Paul is on the ship the fourteenth night and has had God’s promise that not only would he go to Rome, but all on the ship would be saved. But the sailors believe they are close to land and try to abandon the ship, only Paul sets the soldiers to prevent them. They need the skilled sailors in their last hours on this ship. Paul stands as the one clear and steady person and gets everyone to eat something before they make their last effort for land. They run aground and the ship breaks apart around them but these pieces become their life rafts. Paul is a witness to the people of Malta as he is bitten by a poisonous viper but doesn’t die. The people are healed and Paul and the 276 souls winter there. Paul finally arrives in Rome and is allowed a private residence with a guard where he proclaims the gospel for two years without hindrance.

I Believe God That It Will Be

Acts 27:27–38
Paul had encouraged them in Acts 27:19, but here in vs. 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 vs. 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 vs. 32. Again Paul is encouraging everyone in vs. 34 that “not a hair from your head will be lost” and in vs.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. nd 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 vs. 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 vs. 41 “they ran the ship aground” with the bow stuck and the waves hitting behind the ship was breaking apart. This may have seemed like the worst end but the parts of the ship were the flotation they needed to get to shore. In vs. 42, “The plan of the soldiers was that they would kill the prisoners”, they would have enough trouble saving their own lives, but in vs. 43, the centurion “prevented them” and they all helped each other and in vs. 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.”³

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 28:1–10
• Acts 28:17–22
• Acts 28:23–31

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.
• 3. 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.

In Acts 25:23 we find that Festus, the new governor has invited King “Agrippa and Bernice (his wife) (who) came with great pageantry and entered into the audience hall, along with military tribunes and the most prominent men of the city”. And they are all there to hear Paul’s defense. This is the moment that Paul was here for. This was the time for him to present the gospel. As he talks about the charges against him, he lays the first piece, the resurrection, which King Agrippa understands is a point of division among the Jews, but also spoken of in the Law and prophets. Then Paul describes the encounter, the vision, that he had with Jesus that he calls “the heavenly vision”. As Paul concludes in

Acts 26:23 that the Christ was to suffer and that as the first of the resurrection from the dead, he was going to proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.

Festus reacts badly, and Agrippa says “you almost persuade me” and after one final plea from Paul, his moment with them is over (see the message: You Almost Persuade Me).

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.

I Saw A Light From Heaven

Acts 26:9–18
Paul describes, in Acts 26:9, how he was “opposed to the name of Jesus the Nazarene” and the actions, in Acts 26:10-12 against the believers including pursuing, punishing, and executing them. You might think that there would be a response to these actions of Paul because he had been persecuting and abusing the believers but this didn’t seem to bother them. “(See on Ac 9:1, &c. and compare Ac 22:4, &c.)”¹

Paul describes the encounter he had with the Lord in Acts 26:13-18 in vs. 15 “And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting”. Then the Lord commissions him in vs. 16 “I have appeared to you, to appoint you a servant and witness both to the things in which you saw me and to the things in which I will appear to you” which makes it clear that Paul had already been a witness of many things, but this was not the end, Jesus told him he would appear to him as his life’s work unfolded. And finally, in vs. 18, is the message, the goal, which is

Acts 26:18 (LEB) to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

I Was Not Disobedient To The Heavenly Vision

Acts 26:19–24
In Acts 26:19 Paul refers to his heavenly vision which happened to him, as he mentions in Acts 26:20, on the road to Damascus. This is the authority he has to speak. And the message is “repent and turn to God, doing deeds worthy of repentance”. It is, in

Acts 26:21 On account of these things the Jews seized me ind the temple courts* and* were attempting to kill me.

Paul says he has this message from “the Lord” who, in the vision in Acts 26:15 said “I am Jesus”.

Acts 26:22 “and I stand here testifying to both small and great, saying nothing except what both the prophets and Moses have said were going to happen”.

This is always Paul’s approach to the Jews, that God has spoken to them through the Law (Moses) and the prophets. And this is his message, the gospel of Jesus Christ:

Acts 26:23 that the Christ was to suffer and that as the first of the resurrection from the dead, he was going to proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.”

This is why Paul was here. This is why Paul had subjected himself to chains for these two years. And Paul was doing all he could to bring these leaders to a place of accepting Christ.
Sadly, Festus reacted badly in

Acts 26:24 (LEB) And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!”

Do You Believe The Prophets?

Acts 26:25–32
Paul assures Festus, in Acts 26:25 (LEB) “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking words of truth and rationality”. Then Paul reached out to King Agrippa saying in

Acts 26:26–27 (LEB) For the king knows about these things, to whom also I am speaking freely, for I am not convinced that these things in any way have escaped his notice, because this was not done in a corner. 27 Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe.”

Agrippa then responds in Act 26:28 (KJV) “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian”.
Paul makes one final plea, as Acts 26:18 said, “to open their eyes so they may turn”, to bring these men to faith in Jesus

Acts 26:29 (LEB) And Paul replied, “I pray to God, whether in a short time or in a long time, not only you but also all those who are listening to me today may become such people as I also am, except for these bonds!”

Then the moment was gone. In Acts 26:30 Both the king and the governor got up, and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. And their conversation turned to Paul’s situation and in Acts 26:31 they say “This man is not doing anything deserving death or imprisonment” and then in Acts 26:32, Agrippa says, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.” But Paul was not looking to be released, he was on a mission to declare the gospel in Rome as Jesus had said to him.

They Handed Over Paul

Acts 27:1–12
Paul, in Acts 27:1-2 is on a ship to Italy. His time in Caesarea is over. Though Paul was in custody, it seems he had good favor as it says, “Aristarchus” (who was a traveling companion in Acts 19:29) “was with us” which also indicates the writer was traveling with Paul. then in Acts 27:3 it goes further saying “And Julius, treating Paul kindly, allowed him to go to his friends to be cared for”.

However, as the trip became difficult in Acts 27:4-9 because of the late time of year as in vs 9 “the Fast was already over”, Paul speaks a warning in Acts 27:10 “I perceive that the voyage is going to end with disaster and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives!”. Whether the centurion thought Paul was just wanting to delay or he felt his own pressure to deliver Paul quickly, he, in Acts 27:11 “was convinced even more by the shipmaster and the shipowner”. And the shipowner and shipmaster had their own desire to deliver cargo sooner, because that is how they would be paid.

We often find ourselves in the hands of others as decision makers, and they are not always making the best decisions. Even in these situations, we may find ourselves right in the middle of God’s will and plan, just as Paul did, he is on the way to Rome.

All Hope Was Abandoned That We Would Be Saved

Acts 27:13–20
In Acts 27:13-17 we find seamen at work, doing what they must to weather the storm. This is not likely their first, and though in vs. 15 “they were driven along”, in vs. 16 it says “we were able with difficulty to get the ship’s boat under control”.

But in Acts 27:18-20, they were again “driven along”, “violently battered”, “jettisoning cargo” (what they were paid to deliver), and in vs. 19 “they threw overboard the gear of the ship” (the very tools they needed to run the ship under normal circumstances). And still, in vs 20, there was “neither sun nor stars for many days” and “finally all hope was abandoned”.

You Ought To Have Followed My Advice

Acts 27:21–26
“I told you so”, in Acts 27:21 may not have been the best thing for Paul to have said, but it was the truth. They had lost the cargo and lost the tackle (gear) and now were likely to lose the ship and their very lives. Paul does go on to assure them in Acts 27:22-25. It doesn’t say that Paul was praying, but he must have been because in Acts 27:24 it says, “God has graciously granted you all who are sailing with you”. This sounds like a request that Paul made to the Lord, that was granted. Paul does encourage them, and shares the angelic visitation he had in Acts 27:23-24.

Study Verses

• Acts 26:9–18
• Acts 26:19–24
• Acts 26:25–32

Today’s Reading

• Acts 26:1-32
• Acts 27:1-26

References

• 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 215). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Paul is taken from Jerusalem to Caesarea for his own safety because the Jews want to kill him. The governor agrees to hear the charges so the high priest and elders come with their attorney, all making accusations against Paul. None of them are true. Paul defends himself knowing that Felix understands the customs and religion of the Jews. Felix delays, maybe to get a bribe from Paul, then his term as governor is over and he leaves Paul in prison, a favor for the Jews. The new governor also wants to do a favor for the Jews, but Paul is a roman citizen and calls for his right to trial before the judgement seat of Caesar. Jesus had appeared to Paul saying he would testify in Rome so Paul goes with the program.

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 he knows is that the Jews want to kill Paul. Paul is delivered to the Governor Felix who asks Paul where he is from. When Felix learns Paul is from Cilicia, he agrees to give him a hearing before his accusers.

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.

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 vs. 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 Sadduccees, the resurrection from the dead.

But Felix Understood the Facts

Acts 24:22–27
Felix knew them all. There was no new truth for him to find. Felix delays, in Acts 24:22 but allowed Paul to have freedom with his own people. With his Jewish wife, he would send for Paul and listen, hoping for money, a bribe, as it was common for people to buy favor from officials. But Felix also got too close to the truth when Paul talked about righteousness, self control and the judgement to come and sent Paul away. 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.

Part of the message of the way was that we don’t need a mediator with God any more, we have Jesus Christ our high priest. And, the veil was torn, we can now come boldly to the throne.

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.

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 Festus say, off you 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?

Study Verses

• Acts 24:1–9
• Acts 24:10–21
• Acts 25:23–27

Today’s Reading

• Acts 23:23-35
• Acts 24:1-27
• Acts 25:1-27

Paul is back in Jerusalem and offers a gesture demonstrating that he also, in Acts 21:24, was “observing the law”. But accusations came (read more) and Paul responds by defending himself. This is often our first reaction and many times we should quickly put a false accusation to rest, and Paul tries to remind them of their history. Then he tells them about the vision he had of “the Righteous One” as they all listen. Many in their history had visions, encounters with God, and Paul continues to tell them about being blind, and Ananias, and his sight being restored. Then, Paul tells them about his commission in Acts 22:21 “Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles!” and the crowd erupts against him. The roman military tribune hears, and sends centurions and soldiers to bring Paul into custody. He was to be beaten for the truth but invokes his rights as a roman citizen. The tribune calls the chief priests and elders and Sanhedrin together the next day for Paul to face them in a lawful assembly, but this crowd won’t hear him.

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).¹

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.)”.² These 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, as Paul does here, we need to recount the facts 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 the y 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!”

But I Indeed Was Born A Citizen

Acts 22:22–30
Acts 22:21, they could not hear. In Acts 22:22 “they were listening to him until this word”, they wouldn’t hear that God would offer salvation to the Gentiles. For them, the Jews, this meant the Romans could be saved, the pagans could be saved, the barbarians could be saved, all men could be saved. …

Many different belief systems were in front of them:
The Romans as conquerors
The Pagans worshiping their many gods
The “barbarians” as translated in the King James and other bibles whose beliefs we see in

Acts 28:3-6 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. 5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

So whether it is karma, or fate, or the fickle will of the gods, or the Law of Moses, there is “the Righteous One” that offers salvation.

As my friend Frank Caporale said, “the root of cults, heresy, and false religion is when people don’t understand something about God and they make up an answer and people follow their image of god.

In Acts 22:24-29 the tribune “had stretched hm out for the lash” and he would have been beaten except for two things he said. First he said “Roman citizen”, but that was not enough because even a citizen can do wrong and deserve punishment. He also said “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 can protect us as well. The civil law is there to protect the innocent (there is a deeper message here for another time because there are sometimes abusive leaders and corrupt governments). Use your civil citizenship where you can, and where you need to.

Our real citizenship is in heaven, God’s Kingdom. Learn and follow His instruction.

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 seem reasonable, but there is real anger as in Acts 23:2 the high priest orders Paul to be hit in the mouth. 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, in Acts 23:6-10 Paul sides with the Pharisees and says this is 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”. Then comes:

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 soon after meeting Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18:2 (see 7 February 2018), but now, it is a command from the Lord.

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”.³

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.

Study Verses

• Acts 22:1–5
• Acts 22:14–21
• Acts 23:1–11

Today’s Reading

• Acts 21:27-40
• Acts 22:1-30
• Acts 23:1-22

References

• 1. Marshall, I. H. (1980). Acts: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 5, pp. 365–366). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
• 2. 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.
• 3. 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 set on his course to Jerusalem. And on his return, he stops to meet with church leaders along the way. In Miletus, he meets with those from Ephesus, and reminds them of the time he has spent with them and his dedication to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And with this, he says “I am guiltless of the blood of all of you”, which is to say, you have heard the word from me, now it is up to you to carry it forward. Then he warns them of those that will draw disciples away after themselves. Then he charges them by entrusting them to God and the message “the inheritance” they are to take hold of as written more fully later in Ephesians 1. Paul continues his journey to Jerusalem and comes to Philip and the prophet Agabus who tells him what is waiting for him and Paul responds, “I am ready”.

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.

The Brothers Welcomed Us Gladly

Acts 21:17–22
In Acts 21:17 “the brothers welcomed us gladly” and this is the

vs 19 – what God has done

vs 20 – ten thousands … the law

vs 21 telling them not to circumcise their children or to live according to our customs.

Purify Yourself Along With Them

Acts 21:23–26
Paul was willing and obedient.

Paul criticized Peter for acting like a Jew in front of the gentiles.
Why is Paul following this?

Study Verses

• Acts 20:17–27
• Acts 20:28–38
• Acts 21:8–16

Today’s Reading

• Acts 20:13-38
• Acts 21:1-26