Jesus appeared to Paul after he was imprisoned in Jerusalem in Acts 23:11 And the next night the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” so Paul was intent on getting to Rome. Even so, Paul warned them of the trouble ahead, but they didn’t heed his warning. Now after the fourteenth night being driven on the sea by the storm, the sailors knew they were in grave danger coming close to land so wanted to take their chances getting off the ship. But now, they listened to Paul. Paul encouraged everyone. He prayed in front of everyone and broke bread and ate and they all ate also. In that moment, they all came together. Paul, this one man influenced the whole company and 276 lives were saved. In the end Paul was delivered to Rome by his captors, or it may be more correct to say that Paul’s captors survived because the hand of the Lord was delivering Paul to Rome. And as he arrives, he hears “concerning this sect it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere” and he responds, “because of the hope of Israel I am wearing this chain!” and begins to tell them about Jesus Christ and his resurrection. And we also must sometimes press through difficulty before we get to the opportunity to share the truth of the hope of the gospel. 

I Believe God That It Will Be

Acts 27:27–38
Paul had encouraged them in Acts 27:19, but here in Acts 27:27 “the fourteenth night had come” and then some hope that they would find land, but it was very dangerous in the dark so in Acts 27:29 “they threw down four anchors”. Then the sailors, who had the skills, “were seeking to escape from the ship”. Well, everyone wanted off that ship! But Paul recognized the need for these sailors, and the soldiers stopped them in Acts 27:32. Again Paul is encouraging everyone in Acts 27:34 that “not a hair from your head will be lost” and in Acts 27:35 Paul “took bread, he gave thanks to God in front of them all, and after breaking it, he began to eat”. So, they all ate and threw overboard the remaining wheat which would have been the last of their cargo. And it is in the darkest moments that we see the stability of Paul and his faith in what God has promised him in Acts 23:11, that he would go to Rome and all souls on the ship would be saved in Acts 27:22-26.

They Held Course for the Beach

Acts 27:39–44
In Acts 27:39, they saw land, and a bay with a beach and running aground on the beach would have been a very good outcome at that point. So, in Acts 27:40 “slipping the anchors, they left them in the sea” they loosened the oars “And hoisting the foresail to the wind that was blowing, they held course for the beach”. But, in Acts 27:41 “they ran the ship aground” with the bow stuck and the waves hitting behind the ship was breaking apart. The breaking apart of the ship may have seemed disastrous to them but what was destruction of the ship became the parts for flotation they needed to get to shore. In Acts 27:42, “The plan of the soldiers was that they would kill the prisoners”, they would have enough trouble saving their own lives, but in Acts 27:43, the centurion “prevented them” and they all helped each other and in Acts 27:44 “all were brought safely to land”. There are times when we must resist our own reaction for self preservation to help those around us. 

The Local Inhabitants Showed Extraordinary Kindness

Acts 28:1–10
In Acts 28:1-2 They came to the island and it was day, but raining and cold “And the local inhabitants showed extraordinary kindness to us, for they lit a fire and welcomed us all (276 people stranded on the beach, wet, cold, and worn out from their journey). Then we learn something of their local beliefs. In Acts 28:4 “when the local people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying* to one another, “Doubtless this man is a murderer whom, although he was rescued from the sea, Justice has not permitted to live!””. “Justice In Greek mythology, Justice was a goddess. The daughter of Zeus and Themis, she was believed to work circumstantially in establishing people’s fate”.¹

And there are people today, that believe there is some force of justice that operates to punish you when you do wrong. Or, as happens here in Acts 28:6, if you are able to avoid this “Justice” you must be a god yourself. But this is not how God operates. Paul was simply demonstrating his authority as a christian, he was on a mission and was not to be stopped.

In fact, Paul went on in vs. 8 to demonstrate the healing power of God and in vs. 9, “the rest of those on the island who had diseases were coming and being healed also”. These people were hospitable to strangers, the believed and were healed, and in vs. 10, “They also honored us with many honors”.

After Three Months We Put Out to Sea

Acts 28:11–16
In Acts 28:11 Paul and those with him were not the only ones that “wintered at the island”. This ships captain had found a harbor and taken refuge so he and his ship were safe. But now, in Acts 28:12-14 they were on a normal route to Rome, although the winds were not in their favor so they made their way as they could. Once they were in Puteoli, it was by land the rest of the way, so the centurion may have needed to make arrangements for their arrival in Rome, in any case, they stayed a few days. Then we have this surprising statement in Acts 28:16, “And when we entered into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who was guarding him.” Paul had great favor because “the centurion (would have) delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard—the Praetorian Prefect, to whose custody … were committed all who were to come before the emperor for trial.”²

“The extension of this privilege to the apostle may have been due to the terms in which Festus wrote about him; but far more probably it was owing to the high terms in which Julius spoke of him, and his express intercession in his behalf … he would thus make the personal acquaintance of a great number of the Praetorian guard; and … the truth might thus penetrate to those who surrounded the emperor, as we learn, from Php 1:12, 13, that it did.”² 

Because of the Hope of Israel I am Wearing This Chain

Acts 28:17–22
In Acts 28:17 Paul “called together those who were the most prominent of the Jews” and he explains how he came into custody of the Romans, “from Jerusalem I was delivered as a prisoner into the hands of the Romans”. The Romans wanted to release him, but the Jews objected in vs.19 so Paul invoked his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. Paul may have been surprised by their response in Acts 28:21 “We have received no letters about you from Judea, nor has any of the brothers come and* reported or spoken anything evil about you”. No one had communicated anything about Paul but, in vs 22, “concerning this sect it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere” and they were willing to hear more from Paul.

This Salvation of God Has Been Sent to the Gentiles

Acts 28:23–31
In Acts 28:23 “many more came”, and Paul was “was explaining from early in the morning until evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and attempting to convince them about Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets”. And as always seemed to happen, in vs. 24 “some were convinced … but others refused to believe”. And, in vs. 25 “being in disagreement with one another”
In Acts 28: 26-27 Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 and makes a powerful statement in Acts 28:28 “let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They also will listen!” and they did as in vs.30 “he stayed two whole years” in vs. 31 “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance”. And Paul’s message of salvation still goes to the Gentles today.

What is God’s plan for the salvation of others? Let us deliver that message.

Rome had its own set of problems with change in Caesars happening before Titus goes to Israel and destroys the temple some few years after Paul arrives in Rome.

Study Verses

• Acts 27:27–38 I Believe God That It Will Be
• Acts 28:1–10 The Local Inhabitants
• Acts 28:17–22 Because of the Hope of Israel

Today’s Reading

• Acts 27:27-44
• Acts 28:1-31

References

• 1. Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ac 28:4). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
• 2. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 220). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Paul has been delivered to the Roman Procurator Felix in Caesarea after a plot to kill Paul is uncovered in Jerusalem. Felix was no stranger to rebellion from the Jews and was charged with keeping peace in the region. Paul gives his defense, Acts 24:14 “I do confess this to you, that according to the Way (which they call a sect), so I worship the God of our fathers” then Paul explains the tumult in Jerusalem was about the longstanding dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees, the resurrection from the dead. Paul is held under guard to satisfy the Jews, but is free to interact for two years when a new Procurator is appointed. Festus hears the case and though he finds no wrong doing in Paul, in Acts 25:12 Festus says, “You have appealed to Caesar—to Caesar you will go!”. 

According to the Way, So I Worship

Acts 24:10–21
Paul defends himself knowing that Felix understands the customs and religion of the Jews.

Many went to Jerusalem to worship and in Acts 24:11 Paul says it was only twelve days before, of which everyone understands, seven are for purification. Yes, Paul is a follower of the way in Acts 24:14. Yes, he believes in the resurrection as many of his accusers do in Acts 24:15. And, Paul came to bring a gift to the poor in Jerusalem which could be verified if need be. Paul says, in Acts 24:18 that they found him purified in the temple courts, a place people stayed after their cleansing to avoid becoming defiled.

Then Paul turns the question back in Acts 24:21 to the dispute all of the Jews understood was longstanding between the Pharisees and Sadducees, the resurrection from the dead. 

Felix Understood the Facts

Acts 24:22–27
When Paul had been taken by the Tribune in Jerusalem, the Tribune assumed Paul was the leader of a rebellion in Acts 21:38 and “It was during Felix’s term as procurator that rebellion firmly took hold in Palestine … Josephus’ account of Felix’s suppression of Jewish rioters at Caesarea shows that he tried persuasion before force … It is against this background of severe and growing disorder that we must understand Felix’s detention of Paul Acts 24:26–27”.¹

Felix had been around long enough that he understood these people. There was no new truth for Felix to find because the Tribune had sent a report to be delivered with Paul, yet Felix delays, in Acts 24:22 by saying “When Lysias the military tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” and “a brief delay was not unworthy of him as a judge. Certainly, so far as recorded, neither Lysias nor any other parties appeared again in the case. Ac 24:23, however, seems to show that at that time his prepossessions in favor of Paul were strong.²

Then in Acts 24:23 “He (Felix) ordered the centurion for him (Paul) to be guarded and (Felix also ordered that the centurion to allow Paul) to have some freedom, and in no way to prevent any of his own people (Paul’s) from serving him (Paul).” So, while Paul was under guard and not free to leave, Paul did have complete freedom to interact with people as Paul chose.

During this time in Acts 24:24-26, Felix, with his Jewish wife Drusilla, would send for Paul and listen, hoping for money, a bribe, as it was common for people to buy favor from officials.

In Acts 24:25 Paul talked “about righteousness and self control and the judgement that is to come” but this was more that Felix could tolerate so Felix Felix said “Go away for the present”.

This went on for two years until Felix was replaced by the next governor, Porcius Festus. Felix left Paul behind as a prisoner as a favor to the Jews. 

I have Done No Wrong

Acts 25:1–12
Two years later, and the Jews are still plotting to kill Paul. As Festus, the new governor makes his rounds to introduce himself, the Jews bring charges against Paul and seek to have Paul brought back to Jerusalem in Acts 25:3.

Festus was not a foolish man and was not taken in by the plot of the Jews so responds in Acts 25:4-5 “Paul was being kept at Caesarea” and “Let those among you who are prominent go down with me … and … let them bring charges against him.”

Festus brings Paul together with his accusers in Acts 25:6-7 and “he sat down on the judgment seat” which was according to the Roman right to face your accusers. “The Greek word (judgement seat) used here, bēma, indicates the place where a ruler would make civic decisions including criminal proceedings. When the ruler sat in judgment, his voice was the final authority”.³

Now, in Acts 25:9 Festus “said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to be tried before me there concerning these things?”” but Paul was not a foolish man either and new he could not commit himself to a trial before the Jews So, in Acts 25:10 Paul claims his right as a roman citizen to be tried before the judgement seat of Caesar, Paul has a right to this trial and in Acts 25:12 Festus says, “You have appealed to Caesar—to Caesar you will go!”.

Asking for a Sentence of Condemnation

Acts 25:13–22
King Agrippa visits the new Governor Festus and Festus explains the dilemma left behind by Felix. In Acts 24:16 Festus explains the roman custom that you have the right to meet your accusers face to face. Also, there were no evil deeds done by Paul, just questions relating to the Jewish religion. Something about this Jesus, who Paul says is alive.

King Agrippa asks to hear Paul’s defense and Festus agrees.

He Had Done Nothing Deserving Death

Acts 25:23–27
In Acts 25:23 King Agrippa and all of the “prominent men of the city” are present. Festus explains, he has no charge to write as he sends Paul for judgement. He only has the insistence of the Jews that Paul must not live. Festus asks their help. What is the charge?

Listen to Me With Patience

Acts 26:1–8
Paul had been held in Caesarea for two years on the word of the high priest and elders and Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. The new governor, Festus, could not find charges to send him, as a roman citizen, to the judgement seat of Caesar so asks for help from King Agrippa.

As Paul says, King Agrippa was, in Acts 26:3 “are especially acquainted with both all the customs and controversial questions with respect to the Jews”. Then Paul describes his life as a Pharisee in Acts 26:4-5 which is, in Acts 26:6 “I stand here on trial on the basis of hope in the promise made by God to our fathers” and that hope, as Paul asks them in

Acts 26:8 (LEB) Why is it thought incredible by you people that God raises the dead?

It is this question of resurrection from the dead that is a central part of the gospel and this is a foundational part of Paul’s presentation. But this is not a new thought that began with the ministry of Jesus. This was spoken of long before by the prophets.

Study Verses

• Acts 24:10–21 According to the Way, So I Worship
• Acts 24:22–27 Felix Understood the Facts
• Acts 25:1–12 I have Done No Wrong

Today’s Reading

• Acts 24:10-27
• Acts 25:1-27
• Acts 26:1-8

References

• 1. Braund, D. C. (1992). Felix (Person). In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 2, p. 783). New York: Doubleday.
• 2. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 213). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
• 3. Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ac 25:6). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Our citizenship matters. Where we were born and how we were raised comes with certain rights and privileges. Sometimes these rights are violated, even when we have done nothing wrong, as it was here with Paul. Paul has acted uprightly, with sincerity, giving an honest account of how God has worked through his life, and the crowd in Jerusalem is ready to kill him because he said God sent him to the Gentiles. God is moving Paul into position and he has an encounter with the Lord who tells him to “Have courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” And Paul’s testimony will be to many leaders and also to many in the Roman army who are charged with his protection. 

But I Indeed Was Born A Citizen

Acts 22:22–30
Paul is recounting his experiences with Jesus and explains that he had another encounter with Jesus when he was in Jerusalem where he was told in Acts 22:18 “Hurry and depart quickly from Jerusalem, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ And in Acts 22:22 “they were listening to him until this word”, the word they wouldn’t hear was that God would offer salvation to the Gentiles. For them, for this audience of the descendants of Abraham, these Jews who had been entrusted with the oracles of God could not accept that the Romans could be saved, the pagans could be saved, the barbarians could be saved, all men could be saved. … so they began yelling, in Acts 22:22 “Away with such a man from the earth! For it is not fitting for him to live!”

Because of the uproar, in Acts 22:24-29 the tribune “had stretched him out for the lash” and he would have been beaten except for two things he said. First Paul said “Is it permitted for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen”, and it is possible that even a citizen can do wrong and deserve punishment so Paul also said “and uncondemned”. Paul had not had a trial, which was his right as a citizen before any punishment could be administered. The civil law protected Paul, and it can protect us as well. The civil law is there to protect the innocent and to punish the guilty. (There is a deeper message here for another time because there are sometimes abusive leaders and corrupt governments.) However, the message is clear, we should use our civil citizenship where we can, and where we need to (There is also another message here for another time about our citizenship in heaven. We are son’s and daughters in God’s Kingdom and have rights and privileges as a part of our citizenship.)

In Acts 22:30 the tribune released Paul and called together the chief priests and Sanhedrin as a lawful body with rules of order so Paul could stand before his accusers. 

In All Good Conscience Before God

Acts 23:1–11
In Acts 23:1 Paul makes a statement that is sincere and seems reasonable, “Men and brothers, I have lived my life in all good conscience before God to this day.” and the response in Acts 23:2 is that “the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near him to strike his mouth”.

Some commentaries suggest it was wrong of Paul “To refer to the Sanhedrin as brothers (because this) was to put himself on an equal footing with the court; for the normal beginning when addressing the Sanhedrin was: ‘Rulers of the people and elders of Israel’”¹

But I think Paul was raised among them, taught in the school of Gamaliel (see Acts 22:3) and known by many of them so this was not disrespectful, but intended as a conciliatory statement. However, “When the high priest ordered Paul to be struck, he himself was breaking the law, which said: ‘Whoever strikes the cheek of an Israelite strikes, as it were, the glory of God”.¹

And now there is real anger as Paul shouts back in Acts 23:3. This is not a good start. Emotions are high, tempers are hot. Then Paul knows what to do, and I believe this was a moment of inspiration by the Holy Spirit, in Acts 23:6-10 Paul sides with the Pharisees and says these accusations are all, in vs. 6 “concerning the hope and the resurrection of the dead!” That statement divides the whole assembly and in vs.9 “there was loud shouting”. So in Acts 23:10 “the military tribune, fearing lest Paul be torn apart … take him away”.

Now Paul has another encounter with the Lord in

Acts 23:11 (LEB) And the next night the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

I believe Paul had this idea of preaching in Rome soon after meeting Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18:2 (see 7 February 2018), but now he has a command from the Lord. But this isn’t going to be an easy commission, Paul has just been through mayhem with the crowds in Jerusalem and Jesus tells him, “Have courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

We Have Bound Ourselves Under A Curse

Acts 23:12–22
In Acts 23:12-15 “the Jews made a conspiracy and bound themselves under a curse … until they had killed Paul”. There were forty of them who colluded with the chief priests and the elders, and the Sanhedrin that they should “explain to the military tribune that he should bring him down to you, as if you were going to determine more accurately the things concerning him. And we are ready to do away with him before he comes near.”

“But even the most careful and cunning of human plans cannot succeed if God opposes them. No weapon forged against him will prevail”.²

Which is a quote from

Isaiah 54:17 (LEB) Every weapon formed against you shall not succeed, and you shall declare guilty every tongue that rises against you for judgment. This is the inheritance of the servants of Yahweh, and their legal right from me,” declares Yahweh.

This plot was overheard by “the son of Paul’s sister” in Acts 23:16 and the information gets to the military tribune in Acts 23:17-22 who says “tell no one”. As a military man, he knows what to do. 

Having No Charge Deserving Death or Imprisonment

Acts 23:23–35
The tribune sets a guard around Paul and prepares to send Paul away to Caesarea for his own safety. All the tribune knows is that the Jews want to kill Paul. So the tribune does what any good soldier or police officer would do, he writes a report of his actions to show that he acted responsibly and that report is in Acts 23:25-33.

Paul is delivered to the Governor Felix who asks Paul where he is from. And as it is in our justice system, there were different jurisdictions. When Felix learns Paul is from Cilicia, he agrees to give him a hearing before his accusers.

There is though, one thread of activity that might go unnoticed. God is moving not only among the Jews in Jerusalem and the Gentiles in the regions across the Roman empire, but Paul is thrown into the middle of the Roman garrison in Jerusalem, and now in Caesarea where he will spend several years, and then finally to Rome under guard. Note how God has been working in

Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began to praise God, saying, “Certainly this man was righteous!”

And with Peter as he witnessed to Cornelius in

Acts 10:24 And on the next day he entered into Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.

Just as God was moving through the the Jewish community and through the Gentile cultures, He was also moving through what was its own closed culture, the Roman army.

We Have Found This Man to be a Public Menace

Acts 24:1–9
The high priest is not in any hurry to get to Caesarea, after five days he shows up with with other elders and an attorney all bringing charges against Paul.

They begin with flattery in Acts 24:2-4, thanking Felix for the peace they have enjoyed. This is a plea to the governor for protections of religious their practice. Then they accuse Paul of being a menace in vs. 5 causing riots, a ringleader, in vs. 6 attempting to desecrate the temple. These things are what we today might call hate crimes against the Jews.

Study Verses

• Acts 22:22–30 But I Indeed Was Born A Citizen
• Acts 23:1–11 In All Good Conscience Before God
• Acts 23:23–35 Having No Charge Deserving Death or Imprisonment

Today’s Reading

• Acts 22:22-30
• Acts 23:1-35
• Acts 24:1-9

References

• 1. Barclay, W. (2003). The Acts of the Apostles (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated., p. 193). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
• 2. Stott, J. R. W. (1994). The message of Acts: the Spirit, the church & the world (p. 355). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Paul is greeted “gladly” by the first group he meets as he arrives in Jerusalem but the welcome is not so warm as he meets with James and the elders the next day. Paul tells them of his success with the Gentiles and they glorify God but the conversation immediately shifts to the accusations that Paul has been teaching against the Law of Moses. We can do everything right and still find ourselves defending our actions as Paul did. Someone suggests that Paul pay the fees for four poor Nazarites as he himself goes through purification and this seems like a good way to satisfy public opinion. But before Paul can complete the four days, others stir up the crowd so much that the Roman Tribune takes Paul into custody. Paul is allowed to speak and he begins telling the history of his life and ministry. 

The Brothers Welcomed Us Gladly

Acts 21:17–22
In Acts 21:17 “the brothers welcomed us gladly” and this is “the disciples generally, as distinguished from the official reception recorded in Ac 21:18”.¹

Here there is no mention of the offering Paul has gathered “Given the importance placed on the collection from the Gentile churches by Paul himself (cf. Rom. 15:25–32; 2 Cor. 9:12–15), it seems strange that Luke makes no mention of it being delivered here (though cf. 24:17). However, as previously suggested, his failure to highlight that aspect of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem may be because the collection did not have the effect that Paul intended”.²

It is important to recognize the shift that has happened in Jerusalem. This begins the next day in a more formal meeting where, as described in Acts 21:18 “Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present”. And as we would expect, begins to give a report, an account of his actions. In Acts 21:19 “he began to relate one after the other the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry”.

In Acts 21:20 “when they heard this, they began to glorify God” and this is the response we might expect from them. But then they continue with “And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many ten thousands there are among the Jews who have believed, and they are all zealous adherents of the law”. And they then continue further in

Acts 21:21 And they have been informed about you that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles the abandonment of Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to live according to our customs.

And then they ask in

Acts 21:22 What then is to be done? Doubtless they will all hear that you have come!

One who analyzed the times, “Witherington outlines the volatile religious and political situation in Jerusalem in AD 57 and says, ‘marching into Jerusalem with Gentiles from various parts of the Empire at this xenophobic moment would hardly have produced a positive result from Jews in general, or from ardent Pharisaic Jewish Christians in Jerusalem’.³

And it is this Pharisaic Jewish influence that seems to have infiltrated the Church and was now the dominating culture. It also seems that Paul’s return to Jerusalem was a last call to them to accept the gift of God, Jesus Christ. It is said that James was stoned in Jerusalem in AD 62 and the Romans destroyed the city in AD 67.

Purify Yourself Along With Them

Acts 21:23–26
In the meeting with the elders, this course of action was suggested and Paul was willing and obedient. So, “In the process of completing his own period of purification, Paul could have helped four impoverished Nazirites complete their purification or period of separation by paying their expenses (cf. Nu. 6:3 … Paying the cost of the offering these men had to make when discharging their vow would be a pious act of charity on Paul’s part”.⁴

Then in Acts 21:26 “Paul took along the men on the next day, and after he had purified himself together with them, he entered into the temple courts” to fulfill the days of purification required. 

He Has Defiled This Holy Place

Acts 21:27–36
Paul was told in Acts 21:21 “they have been informed about you that you are teaching all the Jews … the abandonment of Moses”. Then he was asked to, in Acts 21:24 “purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses” as a gesture demonstrating that he also was “observing the law”. “It looks as though Paul was prepared to make a conciliatory gesture, although his own testimony remained that he no longer lived under the law of Moses but under the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21).⁵

So now in Acts 21:27 “when the seven days were about to be completed … the Jews from Asia … stirred up the whole crowd”. This is very much what happened in Ephesus so “in all likelihood those of Ephesus (since they recognized Trophimus apparently as a townsman, Ac 21:29), embittered by their discomfiture (Ac 19:9, &c.)”.⁶ were now stirring up trouble for Paul here in Jerusalem.

They then, in Acts 21:29 since “they had previously seen Trophimus” they assumed Paul brought into the temple. This is an important lesson for us about human nature, our minds are made to fill in the blanks, (study mental perception) so we take an event, here they saw Trophimus, and then we build around it what is in our minds, here it was their assumption that Paul defiled the temple by bringing Trophimus into the temple. But that has not happened. But in their minds, it was real, and the couldn’t stand for Paul defiling the temple. How often do we add our mental model to the events happening around us?

Zechariah 8:16–17 (LEB) 16 These are the things that you must do: speak truth, each of you, with his neighbor; practice trustworthy judgment and peace in your gates. 17 Do not devise evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love a false oath, because all these are things I hate,” declares Yahweh.

There were grounds for the people to set a boundary separating the uncircumcised foreigner in Ezekiel 44:9 if it had been true, but the answer would not have been a riot across the city. But here, in Acts 21:30-36 it says “the whole city was stirred up … they seized Paul and dragged him out” and were beating him until the Roman guard came and intervened.

Is It Permitted For Me To Say Something?

Acts 21:37–40
In Acts 21: 37, Paul is protected by Roman rule, by the civil law, as anyone would be. And we might expect this kind of protection from our police today. Then in Acts 21: 37-38, Paul made a request to the tribune in Greek and the tribune responded “Do you know Greek? Then you are not the Egyptian who … raised a revolt and led … men of the Assassins?” Even this high ranking tribune assumed, based on the noise from the people, and his understanding of where trouble might come from, that Paul must be this one they had been watching for.

Paul, in Acts 21:39 invokes his citizenship and asks to be able to speak to the people. He is under protection of the tribune and his soldiers. and in Acts 21:40 he is now on the steps above the people, and the crowd has quieted so he motions and begins to speak in their language, “Aramaic”.
 

Men – Brothers – Fathers, Listen

Acts 22:1–5
Our reaction is always to defend ourselves when we are accused, and it is often better to answer immediately rather than let an accusation go unanswered. So, Paul begins in Acts 22:1-2 and they listen “when they heard he was addressing them in the Aramaic language”. Paul tells them his background in Acts 22:3-5 and there would have been some that remembered him, but this is about twenty years after Stephen was stoned in Acts 7:58 and Acts 8:3 where “Saul was attempting to destroy the church”.

Here is another lesson in human nature, we forget our own history and tend to rewrite it all based on what we see happening now. Sometimes we need to recount the facts for others as they actually occurred.

What Should I Do Lord?

Acts 22:6–13
In Acts 22:2-10, no one questions that Paul had an encounter with the Lord, a vision, because in their history, our Old Testament, there were many such encounters. They didn’t even react when Paul said the vision was “Jesus the Nazarene” who said to him in vs. 10, “Get up and proceed to Damascus, and there it will be told to you about all the things that have been appointed for you to do.”

Then we learn something more about Ananias. He was not just a believer. In Acts 22:12 Paul says “Ananias, a devout man according to the (Jewish) law”. And, it was this man that, in Acts 22:13 “said to me, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight!’ And at that same time I looked up at him and saw him.” Still, they listen.

The God of Our Fathers Has Appointed You

Acts 22:14–21
Through Acts 22:14-16 Paul talks about being appointed by God, to “know his will, and see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth” and they listen. Paul says he was told to “Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name!” Still they listen. Even as he talks about another vision in Acts 22:17-20 where Paul “saw him (the Righteous One) saying … they will not accept your testimony” and Paul’s confession of his great sin against the believers, even those he had killed. Now, Paul gets to his commission in Acts 22:21 “Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles!”

Study Verses

• Acts 21:17–22 The Brothers Welcomed Us Gladly
• Acts 21:27–36 He Has Defiled This Holy Place
• Acts 22:1–5 Men – Brothers – Fathers, Listen

Today’s Reading

• Acts 21:17-40
• Acts 22:1-21

References

• 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 211). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
• 2. Peterson, D. G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 584). Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
• 3. Peterson, D. G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 584). Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
• 4. Peterson, D. G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 587). Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
• 5. Marshall, I. H. (1980). Acts: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 5, pp. 365–366). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
• 6. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 211). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Paul is led by the Holy Spirit to return to Jerusalem and he has been working in the Gentile Churches to bring a gift with him. This was not the first time Paul had brought a gift, but this time, all along the way, there are warnings to Paul about what will happen. One warning said, don’t go. But Paul was sure that this was God’s perfect will for him. And it was. Sometimes we think that if we are in God’s perfect will, everything will be blessed and good, perfect! The reality is that in God’s perfect will, we often face opposition. Jesus did, the prophets before him did, and now Paul faces prison. Even so, Paul will carry the gospel to Rome. And the gift to the poor? It isn’t even mentioned but now I am ahead of the reading for today. 

He Extended His Message Until Midnight

Acts 20:7–12
Acts 20:7 says “because he was going to leave on the next day, and he extended his message until midnight” which was beyond the normal schedule, and as we see in Acts 20:9 beyond the physical limits of some attending. They wanted to hear all they could from Paul before he went and Paul was full of insight in the scriptures. But one young man fell asleep and fell out the third floor window dead on the ground below.

In Acts 20:10 Paul “threw himself on him” in vs. 11 “when he had eaten and talked for a long time, until dawn, then he departed”. And in vs. 12 “they led the youth away alive”. Notice that it doesn’t say the young man rose up immediately. In fact, it says Paul departed before it says anything about the young man. Some might say, doesn’t Paul care? Isn’t Paul worried about the outcome? Doesn’t Paul want to make sure the young man is OK? Well, Paul has faith in God. Paul prayed, and went on with the work.

To Be In Jerusalem On the Day of Pentecost

Acts 20:13–16
Paul had come from Philippi Acts 20:6 to Troas to stay seven days. Now those with Paul set off by ship to Assos. Paul was going by land to meet them there. This was about thirty miles, ten or so hours across this prominence that the ship sailed around. It was a time for Paul to be alone, to pray, and it would have been a beautiful walk whether he went straight across and up the slight elevation or the longer way around the coast line. Then they went port to port as was likely a trade and supply route.
 

Bound By The Spirit I Am Traveling

Acts 20:17–27
Paul “sent word* to Ephesus and* summoned the elders of the church” in Acts 20:17 and they joined him. He reminds them of his “serving the Lord” in vs. 19 and how he did not “shrink back from proclaiming” in vs. 20, “testifying” in vs. 21. Then he declares his intention in Acts 20:22-24 “bound by the Spirit I am traveling to Jerusalem … in order to finish my mission and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

And his final testimony to them is in Acts 20:25-27 “you will see my face no more … I am guiltless of the blood of all of you”. This is also a reminder to us that we have also a duty to, as he says in Acts 20:27 proclaim the whole purpose of God to those we come in contact with. 

Shepherd the Church of God

Acts 20:28–38
Paul now warns them as leaders in vs 29 “wolves will come” in vs 30 “speaking perversions of the truth in order to draw away the disciple after them”.

Then Paul charges them in Acts 20:32 entrusting them to God and to the message. His point here is that the power of God and the Word of God are able and this short statement here “to give you the inheritance” is fully developed in Ephesians 1:1-11 and Paul’s prayer for them in Ephesians 1:17-23 or as it is also said in 2 Peter 1:2-7.

We Tore Ourselves Away From Them

Acts 21:1–7
It is sometimes difficult to leave those you love and head off to the work God has called you to. As they were traveling to Jerusalem, there were stops all along the way with people that had been helped by Paul’s ministry and they turned out to see him. When Paul came to Tyre, they stayed for a week and then in Acts 21:5 “all of them accompanied us, together with their wives and children”. We sometimes get the idea that because Paul was not married that this was true of all those that were with him, but God made marriage and family and it is good for us to raise our children in the things of God.

The Will of the Lord Be Done

Acts 21:8–16
Paul is getting closer to Jerusalem, as he arrives in Caesarea and in Acts 21:8 stays with Philip and his family. Philip is an evangelist, his daughters ans Agabus were prophets, Paul was an Apostle, and there were others with them. This is the kind of environment where God can move, and speak. And in Acts 21:11-14 it is clearly spoken that Paul will face imprisonment, and Paul responds that he is ready. They all understood and agreed “the will of the Lord be done”. So Paul and others with him, went up to Jerusalem and stay with Mnason.

Study Verses

• Acts 20:7–12 He Extended His Message Until Midnight
• Acts 20:17–27 Bound By The Spirit I Am Traveling
• Acts 20:28–38 Shepherd the Church of God

Today’s Reading

• Acts 20:7-28
• Acts 21:1-16