This Week's Daily Devotionals

Have You Received the Holy Spirit?

“He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’” -Acts 19:2

It has often been said that the title of this book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” could equally be called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” Paul’s question to these Ephesians, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” clearly exposes the vital importance of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. It was considered foundational and non-negotiable among the early church. Here at Ephesus, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, along with other manifestations of the power of God’s spiritual Kingdom, was at the center of causing such a major impact on this important city.

Ephesus was clearly a city full of superstition, satanic influence, and idolatry (v. 13-17, 19, 24-28, 34-35). God met this head on with the manifestation of His power, which brought about an amazing response of repentance as people forsook their idols and magic and put faith in Jesus Christ. However, it did not mean that the irrefutable evidence given of Christ and His Kingdom, given by the Holy Spirit, would silence those who were deeply threatened by the gospel. But it did mean that their opposition would not stop the work and ministry of the gospel.

What we learn from Paul is to keep the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in stride with the proclamation of the gospel. Without this honest balance, God’s work is tragically hampered. There are communities around the world that pose the same challenges as Ephesus. But if we come, as Paul did, in the power of the Spirit, the kingdom of darkness will fall.

Acts 19:1-41

Paul at Ephesus

1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”

So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”

4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all.

8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Spirit Poured Out In Ephesus (v. 1-7)

v. 1 Upper Regions – Because it was less direct, this was not the regular trade route.

Came to Ephesus – This is within the province of Asia that the Holy Spirit had forbid Paul to enter on his second missionary trip (Acts 16:6). Now it was God’s time to evangelize this region.

Finding Some Disciples – They seem to be disciples of Jesus, but like Apollos they received very limited instruction (Acts 18:24-26).

v. 2 Receive the Holy Spirit – Paul questioned the experience of these disciples. He could not readily discern if they were not born again, or if they had yet to know all that their belief provided in relation to the Holy Spirit.

v. 3 Into What Were You Baptized – Because they had never heard of the Holy Spirit, Paul realized they had not yet been baptized as believers “in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:18, 19).

v. 4 John Indeed – Paul lays the foundation of the Christian message based on what John taught.

v. 5 They were Baptized – Paul baptizes these disciples, which indicates they had never followed their belief in Christ (v. 1) with baptism, or they were, in fact, not yet truly believers until this encounter with Paul.

v. 6 Holy Spirit – Paul prayed for these men for the empowering of the Holy Spirit, as had been done several times previously in Acts.

Tongues and Prophesied – Paul teaches the proper use of these two gifts in 1 Corinthians 14.

The Word Speaks (v. 8-12)

v. 8 Kingdom of God – Jesus, as well as Paul, used this term to describe the ways of God’s Kingdom that bring a person into the blessings that result from Christ’s rule.

v. 9 Hardened – When a person cannot honestly face the truth of scripture, he often hardens his heart to insulate himself from that truth.

The Way – A beautiful term, this phrase describes the Christian life as not only a belief system but also a way of life and a way to God.

School of Tyrannus – Philosophers often lectured in rented halls. Public life, including philosophical lectures, usually ended by noon in Ephesus. This allowed Paul to use the school in the afternoon.

v. 10 Heard the Word – The influence of Paul’s teaching had impact throughout the province. Therefore many of those who came under the influence of Paul’s teaching must have spread out and brought the gospel to all the various towns and cities of the province.

Miracles Glorify Christ

11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

v. 11 Unusual Miracles – Luke, as he recounts these events, makes it clear that this type of miracle was unusual even in ministries where miracles were common.

Handkerchiefs or Aprons – This indicates that Paul was involved in his trade of tent making during the hours of the day when he was not ministering the Word. Handkerchiefs were used to wipe the forehead of sweat, and aprons protected clothing while working.

Diseases Left Them – As they touched these cloths, those seeking healing and deliverance directed their faith in the God preached by Paul. It is similar to the process when the sick woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:27-34) and those who were “touched” by Peter’s shadow (Acts 5:15).

Authority Over Demons And Magic (v. 13-20)

v. 13 Itinerant Jewish Exorcists – Those who practiced magic in ancient times highly respected the Jews. Some Jews would capitalize on this by traveling from place to place, earning money by praying for people’s deliverance. An ancient papyrus has been discovered that is an example of Greeks trying to find power in the use of what they saw as special words of the Jews: “I adjure thee by Jesus the God of the Hebrews” (Paris Magical Papyrus, No. 574, line 3018).

v. 15 Paul I Know – This is an amazing admission by these demons–they had encountered Paul and his Christ-given authority already.

v. 17 Fear Fell – God used the result of this event to validate the gospel. Often God uses Satan’s ways against him, exposing Satan’s wickedness and His own authority over him.

v. 18 Confessing – These new believers showed in the events in v. 15-16 that their former use of spells and magic to deal with the spirit world was totally unnecessary and wrong. The authority of God in Jesus was enough.

v. 19 Burned – This may have included magical papyri rolled up into small cylinders or lockets and used as amulets around the neck.

Fifty Thousand – One piece of silver represented a day’s wages. This was representative of one man’s wages for over 137 years.

v. 20 Word of the Lord – It is interesting that these events did not foster a demon exorcism ministry, but rather the increased impartation of biblical truths.

The Riot at Ephesus

21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.

23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”

Paul’s Travel Plans (v. 21-22)

v. 21 Paul Purposed – Luke, the author, lays out the next phase of Paul’s ministry, which basically outlines the rest of the events of Acts. Paul had been in Ephesus over 2 ½ years by now.

In The Spirit – Paul laid out his agenda with a deep sense of being led by the Holy Spirit.

Through Macedonia and Achaia – This was to encourage the churches that Paul had started in those regions, as well as to take up an offering for believers in Jerusalem who were suffering a severe famine (Rom. 15:24-28; 2 Cor. 8:16-9:15).

See Rome – Paul traveled to Rome after he reached Jerusalem, but it would be as a prisoner in chains (Acts 22-28).

v. 22 He Sent – Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to finish collecting the financial gifts promised by the Gentile churches for the Jewish believers in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:16-9:15).

Erastus – This may be the same Erastus who was a city treasurer in Corinth (Rom. 16:23). If so, it would make sense to provide proper accounting and oversight of the large gift being taken to Jerusalem.

Paul, Unyielding Witness and Tireless Spiritual Father

The Riot In Ephesus (v. 23-41)

v. 24 A Silversmith – Members of the same trade united to form professional guilds to represent their economic interests. Small idols depicting this goddess would have been sold to thousands of Ephesians and visiting worshippers.

Diana – In Greek, her name is Artemis. She had been an object of worship for countless ages. She was the ancient goddess of Asia Minor and believed to be the mother of gods and men. She had been given different names through various generations.

v. 26 They Are Not God’s – We see that Paul included a declaration of the true character of God in his preaching.

v. 27 The Temple – Over the centuries several temples had been built for this goddess. The one referred to here was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It took 220 years to complete, was 425 ft. by 220 ft. with 127 marble pillars weighing 150 tons each, and elaborately decorated with gold, the finest wood, and paintings. The idol inside was a many-breasted goddess that represented the goddess of nature, also referred to as the goddess of fertility. There was a special festival for her near the time of the spring equinox, close to the time of present-day “Easter.”

World Worship – This goddess had at least 33 known centers of worship throughout the Mediterranean.

28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” 29 So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. 30 And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. 31 Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

v. 29 Gaius – He had lived at Corinth and had extended hospitality to Paul (1 Cor. 1:14; Rom. 16:23).

Aristarchus – He traveled with Paul to Rome and was a prisoner with him (Col. 4:10).

v. 30 Paul Wanted to Go – Paul’s loyalty to his co-workers, leaders who presided over the cult of the emperor and the goddess Roma, included being willing to expose himself to danger on their behalf.

v. 31 Officials – This word is literally Asiarichs, very prominent leaders who presided over the cult of the emperor and the goddess Roma. Cities in the Greek East competed over the honor of having the largest imperial cult for the sake of civic pride. Being friends of Paul reveals how broad Paul’s impact on the city was.

Theater – This open-air theater is still well preserved. It could accommodate nearly 25,000 people, was nearly 500 feet in diameter, and contained several statues of gods and goddesses.

v. 33 Jews Putting Him Forward – The Jews seem to present this Alexander as their spokesperson to make clear to the city that the Jews had nothing to do with Paul. The Jews sought this because they often suffered from anti-Jewish sentiments.

v. 34 They Find Out – Seeing that Alexander was a Jew, they assumed he defended the Christian message. The Greeks saw Paul’s message as an expression of simply a sect of Judaism, for both groups believed in only one supreme God.

v. 35 City Clerk – This was the top civic official who represented the city to the Roman officials.

Image – It seems this image was built using a meteorite that the people felt the god Zeus (Jupiter) had sent.

v. 37 Robbers of Temples – Robbing temples was one of the most serious of crimes.

Blasphemers – Paul taught that there was only one God, but he had not spoken in an attacking or crude way about the false gods.

Courts Are Open – Ancient records indicate that the court system was handling a financial scandal related to the temple going on at this same time. The city clerk pointed out that this complaint by the silversmiths was an economic issue and should be handled in the same way.

v. 40 Called Into Question – Rome, which had given Ephesus the status of “free city,” could take this privilege away at any time if Ephesus did not submit to Rome’s laws and procedures.

Prepared for the Storm

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” -Acts 20:24

While still in Ephesus, we are told that Paul “purposed in the Spirit when he had gone through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem saying, ‘After I have been there I must also see Rome.’” Chapter 20 makes clear that from the beginning of this journey to Rome the Holy Spirit had written this desire upon his heart with great intensity. It was clear that Paul knew within himself that trouble and death awaited him. Knowing that he would not see those he had led to Christ and loved so deeply again, he poured himself out in Troas, teaching this believer until midnight. Then, at midnight, one of these believers, Eutychus, had gone to sleep and fell out of a third-story window. Paul went down to be assured that God had healed Eutychus. He then returned, had communion, and continued teaching. Paul knew how critical it was to establish a strong foundation in their minds and hearts so that they would be able to face the storms that would intensely test the strength of their faith.

Paul did the same thing when he gathered the elders of Ephesus. Even though this new Ephesian church had seen an amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit, false teachers and division would severely test them. He knew he had to prepare them for it. Their coming tests would be a battle for truth, not supernatural experiences. Paul gave himself as an example of the qualities they should look for in leaders--leaders who lived sacrificially (v. 18-19, 34-35), faithfully taught repentance and faith (v. 20-21), preached the Kingdom of God (v. 25) and gave the balanced and whole council of God (v. 27). These foundational priorities must not be any more negotiable for us today than it was for them. For just as there were savage wolves that sought to lead these first century Christians astray, so it is today. We must take heed.

What are the foundational truths and values that you hold dear? If they are not as Paul has prescribed, do something about it, for the storms of deception are flowing hard through the land.

Acts 20:1-38

Journeys in Greece

1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. 2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece 3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. 6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Journey’s In Greece (v. 1-12)

v. 1 Embraced – Paul’s deep convictions made him unbendable, but he also deeply loved those who came to Christ under his ministry.

Macedonia – The purpose of this trip was to collect the offerings from Phillippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth for the poor in Jerusalem (Acts 24:17; Rom. 15:26; 1 Cor. 16:1, 5; 2 Cor.8-9). It is likely this is also when he traveled to Illyricum on the Egnation Road (Rom. 15:19).

v. 3 Stayed Three Months – Paul spent the winter months of 56-57 A.D. in Greece (province of Achia). He spent most of this time in Corinth with Gaius (Rom. 16:23), and it is here that he wrote the book of Romans.

Jews Plotted – It seems that Paul was about to take a ship to Jerusalem for the Passover when he discovered some of the Jewish passengers were determined to kill him. Thus he traveled back to Macedonia and sailed from there. This delay made arriving by Passover impossible, but he hoped to arrive in time for Pentecost (v. 16).

v. 4 Sopater – He, along with the others on this list, traveled with Paul to personally represent their churches with the gifts that had been collected for Jerusalem’s poor. Sopater is likely the “Sosipater” of Romans 16:21 who was a kinsman of Paul.

Aristarchus – He was with Paul at Ephesus (19:28) and is referred to in Colossians 4:10 as having later been imprisoned with Paul in Rome.

Gaius – This is likely the same Gaius who lived at Corinth for a time and provided hospitality for Paul (1 Cor. 1:14; Rom. 16:23).

Timothy – Originally from Lystra, he helped Paul in several churches as indicated in 1 and 2 Timothy, as well as in 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 and Philippians 2:19-23.

Tychicus – Paul refers to him in Ephesians 6:21 as “a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.”

Trophimus – According to Acts 20: 29, Trophimus was from Ephesus. Paul refers to him as having been left sick at Miletus in 2 Timothy 4:20.

v. 5 At Troas – This was to be the meeting place for Paul and those who had gone ahead.

v. 6 Sailed From Phillipi – This would have been from Neapolis, the port ten miles away.

Feast of Unleavened Bread – This feast began with celebrating the Passover and was then followed by seven days of eating unleavened bread as taught in Exodus 12.

Five Days – It took five days to cross the Aegean Sea. Earlier Paul had crossed it in two days (Acts 16:11).

Ministering at Troas

7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. 9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” 11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. 12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

From Troas to Miletus

13 Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

v. 7 First Day of the Week – This was the day that believers gathered for worship, which on our rendering of days would be Sunday. The believers chose Sunday to worship, instead of the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday), to honor the day Christ was resurrected (Rev. 1:10, I Cor.16:2).

To Break Bread – This was a term used to describe communion or the Lord’s Supper.

Until Midnight – Paul extended the length of this gathering because he was leaving the next day and most likely knew he would never return to this church.

v. 9 Taken Up Dead – Some have suggested that Eatychus was not actually dead; however, the wording of the text cannot support that theory.

v. 10 Fell On Him – This was likely similar to occurrences in the ministry of Elisha and Elijah (I Kings 17:21; II Kings 4:34).

v. 11 Till Daybreak – Paul was obviously deeply impassioned about settling many issues of ministry and teaching before he left Troas.

Troas To Meletus (v. 13-16)

v. 13 Take Paul on Board – Paul sent the rest of his traveling companions onto the ship at Troas while he stayed to finish ministering to the church that morning. The ship had to then travel 40 miles around the peninsula to Assos. Paul could meet up with them by saving time in taking the direct land route to Assos, which was 20 miles long.

v. 14 To Mitylene – After one day of sailing, they arrived in this city on the southeast coast of the Island of Lesbos.

v. 15 Kios – This second day of sailing brought them to this island along the west coast of Asia Minor.

Samos – They could reach this island the third day by crossing the mouth of the bay in the Aegean Sea.

Milestus – This city was 30 miles south of Ephesus on the coast of Asia Minor.

v. 16 Day of Pentecost – This was a feast in Jerusalem 50 days after the Passover. Time was running out. Paul had already missed the Passover due to the plot to kill him on board the ship headed to Jerusalem from Corinth (v. 3). Paul only has a little over 30 days to make it in time for Pentecost.

The Ephesian Elders Exhorted

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Ephesians Elders Exhorted (v. 17-38)

v. 17 Called for the Elders – This would have been a three-day trip.

v. 18 He Sailed – This is Paul’s only recorded message to believers in Acts.

v. 19 What Manner – Paul knew that one of the greatest forces in his effectiveness for Christ was his personal example, not just his words.

Serving the Lord – Paul’s efforts were centered not in serving the agendas of men or himself but rather those of Jesus.

With All Humility – “Meta Poses Tapeinophnosunes” (Gk.) refers to an approach to others that incorporates a “lowliness of mind.” He did not see himself above any to whom he ministered.

Tears – This refers to Paul’s deep compassion for the lost (Acts 20:19, 31), carnal believers (2 Cor. 2:4) and fallen ministers (Phil. 3:18).

Trials – Paul did not let the difficulties of the ministry stop him from serving.

Kept Back Nothing – Paul was faithful to proclaim both the truths easily received and those that were not.

House to House – Not only did Paul teach in public settings but also daily in small gatherings in homes.

Repentance – “Repentance” means “to turn away from sin and rebellion against God and turn to God in love and obedience” (Matt. 3:2; Luke 13:2-3; Acts 2:38; 2 Cor. 7:10).

Faith – Faith is accepting as true the testimony of who Jesus is and the work He did.

Paul’s Farewells

Sharing Christ In Jerusalem (Verses 22-24)

v. 22 Bound in Spirit – This refers to Paul’s personal passion to share Christ in Jerusalem,the result of the Holy Spirit’s impact on his own spirit.

v. 23 Holy Spirit Testifies – An example of this is in Acts 21:10-14, where a prophet warns Paul of the chains that await him if he goes to Jerusalem.

v. 24 Life As Dear – Paul literally had embraced Jesus’ command when He said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).

Finish My Race – Paul knew that God had a set course or plan for his life; therefore, Paul’s purpose in life was to completely live out that plan (2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1; 1 Cor. 9:24).

The Ministry – God ordered Paul’s ministry; Paul did not. Paul would later exhort Timothy to be sure to “make full proof” his own ministry and to thereby be guarded from falling short of his full calling.

To Testify – The primary purpose of all God’s people is to proclaim the gospel faithfully to a lost world.

25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

Paul Exhorts the Elders

Journeys In Greece (Verses 25-38)

v. 25 Kingdom of God – Making known the rule, realm, and results of Christ’s Lordship in believers’ lives and after his second return.

v. 26 Innocent of the Blood – Paul makes clear that if any in Ephesus suffer eternal damnation it will not be because he did not make available the “gospel of grace” (v. 24) which would have saved them.

v. 27 Whole Council of God – Paul reminds these leaders that he faithfully communicated all aspects of Biblical truth. Thus, we see the importance of a complete through-the-Bible approach to scripture.

v. 28 To Yourselves – A spiritual leader’s first task is to carefully maintain his own relationship with God and His Word.

The Flock – This phrase was often used to refer to God’s people as sheep (John 10:1- 20; 21:15-17).

Holy Spirit Has Made – The calling and gifts for that calling to serve God’s people are administered by God, not by men. Men can only recognize that which God has gifted a person to do.

Overseers – These elders were cautioned to properly pastor or “shepherd” by godly leadership (1 Tim. 3:1-10).

He Purposed – Paul shows the extreme value God places on His people by the payment required to redeem them—Christ’s “blood.”

v. 29 Savage Wolves – This term is used to denote false, hypocritical, and dangerous leaders (Matt. 7:15-20; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; 1 Tim. 1:5-7, 4:1-2, 6:3-5; 2 Peter 2:1).

Among Yourselves – The most dangerous enemies of the church come from within. People with ambition and pride produce divisions and false doctrines that hurt the sheep of God. Examples in scripture include Diotrephes (3 John 9), Phygellus and Hermogenes (2 Tim. 1:15), and Hymeneus and Alexander (1 Tim. 1:20).

v. 31 Remember – Do not let your hearts and minds be swayed from the foundation laid in scriptures.

32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

v. 32 I Commend You to God – Paul has done all he can; he must now leave the behavior of these leaders with God.

The Word – Paul trusts that not only God, but God’s Word, will protect and guide their lives.

An Inheritance – A believer’s inheritance is a share in the promised blessings of God as sons and daughters (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:17; Heb. 6:12; Rev. 21:7; Eph. 1:11).

Sanctified – “Hagiazo” (Gk.) means to be set apart for holy use.

v. 33 Coveted – Paul knew that some of these elders would be tempted to amass wealth from the churches they served. He reminds them of the sacrificial life he lived so they would not doubt the sincere motives of his service.

v. 34 These Hands Have Provided – Paul often worked in his trade as a tentmaker to support his personal needs as well as those who traveled with him. He also received gifts to support his ministry as seen in Acts 18:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 11:9; and Philippians 4:15.

v. 35 Support the Weak – Paul realized in some ministry situations that spiritually weak and immature or skeptical believers would accuse him of self-service. He did not want to allow that issue to restrict him from being able to serve them in their need for Christ.

More Blessed – These words were never recorded by the gospel writers. However, they made it clear they did not record all that Jesus had said (John 21:25).

v. 37 Kissed Him – This was a common token of affection (Matt. 26:48; Luke 15:20; Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 26:20).

v. 38 To the Ship – Paul continued his journey to Jerusalem by ship

Prepared to Endure

“Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.” -Acts 21:24

While traveling to Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit gave prophets in every city warnings that Paul was headed into great trouble at Jerusalem (v. 20-23). That being the case, well-meaning believers interpreted this warning to mean that Paul should not go to Jerusalem (v. 4, 11-14). Paul saw it completely differently. The warnings were given to prepare him for what would happen, not to try to avoid it.

Concern for how best to deal with the feared violence prompted James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem and half brother to Jesus, to ask Paul to go through the Jewish purification rites in the hope that this would appease the anger of the Jews against Paul. He hoped to show that Paul did not in any way teach that Jewish Christians must forsake the embedded traditions of the Mosaic Law to follow Christ. Paul only taught that the Gentile Christians were not to be put under the Laws of Moses. James therefore devises a plan to show how unfounded these false accusations were against Paul. But the Holy Spirit warns that what awaited Paul would not be avoided. God wanted to use this situation for His own purposes. This is made very clear in the remaining chapters.

What does this teach us? First, that God has established His own eternal purposes for each one of us that the Holy Spirit will prepare us and lead us through whatever difficulties there may be that He will choose to allow and use as a part of His bigger plan and purpose. That being the case, we should be careful how we interpret what the Holy Spirit or the circumstances of life seem to be saying to us. Sometimes warnings are given to prepare us to endure coming trouble, not avoid it.

Like Paul, we need to walk into our destiny by faith and trust in the fact that the same God who knows the future has chosen how best to use the actions and choices of people for His own purposes. We have to remember that God is with us each step of the way no matter how humanly difficult it may be.

Acts 21:1-40

Warnings on the Journey to Jerusalem

1 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.

Facing Persecution

Paul In Jerusalem (v. 1-36)

v. 1 Departed – Paul resumed his journey to arrive in Jerusalem before Pentecost.

Cos – On the major shipping route, Cos was famous for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the great Greek physician whose name titles the oath that new physicians take even day.

Rhodes – Located at the mouth of the Aegean Sea, the island’s name comes from its abundance of roses. Rhodes was famous for its university specializing in speech and oratory.

It is Patara – This city was located on the mouth of the Xanthus River. From here Paul’s party was able to sail the 400 miles directly to Tyre.

v. 3 Tyre – This ancient city was located in what has historically been called Phoenicia. Under Roman rule, it was considered a part of the province of Syria, along with Antioch to the north and Judea to the south.

v. 4 They Told Paul – By the utterances of the prophets, it had been made clear that Paul was headed for trouble in Jerusalem. It seems the people interpreted this to mean that Paul was not to go. However, he felt that the Spirit had compelled him to go (Acts 20:22). Paul felt that these warnings prepared him for the suffering he would face rather than warned him to avoid the suffering.

v. 5 All Accompanied – Even though Paul had never been to this church before, God gave the church and Paul an immediate bonding and love.

7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8 On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”

12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

v. 7 Ptolemais – This is the present day city of Acco, across the bay from Mount Carmel. It was 30 miles south of Tyre and 35 miles north of Caesarea. It had one of the finest ports on the Palestine coast.

v. 8 Caesarea – The Romans developed this Gentile city as the center of political power over the Palestinian region.

Phillip – He was one of the seven Hellenists selected to oversee the needs of the widows during the beginning days of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:3-6). When many Christians scattered out from Jerusalem because of persecution, Phillip went to Samaria and was mightily used as an evangelist. He continued on to Caesarea (Acts 8:4-40) where it seems he remained for the next 20 years.

v. 9 Four Virgin Daughters – They may have never married due to a desire to give themselves wholly to God’s work. Ancient historian Eusebius recorded that they and their father moved to the province of Asia. He quoted the Bishop of Ephesus as saying of one of the daughters, “(She) lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests in Ephesus.”

Prophesied – Guidelines for the gift of prophecy are found in 1 Corinthians 11:5, 12:8-10, and 14:6-25. O.T. female prophets are found in Exodus 15:20, Judges 4:4, 2 Kings 22:14, and Nehemiah 6:14.

v. 10 Agabus – He was recognized as walking in the office of a prophet just as Phillip filled the office of an evangelist. He is first introduced in scripture foretelling the famine of 46 A.D. in Acts 11:27-28.

v. 11 Took Paul’s Belt – This mode of prophecy is similar to that of O.T. prophets. Examples include Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-39), Isaiah (Is. 20:2-6), and Ezekiel (Ez. 4:1-16).

v. 13 What Do You Mean – Paul questioned their misplaced concern. He knew that love for him was best expressed in supporting his life of bringing the gospel to all God allowed, no matter the cost.

v. 14 The Will of the Lord – They realized that their sense of deep personal loss at the warnings about Paul’s suffering or death at Jerusalem was not to be more dominant than a resignation to God’s own divine council and purpose in this matter.

Paul Urged to Make Peace

15 And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. 16 Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.

17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

v. 16 Mansion of Cyprus – This early disciple evidently had a large home, allowing him to provide hospitality in Jerusalem for Paul’s group of about nine men.

v. 17 Gladly – The joy of mutual love and relationship in and through Christ caused these men from varied backgrounds and races to see each other as “brothers” filled with joy because of their fellowship.

v. 18 James – This was one of the children Mary and Joseph had after the virgin birth of Christ. He is referred to as the brother of the Lord in Galatians 1:19 and 2:9. He is referred to as an apostle, but not in the same sense as the original 12 apostles. By this time, all of the other apostles who were still alive had taken on extended ministries outside of Jerusalem. James was highly regarded as the head of the Jerusalem church. Even the Jews referred to him as “James the Just.”

v. 19 God Had Done – Paul had years ago been in Jerusalem to settle the issue of Gentiles being included in the Church (Acts 15:1-33). Paul now declares all that God has done in the years since, expressing the fruit before their very eyes--the generous financial gift from the Gentiles and the godly Gentile leaders who accompanied him.

v. 20 Myriads of Jews – There were tens of thousands of converts to Jesus Christ in Jerusalem by this time. However, these Jewish believers had maintained a very strict adherence to the O.T. forms of practice and worship along with their faith in Jesus.

v. 21 Been Informed – A polite way of saying there had been extensive gossip about Paul’s unconventional methods of bringing Christ to the Gentiles.

You Teach all the Jews – There was gossip that Paul had told the Gentiles and the Jews that they did not need to observe the O.T. law. Paul had, in fact, not done this. Paul supported the Jews in their wishes to maintain their relationship to the practices of the O.T. law, but to the Gentiles he made it clear that salvation was not based on the observance of the O.T. law. This is strongly declared in Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

v. 22 The Assembly – This does not refer to an organized gathering but to a mob that was expected to gather to protest the presence of Paul. Most Jews saw Paul as a traitor to his Jewish roots and the reason Jews all over the Roman Empire turned away from those roots.

v. 23 Taken a Vow – This would refer to the temporary vow of a Nazarite. Paul had recently taken a Nazarite vow himself in Corinth (Acts 18:18). These four men had evidently become ceremonially unclean, for they were going through the seven-day process of purification by following the offering taught in Numbers 6:2-21.

v. 24 Pay Their Expenses – This phrase refers to the purchase of the sacrifices prescribed in Numbers 6:9-12.

Walk Orderly and Keep the Law – By this they hoped to show that Paul did not hold the customs or laws of the O.T. in disregard, as rumored. We will see, however, that this whole idea is going to backfire (v. 27-31), as is often the case when trying to calm the deep prejudices and false conclusions of the nonbelievers or the gossip of Christians.

v. 25 Concerning the Gentiles – These Jewish Christians sought to assure Paul that they were not asking him to go back on the judgment made years ago concerning the freedom from the law the Gentiles are to enjoy (Acts 15:1-33). That wasn’t what they wanted.

Arrested in the Temple

26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.

27 Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

v. 26 Paul Took the Men – Paul acted on the principle he had declared to the Corinthians: “To the Jews I became as a Jew that I might win Jews; to those under the law, as under the law. . .to those who are without the law, as without law (1 Cor. 9:20-21).

To Announce – This refers to Paul informing the priests that he and the other four men needed assistance to perform their sacrifices in seven days.

Jews From Asia – These were likely some of the same Jews who had been hostile to Paul in Ephesus (20:19), which is in the province of Asia.

v. 29 Trophimis – He was one of those who had joined Paul in presenting Ephesus’ gift to the poor in Jerusalem.

They Supposed – Paul had been in the temple with the Jewish believers, not the Gentiles. It was unlawful for a Gentile to enter. However, with rumors and prejudices against them, they began to see what they wanted to see.

Temple – Jews allowed Gentiles to only enter the court of the Gentiles, which lay outside the temple. Notices in Greek and Latin at the temple entrance read, “No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the temple and enclosure. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.”

30 And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. 31 Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another.

So when he could not ascertain the truth because of the tumult, he commanded him to be taken into the barracks. 35 When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. 36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!”

Addressing the Jerusalem Mob

37 Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I speak to you?”

He replied, “Can you speak Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?”

39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.”

40 So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

v. 31 Dragged Him – They took Paul out of the Court of Israel, down the steps, and into the outer court.

Commander of the Garrison – He, with his soldiers, were stationed northwest of the temple in the fortress of Antonia, built by Herod the Great. Two flights of stairs connected the fortress with the temple’s outer court.

v. 32 Centurions – A centurion commanded 100 men.

v. 33 Bound with Chains – This was done as had been foretold by the prophet Agabus (Acts 21:11).

v. 34 Barracks – Paul was led up the stairs that connected the Antonia Fort to the outer court of the Temple below.

v. 36 Away With Him – This term means “kill him.” The same words were shouted 27 years earlier in Jerusalem by the mob that sought the death of Jesus (John 19:15).

Paul’s Testimony at Jerusalem (v. 37-40)

v. 37 Speak Greek – The commander thought Paul was an Egyptian (see comment, v. 38).

v. 38 Egyptian – Three years before, an Egyptian Jew had come to Jerusalem claiming to be a prophet. He led his followers (4,000) to the Mount of Olives. They were to wait for his command which would miraculously bring down the walls of Jerusalem. They would then march in and take the city from the Romans. However, the Roman procurator Felix sent soldiers out to the Mount to kill or imprison them. All but a few escaped with the Egyptian. Their commander thought Paul was this Egyptian. He was beaten because of the anger toward this man who had recently deceived and given false hopes to the Jews.

Assassins – Sicarii is a Latin word the Greeks used during the rule of Felix (A.D. 52-59) to refer to terrorists. The word literally means “dagger-men.” They would mingle among crowds with daggers beneath their cloaks and stab selected pro-Roman Jews or Romans.

v. 39 Tarsus – Paul makes it clear that he is a citizen of Tarsus, a well-known center for business and education.

True Success

“For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” -Acts 22:15

Paul had passionately hoped for this day since his conversion to Christ. He had an undying desire to reach his own people, the Jews, for Christ. By God’s providence this violent response to Paul’s presence at the temple created a sovereign plan of God to make possible what seemed impossible. Paul was given an opportunity in a moment of time when Jews were gathered from all over the world to celebrate the Passover Feast. This was something he never could have made happen. But this riot made it possible. Paul hoped that his former life as a zealous persecutor of Christians would give him credibility before his fellow Jews. However, just as it had been when he was in Jerusalem soon after his conversion, it would prove to be the same still. The irrational pride in culture and traditions of men had hardened their hearts to the point that there was nothing Paul could say to reach them.

But the desire to proclaim Christ to these zealous Jews may not have been the failure it might appear at first glance. Success must be measured by more than how many people respond in faith to our efforts to bring others to Christ. We are called to present God’s gospel of grace in love and truth. We are then “innocent” of the blood of all men (20:26).
God seeks to make His salvation available. Our response will be the judgment we bring upon ourselves. It will be indisputable when the judgment that awaits us is given for those who turn their backs on the gospel given in the grace of God. God had ordained this event at the temple. He had already warned of the disastrous results. We who have accepted a place in this life as a servant of God must measure our success in simply being found faithful to what God has called us to do. We must let Him judge the results.

Acts 22:1-22

1 “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” 2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.

Then he said: 3 “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, 5 as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.

6 “Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8 So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’

Paul’s Message In The Temple (v. 1-30)

v. 1 Brethren and Fathers – Paul begins his message with a sincere expression of respect.

Defense – Paul seeks to defend being charged with seeking to turn Jews against the law and the temple (21:28).

v. 2 In Hebrew – This would have validated Paul’s identity as a Jew by using the language of the Jews.

v. 3 At The Feet – This refers to being a disciple, someone under the personal training of another.

Gamaliel – He was considered by many as the most honored rabbi of the first century.

Strictness of the Law – Paul makes clear the high regard he had been trained to have concerning the Law of Moses.

Of Our Fathers – This referred to Paul’s training and high regard for the traditions of the “fathers,” i.e. the religious customs passed down through generations.

Zealous – His zeal for God had been channeled through his impassioned opposition to anything that did not support the view of Judaism in which he had been trained.

v. 4 Death – It is not clear from scripture if Paul ever actually put Christians to death himself or handed over imprisoned Christians to be put to death by the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem. Acts 26:10 tells us that he testified against them to this end.

v. 5 The High Priest – Caiaphas had held this position during the period in Paul’s life when he was a violent persecutor of the church. Ananias was the High Priest when Paul wrote this, and would have had access records to validate Paul’s claim.

v. 6 At About Noon – Paul adds this bit of information, which Luke had not recounted earlier, to emphasis that the supernatural light is brighter than the noonday sun.

Light – Throughout human history, God has appeared at times enveloped in light, called His “Shekinah Glory” (Matt. 17:1-5; 1 Kings 8:11; Ez. 10:4; Luke 2:9).

v. 7 Persecuting Me – Jesus identified with believers in such a way that for Saul to persecute the believers was to persecute Jesus Himself.

9 “And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. 10 So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

12 “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, 13 came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. 14 Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. 15 For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

17 “Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance 18 and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ 19 So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. 20 And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ 21 Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’”

Paul’s Roman Citizenship

22 And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!”

v. 10 Lord – This indicates the beginning of Saul’s conversion as he acknowledges the lordship of Jesus Christ.

v. 14 The God of our Fathers – This was a common term used to make the connection between the true and living God with His historical relationship with the Jews.

See the Just One – Jesus uses a phrase of God’s from the O.T. here. To have had this visual encounter with Jesus was extremely important to Paul in validating his calling and beliefs (Acts 26:16; 1 Cor. 9:1, 15:8).

v. 15 His Witness – Paul validates the call he received to proclaim who and what Jesus is.

v. 16 Wash Away Your Sins – This refers to the God-ordained rite of baptism as an external act representing a purification of the soul through faith in Jesus Christ’s act on the cross—where He took away the sins of the whole world (1 Cor. 6:11; Rev. 1:5, 7:14; Is. 1:16).

Calling – Paul will later write to the Romans that salvation is based on the simple act of faith--calling upon Jesus Christ to save a person from the due judgment for sin--“For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13).

v. 17 To Jerusalem – This would refer to his visit three years after his conversion (Gal. 1:17-18).

In the Temple – Paul, like the other early Jewish believers, continued his worship of God in the Jewish temple.

Trance – This experience has also been called an ecstasy or vision. Paul makes reference to other visions and revelations he had over the course of his service to Christ (2 Cor. 12:1-5).

v. 18 Will Not Receive – Jesus cautions Paul not to labor in a field that will not bear fruit.

v. 19 Beat – During the first years of Christianity, Christians customarily joined the Jews in their worship at the synagogue.

v. 20 Stephen – Paul felt that it was logical for the crowd could see that only a true divine encounter with God could have so radically changed him from aiding the death of Christians to now be willing to die for Christ (Acts 7:58-60).

v. 22 Lifted Up Their Voices – Paul ignited the anger of the Jews when he declared that the Jews were hardened to truth, and that the Gentiles, whom the Jews considered spiritually inferior, were more acceptable prospects in responding to God.

Faithful Witness

“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’” -Acts 23:11

No doubt Paul had waited and hoped for an opportunity such as this since his conversion. Paul’s passion to bring the Jewish people to Christ was so intense that he wrote to the Christians in Rome that he would gladly give up his own salvation if it could somehow bring the Jewish people to Christ (Rom. 9:3). This, of course, was not possible, but it does reveal how strongly Paul felt about the Jewish people.

This riot had given him an opportunity to proclaim Christ to tens of thousands of Jews from all over the world who were gathered there for one of the great Jewish festivals.

Even though he was nearly killed by the crowd, after all these years he received a chance to proclaim Christ and explain how a devout Jew such as himself could have become a Christian. Paul hoped in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to use his own experience as a proof that if he, a former zealous persecutor of Christians, could be converted it was reasonable to believe that they could as well. He also gave the example of Ananias, also a devout Jew, whom Jesus had sent to Paul to reveal Christ’s call upon him and to pray for Paul’s healing (Acts 9:10-19).

Yet, no matter how tactful and respectful Paul was of the Jewish traditions and culture as he approached the mob at the temple, they became so enraged at hearing Paul refer to God’s concern for Gentiles that they would hear of nothing but a proclamation to kill him. But don’t think for a moment this was a failure for Paul. In fact, Jesus affirmed Paul here, telling him to “Be of good cheer…For as you have testified for me in Jerusalem so you must also bear witness in Rome” (23:11).

Like Paul, our success is to be faithful to proclaim Christ. The result is between God and those to whom we have been a witness of Christ. Simply proclaiming Him is in itself success – a success of faithful love to God and humanity, which will result in hearing on Judgment Day, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21-23).

Acts 22:23-23:11

23 Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him. 25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?”

26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.”

27 Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?”

He said, “Yes.”

28 The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.”

And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”

29 Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

The Sanhedrin Divided

30 The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.

v. 23 Dust – Shimei had done something similar to show his disgust with David (2 Sam. 16:13).

v. 24 Barracks – This was the fort, the tower of Antonia adjacent to the temple courtyard and used by the Roman occupation forces.

Examined Under Scourging – This was a common method to secure a forced confession of wrong doing. Scourging involved being whipped with the “flagellum,” thin leather whips joined together that had pieces of bone and metal woven into them.

v. 25 A Roman – It was a crime to scourge a citizen of Rome until after a trial had ordered it.

v. 28 Born a Citizen – There were very few Roman citizens within the Roman Empire. To become one, a person had to be born to a father who was a citizen, receive it as a reward for special service to Rome, or purchase it with a costly bribe.

v. 29 Bound Him – To treat a citizen of Rome in a shameful manner was a grave legal error.

v. 30 To Appear – The Roman official turned to the proper way to ascertain the cause of the uproar.

Acts 23

1 Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?”

4 And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?”

5 Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”

Chapter 23

Facing Persecution

The Plot Against Paul (v. 1-30)

v. 1 The Council – This was the assembly of 70 Jewish elders who ruled over the national life of the Jews.

Good Conscience – This had constantly been Paul’s view of his inner motivations (Acts 24:16).

v. 2 Ananias – He was High Priest from AD 47 to 59 and basically a puppet of Rome and disliked by most Jews. Jewish Zealots assassinated him in AD 66.

God Will Strike – Paul predicted God’s justice to be brought to bear upon the High Priest who stood in the most honored place of Jewish religious life, yet his leadership was a dishonor to God.

White Washed Wall – A common metaphorical statement to describe a hypocrite, this phrase refers to a wall with cracks and imperfections that is white washed with lime or gypsum to make it appear better than it really was (Mt. 23:27; Ez. 13:10-12).

Contrary to the Law – As the judge produced no evidence or justification, he unlawfully misused his authority when he ordered Paul struck.

v. 5 I Did Not Know – Various reasons have been proposed for Paul’s words: 1. Paul’s known bad eyesight made him unable to see who ordered him to be struck. 2. Ananias had not put on the robes unique to the office of High Priest. 3. Paul was speaking with irony. He did not recognize Ananias as a true High Priest because of his ungodly reputation and behavior before Paul.

You Shall Not – Paul quotes Exodus 22:28 and chooses to show respect for the office, even though he cannot do so for the person.

v. 6 Sadducees – This sect of the Jews was the most politically powerful of the various sects. They did not believe in angels or the spirit world in general, the resurrection, or life after death.

And the Other – The Sanhedrin sat in a semicircle with the Pharisees primarily on one side and the Sadducees on the other.

Pharisees – Though not having the same political power as the Sadducees, they had a strong influence on the common Jews. They believed in the spirit world, after life, and resurrection. As well, they had an intense commitment to the customs and traditions of Jewish culture.

I Am a Pharisee – There was nothing inconsistent with the core beliefs of Pharisees and scripture, except their interpretation of those scriptures as they related to Jesus. Paul, who had been a Pharisee, saw no reason he could not still identify with his religious upbringing.

Son of a Pharisee – Paul’s father was a Roman citizen and thus not likely a Pharisee. His mother was a Jew. One possible interpretation is that Paul was referring to a long heritage of Pharisees on his mother’s side of the family or to his Jewish mentor Gamaliel (22:3).

Being Judged – Paul realizes that he will not get a fair trial before this High Priest or its Sadducee majority. He therefore uses his identification with the beliefs of the Pharisees as a way to find support among the Sanhedrin who were Pharisees.

7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.”

10 Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.

The Plot Against Paul

11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”

v. 9 We Find No Evil – Pharisees so intensely hated the Sadducees that once Paul was perceived as believing things contrary to the Sadducees, they took on Paul’s defense as if it was their own.

v. 11 The Lord – This encouragement from Jesus makes clear that all that transpired since Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem was purposed by the Lord.

Also at Rome – What brought Paul “good cheer” was not that he would be delivered from these troubles, but that these troubles would bring him to Rome so he could be a witness for Christ in what was then the world’s most powerful city.