Acts 22 Paul's Defense Speech

 

Acts 22 – Paul’s Defense Speech

Paul could have been considered a “perfect” Jew. He had the right pedigree, the right training, the right desires, the right enthusiasm. But being “perfect” in one’s own eyes doesn’t make somebody saved before God.

When God got hold of Paul, He understood two very important facts. First, He realized that God could use every part of a person’s background and upbringing for His glory. Nothing is wasted with God. As God fashioned his future servant, the events of Paul’s life would be brought together into a perfect “package” that could accomplish God’s great purposes. Paul’s training under Gamaliel gave him command of the Old Testament scriptures. When Christ revealed Himself, Paul, unlike many of his fellow Pharisees saw how Christ had fulfilled every prophecy regarding the Messiah. Paul’s logical mind saw the truth, and there was no turning back. In addition, Paul’s Roman citizenship allowed him free travel across the empire and spared him at least one beating at the hands of the Roman soldiers.

Second, Paul realized that his perfect pedigree was ultimately worthless for salvation. He wrote to the Philippian church; “If anyone thinks he may confidence in the flesh, I more so; circumcised the eighth day of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee, concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” Phil. 3:4-7.

Paul’s Jewish “perfection” counted for nothing. No one’s pedigree, training, background, wealth, abilities, gifts, appearance, or anything else can be perfect enough to earn salvation. We must not be enslaved to the “perfectionism” of this world that is ultimately worthless. Only when we cast ourselves before God and allow Him to use our backgrounds, training, and gifts for His glory will we find complete fulfillment. Only when we repent of our sins and accept Him as our Savior does He do His perfect work in us.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Acts 21 Paul's third Journey Continues

 

Acts 21 – Paul’s Third Journey Continues

 

Paul is leaving Miletus and passes a few places before he stops in Tyre. There he stays 7 days with his disciples. All the disciples are afraid of what awaits him in Jerusalem and begs him not to go. From there they go to Caesarea where he stays with Phillip an evangelist. The four daughters of Phillip prophesy to Paul of the danger that waits for him. Then comes a man named Agabus who removes Paul’s belt and binds himself with it, saying this is what the Jews in Jerusalem will do with Paul. Paul’s reply to this is “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Paul knows what waits for him. He is going back to the people who taught him how to hate Christians, how to persecute them. He is going back to the people that knows about the change in him that took place on the road to Emmaus in Jerusalem. He knows that the disciples are truly concerned for him and would rather keep him safe by telling him not to go. He knows he will not be welcome there but also feels that it is God’s will that he go. The disciples saw that they could not persuade him, so agreed that God’s will be done.

Once he enters Jerusalem the church gladly welcomes him but is aware of the danger he is in. They want a meeting among themselves, so James and all the elders gather with Paul, and he tells him what has happened throughout his journey’s. They are happy to receive the news and glorified God. So, by purification, they made ready to meet with the counsel in seven days. But when he enters the temple the Jews who had heard that he spoke against Moses and circumcision attacked him and began to beat him. Paul had not spoken for or against it but told the people it was no longer necessary for salvation. The Jews did not give him a chance to explain but grabbed him and beat him. When the commander and the soldiers appeared, they saved Paul from being beaten to death. He was beaten beyond recognition and the chief captain did not know who he was saving.  

Sometimes our plans and good intentions seem to bring only trouble. But God is still in control!

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

Acts 20 Uproars

Acts 20 Uproars

There was an uproar in Ephesus over the goddess Diana. The mercenaries created an uproar against Paul because he spoke against their idol. This uproar lasted for two hours until the city clerk put an end to it. After this uproar Paul called his disciples together, gave them hugs and left for Macedonia. From there he traveled to Philippi, to Troas and to Miletus. There were other places listed that he stopped and ministered to the people and finally ends up in Greece. Paul preached in Troas from morning to night. During this time a young man named Eutychus goes to sleep while sitting on the windowsill when he falls out of the window three stories and dies. Paul proceeds downstairs, lays on the dead body and raises him from the dead. The boy gets up, eats and Paul continues to speak until daybreak. Paul then returns to Ephesus where he meets with the disciples and tells them of his journey to Jerusalem.

The uproars usually cease, so be patient; but be sure to get ready for the next battle.

Paul was going to Jerusalem. Along the way, he met with dear friends, ministered the Word, and even enjoyed a quiet voyage and a refreshing walk. God’s servants need to get away from people and have time alone to think, meditate, and pray. Paul knew he was facing danger in Jerusalem, and he wanted to be prepared spiritually.

In his farewell message to the elders, Paul reviewed his past ministry, shared his present concerns, and revealed future dangers. If you want to catch the heart of Paul, consider his statements: “Serving the Lord…I kept back nothing.. that I may finish my race with joy…it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

One day life will end, and we will have to give our farewell speech. Can we look back without regret and look ahead without fear? Will we finish our race with joy even while others are weeping?

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

Acts 19, Confirm, Confess, Confront

 

Acts 19 – Confirm, Confess, Confront.

Paul retraced his first and second missionary journeys, then returned to Ephesus. He spends two years here where he speaks daily in the school of Tyrannus. Paul asked the believers if they received the Holy spirit. When John baptized people it was for repentance of sin. They did not know of the Holy spirit back then. After Jesus was baptized, he went around baptizing in His name and every who followed His example received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Since the believers were taught by Apollos who for a time only knew of John the Baptist, they did not receive the Holy Spirit.

When you believe in Jesus Christ and are baptized, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 10:43-48, Romans 8:9). Many people think they are converted but do not have the Spirit’s witness within (I John 5:9-13). Paul could not build a church on men with an inadequate spiritual experience, nor can we today. We must be honest with God.

To teach the Jews and Gentiles about Jesus, Paul performed many miracles. There were exorcists who tried to duplicate Paul’s miracles. As a result, their efforts backfired on them, and the evil spirits overpowered them. So much so that they burned their magic books and turned to worshiping Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The devil is a great imitator, but in this case, his attempt was a humiliating failure. The Lord used it for good, because the believers became convicted about their secret sins and confessed them. Then the Spirit could work in mighty power, and the Word increased.

Paul did not openly attack their idolatry by picketing the temple of Diana or petitioning the city government. He simply shared the Word, and lives were changed. Of course, the real issue was money, not religion. Paul was wise not to go into the theater, although we admire him for his courage. But the riot only called attention to the gospel and gave the believers more opportunity to witness.

Circumstances that look like obstacles are really opportunities when you let God work.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

Acts 18 Paul Concludes His Second Journey

 

Acts 18 – Paul Concludes His Second Journey

 

The second missionary journey concludes with Paul in Corinth. Corinth was the sin-city of the Roman Empire, a city of corruption. Aquilla and Priscilla were united both in marriage and ministry. They met Paul when he was in Corinth and had moved from Rome after the Emperor Claudius had issued a decree expelling all Jews from the city. They moved to Corinth and taken up their tent making business. When Paul, a fellow tent maker arrived in the city, they worked together and learned much from Paul. He begins his ministry in the synagogue. Silas and Timothy join him in Corinth. Many believe, including Crispus who was the chief ruler of the synagogue. The Lord encourages Paul to speak boldly. For over a year he ministers the Word in Corinth. While there, an insurrection is made against Paul, and he is brought before Galio. Galio is not careless but refuses to handle a case that has to do with religious liberty. Paul then sails for Antioch but goes by Ephesus. He takes Aquilla and Priscilla with him as far as Ephesus. Paul shaves his head because of a vow he made Under grace, this was an exercise in Christian liberty. He had a right to do this, not an obligation.

Apollos from Alexandria, an eloquent preacher and one who knew the Old Testament, came to Ephesus. He was fervent in the spirit and taught zealously the things of the Old Testament up through the ministry of John the Baptist. He knew nothing beyond the baptism of John. Aquilla and Priscilla had the privilege of bringing him up to date and to conversion. He went to Achaia and began to preach Jesus as the Messiah and Savior.

Couples who are united in Christ can have a great impact together for His kingdom. God can work mightily through a couple who are devoted to Christ and willing to use their time, efforts, and resources to build God’s Kingdom.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Acts 17 Paul's Second Missionary Journey

 

Acts 17 Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

 

This journey takes Paul to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. Paul is first in Thessalonica for 3 Sabbaths. Only the Gentile God-seekers accepted the gospel and were saved. The opposition created a mob affect and attacked the house where Paul was staying. Even today we hear of mobs attacking Christians and even killing them. Today is not much different than those days. It only feels different because it is closer to home. Because the opposition there forces Paul to leave, he then travels to Berea where he has a better reception, and many believe. The Jews took time to examine the evidence and study the scriptures. There are fair minded people in every nation and God knows who they are.

Up until now Timothy and Silas have been with him. Now he is travelling to Athens and leaves them behind. Paul observes the idolatry of Athens. He disputes with the Jews in the Synagogue and the philosophers in the marketplace daily. Finally, he is given a public hearing on Mars’ Hill which was the Areopagus. Paul’s speech was adjusted to his audience, as was his sermon in Pisidia. Paul points out the altar to the unknown God. He presents the true God as Creator and Redeemer; he asks the men to turn to God. The people in Athens “spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.” Paul’s sermon was a masterpiece of tact and teaching, and a few people were converted. Paul offered them “newness of life” through the resurrection (Rom. 6:4), and most of the listeners rejected it.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible and J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Acts 16 - Paul's Patience

 

Acts 16 – Paul’s Patience

 

Paul wrote, “But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience” (2 Cor. 6:4).

Paul had patience in waiting for a helper. Timothy replaced John Mark and became a true son in the faith to Paul. God has the right person ready at the right time, so be patient.

He had patience in seeking God’s will. He was an apostle, yet he did not always know the direction God wanted him to take. He took steps, God closed doors, so he waited, and then God showed him the way. 

He had patience in ministering the Word. They waited “some days” before seeking a place to witness and God had hearts all prepared.

He bore annoyance. Paul put up with the demoniac promotion as long as he could and then cast out the demon. Paul knew that his action would create problems for him, and it did.

He endured suffering. Paul did not use his Roman citizenship to protect himself from pain, but later he used it to protect the new church. When you hurt, ask God to give you songs in the night (Ps. 42:8).

He had patience in winning a lost soul. Paul had his eyes on the keeper of the prison and in kindness won him to Christ.  How much are we willing to suffer to win someone to the Lord, especially someone who has hurt us?

 

 

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible