In this concluding chapter of Acts written by Luke, Paul was a prisoner aboard a ship which was headed to Rome. He had been taken prisoner several years before (Acts 21:26-36) when many of the Jews became angry about Paul’s preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. In reality, the Jews falsely accused Paul of teaching people to disregard the law of Moses and stirred up this controversy wherever he preached (Acts 21:21). In order to defend himself, Paul had already made his case to the governor Felix (Acts 24:10-27), the governor Festus (Acts 25:1-12), as well as King Agrippa (Acts 26:1-32). All of his attempts at explaining his message landed on deaf ears and his imprisonment on this ship was his current circumstance. After many weeks on aboard the ship as a prisoner, God miraculously delivered the 276 passengers (27:37) from certain death as they weathered a fourteen day storm (Acts 27). Although their landing was not smooth, each person escaped to the island nearby (27:44).

When they escaped from the ship, they “found out that the island was called Malta” which is about sixty miles south of Sicily (28:1). This means that the storm had brought them approximately 600 miles from the island of Crete. Luke writes that the inhabitants of Malta showed them hospitality and even made them a fire to keep them warm (28:2), “but when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out…and fastened on his hand” (28:3). Upon seeing this, the superstitious natives thought Paul must have been a murderer (28:4), but he simply shook the snake from his hand and was not injured (28:5). The residents of Malta were waiting for him to drop dead, but when they witnessed that no harm had come to him they thought he was a god (28:6).

For the next three days Paul resided in the home of Publius, whose father became gravely ill (28:7-8a), so Paul prays and the man is healed (28:8b). When everyone on the island of Malta heard that Paul had healed this man, those who were sick also came and were healed (28:9). For the next three months, Paul was honored in many ways and the people “provided such things as were necessary” (28:10). When the weather made travel by sea possible again, Paul sailed on an Alexandrian ship to Rome and “the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (28:11-16). Acts 28:30 reveals that Paul’s captivity arrangement was like being under house arrest.

After he had been in Rome for three days, Paul called for the Jewish leaders of the synagogue and again defended himself declaring that he was not guilty of disrespecting Jewish people or their traditions (28:17-19). Paul explained that the only reason he was a prisoner was for speaking the truth about the hope of Israel, meaning that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah who had died and rose again for the sins of mankind (28:20). The Jewish religious leaders acted as if they did not know anything about Paul or the message he had been spreading in Jerusalem, so they provided him an outlet to speak (28:21-22).

When the day arrived, many came to Paul’s residence to hear him teach about Jesus Christ – some believed what he was saying might be true and some did not (28:23-24). This disagreement amongst them caused them to leave, but before they departed Paul quoted from the prophet Isaiah saying, “…the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them” (28:27). Through his words to the Jews, Paul was exposing their refusal to believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and their rejection caused Paul to say, “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” (28:28) Paul had preached to many Jews throughout his missionary journeys and most turned their back on his message, so the gospel would now be focused on reaching the Gentiles.

Paul spent the next two years in Rome receiving all who would come to him and “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence…” (28:30-31). During this two year imprisonment, Paul also wrote the “Prison Epistles” which are Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians. So, at the conclusion of the book of Acts we find that Paul has successfully taken the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome bringing light to the world through the hope which is in Jesus Christ.

Dear God, make me a faithful witness of the gospel to all people, tongues, tribes, and nations.

Paul was turned over to Julius (a centurion of the Augustan Regiment) as a prisoner and was joined by his close friend Luke, who is also the writer of Acts (27:1). Paul had done his best to defend himself against the unjust accusations of the Jews, but he had failed at each attempt and now found himself held captive. Although the Pharisees (23:9), the Jerusalem commander Lysias (23:29), the governor Festus (25:25), and King Agrippa (26:32) had all declared Paul’s innocence, he was now a prisoner headed to Rome.

As their journey by ship began, they encountered very rough seas (27:2-8) until finally landing in a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea (27:8). It seems that the sailors were not happy to spend much time in Fair Havens so they contemplated setting sail again, although the seas were almost impassable (27:12). Paul spoke up and warned about sailing on dangerous seas saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only the cargo and ship, but also our lives” (27:10). Contrary to Paul’s advice, Julius decided to venture into the sea sailing close by Crete (27:13); however, a strong wind caught the ship and took it into the sea (27:14-15). The storm became so dangerous that the crew had to pull the lifeboat aboard (27:16-17) and throw all excess supplies overboard (27:18). Luke writes that after being caught in the storm for many days, they lost “all hope that we would be saved…” (27:20).

After finding themselves in a hopeless position, Paul says “You should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship” (27:21). How could Paul say this? During the night, an angel of God spoke to him saying, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you” (27:23-24). This had to be an unexpected blessing to all those on board this ship.

After fourteen nights of being stuck in the storm being tossed back and forth, the sailors sensed that they were coming close to land so they were about to drop the lifeboat in the water (27:25-30; however, Paul warned that “unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved” so the men cut the ropes holding the lifeboat (27:31-32). This action was an evidence of faith in the God of Paul and now meant that they would have to stay on the boat no matter the outcome. As the day dawned, Paul encouraged the men to eat because they had not eaten in two weeks due to seasickness and possibly the difficulty in preparing food on a dangerous sea (27:33-34). Paul then took bread in the midst of all the men on board and gave thanks to God for His provision and protection (27:35-36). After they had eaten, they threw more supplies off of the ship as well as their food supplies (27:38).

When it was finally day, they did not recognize the land nearby but decided to try to run the ship aground (27:39). They nearly succeeded by wedging the ship in a place where the two seas met but the soldiers aboard had conspired to kill all the prisoners lest any of them would escape (27:40-42). Julius desired to save Paul so he “kept them from their purpose, and commanded those who could swim should jump overboard first and swim to land, and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship” (27:43-44a). Because of this decision by the centurion, everyone on board escaped safely to land (27:44b).

As we read the harrowing events which happened at sea, we are truly able to see God at work in protecting Paul and all those around him. Even those who were pagan benefited from Paul’s presence on the ship and were granted mercy. Paul’s faith and testimony should be a challenge for us to trust God even when the circumstances seem bleak because our faith can be a light to those who are in darkness.

Dear God, help me to trust You in the difficult times so that others may see Your faithfulness to those who belong to You.

Paul has experienced much hardship over the last several weeks. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul was arrested in the temple (21:26-29), taken captive by the Roman government (21:30-36), defended himself before angry Jews (21:37-22:29), and then made another defense before the Sanhedrin (22:30-23:10). None of the people who listened to Paul were satisfied with his defense which ultimately stemmed from their utter hatred for the message he preached. So many people were embracing the forgiveness of Jesus Christ and therefore turning their back on obtaining God’s favor through obedience to the law of Moses. Although Paul was always respectful to Jewish law and never encouraged people to disobey it, he taught that adherence to the law could not bring salvation. However, the Jews would not tolerate what they considered to be an undermining of their religious system.

Paul was eventually sent to the governor Felix’s house to be imprisoned, but in reality his imprisonment was for his own safety as a Jewish mob had formed to bring an end to Paul’s life(23:11-35). Imprisoned in the house of Felix, Paul’s accusers finally arrived but nothing was settled so he spent the next two years being held there (24:27). Festus succeeded Felix as governor and upon familiarizing himself with his province he traveled to Jerusalem (25:1). In Jerusalem he spoke with the high priest and chief men of the Jews who were obviously still bitter against Paul (25:2). Since they had not succeeded in their appeals to Felix, they decided to try their luck with the new governor. Luke writes that these men asked Festus for a favor which involved a plot to kill Paul (25:3); however, Festus did not give in and invited them to come to Caesarea to bring a charge against him (25:3-5). After more than ten days in Jerusalem Festus returned to Caesarea commanding Paul to be brought to him (25:6). The Jews began bringing many charges against Paul, but they could not prove anything that they were saying (25:7-8).

Wanting to do the Jews a favor, Festus asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem to be judged concerning the charges against him (25:9); but Paul declared his right as a Roman citizen to be judged in Rome, not Jerusalem (25:10-11). After conferring with the council, Festus agrees to send Paul to Rome (25:12). Several days later, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice come to greet Festus in Caesarea (25:13) and he informs them of Paul’s case (25:14a). Festus declares, “There is a certain man left a prisoner of Felix, about whom the chief priests and the elders informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him” (25:14b-15). Festus goes on to explain that it is not customary for Romans to sentence a man to punishment or death before he has had a chance to face his accusers, so he invited the Jews to bring charges against him (25:16). Festus then informs King Agrippa that the Jews brought nothing worthy of punishment or death for Paul, but that the dispute rested in “questions against him [Paul] about their own religion, and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive” (25:17-19). King Agrippa decided that he would also like to hear this man, Paul, so the next day he was brought into the auditorium (25:22-23).

King Agrippa permits Paul to speak and he recounts his entire life for him so that he can have a full understanding of the charges brought forth by the Jews (26:1a). Paul begins by reminding Agrippa that he also was raised a Pharisee (most strict group of religious Jews)and was familiar with persecuting the church for their belief in Jesus Christ (26:1b-11); however, Paul shares with King Agrippa how he was converted to Christianity on his way to Damascus (26:12-18). After telling Agrippa about his conversion, Paul tells how he was then commissioned by God to take the news about Jesus Christ to the Jews and Gentiles calling them to “repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance” (26:19-23).

Festus stands up following Paul’s defense and is surprised that he could believe that anyone could rise from the dead (26:24), but Paul defends Jesus’ resurrection saying that “this thing was not done in a corner” (26:25-26). Jesus’ resurrection was widely known throughout Palestine and Paul even turned to King Agrippa saying, “Do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe” (26:27). King Agrippa speaks up declaring, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (26:28). Paul then expresses his desire for everyone hearing his voice to believe as he also believes (26:29). With these words Paul concluded his defense, so Festus and Agrippa privately discuss his fate and they decide that he has done nothing wrong, but that he must be kept captive (26:30-32).

Paul has experienced so much uncertainty in his ministry, but he refuses to give up. His persevering attitude should be an example to all those who follow Christ and give them hope in the midst of tough times. Although Paul seemed to continually face opposition to his message, he was faithful to proclaim the truth without compromise.

Dear God, make me a faithful follower who perseveres through trials and temptations so that hope through Jesus Christ can be proclaimed to all who will hear.

Imprisoned inside the residence of the governor, Felix, Paul awaited his Jewish accusers to arrive so he could give his defense (23:31-35). The Jews had falsely accused Paul of ignoring Jewish law and traditions so they formed an angry crowd to basically kill him without a proper trial. The Roman commander, Lysias, became aware of the situation and rescued Paul from certain death, even though he did not know all the details (21:30-36). Paul gave a defense before the Sanhedrin (council of Jewish leaders) but they were divided amongst themselves over the doctrine of the resurrection (22:30-23:10). Paul was sent back to prison in Jerusalem, but a plot was formed between 40 Jews and the religious leaders to kill Paul (23:11-15); however, Lysias was privately informed about the conspiracy against Paul and sent him to a safe haven, away from the Jews, with Felix until a proper examining could take place (23:16-27).

After five days of being held captive in the residence of Felix the governor, the high priest (Ananias) arrived with the elders and Tertullus (an orator) to give “evidence to the governor against Paul” (24:1). At this point, no one had found Paul guilty of anything worthy of imprisonment or death (23:27-29), so the Jews were going to make their best case against him. Tertullus arrogantly stood before Felix accusing Paul of causing “dissension among all the Jews throughout all the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes” (24:2-5); furthermore, Tertullus said that Paul even attempted “to profane the temple” (24:6). Paul was being accused of rebellion, teaching false doctrine, and blasphemy against God. At the core of their accusations was their hatred for Christianity and Paul’s message of salvation through Jesus Christ. His teachings were a threat to the Jews and they were willing say anything to bring severe judgment upon Paul. According to Roman law rebellion would have been the most serious crime, possibly resulting in death. Of course all of their claims were false.

Paul finally has a chance to speak and denies all of their charges (24:10-13) but also confesses that he worships God “believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets” (24:14). The biggest difference between Paul and his accusers was not necessarily their acceptance of the Old Testament but the identity of Jesus Christ. Was Jesus Christ the Messiah, as Paul believed, or was He not the Savior promised in the Old Testament (Genesis 3:15)? Paul continues to explain that he did not come to Jerusalem with a “mob nor with tumult [riot]” but only to bring an offering to Jerusalem (24:17-18). When Felix “heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way [Christianity]” he dismissed the proceedings until Lysias arrived (24:22-23).

After several days, Felix and his Jewish wife, Drusilla, “sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ” (24:24). This is an incredible opportunity! Paul begins to talk about “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” but Felix becomes fearful and says, “Go away for now; when I have convenient time I will call for you” (24:25). Paul message of righteousness had brought conviction upon Felix, whose life was anything but righteous. He obtained his current wife, Drusilla, by stealing her from her husband. This moment of conviction quickly passed and then Felix began secretly hoping that Paul would give him money to be released (24:26). Two years passed and Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus as governor, but Paul was left imprisoned (24:27).

Paul’s encounter with Felix is an unfortunate story. Paul took the opportunity to share the truth about Jesus Christ with him, but Felix’s life of sin meant more to him than a relationship with God. Felix quickly dismissed his fear of judgment and pushed aside the voice of truth. Although God offers hope and forgiveness to those who repent of sin and turn to Him in faith, that moment of salvation may be lost when a person rejects the witness of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11). When Paul spoke to the people of Corinth he passionately declared, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2b). There is no need to delay your faith in Christ. Because of His great love for mankind, God sent His only Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for sin and those who by faith embrace His sacrifice will receive eternal life (John 3:16).

Dear God, thank You for offering forgiveness and hope to sinners. May those who are confronted with their sin turn in repentance to You and find mercy.

Paul had narrowly escaped his encounter with the angry Jewish mob at Jerusalem and his resulting captivity by Roman authorities (22:22-24). Only through his revelation to the Roman centurion about being a Roman citizen saved him from impending death (22:25-29). The Jews had stirred up the crowds at Jerusalem by spreading lies about Paul’s treatment of Jewish tradition. They believed he was teaching those Jews who came to faith in Jesus Christ to discontinue Jewish rituals; however, this was nothing but a lie (21:20-21). Paul never taught Jews to disrespect or forsake their Jewish heritage, but he did warn them that obedience to their traditions would never bring salvation. Only faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for sin could bring salvation from the power of sin and death.

After making his defense to the crowd at Jerusalem, Paul called for a meeting with the Sanhedrin (the council) so they could explain “why he [Paul] was accused by the Jews” (22:30). Paul spoke first saying, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (23:1). When Ananias, the high priest, heard Paul speak he commanded those who stood nearby Paul to “strike him on the mouth” (23:2). Paul reacted to this treatment by saying, “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?” (23:3) His angry reaction to the high priest, whom Paul probably did not know was the high priest, caused those who stood around to say, “Do you revile [insult] God’s high priest?” (23:4) Jewish law did call for the respect of the high priest, so Paul was wrong in his reaction and quickly admitted his wrongdoing saying, “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’” (23:5, also see Exodus 22:28). Even though Paul was being falsely accused, he recognized that he had violated the law by talking disrespectfully to the high priest. This action showed Paul’s outstanding character and sensitivity to God’s law.

The council gathered to hear Paul was comprised of both Sadducees and Pharisees. Normally these two groups did not get along because they differed on their belief in the resurrection. The Sadducees only viewed the first five books of the Old Testament as Scripture and did not believe in the resurrection; however, the Pharisees did believe in the resurrection and afterlife (23:6-8). Since Paul was aware of this difference, having been a Pharisee himself, he raised one of the most foundational teachings of Christianity – the resurrection. When the Pharisees and Sadducees heard Paul speak of this, the Pharisees rushed to defend Paul but now he was caught in the middle of these two feuding groups and had to be taken by force by the soldiers to prison (23:9-10).

No doubt exhausted by the occurrences over the last several hours, Paul found himself locked in a Roman prison when the Lord appeared to him saying, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome” (23:11). God’s appearance to Paul in this vision must have been a huge encouragement to him; after all, he was facing some harsh persecution for speaking the truth. God seems to know just the right time to show up and bring comfort to a weary soul.

Although you would assume things get better from here, things continue to get worse. Forty Jews made a pact that they would not eat or drink until Paul was killed, so they conspired with the council to bring Paul in for more questioning, but they would kill him while he was en route (23:12-15). Paul’s nephew became aware of the plot and warned Paul in prison (23:16). A centurion then ended up taking Paul’s nephew to the commander and the boy revealed this plot against Paul (23:17-22).

The commander decided that Paul needed to leave Jerusalem for his own safety, so he provided “two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen” (23:23) to escort him to Caesarea where Felix the governor resided (23:24). The commander, Lysias, write a letter to Felix to be delivered with Paul saying, “This man was seized by the Jews…and when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought them before their council. I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains” (23:27-29). The letter concluded with Lysias saying, “And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him” (23:30). So, the letter and Paul were delivered to Felix and he was kept in Herod’s Praetorium (Felix’s residence) until his accusers arrived (23:31-35). Paul continued to be protected by God even under some of the most adverse circumstances a person could face.

Dear God, we delight in the times You bring encouragement into our lives in order to provide hope. Please be near to those who are broken, confused, and fearful.

Paul had arrived in Jerusalem and was well received by the Christians; however, they warned of possible persecution because many were saying that he ignored Jewish customs and traditions(21:15-21). Although Paul was careful to respect the law of Moses, he did not believe obedience to the law could bring salvation. Throughout his ministry, the Jews had often opposed Paul because of his message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Regretfully, the Jews did not accept Jesus as Savior and therefore rejected Paul’s teaching and sought to silence him. Paul was aware of the danger he faced from the Jews, but this did not hinder his teaching and preaching.

When the leaders at Jerusalem made Paul aware of the dangers facing him, he decided to honor Jewish tradition by engaging in a seven day purification ritual (21:22-26). This ritual reflected a cleansing after a Jew had traveled to a Gentile city. Paul entered the temple on the seventh day, but was immediately taken captive by a mob of people and the angry multitude sought to kill him (21:27-31). A Roman commander and his soldiers stepped in and took Paul captive, but while he was being taken he asked the commander to speak to the people (21:32-39). The Roman commander agreed so Paul motioned to the people and when they became silent, he began to speak saying, “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now” (21:40-22:1). The people listened intently because he spoke in Aramaic, the common language of the Palestinian Jews (22:2).

Paul begins by telling them about his life before being converted saying, “I am indeed a Jew…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. I persecuted this Way [Christianity] to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women…” (22:3-4). In essence, Paul was declaring that he used to be just as antagonistic toward Christianity as they were. But then Paul retells the story of his journey to Damascus, where he was going to imprison more Christians, and how the Lord confronted him about his persecution of God’s followers (22:6-9). Continuing to tell the story, Paul says that the Lord told him that he would now be a witness to all people about Jesus Christ and especially to the Gentiles (22:10-21).

Upon hearing Paul’s defense, the crowd responded with raised voices saying, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!” (22:22) In preparation to stone Paul, the people began tearing their clothes and throwing dust in the air because of their intense anger at Paul (22:23-24). As they were securing Paul to be beaten and stoned, he said to the centurion, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?” (22:25) Since Paul was a Roman citizen, it was illegal for the Romans to beat him. When the commander became aware of this, they withdrew from Paul for fear that they themselves would be put to death for breaking Roman law (22:26-29).

Again, Paul evidences tremendous courage in the face of imminent danger and God spares him from certain death.

Dear God, give strength to those who continually must stand strong in the face of persecution. I know there are people all over the world who fear for their lives each day because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Help the church to pray for their strength.

Paul is in Miletus speaking to the Ephesian elders who have gathered together (Acts 20:17-18) and he uses this opportunity to challenge them to be faithful in the ministry God has given them. The church was under much pressure and persecution so Paul was preparing them for what may lie ahead. Using his own ministry as an example, Paul declares that he has served the Lord “with all humility, with many tears and trials…” so that he could “preach repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (20:19, 21).

Paul now turns his words toward the Ephesian elders and urges them to be faithful in preaching the truth because there are many who will seek to destroy the church through false teaching (20:25-30). These leaders, whom Paul refers to as overseers, had a responsibility to protect the people entrusted to them by closely guarding the word of the Lord. There have always been those who twist and misuse the Bible to fit their own belief system; however, the church must stand against the compromise of truth. Paul commands these leaders to “watch” (20:31).

After giving a few more words of challenge, Paul prays with all of these men and they are sorrowful to see him depart (20:32-38). Paul boarded a ship bound for Jerusalem and on his journey they stopped in Tyre where he found some disciples who told him through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem (21:1-4). They had foreseen the persecution Paul would face in Jerusalem, so they were attempting to stop him from encountering this hardship. Even though Paul understood their concern, he felt that he needed to go to Jerusalem so he departed and eventually arrived in Caesarea where he stayed in the house of Philip (21:5-8). While staying at the home of Philip, a prophet named Agabus (see Acts 11:27-30) came there and warned Paul of his upcoming imprisonment at Jerusalem (21:9-11). Many began pleading with Paul to suspend his journey to Jerusalem, but he told them that he was “ready not only to be bound, but also die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (21:12-13). Paul was on a mission and willing to do whatever it took to spread the message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. With all of his heart, Paul desired to be used by God for the furtherance of the gospel even if preaching would cost him his life. How far am I willing to go for the sake of Jesus Christ?

Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Paul met with the disciples and told them of all the things which had been occurring among the Gentiles (21:15-19). The people rejoiced for all the Gentiles who were being saved, but they quickly warned Paul about the Judaizers (believed salvation comes through obedience to the law of Moses), who knew he was in Jerusalem (21:20-21). Paul was not against the law of Moses, but he did not believe keeping it could bring salvation. Throughout his ministry, Paul always tried to be respectful to the Jewish traditions such as making Timothy, a Gentile, get circumcised so that he could more effectively minister to the Jews (see Acts 16:1-3).

Since the leaders in the church at Jerusalem were concerned for Paul, they asked him to take a Nazarite vow (symbolized a total commitment to God) and go through a Jewish purification ritual in order to show them that he “walk[ed] orderly and keep the law”(21:22-24). James was not requiring Paul to disregard the decision of the Jerusalem council (see Acts 15), but was only asking him to be respectful of Jewish tradition. Paul began this seven day purification ritual and on the final day he entered the temple but they immediately took him captive and began beating him with every intention of putting him to death (21:26-31). When a Roman commander heard what was happening, he took soldiers to the scene, but could not discern why they were beating this man so he commanded them to imprison him (21:32-34). The crowd became so violent against Paul that he had to be carried by the soldiers to the barracks while the mob shouted, “Away with him!” (21:35-36)

When I see Paul’s passion for Jesus Christ, I am convicted of my lack of devotion to Him. Although I profess belief in His saving power, I struggle with making my life fully available to Him to be used however He sees fit.

Dear God, use my life in whatever way You want.

Paul had caused quite a stir in Ephesus and throughout Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). His faithfulness in preaching the gospel and equipping believers to spread the message of Jesus Christ had resulted in everyone dwelling in the region hearing the word of the Lord (19:10). Even those in Ephesus who were workers of evil had been convinced of their sinfulness before God and repented of their wicked ways (19:11-20). Good seemed to be overcoming evil.

After this time, Paul began to desire to travel to the churches at Macedonia and Achaia on his way to Jerusalem, but he also desired to visit Rome in the future (19:21). To prepare for his arrival in Macedonia, Paul sent Timothy and Erastus who collected an offering for the church at Jerusalem (19:22). But “about this time there arose a great commotion about the Way [Christianity]. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen” (19:23-24). Diana, also known as Artemis, was a goddess whose center of worship was located in Ephesus. Paul’s message to worship God alone caused many to turn their backs on the worship of false gods such as Diana. This began affecting the purchase of silver shrines being crafted by Demetrius and obviously cut into his profit. So Demetrius gathered the other silversmiths in Ephesus and accused Paul of three things: telling people that idols are not gods (19:26), diminishing the reputation of all silversmiths (19:27a), and causing people to turn away from worshiping Diana (19:27b).

Upon hearing this, the silversmiths were angered and said, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” This outcry caused so much confusion throughout the city of Ephesus that Paul’s traveling companions (Gaius and Aristarchus) were taken captive (19:28-29). Paul wanted to rush to their defense, but the other disciples would not allow him (19:30-32). This crowd became out of control and the Jews wanted to make sure that they were not caught in the middle so they made Alexander their spokesman (19:33); however, the riotous crowd did not want to hear a Jew so they began crying out, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians” for two hours (19:34). Finally, the city clerk quieted the crowd and explained that they had improperly brought Paul’s companions before the assembly so he dismissed everyone (19:35-41).

Following the riot, Paul called together his disciples and departed to Macedonia and then to Greece (probably in city of Corinth) where he stayed for three months (20:1-3a). The Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, so he decided to return to Macedonia (20:3b). Luke mentions the details of Paul’s travels throughout Greece (20:4-6). Paul finally reunited with his team in Troas where they celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ together (20:7a).

Paul continued to speak to those gathered in Troas until midnight. Luke provides the details of what happened during this gathering, “There were lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep” (20:8-9a). Eutychus was probably affected by the fumes in the room, so he fell asleep while Paul was speaking and fell out the third story window to his death (20:9b). Paul ran to Eutychus and fell on him, embracing him, and life was restored to him (20:10-12).

From Troas, Paul departs for Miletus (20:13-16) where he addresses the Ephesian elders (20:17). When they gathered together to Paul in Miletus, he recounted how he had attempted to be faithful in preaching the message of salvation through Jesus Christ in spite of opposition (20:18-21). Then Paul makes one of the greatest statements regarding faithfulness in the work to which he has been called: “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” (20:24). We also have been entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ and should be faithful to share it, even when we face opposition. God has given us life so that we might speak to others about the grace of God given through His Son, Jesus Christ. We cannot be silent.

Dear God, use me to faithfully testify of the grace of God provided through Jesus Christ that I might also finish this life with joy.

Luke had documented for the reader the beginnings of the church in Corinth where Paul had encountered a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla (18:1-3). He invested time in this couple and eventually left them to minister in Ephesus (18:18-23). While serving the church in Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla encountered Apollos who was a man familiar with the God of the Old Testament and even believed in Jesus as Savior (18:24-25). However, Luke writes that Apollos “knew only the baptism of John the Baptist” (18:25b). John the Baptist simply came to prepare the way for the arrival of the Messiah and his baptism symbolized repentance or cleansing (Luke 1:16-17). John’s baptism and Christian baptism were distinct. John baptized prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus, whereas after the establishment of the church baptism outwardly symbolized a person’s identifying with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. In order to bring Apollos to a fuller understanding of Jesus, Aquila and Priscilla explained to Apollos the significance of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (18:26). After comprehending this, Apollos began to preach and teach of Jesus finally ending up in Corinth (19:1).

At this time, Paul was in Ephesus conversing with some who were followers of John the Baptist and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” The people responded to Paul’s question saying, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit” (19:2). When he heard their answer Paul said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They immediately responded saying, “into John’s baptism” (19:3). Since true believers receive the Holy Spirit at the moment of their faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13), Paul could safely surmise that these people were not genuine believers. Although they had repented through the act of being baptized, they did not understand John’s full message. Paul said to them, “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” (19:4). These disciples of John the Baptist had not yet recognized Jesus Christ as the One for whom John was preparing the way. When the people heard and believed the words of Paul, “they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (19:5) and received the Holy Spirit (19:6-7).

Paul spent the next three months “reasoning and persuading concerning the kingdom of God” in the synagogue, but many rose up against him forcing him to depart (19:8-9a). After not being received in the synagogue, Paul spent the next two years preaching and teaching inside the school of Tyrannus (a lecture hall) “so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (19:9b-10).

God began working great miracles through Paul (19:11-12) and even the Jewish exorcists noticed the power which he possessed in casting out evil spirits (19:13). In their process of casting out demons, they started saying “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches” (19:13b). In their minds they were calling on the Lord Jesus, a more powerful spirit being, to cast out demons. They did not believe in Jesus Christ as Savior. Luke specifically mentions the seven sons of Jewish priest named Sceva who attempted to cast out an evil spirit, but the spirit responds saying “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (19:14-15) The authority to cast out demons was given only to Jesus and the apostles and the evil spirit realized this. Without warning, the evil spirit attacks the seven sons causing them to flee (19:16). When this became known to Jews and Greeks in Ephesus, “fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds” (19:17-18). Not only did the authority of Jesus and the apostles have an impact on the people of Ephesus, but also on those who practiced magic. Luke writes that the magicians “brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all” (19:19). When they totaled up the value of these evil books of spells, it totaled 50,000 pieces of silver (19:19b). This is an amazing response to the truth!

Many saw the power of God evidenced through the apostle Paul and believed his message of salvation through Jesus Christ (19:20). At every turn, Paul faced false doctrine and evil people who were consumed with sin; however, Paul stood firm on the message of Jesus Christ and did not compromise it. He was faithful to preach and teach Christ with boldness whether he was in the synagogue or surrounded by workers of evil. We must also be faithful in proclaiming Christ no matter who is listening!

Dear God, make me a faithful servant.

While Paul had been separated from Silas and Timothy, he spent his time speaking with the Greek philosophers in Athens (17:16-34). Although many who were listening did not receive his message about God being the Creator of all and Jesus Christ being His offspring who was sent to call us to repentance (17:22-31), a few men joined Paul and believed that what he said was true (17:34). After spending some time in Athens, Paul departed to the city of Corinth where he met a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla (18:1-2). This couple had arrived from Rome because Claudius had commanded all Jews to leave Rome in about AD 49. Luke reveals that Paul met them because they worked in the same trade – tent making (18:3). In addition to tent making, Paul also continued to preach the gospel in the synagogue every Sabbath persuading Jews and Greeks of salvation through Jesus Christ (18:4).

Silas and Timothy finally came from Macedonia (Acts 17:14) to meet Paul in Corinth where he was “compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ” (18:5). Of course the Jews did not receive his message, so he declared, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles” (18:6). Paul had fulfilled his duty in presenting the truth about Jesus Christ to the Jews, but they had consistently rejected and blasphemed the name of Jesus. The Jews were now fully responsible for what they had heard from Paul and must accept the consequences which await them.

Upon departing the synagogue, Paul went into the house of a Gentile man named Justus, who worshiped God (18:7). “Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized” (18:8). Paul received a vision from the Lord and God promised His protection upon Paul as he spoke the truth, so he continued teaching the word of the Lord at Corinth for a year and a half (18:9-11). You can read more about Paul’s communication with the church at Corinth in both of his letters which bear their name.

While in Corinth, the Jews rose up against Paul and brought him before Gallio, a Roman proconsul (governor of Achaia), saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law” (18:12-13). As Paul was about to respond to their accusation, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes…there should be reason why I should bear with you. But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters” (18:14-15). Gallio commanded them to leave the judgment seat (18:16). This circumstance was significant. The Jews in Corinth were angry at Paul for teaching that which they thought opposed Judaism. Since they rejected Jesus as the Messiah, they saw Paul’s message as distinct from their own; however, Roman rulers looked at Christianity and Judaism as the same. The Jews were ultimately trying to get the Romans to see this distinction so that Christianity would be made illegal by Roman law. Their attempt failed.

After his time in Corinth, Paul visited Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla and they ended up staying there (18:18-21) while Paul continued his journeys visiting many churches (18:22-23). Luke breaks away from Paul’s travels to reflect on what was happening in Ephesus in the ministry of Aquila and Priscilla. A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus teaching the ways of the Lord, but he only knew the baptism of John (18:24-25). Apollos knew the Old Testament, but did not fully understand the New Testament truths such as the meaning of Christ’s death (although he believed Jesus was the Messiah), His resurrection, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus’ commission to be witnesses in all the earth. Aquila and Priscilla took him aside privately and explained the significance of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection (18:26). Receiving this truth with gladness, Apollos began to minister and help those who had believed (18:27). Luke also writes that Apollos “vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (18:28).

The life of the church was taking off and many were being converted; however, Paul was careful to entrust the leadership of each church into the hands of faithful people. Paul realized it was impossible for him to effectively minister to the churches in all these cities, so he spent time preparing certain individuals to strengthen the church. The modern day church must also do well at passing on the truth to the next generation. Without the training of the next generation, the church is in danger of losing its’ effectiveness. Paul reminds Timothy, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Dear God, help those who lead the church today to train up men and women who will lead the church tomorrow.