Acts: The Mission of God

Faithful Proclamation (Acts 28:17-31)

Introduction Paul survived a shipwreck and snake attack before safely arriving in Rome. He has now been left under the watch of a single guard and allowed the privilege of visitors. Read Acts 28:17-31 We have seen several themes as we have made our way through this book (The Holy Spirit, Apostolic Miracles, Hospitality, Suffering, etc.). But the book ends on the most prominent theme. It was the same theme we began with, namely Spirit-Empowered Evangelism – witnessing for Christ (1:8). Almost…

Safe and Bound (Acts 28:1-16)

Introduction Everyone’s safely on shore. Paul is still a prisoner. Safe, but God accomplishing his will in unexpected ways. That theme continues… Read Acts 28:1-16 God is orchestrating everything, faithfully keeping his promise to bring Paul to Rome. But considering all that Paul has suffered, will question the Lord’s kindness? In spite of Paul’s consistent character, you have to wonder when he breaks. PTSD after 4th shipwreck? Paul desperately needed to know the kindness of God. And wouldn’t you know it…shortly…

Rome or Bust (Acts 27)

Introduction Paul’s 3MJ ended abruptly with his unlawful arrest. Now, more than two years later, he is still in custody awaiting a hearing before Nero in Rome. That hearing as apparently been granted. Read Acts 27 The length of this account points to its significance for Luke. God doesn’t fulfill his promise to Paul in predictable fashion. We can better understand an episode like this when it happens to someone like Jonah. In his case, the storm was a means…

I Cheerfully Make My Defense (Acts 24)

Introduction Over the next three chapters Paul will testify before Governor Felix, Governor Festus, and King Agrippa. Think about the toll that would have on the apostle. This was all part of the suffering Paul knew he would endure for his Savior. Read Acts 24:1-27 Tertullus’ Prosecution (1-9) Paul’s Defense (10-22) Felix’s Response (23-27) Tertullus’ Prosecution (1-9) The excessive flattery is absurd. Felix dealt with the Jews in such violent ways that they hated him. He squashed frequent uprisings and…

A Plot to Kill (Acts 23:12-35)

Introduction Paul has just received the encouragement of the Lord (11). Read Acts 23:12-35 In February 2008, I was called into the boss’s office and let go… > Carrie was only weeks away from delivering our third daughter… > Within a few months we sold our car and our house and moved to Mississippi. The circumstances that brought us there were not planned, but looking back, we see God’s hand guiding us. ”Providence, like Hebrew letters, must be read backwards.”…

Paul’s Defense (Acts 21:37-22:21)

Introduction Certain Jews from Asia (v.27) accused Paul of “teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place” (v.28). In Paul’s defense he will address each one of these charges, but it is cleverly included in a testimony of God’s transforming work in his life. Read Acts 21:37-22:21 Paul’s speech was a very personal testimony (“I”/“me” with reference to himself more than 30x). His defense would not be a canned presentation. He doesn’t take time to develop points of…

Take Him Away (Acts 21:27-36)

Introduction We are nearing the end of the first apostolic movement of Jesus under the New Covenant Church. It is a significant period in which much of the New Testament was being written! This section focuses primarily upon Paul’s imprisonment. He will be in chains by the end of this passage and he will remain in chains until the end of the book. Read Acts 21:27-36 In Acts 9:15-16, Jesus told Ananias that Paul’s testimony would go before Gentiles and…

Greetings and Accusations (Acts 21:17-26)

Introduction We have been shocked by Paul’s perseverance. He has been resilient in the face of constant suffering and threats of death. He has come to Jerusalem having been spent for the kingdom, but fully expecting more suffering to come his way. Read Acts 21:17-26 What in the world is going on here? Is somebody doing something wrong? Is Paul acting like a hypocrite as one prominent commentator suggests? Great pastoral heroes of mine have disagreed about how to understand…