The second half of Acts focuses on the travels of Paul and his ministry. Paul’s passion for serving God and spreading the Word of God has increased. He spends years traveling from place to place teaching first the Jews of Christ, then the Gentiles. Many of the Jews did not believe in Christ as the Messiah and would chase, arrest and attack Paul for teaching. Paul understood that these trials were a part of his life. Even when other believers warned him that he would be arrested and beaten, Paul chose to go ahead. Several found him innocent of the charges, but Paul kept seeking an audience with Caesar extending his captivity. Paul knew that this plan of God’s would allow him to reach the Jews and Gentiles in Rome. He goes with the plan, knowing that he will likely face imprisonment or even torture.
How often do we charge ahead with God’s plan when we know it could cause us pain or hardship? Are we willing to let go of what we want for what God has for us? His plan ultimately works out for good, we just need to step in it and trust Him.
Passage:
Acts 15-28
Discovered:
- Some were teaching, everyone must be circumcised to be saved. Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to discuss.
- It was decided that the Gentiles wouldn’t need circumcision. However, they needed to abstain from idols, sexual immorality, what has been strangled, and blood. Judas, Silas, Paul and Barnabas were sent to tell the Gentiles.
- Paul and Barnabas were to visit where they had already proclaimed Christ, but disagreed on taking John Mark with. Paul and Silas went to Syria and Cilicia.
- Timothy joins Paul and Silas at Derbe. He was circumcised because his mother was Jewish.
- They went through Phygia and Galatia, then Paul had a vision to go to Macedonia to teach the gospel.
- In Philippi, they converted Lydia.
- They were arrested, beaten and jailed for casting out a divination spirit from a girl (she was being used to earn money).
- That night there was an earthquake, but they did not leave the jail even though they had been freed. They converted the jailer and he welcomed them into his home. They were released the next day with an apology for harm, was a roman citizen.
- Paul and Silas taught in Thessalonica. Jews were jealous and attacked the house of Jason and they were brought before the city officials.
- They went to Berea and converted many but were forced to flee to Athens by Thessalonica Jews.
- Paul taught in Athens and some of them believed.
- Paul went to Corinth and worked as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla; tried to teach the Jews but they refused so he taught the Gentiles for 18 months.
- Paul went through Ephesus to Caesarea to Antioch down through Galatia and Phygia encouraging others.
- Apollos taught in Ephesus and was further taught by Aquila and Priscilla. He became a great teacher who caused many to believe.
- 7 sons of Sceva (high priest) cast out spirits using Jesus’ name. They were attacked by an evil spirit and God’s name was praised. Many turned from their evil practices – magic arts.
- Demetrius and idol makers rioted against Paul for converting people to God, carrying away Timothy and Erastus. The town clerk was able to disperse them.
- Paul raised Eutychus from dead after he fell out of a window.
- On his way to Jerusalem, at Miletus, Paul spoke with Ephesian elders, telling them persecution was coming.
- On his way to Jerusalem, many tried to convince Paul not to go.
- Paul told James and the elders in Jerusalem all that had happened. He was told to purify himself and follow the Law at the temple.
- During purification, Paul was spotted by the Asia Jews and they demanded Paul be arrested, causing a huge uproar.
- Paul addressed the public, in Hebrew, giving his testimony but the crowd revolted.
- The tribune brought Paul before the council, causing a divide between the Sadducees and Pharisees – taken to Rome to testify.
- 40 Jews pledged not to eat or drink until they killed Paul – Paul’s nephew overheard and told the tribune.
- Paul was sent at night to stand trial before Felix the governor.
- High Priest and the Jews accused Paul of being a plague. Paul defended himself: they only found me purifying in the temple. I worship and follow His Law.
- Paul was kept in captivity for 2 years, then Paul appealed to Festus to appear to Caesar.
- King Agrippa and Bernice arrived-they wanted to hear from Paul the reasons why he was imprisoned.
- Paul spoke of his testimony/conversion. All agreed that there was no reason to imprison or kill him.
- Paul sailed for Rome – very difficult trip: bad weather and a 14 day storm. Paul was told by an angel that everyone would survived.
- They crashed on Malta, survived a snake bite earning their respect. Paul healed the chief’s father and others. The people on Malta were kind.
- After 3 months, they sailed to Rome.
- Paul told the Jews of Christ, some believed.
- Paul lived in Rome for 2 years, boldly teaching the Gentiles of Christ.
Help me to remember:
Paul knew and understood that his arrest and appeal to Caesar would allow him to preach to the Gentiles in Rome. God’s plan is greater than my comfort.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I am quiet so as to hear your voice.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
Paul’s passion for teaching of Christ and the gospel as a model for us.
