discussed and sought to convince people about the kingdom of God [so they would come to faith in Jesus]. 9 But when some who were resistant to believing began to say evil about The Way [the name given to the pathway of following Jesus] in front of the congregation, he left the synagogue. Instead, he took the disciples [those who were ready to learn] and began holding discussion daily in the lecture hall of Tyrranus [a public auditorium used for teaching].
10 This continued for about two years, so that all who lived in Asia [what is now the western half of Turkey] heard the word of the Lord [the truth about God, the lordship of Jesus, and God’s kingdom], both Jews and Greeks [non-Jews]. 11 God was performing unusual miracles through Paul. 12 [For example,] handkerchiefs or aprons that had been worn on his body were brought to the sick, and the sickness left them or evil spirits departed from them. [This is an indication that spiritual power and holiness are exchanged between people and the things that touch them. For instance, 1) Jesus’ saliva brought healing to those to whom he ministered, 2) The holiness of God even clings to bodies after the person dies, hence contact with Elisha’s dead body brought a person back to life, and saints’ bodies or “relics” have shown to have the power to bring healing throughout history, 3) Therefore, it is not surprising that those things worn by Paul had power associated with them.]
Importance of knowing Jesus when using his name
[Because of Paul’s great success and reputation for power and authority over darkness through using the name of Jesus,] 13 there was a group of Jews who claimed to be exorcists, who spoke to evil spirits using the name of Jesus [to attempt to cast out the spirits from afflicted people]. They would say, “We command you, through Jesus, the one who is proclaimed by Paul.” [They would use the name of Jesus as a magical formula, not as ones who walked in his delegated authority, as his followers.]
14 There was a Jewish man named Sceva, who was a priest of some rank and authority, having seven sons who were [among the group of self-styled exorcists] who were doing this [using the name of Jesus to try to cast the evil spirit out of a man]. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “I know about Jesus and I recognize [the authority of] Paul, but who are you? [You don't have authority over me.]” 16 And the man inhabited by the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered and beat them, so that they escaped out of the house naked and wounded. [It is those who have become followers of Jesus who are inhabited by God and carry his authority (John 14:12, Luke 10:19).]
17 And this [story] was known to all the Jews and Greeks [non-Jews] living in Ephesus, so that fear fell on everyone and the name of the Lord Jesus became highly regarded. [People realized that faith and allegiance to Jesus was no laughing matter. They now recognized that the name of Jesus was only to be used by those who followed him as Lord, and that it was indeed powerful when used by those who used Jesus’ name to walk in his authority, just as he intended.]
Evil and magic give way to the kingdom of God
18 [As a result,] many who [already] believed [in Jesus], came openly confessing and no longer hiding their [sinful] practices. 19 Many of them who had practiced magical arts collected and piled up the books [they had used] and burned them, and the value of them counted together was worth fifty thousand silver coins. 20 In this way the word of God grew in strength and power.
Last gasp of idolatry in Ephesus
23 During that time period, once again there rose up no small uproar about The Way [of Christian faith and doctrine]. 24 For there was a man named Demetrius, who made silver models of the temple of [the goddess] Artemis, which brought [many of] the craftsmen no small profit. 25 Demetrius called together those who shared his profession, and said, “Men, you know that the only way we have to make money is through our craft work. 26 And I know you have seen and heard that, not only in Ephesus but through most of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that what we make with our hands are not gods. 27 Not only is our business in danger of evaporating, but there is danger that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be despised – the goddess worshipped in Asia and in all the world!”
28 As the crowd heard these words, they were enraged, crying out, “Great is Artemis of Ephesus!” 29 And the city was filled with an uproar, and they rushed as a mob into the theater [a public gathering place], having captured Gaius and Aristarchus, two Macedonians who were traveling with Paul. 30 And Paul would have entered in among the people if his disciples had allowed him. 31 Some of the provincial authorities of Asia [wealthy aristocrats who were appointed to handle public festivals for major cities and provinces but were accountable to Rome], who were his friends, sent to him messages asking him not to venture into the theater [because they knew this would cause a greater chaos].
32 The whole meeting was in an uproar. Some people were shouting one thing, others were shouting another. Most of them did not even know why they had come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the crowd, since the Jews had thrust him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand to begin a defense to the people. [The Jews apparently felt they were being blamed for Paul and his friends since The Way was seen as a sect within Judaism.] 34 But when the people saw that he was a Jew [by the way he looked and dressed], they cried out with one voice over a period of two hours, “Great is Artemis of Ephesus!”
35 Then the town clerk quieted the crowd, saying, “Men of Ephesus, everyone knows that the city of Ephesus is the keeper of the temple of the great Artemis and of that which fell down from heaven [a meteorite rock that fell from the sky and was seen as divine in origin].36 No one can deny these things! So, let everyone be quiet and not speak rashly. 37 You have brought these men here [to account for wrongdoing] but they are not temple robbers nor have they said evil things about our goddess. 38If Demetrius and his workers wish to accuse someone, the regular meeting place is open and officials can hear the charges. 39 But if there is something more you want, it needs to be considered in a legal assembly [of the citizens]. 40 For after what has happened today, we could be accused of inciting a riot. There is no excuse for such confusion, and we have no legal defense for it.” 41 With that, he dismissed the meeting.
Discussion questions
1. Why do you think Paul was so quick to ask the believers he met in Ephesus if they had received the Holy Spirit? What is the connection between being baptized in the name of Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit?
2. Do you think there was a connection between Paul teaching daily and unusual miracles happening? In what ways was Paul’s ministry in Ephesus becoming like Jesus’ ministry?
3. In verse 17, the word says that Jesus’ name became highly regarded, but when the sons of Sceva tried to use Jesus’ name, it didn’t work for them. What important element is required for the name of Jesus to be powerful?
4. When the ministry of Jesus is performed by the church, then the occult and other religions no longer appear attractive. Why is the occult and Eastern and New Age religions so popular today?
Acts Chapter 20
Paul visits Macedonia and Greece on his way back to Israel
1 After the confrontation was over, Paul called his followers to him, hugged and said goodbye to them, and left for Macedonia. [Paul’s time in Ephesus of nearly three years was the longest he spent with any specific assembly of people. Now he was going to visit the assemblies he had planted in Macedonia and Achaia during his second missionary journey.] 2 After traveling and visiting the various assemblies [in Macedonia], sharing with them words of encouragement, he traveled on to Achaia [Greece], 3 where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to go to Syria [over the sea to his home church in Antioch], when he found out the Jews were plotting against him [with the intention to kill him], so instead he decided to go back [over land] through Macedonia.
4 Those who went with Paul included Sopater from Berea, Aristarchus, Secundus, and Gaius from Thessalonika, Timothy from Derbe, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. [Timothy was from southern Turkey but had already been ministering in Macedonia. Berea and Thessalonika were both cities in Macedonia. Tychicus and Trophimus were from eastern Turkey (possibly Ephesus). It may be that all of them had been sent out by Paul as itinerant ministers to the churches in Macedonia and Greece. These men were Paul’s trophies of the fruitfulness of the work of God among the nations.] 5 This group [by ship] went ahead of us [, a small team remaining with Paul and Luke still in Macedonia,] to Troas [the westernmost port of Asia].
Paul’s teaching in Troas and raising Eutychus from the dead
6 We [Paul and Luke] sailed from [Neapolis near] Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later we joined them [the rest of the team] in Troas, where we spent seven days. 7 On the first day of the week [Sunday], when the people came together for the breaking of bread [a common meal including worship and sharing communion], Paul preached to the gathered assembly, intending to leave the next day.
His teaching continued until midnight, 8 and there were many lamps in the upper room [making it hot and stuffy], where they were meeting. 9 There was a young man named Eutychus sitting there in a window, who fell into a deep sleep, and as Paul’s preaching went long, as he slumped into sleep, he fell from the third story, and when they came to him, he was dead. 10 And Paul went to him and put his arms around him, saying, “Don’t be upset! He's alive!” 11 Paul went back upstairs, shared in the breaking of bread [communion], ate, and talked [with them] a long while, until the break of day, when he departed. 12 And they [the church in Troas] brought home their young man alive, which encouraged them greatly.
13 We [most if not all of Paul’s team] proceeded to the ship and sailed to Assos [another coastal town in Asia (northwest Turkey) a few miles southeast of Troas], as Paul had directed us, since he had decided to walk and join us. [Perhaps he needed the alone time with the Lord.] 14 When he met us in Assos, we brought him aboard and then sailed on to Mitylene [the primary city of Lesbos, a Greek Island off the coast of Turkey, only a short distance south of Assos]. 15 The next day we passed [the Greek island of] Chios, and the following day we made it to [the Greek island of] Samos, and the day after arrived at Miletus [just south of Ephesus on the Turkish coast].
16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, not wanting to lose any time in the province of Asia, since he hoped to be in Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost, if at all possible. [If he had gone to Ephesus, it would have been very difficult for him to leave quickly because of how long he had been with them and how close he was to so many.] 17 From Miletus, Paul sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him.
Paul’s final message to the Ephesian elders
18 When they came to him, he said to them, “You know how from the first day I came to Asia, the way I lived among you. 19 How, with humility and many tears, I have been the Lord’s servant, and the trials I underwent because of the plans of the Jews against me. 20 How I have not kept back from you anything that would benefit you, but instead I demonstrated it to you and taught you both publicly and house to house. 21 I have persuaded both Jews and Greeks [non-Jews] to change their way of thinking towards God and to turn with faith to our Lord Jesus.
22 “But now, look, I am compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, and I don’t know what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit in every city has testified, saying that prison and persecution wait for me. 24 But none of what’s been prophesied affects me, for my own life is not important to me, except that I might finish the race and accomplish the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of God’s kindness.
25 “I know that[, after this visit,] you will never see my face again, you among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom. 26 So, I want you to remember this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men, 27 since I have not held back any of God’s purposes from you. 28 Pay attention then to yourselves and all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you accountable, and care for God’s church which he has bought with his own blood!
29 “After I leave, [men who act like] fierce wolves will come among you, and they will not leave the flock alone [but will tear it apart by their self-serving ambition, manipulation, and erroneous teaching]. 30 Even from among yourselves, there will be men who show up twisting the truth and leading believers astray. 31 So, keep watch! Remember how I [set an example for you], for three years never stopped caring for every one of you to the point of tears and warning you [away from every temptation]. [So, you have a job to do as caretakers over God’s flock. Do not hold back but teach each person and the whole body all that they need to stand against falsehood and to walk in the kingdom!]
32 “I am turning you over to God [himself] and to his word of grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all the holy ones [who proceed you]. [God himself will teach you and watch over you and give you all that you need, which is what he promises to every believer.]
33 “I have desired none of the gold or silver or clothing [to signify authority or position] that others have. 34 You yourselves know that I have used my own hands to provide for my own necessities and those who ministered with me. [I have continued to work as a tent maker whenever we needed it for our provision. I haven’t depended on the church members but have paid for my own needs through tent making and by my interns' working on my behalf as well as their own.] 35 I have shown you in everything I have done that, by working hard, we help those in need. This should remind us of the words that Jesus himself said, ‘You’re more blessed by giving than receiving.’”
36 And when Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them to pray. 37 They were all weeping as they hugged him and kissed him with great affection. 38 They were saddest about the words he had said that they would never see him again. And they accompanied him to his ship.
Discussion questions
1. What was the value in v. 4 of Paul bringing with him recruits from the different churches/communities in Asia, Macedonia, and Achaia?
2. Have you ever fallen asleep when someone was preaching, to the point you could have fallen out a window? How do you think Paul felt when that happened? And yet what did he do about it?
3. If you were among the elders from Ephesus, how would you have felt when Paul said he would never see you again? What would you have thought when he said that “fierce wolves will come among you”? Have you experienced problems within a church after a long-time leader departed? What can you do in such cases?
Acts Chapter 21
Paul’s return to Israel
1 After we departed from them, we sailed straight to Cos [an island south of Miletus], then Rhodes [an island southeast of Cos], and then to Patara [a port city in Lycia on the southern coast of modern Turkey]. 2 Finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set forth. [This would likely have been a larger ship since they were sailing over more open water. They had been using a local ship with many stops, and now took a direct route with only a single destination. Phoenicia constituted the west coast of Syria in what is today Lebanon.] 3 Our route took us within sight of [the island of] Cyprus and we sailed south of it all the way to Syria. We went ashore at [the port city of] Tyre, the ship’s destination, where we retrieved our belongings.
4 We found some disciples [believers in Jesus] there and stayed with them seven days. They told Paul through [what they received through] the Spirit that he should not go to Jerusalem. [When Paul went to Jerusalem anyway, it did not mean he was going against the Spirit. Sometimes the Spirit reveals bad things in advance, but that does not mean that we can or should avoid them, but it does allow us to prepare for what is coming.] 5 When our time with them was done, we left. But all of them, including the women and children, went with us out of the city to the beach, where we all knelt and prayed. 6 Then we said goodbye and boarded our ship, while they returned home.
Prophecy of disaster for Paul
7 Our trip from Tyre landed at Ptolemais [another port city of Phoenicia south of Tyre], and we greeted our [Christian] brothers there and stayed with them for one day. 8 The next day we arrived in Caesarea [on the Judean coast], where we entered the home of Philip the Evangelist, who was one of the seven [who had been appointed a servant leader in Acts 6:3-6], and we stayed with him.
10 Philip had four unmarried daughters who all prophesied as we remained there for a number of days. There also was a man named Agabus who came from Judea, and he was also a prophet. 11 And after we met him, he took Paul’s belt and used it to bind his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit is saying to the man who owns this belt. In the same way, the Jews will bind you in Jerusalem and deliver you to the non-Jews.”
12 And when we heard these things, we all pleaded with Paul, both his companions and those gathered, to not go to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping? Do you want to break my heart? For I am ready to be bound and also to die in Jerusalem for the [sake of the] name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And when we saw he would not change his mind, we stopped and said, “May the Lord’s will be done.”
16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, not wanting to lose any time in the province of Asia, since he hoped to be in Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost, if at all possible. [If he had gone to Ephesus, it would have been very difficult for him to leave quickly because of how long he had been with them and how close he was to so many.] 17 From Miletus, Paul sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him.
Paul with the Christian elders
18 The next day, Paul took us to see James [the brother of Jesus and leader of the Christian community in Jerusalem]. The elders [of the local Christian community] were there as well. 19 After greeting them, Paul told them about all the things that God had done among the non-Jews in his ministry among them. 20 When they heard about it, they glorified the Lord. [They were about to tell him about the problem his arrival was going to bring about because of his reputation, but how much better it was to celebrate because of all God had done among the non-Jewish peoples.]
The elders also said to Paul [possibly with James as spokesperson], “Brother Paul, you can see how many thousands of Jews have become believers [in Jesus], and how devoted they are to the Law. [There are many of them here in Jerusalem right now for the Feast of Pentecost.] 21 They have been told that you have been teaching the Jews in non-Jewish countries to let go of Moses and stop circumcising their children or following the other Jewish customs. [As a result, they are furious, believing that you are speaking against the Law and undermining the religion of your fathers.] 22 What should we do, then, since they certainly have heard you arrived?
The purification vow
23 “This is what we would like you to do. There are four men here who have taken a vow. 24 Go along with them, go through the purification ceremony yourself, and pay their expenses so they can go ahead and shave their heads. [This was a temporary Nazirite vow, which involved a period of abstaining from wine and strictly observing the Law. At the end of the period, in case the man had touched anything unclean or been near someone who died, the man would shave his head and burn the hair along with an animal sacrifice to represent a new commitment to purity. Nazirite vows are described in Numbers 6:1-21.] When everyone hears what you have done, they will know what they heard before about you was wrong, and instead that you are in conformance with and keep the Law.
25 “Now as for non-Jewish believers, [as you already know,] we have sent them a letter [Acts 15:29] with our decision that they must avoid eating food offered to idols, or any blood, or any animal that has been strangled, and that they must keep themselves from sexual immorality.”
The riot caused by the Jews from Asia
26 The next day, Paul took the men and performed the ceremony of purification with them. Then he went into the Temple and gave notice of the period of purification, and which day a sacrifice would be offered for each of them. 27 And just before the seven days [of the purification] were over, the Jews from Asia [who knew Paul from their many confrontations], when they saw him in the Temple, stirred up the crowd [of Jews at the Temple], grabbed hold of Paul, 28 and cried out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man that teaches everywhere [things that are against] our people, the Law, and this Temple. And he has even brought Greeks [non-Jews] into the Temple and polluted this holy place!” 29 For they had earlier seen Trophimus, an Ephesian, in the city with Paul, and they supposed Paul had brought him into the Temple. [Since Trophimus (Acts 20:4) was a non-Jewish believer, this would have been against the Jewish Law.]
30 And the city was in an uproar, and the people ran together and grabbed Paul and dragged him out of the Temple, and the doors were shut. 31 They aimed to kill him, when the word came to the captain of the military guard that Jerusalem was rioting. 32 The military guard brought both soldiers and centurions and ran to where the people had Paul, and when the group saw the captain and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
Paul’s arrest
33 Then the captain came and took him into custody, commanding that he be bound with two chains. The captain demanded to know who Paul was and what he had done. 34 And some cried one thing and some another among the crowd, and when the captain couldn’t determine exactly what had caused the disturbance, he commanded them to carry Paul into the fortress.
35 He made it as far as the stairs, but then the soldiers had to carry him, because of the force of the crowd. 36 The mob chased after him, crying out, “Kill him!” 37 Just as he was about to be led inside the castle, Paul said to the captain, “Can I speak with you?” The commander asked, “You speak Greek then? 38 Then you must not be that man from Egypt who started an uprising some time ago and led four thousand men who were all murderers into the wilderness.” 39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a [Roman] citizen of no small city, and I am asking you, please let me speak to the people”.
40 And when the captain had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs, and motioned with his hand to the large crowd. And when they became silent, Paul spoke to them in Hebrew.
Discussion questions
1. Why do you think Paul is in such a hurry to get to Jerusalem if he already knew that he might die there? Was it right for his friends to try to talk him out of going? Was it right for them to stop trying to persuade him?
2. Do you think that the plan of James and the elders for Paul to carry through on a purity vow and sponsor others to do the same, was a good idea? Why do you think it didn’t work?
Acts Chapter 22
Paul’s self defense
1 “Brothers and fathers, hear my own defense before you.” 2 When they heard he spoke in Hebrew, they became more quiet, and he began to speak, 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, in Cilicia [in what today would be far southeastern Turkey]. I was brought up in this city [Jerusalem] at the feet of Gamaliel [, where I studied with this famous rabbi], who taught me well the ways of our fathers, and I became passionate towards God, just as all of you are this day.
4 “[Out of my passion,] I persecuted to the point of death [those I perceived to be perverters of the truth, the followers of] The Way, capturing and imprisoning both men and women. 5The high priest and all the elders themselves can testify that I obtained letters authorizing me to bring into custody the brothers [who followed The Way] in Damascus and bring them here to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “I was on my way and had come near to Damascus. It was around midday, when suddenly from the sky a very bright light shined all around me, 7 and I fell to the ground. I heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Sir?’ And the voice responded, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, the one you are persecuting.’ 9 Those who were with me saw the light but didn’t hear the voice that spoke to me.
10 “I then said, ‘What shall I do, Sir?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all the things that you must do.’ 11 I had been blinded by the brightness of the light, so I had to be led by the hands of those with me into Damascus. 12 [In Damascus,] there was a man who carefully observed the Law named Ananias, who was well respected by all the Jews.
13 “Ananias came and stood before me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive back your sight’, and now I was able to see him. 14 And he said to me, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you. You must come to understand the will of the Righteous One and hear his voice. 12 You will be a witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now, why wait? Rise up and be baptized and wash away all your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “Later, when I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple, and in a trance, 18 I saw him [the Lord], and he said, ‘Hurry up and quickly leave Jerusalem, for they will not receive your witness about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘But Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and had beaten those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of your witness, Stephen, was shed, I was right there, agreeing [with his murder], holding the cloaks of those who killed him.’ 21 And he [the Lord] said back to me, ‘Go forth, for I am sending you to the non-Jews in foreign lands.’”
Paul’s Roman guard in Jerusalem
22 After the crowd had heard him say all this, they lifted up their voices, and said, “Remove this man from the earth, for he is not fit to live [because of how deeply he has betrayed our God and our beliefs]!” 23 And as they cried out, ripped their clothes, and threw dust into the air [to indicate how thoroughly they rejected what he stood for], 24 the captain commanded he be brought into the fortress, whipped, and questioned, so they could understand why the crowd was so angry against him.
25 As they bound him with straps, Paul said to the centurion who was supervising, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who has not gone to trial?” 12 'When the centurion heard this, he went to the captain and said, “Be careful what you do, for this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 Then the captain came to him and said, “Are you really a Roman citizen?”, and Paul answered, “Yes”. 28 And the captain answered, “It took me a large sum of money to buy my freedom”, but Paul responded, “In my case, I was born free.”
29 After that, they backed away from him, since the captain was afraid, realizing they should have examined him first since he was a Roman citizen and they had bound him without cause. 30 He decided therefore that he would settle the next day exactly why Paul was accused by the Jews. [If the Jews had a serious grievance, then it was good the soldiers had captured him, but if not, then the captain might be in trouble. He needed to know what was really going on.] So the captain had Paul loosed from his bonds and ordered the chief priests and all the Jewish council to appear and brought Paul before them. [The Jewish council included representatives from major religious parties such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, the priesthood, and the elected elders of the people.]
Discussion questions
1. As Paul tells the Jews the story of how he came to follow Jesus rather than be against them, what did you learn that was not recorded in Acts 9? What is he hoping will happen in the mind of his Jewish hearers as he tells this part of his story? Why do you suppose Paul had been able to change his heart to follow Jesus, and his Jewish persecutor years later were not able to change?
2. How do you see that Paul used his status as a native Roman citizen? What has God provided you from your origins that gives you an advantage for sharing the Good News?
Acts Chapter 23
Division in the Jewish Council over Paul
1 Paul looked straight at the Council and said, “Brothers, I have lived with a clean conscience before God to this very day”. 2 And the high priest, Ananias, directed those next to Paul to strike him on his mouth. [Ananias felt Paul was insulting their Jewish faith, especially by claiming to have a clean conscience, so punished him by ordering them to strike him in the mouth.] 3 Paul said to him, “God will surely strike you, you white-washed wall! [You are a fake!] You sit there to judge me according to the Law, yet you yourself break the Law by ordering them to strike me!” [Deuteronomy 25:2] 4 Those who stood there said, “You are insulting the high priest!” 5 Then Paul replied, “I didn’t know he was the high priest [or I wouldn’t have spoken against him even though he sinned by unjustly striking me], because it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people’ [Exodus 22:28].
6 Paul noticed that some of the Council were Sadducees and some Pharisees. So he cried out in the Council meeting, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee! I am on trial here because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, an argument broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and so the group was divided. [Paul took advantage of the theological difference between the two groups.] 8 For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all three.
9 This resulted in a noisy outcry, the interpreters of the Law that were Pharisees exclaiming, “We don’t find any evil in this man, since a spirit or angel might have spoken to him.” 10 The disagreement began to get out-of-hand, and the captain feared that Paul might be torn into pieces by them, so he commanded the soldiers to go down and remove Paul from their midst and to bring him into the castle.
11 And in the night that followed, the Lord stood by Paul, and said, “Be encouraged! For you have testified for my sake in Jerusalem. But you must also testify in Rome!” [Paul must have later reported this to his friends.]
Vow and plan to kill Paul
12 When it was daytime, some of the Jews banded together and made a vow that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with a vow that we will eat nothing at all until we have killed Paul. 15 Send word from you and the Council for the Roman captain to bring Paul before you again, as though you need to get a better understanding by examining him. But he will never get here, for we will be ready to kill him.”
16 And the son of Paul’s sister heard that they would be lying in wait, so he proceeded to enter the castle and told Paul. 17 Paul told one of the centurions, “Take this young man to the captain of the guard, for he has something to tell him.” 18 The centurion took him to the captain and said to him, “The prisoner called to me and asked me to take this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.” 19 And the captain took him aside and asked him, “What do you have to tell me?”
20 He told the captain, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to them tomorrow so they can examine him further, 21 but do not agree to their request, for more than forty men will be lying in wait, bound by a vow to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. And now they are ready, looking for a promise from you.” 22 So the captain allowed the young man to leave, and instructed him, “Tell no one what you have told me.”
Paul delivered to Governor Felix
23 The captain called to him two centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready to go to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, to depart the third hour of the night [nine o’clock]. 24 And provide horses to carry Paul [and his belongings] and bring him safely to Governor Felix [who ruled for Rome over both Judea and Samaria] in Caesarea.
25 The captain also wrote a letter, that went like this, 26 “From Claudias Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix. I send greetings. 27 This man was captured by the Jews and would have been killed by them if I hadn’t rescued him with a troop of soldiers, knowing that he was a Roman citizen. 28 To gain an understanding of why they accused him, I called forth the Jewish Council. 29 I saw that their charges were matters of their own law, but nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. 30 When it was revealed to me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, right away I sent him to you and instructed his accusers to say what they have against him before you.”
31 Then the soldiers carried out their orders and brought Paul by night to Antipatris [about 40 miles from Jerusalem]. 32 The next day the foot soldiers returned to the castle in Jerusalem, leaving the horsemen to accompany Paul. 33 When they arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the captain and presented Paul to him as well.
34 When the governor [Felix] had read the letter, he asked Paul what province he was from. [This would determine who had jurisdiction.] When he understood Paul was from Cilicia [in eastern modern Turkey], 35 he said, “I will hear your case after your accusers have come [for I have the jurisdiction].” He then gave orders that Paul be kept [under guard] in Herod’s judgment hall [the palace built by Herod the Great].
Discussion questions
1. How was Paul able to use the theological differences between the Pharisees and Sadducees? Could Paul potentially have used this to have the charges dismissed altogether? Why did Paul not do this?
2. Was the captain completely honest in describing to the governor how he had handled the incident involving Paul? Did he do a good job of protecting Paul?
Acts Chapter 24
Paul’s trial before Felix
1 Five days later, the high priest Ananias traveled down [from Jerusalem] with certain of the Jewish elders and an orator [a skilled speaker who served as the prosecuting attorney] named Tertullus who made the case before the governor against Paul. 2 When he was called upon, Tertullus made his opening argument, saying, “Most excellent Felix, through you we enjoy a long-lasting peace, and you have done great things for our nation through your kind provision. 3 We acknowledge all that you have done, and we are very grateful to you. 4 I don’t want to try your patience, but I beg you to give us your kind attention for our brief account.
5 “We have found this man to be like a plague, for he spreads rebellion among the Jews all over the world, and he is one of the ringleaders of the cult of the Nazarenes. [This was one of the names given the followers of Jesus of Nazareth.] 6 He also intended to perform forbidden acts in the Temple but we captured him ourselves instead. 7 We would have judged him according to the Law, but Captain Lysias interfered and took him away with overwhelming force, commanding his accusers to come before you. 8 If you examine him yourself, you will hear exactly why we brought these accusations. [His own words will explain to you why he is so dangerous.]” 9 All the Jewish leaders added their testimony and they agree with this account.
10 Then Paul answered, after the governor invited him to speak, “Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am happy to make my defense before you. 11 As you can easily determine yourself, it has been only twelve days since I arrived in Jerusalem to worship. 12 When they found me in the Temple, I was arguing with no one. I did not stir up a crowd in the synagogues or any other place in the city. 13 Nor do they have any evidence for the accusations they are making against me.
14 “I will admit it is true that I worship the God of our fathers by following “The Way” [as it is called], which is not a cult as they say. For in fact I believe everything written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 15 I have the same hope as them that there will come a Resurrection of both the righteous and unrighteous. 16 And I live in such a way that I have a clear conscience before both God and men.
17 “After being away from Jerusalem for a number of years, I returned there to bring a financial gift to my own people and also to offer sacrifices. 18 It was while I was carrying this out that they found me in the Temple after I had completed the ceremony of purification. There was no crowd around me or anything out of order. However, there were some Jews from the province of Asia [where I had been before I came to Jerusalem]. 19 If they have something against me, they ought to come before you and make their accusations. 20 Or these men here can tell you what crime they accused me of before the Council. 21 Unless it was that, as I cried out then, ‘I am being tried before you today because I believe that the dead will rise to life.’ [Some of the Jews here before you believe the very same thing.]”
Paul’s witness to Felix
22 Then Felix, already having familiarity with “The Way”, adjourned the trial and said, “Your case will be decided when Captain Lysias arrives. 23 He gave orders for a centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to give him some freedom, and allow his friends to provide what he needed. [Giving Paul freedom, as it turns out may have been less out of kindness and more because Felix hoped for a bribe from Paul’s friends.]
24 A few days later, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul. They listened to him speak about faith in the anointed one, Jesus. 25 However, as Paul began to discuss righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became fearful, and said, “That’s enough for now. I will call for you when I have more time.” 26 He was also hoping that Paul would pay him money [for his release]. For this reason, he frequently sent for him and spent time with him. 27 Yet, after two years had passed, Porcius Festus replaced Felix as governor. Felix kept Paul in prison all that time to gain in favor with the Jews. [Even though both Felix and then Festus in turn, as the Roman governors, carried authority over Rome’s Jewish subjects, neither was above giving favor in return for either money or good will.]
Discussion questions
1. Do you think that Paul was ever given a fair trial in Caesarea? How did Paul use his times with Felix and Drusilla?
2. Have you ever been falsely accused and brought before authorities? Were you more interested in defending yourself or in giving a good witness for who Jesus is in your life?
Acts Chapter 25
Paul’s hearing before Festus
1 When Festus first arrived in the province [of Judea and Samaria that he was to govern] at Caesarea [the primary Roman port city], he went to Jerusalem. 2 It was then that the high priest [Ananias] and the Jews informed him of their charges against Paul and told him what they desired. 3 They were seeking that he would order Paul to be brought to Jerusalem, but their plan [once again] was to lay in wait along the way to kill him [Acts 23:20-21]. 4 But Festus replied that Paul would be kept in Caesarea and that he himself would shortly leave for there. 5 He told them, “Whoever can come from your group, let them go there with me, and bring charges against the man, if he has done any wrong.”
6 When Festus had waited eight to ten more days among them [in Jerusalem], he traveled to Caesarea [along with a sizable number of the Jewish accusers of Paul]. The next day, sitting on his judgment seat, he ordered for Paul to be brought. 7 And when Paul stood in front of him, the many Jews who had come down from Jerusalem brought some serious charges against him, though they could not prove them.
8 Paul defended himself, “Oh Festus, I have committed no offense at all against the Law of the Jews, or against the Temple, or against Caesar!” 9 But wanting to please the Jews, Festus answered Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be tried there for these accusations before me?” 10 Paul replied, “I stand at the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong against the Jews, as you can perceive better than most. 11 If I were judged to be unrighteous or to have committed something worthy of death, then I would not resist my execution as my judgment. But since there is nothing to these charges these men make, it is wrong to turn me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.” [Paul was a Roman citizen and therefore had a right to be tried before the emperor’s court.] 12 After Festus talked with his own advisors, he said, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go.”
Visit of Agrippa and Bernice
13 Some while later, King Agrippa [the last of the Herod dynasty, who ruled a small area in what is today southwestern Syria] and Bernice [his sister, who lived with him,] came to welcome Festus. 14 And after they had been visiting there for some time, Festus mentioned Paul’s case to the king, “There is a certain man in our custody remaining from Felix’ administration. 15 When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priest and elders lobbied for me to judge his case. 16 To which I answered, it is not the Roman way to deliver any man to death before he has the right to face his accuser and defend himself against the charges. 17 When they came, without any delay, the very next day, I sat on the judgment seat and ordered the man to be brought forth.
18 “But when the accusers stood against him, they didn’t bring the type of accusation I expected, 19 but rather things having to do with their own religion that they held against him, concerning someone named Jesus, who was dead but whom Paul declared was alive. 20 I had doubts about how to proceed with this kind of question, so I asked him if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and there be tried on these matters [since I could have access there to those who might understand the issues]. 21 But Paul appealed, asking to be kept until he could be tried in front of [Emperor] Augustus, so I ordered he be kept under guard until I could send him to Caesar [the emperor].”
22 “Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” Festus replied, “Then tomorrow you shall hear him.” 23 The next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with great ceremony and entered the audience hall with the military chiefs and leading men of the city, and Festus ordered for Paul to be brought in. 24 And Festus spoke, “King Agrippa and all those present, you see here a man against whom all the Jews have complained, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting out that he no longer deserves to live. 25 But I did not find him having committed any crimes worthy of death.
“Since he has appealed to Caesar, I have decided to send him [to Rome as he has requested]. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my Lord[, the Emperor, about his case]. So I have brought him before all of you and especially you, King Agrippa, so that after investigating his case, I might have something to write. 27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without clearly presenting the charges against him.”
Discussion questions
1. What do you think would have happened if Paul had given in to being tried in Jerusalem? What are the reasons Paul appealed to his right to be tried before Caesar? What do you think resulted from this decision?
2. Why was Herod’s family so curious about Jewish holy men like John the Baptist (Mark 6:20), Jesus (Luke 23:8), and Paul (Acts 25:22)? What was the root of their curiosity? And what do you think was the reason that they did not change their hearts and follow God?
Acts Chapter 26
Paul’s defense before King Agrippa
1 Then, [King] Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak.” Paul stretched out his hand and began his account in defense of himself, 2 “With respect to all the accusations the Jews have made against me, King Agrippa, I am glad to make my defense before you, 3 because you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and issues, so I beg you to patiently hear me.
4 “All the Jews know the way I lived from a young age, first in my own country [Tarsus of Cilicia, in today’s eastern Turkey] and then in Jerusalem. 5 If they [my Jewish accusers] testified, they themselves could tell you I lived as a Pharisee, the strictest group of our religion. 6 And I am on trial because I stand for the hope of our ancestors for [the fulfillment of] God’s promise, the very promise for which 7 the twelve tribes of our people worship God fervently night and day! It is because of this hope, oh King, that I am accused by the Jews. 8 It shouldn’t be so hard for you [who are listening] to believe that God would raise the dead [since it is at the center of our faith].
[The “hope of the Jews” to which Paul is referring is for the coming of the Anointed One, and with his coming, the restoration of the Jewish kingdom, the return of the exiles, and at the time of the Judgment, the resurrection of those who had died. These expectations were included in the Temple prayer every evening and morning as well as Jewish household prayers recited night and day. Paul is claiming that his belief in Jesus as the Anointed One and his resurrection from death are completely consistent with Jewish belief and hopes as evidenced by their worship.]
“[Even though I would desire you all to see that Jesus is the Anointed One, there was a time that I, like you, thought that such a belief was an insult to God.] 9 I myself thought I should do everything I could against the name of Jesus [and all who believed in him], 10 which I proceeded to carry out in Jerusalem. Obtaining the authority of the chief priests, I put many of the believers in prison, and at their sentencing, I voted against them in favor of their execution. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues and tried to force them to deny their faith. I was so enraged against them, I even pursued them to foreign cities. [So I understand how strongly some Jews feel against the things I now know to be true.]
12 “In fact, I was on my way to Damascus, with authority granted by the chief priests [to persecute the followers of Jesus]. 13 At the height of the day as we were on the road, I saw a light from heaven that was brighter than the sun, and it shined all around me and those who were with me. 14 And when we had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speak to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul! Saul! Why are you fighting me? You will hurt yourself if you resist what I am doing.’
15 “And I said, ‘Who are you, Sir?’ And he told me, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are fighting. 16 But stand up. I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant, so that you may tell others what you are now seeing and the things I will yet show you. 17 I will keep you safe from those to whom I send you, both your people [the Jews] and the non-Jews [who will also persecute you]. 18 I am sending you to turn them from darkness to light, from the rule of Satan to [the kingdom of] God, so through faith in me, they may receive forgiveness of sins and their place among God’s chosen people.’
19 “After that [encounter], I was not disobedient to the vision [I received] from heaven. 20 First to those [the Jews especially] in Damascus, and in Jerusalem and throughout Judea, and [finally] to the non-Jewish nations, I declared that they should turn their thoughts toward God’s [ways] and do works [demonstrating their new life].
21 “This is the reason the Jews captured me in the Temple and tried to kill me. [Just as the Lord told me, I was to bring both Jews and non-Jews from darkness to light, but in the process there are many who resist the message of Jesus risen from the dead, just as I once did.] 22 But I have received help from God to this very day, so I continue to share my testimony with both the great and lowly. What I am sharing is not different from what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass – 23 that the Anointed One would be the first to rise from the dead, a light shown forth both to our own people and the non-Jews [alike].”
24 In the middle of Paul’s defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you crazy!” 25 But Paul replied, “I am not crazy, noble Festus. But the words I speak are both sober and true. 26 For the King [Agrippa] knows about these things, so I can speak about them freely, for I am confident he is aware of all that happened, since they were not done hidden in some corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do believe. [For if you believe them, I can show you what they said predicting the coming Anointed One and how he would come and suffer and die for all. Jesus has fulfilled all that they said the Anointed One would do.]” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In such a short time, you would persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Whether in a short time or long, I would to God that both you and all those listening to me this day would be [followers of Jesus] as I am but without these chains!”
30 Then the king [Agrippa] and the governor [Festus] rose up and also Bernice [Agrippa’s wife] and the others who sat with them [for the hearing with Paul]. 31 And when they went to a private place, they said among themselves, “This man has done nothing deserving of death or even imprisonment.” 32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free, except that he already appealed to Caesar.” [An appeal to Caesar by a Roman citizen had to be honored even if evidence indicated he was not guilty. But Jesus had already appeared to Paul and told him he was to testify in Rome (Acts 23:11).]
Discussion questions
1. Do you think it is fitting that Paul was persecuted the same way he once persecuted other Christians? But does he treat himself as superior to them, or use this fact to hopefully appeal to them? Do you think Paul makes a good case?
2. Why did Festus think Paul was sounding crazy? Why did he not sound crazy to Agrippa? Why did this not lead Agrippa to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
Acts Chapter 27
Sailing from Israel to Turkey
1 Once it had been determined we would sail to Italy, they [Festus and his soldiers] delivered Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion named Julius who was from the Imperial Regiment [that served the Emperor directly]. [That the author says “we” indicates that Luke accompanied Paul on this journey.] 2 Boarding a ship from Adramyttium [a city in Asia on the northwest coast of modern Turkey], which was set to sail by way of the Asia coastline, we departed. We had with us a man named Aristarchus, from Thessalonica in Macedonia. [Aristarchus was a fellow Christian worker and a prisoner himself according to Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 1:24.]
3 The next day we stopped at Sidon [north of Caesarea on the coast of modern Lebanon]. Julius [the centurion] was kind to Paul and allowed him to visit his friends [in Sidon] who supplied his needs. 4 We launched from there and sailed on the protected side of Cyprus [the east] because the wind was against us [they were proceeding towards the west and the wind was from the west]. 5 When we had sailed over the sea past Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra [in the province] of Lycia. [This may have been the destination of the ship, so Julius was now required to find another ship]. 6 The centurion found a ship there from Alexandria sailing to Italy and he placed us on board.
From Turkey to Crete
7 We made slow progress for many days and with great difficulty finally made it near the town of Cnidus [on the southwestern coast of Turkey]. Because the wind was against us [sailing directly towards the south coast of Greece], we sailed towards the south of Crete [the more sheltered and populated side], 8 and barely making it past Salmone and came to the place called Safe Harbor and near that the town of Lasea [on the shore near the middle of Crete].
9 We spent many days there [possibly recovering from damage in the voyage and restocking the ship]. As a result, it was dangerous to continue the voyage, for it was already after the Fast [the annual Day of Atonement which also marked the beginning of Fall weather]. And Paul advised them, 10 “Men, I have seen [from what the Lord has revealed to me] that traveling from here will result in much harm and damage not only of our supplies and the ship itself, but potentially also of our lives.”
11 Nevertheless, the centurion put his trust more in the helmsman and the owner of the ship than in what Paul had spoken. 12 [Also,] because the harbor did not provide good accommodation for the winter months, many advised that they should depart so they could possibly make it to Phoenix, a harbor [at the western end] of Crete facing both the southwest and northwest winds.
The storm and disaster
13 When the wind blew softly from the south, they thought their plan would work, so taking up anchor, they sailed near the coastline [so if the wind reversed they would be less likely to be driven out to sea]. 14 But after only a short time, a strong wind rose against us from the east, 15 and the ship was caught in it and could not bear up into the wind [which was necessary to get back to the island], so we let the ship be driven before the wind [thus taking us west]. 16 Seeking shelter by sailing just on the south of the small island of Cauda, we had difficulty securing the ship’s landing boat. 17 They pulled it aboard and tied it to the ship with ropes. Because they were afraid of being beached on the shoals [the rocky shores of the African coast], they lowered the sail and let the ship be driven ahead.
18 The storm continued to toss them violently, so the next day they began to jettison the cargo, 19 and the following day with our own hands we tossed away the ships sails and ropes. 20 For many days, we could see neither sun nor the stars, and we lost almost all hope of being saved.
21 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have left from Crete, and we would not have had this harm and loss. 22 But even now, I tell you, be encouraged, for though we will lose the ship, not one of you will lose your life. 23 [I know this because] this night, a messenger [angel] from the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, [came and] stood by me, 24 saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. For you must appear before Caesar, and God has granted you [the lives of] all those who are sailing with you.’ 25 Therefore, cheer up, for I believe God. It will be exactly as he told me. 26 For we will be driven ashore on some island.”
27 On the fourteenth night [out], as we continued to be driven forward on the sea, around midnight the sailors thought we were approaching land. 28 When they measured the depth, they found it was twenty fathoms [120 feet], and a little later they measured again and it was fifteen fathoms [90 feet]. 29 Afraid we would crash on the rocks and be thrown overboard, they cast anchors and prayed for daytime to come.
30 Then the sailors tried to escape from the ship. They let down the ship’s boat into the sea, pretending they were going to cast more anchors from the bow. 31 But Paul said to the centurion and soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you will not be saved!” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes of the boat and let it fall.
Paul’s direction saves the ship’s passengers
33 As it was turning to daylight, Paul encouraged them all to eat, saying, “This is the fourteenth day and you have abstained from eating all this time. 34 Therefore I am asking you to eat for your strength. I am telling you, not a hair of your head will be destroyed.” 35 When he had spoken, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all, and when he had broken it, began to eat. 36 And they were all encouraged and began to eat. 37 There was a total of two hundred and seventy-six of us on board. 38 After everyone had eaten, they lightened the load, throwing the wheat overboard.
39 When it was fully day, they didn’t recognize the land, but saw it had a bay with a shore [not rocks], so they made up their minds to bring the ship aground there if possible. 40 So they pulled up the anchors and let the sea drive them forward. Also, they loosed the bands of the steering oars, hoisted the foresail to catch the wind, and made toward shore. 41 But the ship hit a sandbank and ran aground. The front was stuck and the back was being battered by the violence of the waves.
42 The soldiers wanted to kill all the prisoners to keep them from swimming ashore and escaping. 43 But the centurion, determined to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He commanded those who could swim to go first and get to land. 44 And the remainder used boards or broken pieces of the ship. And so it happened that all of them made it safely to shore [just as Paul had said].
Discussion questions
1. What enabled Paul to gradually take over the leadership of the ship in spite of being a prisoner? How important is continual prayer in order to hear from the Lord? How important then is boldness in sharing what you hear?
2. How was Paul like Jesus in handling a storm at sea? In what ways was he different?
Acts Chapter 28
Paul’s impact on Malta
1 Once everyone was safe, they found out the island was called Melita [Malta]. 2 And the natives [people of the island], showed us no little kindness. They gathered us all around a fire they started because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks together [for the fire] when a poisonous snake came away from the fire and clamped onto his hand.
4 When the natives saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said among themselves, “No doubt this man is a murderer, for though he was saved from the sea, he has been condemned [by the gods], not allowed to live.” 5 Yet Paul simply shook the snake off into the fire and experienced no harmful effects. [This fulfilled the prophecy of Jesus from Mark 16:18.] 6 For a long time, the natives observed him, expecting him to swell up or suddenly fall down [from the effects of the bite]. When they saw no effect on him at all, they changed their thinking, and said he was a god.
7 Not far from that place was the home of Publius, the chief of the island, and he welcomed us kindly, and cared for us for three days as his guests. 8 It turned out that Publius’ father lay sick with a fever and dysentery [a disease of the intestines]. Paul entered [where the father lay], laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 After this took place, all those in the island who were sick came [to Paul] and were healed. 10 [As a result, the islanders] gave us many honors and before we left, resupplied us with all we needed.
From Malta to Rome
11 After having been on the island three months, we were able to embark on a ship from Alexandria which had wintered on the island, under the sign of the twins [having a figurehead of the twin Gods Castor and Pollux who were believed to watch over sailors]. 12 We landed at Syracuse [on the southeastern coast of Sicily] and stayed there three days.
13 From there we sailed to Rhegium [at the tip of the toe of Italy], where we waited a day until the south wind blew, and the next day made it to Puteoli [near Naples]. 14 There we found brother believers who met our needs so we could stay with them seven days, and then we went on to Rome. 15 When the brother believers [in Rome] heard we were coming, they came as far as Appii Forum and the Three Taverns to greet us. And when Paul saw them, he thanked God [for fulfilling all God had said concerning this journey] and was encouraged [by being among believers].
Paul’s sermon to the Roman Jews
16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was allowed to live [in a rented house] by himself with a soldier guarding him. [Probably, the centurion Julius spoke on his behalf how Paul had been a model prisoner and had in fact saved the lives of the passengers through his guidance.] 17After three days, Paul called together the chief Jews [of Rome] and when they met with him, he told them, “Fellow Jews, [I want to explain to you how I have come to be delivered here as a prisoner]. Even though I had done nothing against the [Jewish] people or the customs of our fathers, I was made a prisoner in Jerusalem. 18 They turned me over to the Romans, who found I had committed no crime worthy of death and would have released me. 19 But when my Jewish accusers spoke against my acquittal, I had no choice but to appeal to Caesar, though I myself made no counter accusation against my fellow Jews. 20 This is why I asked to see you and talk to you. As a matter of fact, I am in chains like this for the sake of [following] him who is the hope of Israel [the Anointed One, whom has been foretold for centuries].”
21 They [the Jews of Rome] replied to him, “We have neither received any letters from Judea about you nor have any of our Jewish brothers spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we would like to hear what you have to say about this faction [the followers of Jesus] that we know has aroused controversy everywhere.”
23 They made an appointment and many came to his house, and he explained and gave his testimony to them about the kingdom of God from the morning until the evening, to convince them [of the truth] concerning Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24 And some believed what he had told them and some did not.
25 They couldn’t reach agreement, so they departed, but Paul had one last word, “The Holy Spirit spoke accurately about you through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers [Isaiah 6:9-10], saying, 26 ‘Go to this people and say, “You will listen and listen, but not understand. You will look and look, but not see. 27 Because this people’s ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes are closed, or else they would see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and change their minds, and I would heal them.”’ 28 Let it be known to you that the [word of] the salvation of God will be sent to the non-Jews and they will listen to it.” [Some manuscripts have an additional verse 29, “When he said these words, the Jews departed, with much dissension among them.”]
How Paul used his Roman confinement
30 Paul stayed there two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to visit him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching with complete assurance about the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, and no one stopped him.
Discussion questions
1. Why was Paul not affected by the bite of the poisonous snake? How was he able to heal all of the sick people on the island? How did these factors affect the openness of the people of the island to Paul and his team?
2. Paul made a great effort to reach his fellow Jews in Rome. When we go to a new city or land today, do you think we are under an obligation to reach the Jews? Or was that specific to Paul?
3. What effect do you think Paul might have had among the believers in Rome over a two year period, even if restricted to his house? Who do you think provided for his needs?