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What Did Jesus Say About Salvation?
Judea and Samaria Section
Ch. 9
In Acts 9 Saul is converted. The
first century gospel was confirmed
by miracles. Is there a need for
20th century preaching to be
confirmed with miracles?
Yes,
Their miracles. If we don’t believe
their miracles we are hopeless.
Uttermost Parts of the World
Ch. 10-28- 10:1- 16:5 to the
Jews first.
Until now the
gospel had gone only to Jews
and Jewish proselytes. The
prophets had foretold that
gospel would go to all nations
(Isa. 2:2; Mt. 28:19).
Uttermost Parts of the World
Acts 20 shows the first
Gentile convert (Cornelius).
Peter delivers the first
sermon to the Gentiles and
then the focus of Acts shifts
to the apostle Paul. This
marks a transition.
New Enemy- Paganism-
16:6-19:20
Beginning in chapter 16 the
gospel now goes up against
paganism and human philosophy.
The result: the gospel is heard in
these cities: Philippi- 16:14-15;
30-33; Thessalonica- 17:1-4;
Berea17:10-12;
Athens17:32-34;
Corinth18:8-11;
Ephesus- Acts 19:1,5.
New Enemy- Paganism16:6-19:20
What was the result of
this bold preaching?
Acts 19:20- “the word
of the Lord was growing
mightily and prevailing.”
Uproar at Ephesus
19:21-21:6- Paul’s preaching
produced anger in the merchants
of Ephesus who made a living off
of the idol industry. In vs. 28,29
people assemble in the theater
for a pro-Diana/anti-Paul rally.
History records that Christianity
did indeed disturb the economics
of the religion of paganism.
Uproar at Ephesus
In Acts 20 we see the doctrine of
the Lord’s supper. Vs. 7 tells us
the day we are to observe it. We
do this because it is rooted in the
history of the time as an
approved apostolic example. The
time is the first day of the week.
Church Organization
In Acts 20:17,28- we see
the church at Ephesus
had a plurality of elders
and they were in charge
of the saints at Ephesus
and that local church only
(1 Pet. 5:21 also).
Church Organization
Chapters 21-28- “Lo I am with
you always”- even in Rome.
No greater illustration of God’s
promise of protection and
providence than in the final
three chapters.
21:13-14- Paul affirms his
determination to preach again
in Jerusalem.
Church Organization
21:27-32- This determination almost
gets him killed, but he is saved by
Roman guards and put under Roman
protection where he is allowed to
preach first to Jews in general- ch.
22; the Sanhedrin-ch. 23; to
Romans governors of Judea- ch. 2425; and finally to the house of
Caesar himself- ch. 28 (this was
probably Nero).
Church Organization
God’s promise was
“go preach and I
will be with you.”
God Is With Us Today
The Lord is behind His truth and
those who proclaim it and live it.
We too can be victorious. The
book of Acts begins with the
Lord’s ascension. It continues in
victory
after
victory
from
Pentecost to Phillipi and from
Caesarea to Corinth.
God Is With Us Today
It ends in Victory and some
of Caesar’s own household
obeying the gospel (Phil.
4:22) as a result of Paul’s
preaching most likely.
God Is With Us Today
Acts 16:5- “so the churches were
being strengthened in the faith and
were increasing in number daily.”
Acts 2:42-47They continued
steadfastly in the apostles doctrine,
breaking of bread and prayer and
the Lord added to the church daily
those who were being saved.
The Church Is Scattered
Acts 9:1-31; 22:1-16; 26:1-18;
Gal. 1:13-17
18
Saul, The Persecutor
Acts 9:1-19; 22:1-16; 26:1-18; Gal. 1:13-17
Leader in the effort to persecute
Christians
Caused others to blaspheme the name
of Christ
Put saints in prison
Cast his vote to kill Christians
Had full authority from the Sanhedrin
Extended his persecution activities well
beyond Jerusalem – to Damascus
19
Saul, The Persecutor
Acts 22:4-5
• He admitted his role in persecuting
Christians
Acts 22:4-5 (KJV)
[4] And I persecuted this way unto the death,
binding and delivering into prisons both men
and women. [5] As also the high priest doth
bear me witness, and all the estate of the
elders: from whom also I received letters
unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to
bring them which were there bound unto
Jerusalem, for to be punished.
20
Saul, The Persecutor
Gal. 1:13-17
Galatians 1:13-14 (KJV)
[13] For ye have heard of my
conversation in time past in the Jews'
religion, how that beyond measure I
persecuted the church of God, and
wasted it: [14] And profited in the
Jews' religion above many my equals
in mine own nation, being more
exceedingly zealous of the traditions
of my fathers.
21
Jesus Selects Saul To Be An Apostle
Acts 9:3-7; 22:6-8; 26:12-18
Paul traveled with companions
A great light suddenly shined upon them
A voice spoke to Saul:
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
“It is hard to kick against the ox-goad”
Saul, “Who are you, Lord?”
The reply, “I am the Jesus of Nazareth.”
22
Jesus Tells Saul Why...
Acts 9:15-16
• To send him to the Gentiles
• Jesus said, (Acts 9:15-16) (KJV)
[15] But the Lord said unto him, Go
thy way: for he is a chosen vessel
unto me, to bear my name before the
Gentiles, and kings, and the children
of Israel: [16] For I will shew him
how great things he must suffer for
my name's sake.
23
Jesus Tells Saul Why...
Acts 22:14-15
• To send him to the Gentiles
• Jesus said, (Acts 22:14-15) (KJV)
[14] And he said, The God of our
fathers hath chosen thee, that thou
shouldest know his will, and see that
Just One, and shouldest hear the
voice of his mouth. [15] For thou
shalt be his witness unto all men of
what thou hast seen and heard.
24
Jesus
Tells
Saul
Why...
[16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I
Acts 26:16-18
have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to
• To send
to the and
Gentiles
make
thee him
a minister
a witness both of
these
things
thou hast(KJV)
seen, and of
• Jesus
said,which
(Acts 26:16-18)
those things in the which I will appear unto
thee; [17] Delivering thee from the people,
and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I
send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to
turn them from darkness to light, and from
the power of Satan unto God, that they may
receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith
that is in me.
25
Saul Obtained Mercy
1 Tim. 1:15-16
1 Timothy 1:15-16 (KJV)
[15] This is a faithful saying, and
worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save
sinners; of whom I am chief. [16]
Howbeit for this cause I obtained
mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ
might shew forth all longsuffering, for a
pattern to them which should hereafter
believe on him to life everlasting.
26
Acts 9:8-12 Then Saul arose from the
Saul’s
ground, and
when Condition
his eyes were opened
Acts 9:8-12
he saw no one. But
they led him by the
hand
and by
brought
him into Damascus.
• Blinded
the light
(9) And he was three days without sight,
• Ledneither
into Damascus
and
ate nor drank. (10) Now
there
was
a
certain
disciple
at
Damascus
• Was there
three
andthe
didLord
not eat
named
Ananias;
anddays
to him
said
drink "Ananias." And he said, "Here
in or
a vision,
I• am,
Was Lord."
praying (11) So the Lord said to
him, "Arise and go to the street called
Straight,
and
inquire
at a
the
house
• Received
a vision
about
man
who of
Judas
forcome
one to
called
of Tarsus,
would
him Saul
and restore
his for
behold, he is praying. (12) And in a
sighthe has seen a man named Ananias
vision
coming in and putting his hand on him, so
that he might receive his sight."
27
Ananias
Acts 9:10-17; 22:12
• A Jewish disciple at Damascus
• Had a good report of all the Jews
which lived there
• A devout man according to the law
• Knew of Saul’s reputation in
Jerusalem and the “special” authority
he had from the chief priests
• Received a vision from the Lord
28
Acts 9:10-17 Now there was a certain disciple
at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the
Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said,
"Here I am, Lord." (11) So the Lord said to
him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight,
and inquire at the house of Judas for one called
Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. (12)
And in a vision he has seen a man named
Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him,
so that he might receive his sight." (13) Then
Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from
many about this man, how much harm he has
done to Your saints in Jerusalem. (14) And
here he has authority from the chief priests to
bind all who call on Your name."
(15) But the Lord said to him, "Go,
for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to
bear My name before Gentiles, kings,
and the children of Israel. (16) For
I will show him how many things he
must suffer for My name's sake."
(17) And Ananias went his way and
entered the house; and laying his
hands on him he said, "Brother Saul,
the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you
on the road as you came, has sent
me that you may receive your sight
and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Saul’s Conversion
Acts 9:17-18; 22:12-16
• Ananias found Saul
• He put his hands on Saul
– Saul regained his sight, and
– Was filled with the Holy Ghost
• Ananias told Saul:
– Do not tarry
– Arise, be baptized and wash away your sins
– Call on the name of the Lord
31
Acts 22:12-16 "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.'
Acts 9:18-19 Immediately there fell from
his eyes something like scales, and he
received his sight at once; and he arose
and was baptized. (19) So when he had
received food, he was strengthened.
Then Saul spent some days with the
disciples at Damascus.
Saul’s Conversion
Acts 9:18-19
•
•
•
•
Saul followed the Lord’s instructions
He arose and was baptized
He ate and regained his strength
He stayed several days with the
disciples in Damascus
34
After Saul’s Baptism…
Acts 9:20-31; Gal. 1:13-24
Acts 9:20-31 Immediately he preached
the Christ in the synagogues, that He is
the Son of God. (21) Then all who heard
were amazed, and said, "Is this not he
who destroyed those who called on this
name in Jerusalem, and has come here
for that purpose, so that he might bring
them bound to the chief priests?" (22)
But Saul increased all the more in
strength, and confounded the Jews who
dwelt in Damascus, proving that this
Jesus is the Christ.
(23) Now after many days were past, the
Jews plotted to kill him. (24) But their
plot became known to Saul. And they
watched the gates day and night, to kill
him. (25) Then the disciples took him by
night and let him down through the wall
in a large basket. (26) And when Saul
had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join
the disciples; but they were all afraid of
him, and did not believe that he was a
disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him
and brought him to the apostles. And he
declared to them how he had seen the
Lord on the road, and that He had spoken
to him, and how he had preached boldly
at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
(28)
So he was with them at
Jerusalem, coming in and going out.
(29) And he spoke boldly in the name
of the Lord Jesus and disputed against
the Hellenists, but they attempted to
kill him.
(30)
When the brethren
found out, they brought him down to
Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
(31) Then the churches throughout all
Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace
and were edified. And walking in the
fear of the Lord and in the comfort of
the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Galatians 1:13-24 For you have heard of
my former conduct in Judaism, how I
persecuted the church of God beyond
measure and tried to destroy it. (14)
And I advanced in Judaism beyond many
of my contemporaries in my own nation,
being more exceedingly zealous for the
traditions of my fathers. (15) But when
it pleased God, who separated me from
my mother's womb and called me
through His grace, (16) to reveal His
Son in me, that I might preach Him
among
the
Gentiles,
I
did
not
immediately confer with flesh and blood,
(17) nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those
who were apostles before me; but I went to
Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
(18) Then after three years I went up to
Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with
him fifteen days. (19) But I saw none of
the other apostles except James, the Lord's
brother. (20) (Now concerning the things
which I write to you, indeed, before God, I
do not lie.) (21) Afterward I went into the
regions of Syria and Cilicia. (22) And I
was unknown by face to the churches of
Judea which were in Christ. (23) But they
were hearing only, "He who formerly
persecuted us now preaches the faith which
he once tried to destroy." (24) And they
glorified God in me.
After Saul’s Baptism…
Acts 9:19-31; Gal. 1:13-24
• Preached Jesus in Damascus
– He amazed everyone
– He grew in strength
– He proved that Jesus was the Christ
• Went to Arabia
– We do not know for how long or why
• Went back to Damascus
– Continued preaching and made disciples
– Jews plotted to kill him
40
Saul Escapes To Jerusalem
Acts 9:23-26; Gal. 1:13-24
• Escaped the plot to kill him
– The disciples helped
• Returned to Jerusalem
– Three years had passed
– Lived with Peter for fifteen days
– The brethren were afraid of him
• They did not believe him to be a true
disciple
41
Barnabas Defends Saul
Acts 9:27-29
• Explained to the apostles how Saul
was converted
• Saul was then accepted and even
preached in Jerusalem
• He debated with the Grecian Jews
• They plotted to kill him
42
Saul Forced To Flee Again
Acts 9:30-31
• Had been in Jerusalem only 15 days
• Brethren took him to Tarsus of Cilicia
– His hometown
• The disciples (churches) in Judea,
Galilee and Samaria had peace!
• The churches were edified and grew
in number
43
Acts 9:32-35 Now it came to pass, as
Peter went through all parts of the
country, that he also came down to the
saints who dwelt in Lydda. (33) There
he found a certain man named Aeneas,
who had been bedridden eight years
and was paralyzed. (34) And Peter
said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ
heals you. Arise and make your bed."
Then he arose immediately. (35) So
all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw
him and turned to the Lord.
Peter Preaches In
Lydda And Sharon
Acts 9:32-35
• The church had a time of peace
• Peter left Jerusalem on a tour that
took him to:
– Lydda (the Old Testament city of Lod)
– All the plain of Sharon
– Joppa
– And finally Caesarea
• Peter healed a paralytic named Aeneas
Acts 9:36-43
At Joppa there was a
certain disciple named Tabitha, which is
translated Dorcas. This woman was full
of good works and charitable deeds
which she did. (37) But it happened in
those days that she became sick and
died. When they had washed her, they
laid her in an upper room. (38) And
since Lydda was near Joppa, and the
disciples had heard that Peter was there,
they sent two men to him, imploring him
not to delay in coming to them.
(39) Then Peter arose and went with
them. When he had come, they
brought him to the upper room. And all
the widows stood by him weeping,
showing the tunics and garments which
Dorcas had made while she was with
them. (40) But Peter put them all out,
and knelt down and prayed. And
turning to the body he said, "Tabitha,
arise." And she opened her eyes, and
when she saw Peter she sat up.
(41) Then he gave her his hand and
lifted her up; and when he had
called the saints and widows, he
presented her alive. (42) And it
became known throughout all Joppa,
and many believed on the Lord.
(43) So it was that he stayed many
days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
Dorcas Raised From The Dead
Acts 9:36-43
• Dorcas (her Greek name) lived in
Joppa
– Was rich in good works; did charitable
deeds
– became sick and died
• Disciples sent for Peter in Lydda
• He raised Dorcas from the dead
• Many converted as the report spread
The First Sermon To Gentiles
Acts 10:1-48
• A man named Cornelius lived in
Caesarea
– A centurion of the Roman cohort
• Cornelius was a deeply religious
man:
– He feared God with all his house
– He prayed continuously
– He helped the poor
The Vision of Cornelius
Acts 10:1-8
• Cornelius was praying at three
o’clock in the afternoon
• He saw an open vision (that is, he
was awake, not asleep or dreaming)
• An angel appeared to him; he was
frightened, saying,
“What is it, Lord?”
The Vision of Cornelius
Acts 10:1-8
• The angel said,
“Your prayers and your good deeds are
observed by God”
• The angel told him to send men to
Joppa to bring back Simon who was
surnamed Peter
• Cornelius sent three men to Joppa
• They arrived in Joppa the next day
Acts 10:1-8 There was a certain man in
Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of
the band called the Italian band, (2) A
devout man, and one that feared God with
all his house, which gave much alms to the
people, and prayed to God alway. (3) He
saw in a vision evidently about the ninth
hour of the day an angel of God coming in
to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
(4) And when he looked on him, he was
afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he
said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms
are come up for a memorial before God.
(5) And now send men to Joppa, and
call for one Simon, whose surname is
Peter: (6) He lodgeth with one Simon a
tanner, whose house is by the sea side:
he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to
do. (7) And when the angel which
spake unto Cornelius was departed, he
called two of his household servants,
and a devout soldier of them that waited
on him continually; (8) And when he
had declared all these things unto them,
he sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
Acts 10:9-16
• Peter was staying with Simon the
tanner
• He was on the housetop praying
• While praying, he had a vision:
– The heaven (sky) opened
– A great sheet was lowered by the four
corners upon the earth
– In the sheet were all kinds of fourfooted animals, reptiles and birds
Peter’s Vision
Acts 10:9-16
• A voice commanded,
“Get up, Peter: kill one of these animals
and eat it”
• Peter’s reply,
“No way, Lord, for I have never eaten
anything common or unclean”
• The voice replied,
“What God has cleansed, do not call
common or unclean”
• This happened three times
Acts 10:9-16 On the morrow, as they
went on their journey, and drew nigh
unto the city, Peter went up upon the
housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
(10) And he became very hungry, and
would have eaten: but while they made
ready, he fell into a trance, (11) And
saw heaven opened, and a certain
vessel descending unto him, as it had
been a great sheet knit at the four
corners, and let down to the earth:
(12)
Wherein were all manner of
fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild
beasts, and creeping things, and fowls
of the air. (13) And there came a voice
to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. (14)
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have
never eaten any thing that is common
or unclean. (15) And the voice spake
unto him again the second time, What
God hath cleansed, that call not thou
common. (16) This was done thrice:
and the vessel was received up again
into heaven.
Peter Perplexed At The Vision
Acts 10:17
•
Peter had preached on Pentecost,
“The promise is to you and to your children
and to all that are afar off”
•
Jesus had commanded,
“Go ye into all the world and preach the
gospel to every creature”
•
Before Peter’s vision, did he
understand who the “afar off” were?
Peter Goes To Caesarea
Acts 10:17-24
• The three men found Peter
• Peter invited them to stay overnight
• The next day Peter, six witnesses, and
the three men went to Caesarea
• Cornelius was waiting for them with
relatives and friends
Acts 10:17-24 Now while Peter doubted
in himself what this vision which he had
seen should mean, behold, the men
which were sent from Cornelius had
made enquiry for Simon's house, and
stood before the gate, (18) And called,
and asked whether Simon, which was
surnamed Peter, were lodged there. (19)
While Peter thought on the vision, the
Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men
seek thee. (20) Arise therefore, and get
thee down, and go with them, doubting
nothing: for I have sent them.
(21) Then Peter went down to the men
which were sent unto him from
Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he
whom ye seek: what is the cause
wherefore ye are come? (22) And
they said, Cornelius the centurion, a
just man, and one that feareth God,
and of good report among all the nation
of the Jews, was warned from God by
an holy angel to send for thee into his
house, and to hear words of thee.
(23)
Then called he them in, and
lodged them. And on the morrow Peter
went away with them, and certain
brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
(24)
And the morrow after they
entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius
waited for them, and had called
together his kinsmen and near friends.
Peter Meets Cornelius
Acts 10:25-33
• Cornelius fell down at Peter’s feet
and worshipped him
• Peter said,
“Stand up, I myself am also a man”
• Cornelius explained why he had
called for Peter
• He wanted to hear all things
commanded by God
Acts 10:25-33 And as Peter was coming
in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at
his feet, and worshipped him. (26) But
Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I
myself also am a man. (27) And as he
talked with him, he went in, and found
many that were come together. (28)
And he said unto them, Ye know how
that it is an unlawful thing for a man
that is a Jew to keep company, or come
unto one of another nation; but God
hath shewed me that I should not call
any man common or unclean.
(29)
Therefore came I unto you
without gainsaying, as soon as I was
sent for: I ask therefore for what intent
ye have sent for me?
(30)
And
Cornelius said, Four days ago I was
fasting until this hour; and at the ninth
hour I prayed in my house, and, behold,
a man stood before me in bright
clothing, (31) And said, Cornelius, thy
prayer is heard, and thine alms are had
in remembrance in the sight of God.
(32) Send therefore to Joppa, and call
hither Simon, whose surname is Peter;
he is lodged in the house of one Simon a
tanner by the sea side: who, when he
cometh, shall speak unto thee. (33)
Immediately therefore I sent to thee;
and thou hast well done that thou art
come. Now therefore are we all here
present before God, to hear all things
that are commanded thee of God.
Peter’s Sermon
Acts 10:34-43
• Peter opened his mouth and said:
“In truth I perceive that God shows no
partiality”
• Peter preached Christ and Him crucified
to Cornelius and his family
• In summary,
“...everyone that believes on Him shall
receive the remission of sins.”
Acts 10:34-43 Then Peter opened
his mouth, and said, Of a truth I
perceive that God is no respecter of
persons: (35) But in every nation
he that feareth him, and worketh
righteousness, is accepted with
him. (36) The word which God
sent unto the children of Israel,
preaching peace by Jesus Christ:
(he is Lord of all:)
(37) That word, I say, ye know, which
was published throughout all Judaea,
and began from Galilee, after the
baptism which John preached;
(38)
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Ghost and with power:
who went about doing good, and healing
all that were oppressed of the devil; for
God was with him. (39) And we are
witnesses of all things which he did both
in the land of the Jews, and in
Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged
on a tree:
(40) Him God raised up the third day,
and shewed him openly; (41) Not to all
the people, but unto witnesses chosen
before of God, even to us, who did eat
and drink with him after he rose from
the dead. (42) And he commanded us
to preach unto the people, and to testify
that it is he which was ordained of God
to be the Judge of quick and dead. (43)
To him give all the prophets witness, that
through his name whosoever believeth in
him shall receive remission of sins.
The Holy Spirit Fell Upon Gentiles
Acts 10:44-48
• While Peter was still speaking, the
Holy Spirit fell upon all those who
heard the word
• The Jewish Christians were
astonished
• The Gentiles were able to speak
tongues and magnified God
The First Gentiles Converted
Acts 10:44-48
• Peter answered,
“Can anyone forbid water, that these
should not be baptized who had
received the Holy Spirit just as we
have?”
• He commanded them to be baptized
in the name of the Jesus Christ
Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these
words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which
heard the word.
(45)
And they of the
circumcision which believed were astonished,
as many as came with Peter, because that on
the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the
Holy Ghost. (46) For they heard them speak
with tongues, and magnify God. Then
answered Peter, (47) Can any man forbid
water, that these should not be baptized,
which have received the Holy Ghost as well as
we? (48) And he commanded them to be
baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed
they him to tarry certain days.
Peter Defends God’s Grace
Acts 11:1-18
• Apostles and brethren in Judea heard
about the Gentiles receiving the word of
God
• The Jews in Jerusalem contended with
Peter saying, “You went in to
uncircumcised men and ate with them”
• Peter told them of the vision that he
received while praying
• Peter explained to them in detail the
events that occurred in Acts 10
Peter Defends God’s Grace
Acts 11:1-18
• Peter said the Gentiles had the same
gift that he and the apostles had
when they believed in Christ
• Peter said, “Who was I that I could
withstand God?”
• When the Jews heard this they
became silent and they glorified God,
saying, “Then God has also granted
to the Gentiles repentance to life”
Acts 11:1-18
And the apostles and
brethren that were in Judaea heard that
the Gentiles had also received the word
of God. (2) And when Peter was come
up to Jerusalem, they that were of the
circumcision contended with him, (3)
Saying, Thou wentest in to men
uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
(4) But Peter rehearsed the matter
from the beginning, and expounded it
by order unto them, saying,
(5) I was in the city of Joppa praying:
and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain
vessel descend, as it had been a great
sheet, let down from heaven by four
corners; and it came even to me: (6)
Upon the which when I had fastened
mine eyes, I considered, and saw
fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild
beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of
the air. (7) And I heard a voice saying
unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
(8) But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing
common or unclean hath at any time
entered into my mouth. (9) But the
voice answered me again from heaven,
What God hath cleansed, that call not
thou common. (10) And this was done
three times: and all were drawn up again
into heaven.
(11)
And, behold,
immediately there were three men
already come unto the house where I
was, sent from Caesarea unto me. (12)
And the Spirit bade me go with them,
nothing doubting.
Moreover
these
six
brethren
accompanied me, and we entered
into the man's house: (13) And he
shewed us how he had seen an
angel in his house, which stood and
said unto him, Send men to Joppa,
and call for Simon, whose surname
is Peter; (14) Who shall tell thee
words, whereby thou and all thy
house shall be saved. (15) And as
I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell
on them, as on us at the beginning.
(16) Then remembered I the word of
the Lord, how that he said, John indeed
baptized with water; but ye shall be
baptized with the Holy Ghost. (17)
Forasmuch then as God gave them the
like gift as he did unto us, who believed
on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I,
that I could withstand God?
(18)
When they heard these things, they
held their peace, and glorified God,
saying, Then hath God also to the
Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Barnabas And Saul at Antioch
Acts 11:19-26
• The Jewish Christians scattered from
persecution after the death of
Stephen (Acts 8:1-4)
• They traveled as far as:
Phoenicia
Cyprus
Antioch
• Preaching only to the Jews at first
Barnabas And Saul at Antioch
Acts 11:19-26
• After some time men from Cyprus
and Cyrene began to preach to the
Gentiles in Antioch of Syria
• As a result of the preaching, a great
number of people believed and
turned to the Lord
• The church at Jerusalem heard of
their success and sent Barnabas to
Antioch
Barnabas And Saul at Antioch
Acts 11:19-26
• Joses was named Barnabas
(son of encouragement) by
the apostles in Acts 4:36
• Barnabas saw the grace of
God and was glad
• He encouraged them to
continue with the Lord
• Barnabas was a good man, full
of the Holy Spirit and of faith
• A great many people were
added to the Lord
• Barnabas departed for Tarsus
to seek Saul
Barnabas And Saul at Antioch
Acts 11:19-26
• Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch
• They continued there for a whole year
– Assembled with the church and taught a
great many people
• Disciples were called Christians first at
Antioch
• First congregation composed of Jews
and Gentiles
• The word Christian means one who
pertains to Christ or belongs to Christ
Acts 11:19-26 Now they which were
scattered abroad upon the persecution
that arose about Stephen travelled as
far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
preaching the word to none but unto the
Jews only. (20) And some of them
were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which,
when they were come to Antioch, spake
unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord
Jesus. (21) And the hand of the Lord
was with them: and a great number
believed, and turned unto the Lord.
(22)
Then tidings of these things
came unto the ears of the church
which was in Jerusalem: and they sent
forth Barnabas, that he should go as
far as Antioch. (23) Who, when he
came, and had seen the grace of God,
was glad, and exhorted them all, that
with purpose of heart they would
cleave unto the Lord. (24) For he
was a good man, and full of the Holy
Ghost and of faith: and much people
was added unto the Lord.
(25)
Then departed Barnabas to
Tarsus, for to seek Saul: (26) And
when he had found him, he brought
him unto Antioch. And it came to pass,
that a whole year they assembled
themselves with the church, and
taught much people. And the disciples
were called Christians first in Antioch.
Relief To Judea
Acts 11:27-30
• A prophet from Jerusalem named
Agabus came from Jerusalem to Antioch
• Agabus prophesied that a severe famine
would occur during the reign of
Claudius (A.D. 41-54)
• Disciples in Antioch individually decided
to send relief to the brethren in Judea
• Barnabus and Saul delivered their gift
to the elders in Judea
Relief To Judea
Acts 11:27-30
• The disciples in Antioch were composed
of Jews and Gentiles
• Their generosity was perhaps greater
than those saints on the day of Pentecost
• Jew and Gentile worked together to help
needy Jewish brethren in Judea
• There were other churches in Judea
besides the church in Jerusalem
(Gal.1:22)
Relief To Judea
Acts 11:27-30
• Barnabas and Saul took the gift to
the elders where there was a need
• There is no indication that the church
in Jerusalem acted in any sort of
supervisory capacity in this matter
Acts 11:27-30 And in these days came
prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
(28) And there stood up one of them
named Agabus, and signified by the
Spirit that there should be great dearth
throughout all the world: which came
to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
(29) Then the disciples, every man
according to his ability, determined to
send relief unto the brethren which
dwelt in Judaea: (30) Which also they
did, and sent it to the elders by the
hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Bringing Us Back Up To Date
• The Work Begins – Acts 1-2
– The Day of Pentecost – Acts 2
• 3000 Convicted and Converted
• Conflict Begins – Acts 3-7
– Jewish Persecution
– Stoning of Stephen
• The Church is Scattered – Acts 8-12
– Samaritans converted
– Gentiles Converted
93
Roman Emperors
•
•
•
•
•
•
Augusta Caesar – 31 B.C. to A.D. 14
Tiberius Caesar – A.D. 14-37
Caligula – A.D. 37-41
Claudius – A.D. 41-54- HERE at 44 A.D.
Nero – A.D. 54-68
Vespasian – A.D. 69-79
94
A New Wave of Persecution
• Herod Agrippa I tried to please the
Jews – 44 A.D.
• James, the brother of John, is the first
apostle to be executed – Acts 12:2
• Peter was taken prisoner
– A miraculous deliverance – the power of
prayer
– A comforted group of disciples
– A worm-eaten “god” received justice
– Victory is with the Lamb of God – The
gospel spreads
95
Persecution Of The Church By
Herod Agrippa I
Acts 12:1 – 19
Acts 12:1-19
Now about that time
Herod the king stretched forth his
hands to vex certain of the church. (2)
And he killed James the brother of John
with the sword. (3) And because he
saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded
further to take Peter also. (Then were
the days of unleavened bread.)
(4) And when he had apprehended him,
he put him in prison, and delivered him to
four quaternions of soldiers to keep him;
intending after Easter to bring him forth
to the people. (5) Peter therefore was
kept in prison: but prayer was made
without ceasing of the church unto God
for him. (6) And when Herod would have
brought him forth, the same night Peter
was sleeping between two soldiers, bound
with two chains: and the keepers before
the door kept the prison.
(7) And, behold, the angel of the Lord
came upon him, and a light shined in
the prison: and he smote Peter on the
side, and raised him up, saying, Arise
up quickly. And his chains fell off from
his hands. (8) And the angel said
unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy
sandals. And so he did. And he saith
unto him, Cast thy garment about
thee, and follow me. (9) And he went
out, and followed him; and wist not
that it was true which was done by the
angel; but thought he saw a vision.
(10) When they were past the first and
the second ward, they came unto the iron
gate that leadeth unto the city; which
opened to them of his own accord: and
they went out, and passed on through
one street; and forthwith the angel
departed from him. (11) And when Peter
was come to himself, he said, Now I know
of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his
angel, and hath delivered me out of the
hand of Herod, and from all the
expectation of the people of the Jews.
(12) And when he had considered the
thing, he came to the house of Mary
the mother of John, whose surname
was Mark; where many were gathered
together praying. (13) And as Peter
knocked at the door of the gate, a
damsel came to hearken, named
Rhoda.
(14)
And when she knew
Peter's voice, she opened not the gate
for gladness, but ran in, and told how
Peter stood before the gate. (15) And
they said unto her, Thou art mad. But
she constantly affirmed that it was
even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
(16) But Peter continued knocking: and
when they had opened the door, and saw
him, they were astonished. (17) But he,
beckoning unto them with the hand to
hold their peace, declared unto them how
the Lord had brought him out of the
prison. And he said, Go shew these things
unto James, and to the brethren. And he
departed, and went into another place.
(18) Now as soon as it was
day, there was no small stir
among the soldiers, what was
become of Peter. (19) And
when Herod had sought for
him, and found him not, he
examined the keepers, and
commanded that they should
be put to death. And he went
down
from
Judaea
to
Caesarea, and there abode.
The Death of Herod
Acts 12:20-24
• Herod Agrippa I had cut off the food
supply to Phoenicia
– They sent representatives to make peace
with Herod
– They made friends with Blastus
• Herod was going to drop the hostilities
–
–
–
–
Set a date for a hearing
Dressed himself in royal apparel
Made an arousing speech of conciliation
People called him a god, not a man
103
The Death of Herod
Acts 12:20-24
• An angel of God smote Herod
– Herod had accepted the glory
– He was eaten with worms
– He died 5 days later
• The word of God gained many
converts
104
Acts 12:20-24
And Herod was highly
displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but
they came with one accord to him, and, having
made Blastus the king's chamberlain their
friend, desired peace; because their country
was nourished by the king's country. (21)
And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal
apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an
oration unto them. (22) And the people gave
a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and
not of a man. (23) And immediately the angel
of the Lord smote him, because he gave not
God the glory: and he was eaten of worms,
and gave up the ghost. (24) But the word of
God grew and multiplied.
Barnabas & Saul Return to Antioch
Acts 12:25
• Their mission was accomplished
– They had taken the collection from Antioch
to elders in Jerusalem
• When they returned, they took Mark
with them
– Peter had gone to his mother’s house –
12:12
– Mark wrote the book which bears his name
106
A Change of Focus...
• From Jerusalem to Antioch of Syria
• From Peter to Paul
• Chapter 13 is the changing point
And remember...
...But ye shall receive power, after that the
Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be
witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in
all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the
uttermost part of the earth. - Acts 1:8
107
Saul of Tarsus
• Saul (Paul):
– Preached in Syria, Asia Minor,
Macedonia, Greece, Rome
– Wrote 13 (maybe 14) of the letters of
the New Testament
– Born in Tarsus of Cilicia
– Educated in Jerusalem under
Gamaliel
– A Pharisee
– A Roman Citizen
Saul of Tarsus
• Saul (Paul):
– Led in the early persecution against
the saints
– Got permission from High Priest to go
after Christians in other places
– Converted in Damascus
– Appointed to be a servant and a
witness for the Lord (especially to
the Gentiles)
Saul The Apostle
• First three years after his baptism:
– Preached in Damascus
– Went to Arabia
– Preached in Damascus again
– Escaped a plot against his life (now on
the receiving end of persecution)
– Returned to Jerusalem
– Barnabas told his story of conversion
– Preached in Jerusalem until persecuted
(15 days)
– Escaped to Tarsus
The Call Of Barnabas And Saul
Acts 13:1-3 Now there were in the church
that was at Antioch certain prophets and
teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that
was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene,
and Manaen, which had been brought up
with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. (2) As
they ministered to the Lord, and fasted,
the Holy Ghost said, Separate me
Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto
I have called them. (3) And when they
had fasted and prayed, and laid their
hands on them, they sent them away.
AD 44-45
Barnabas and
Paul spent a
year working
in Antioch.
Brethren in
Antioch sent
relief to poor
brethren in
Judea by the
hand of
Barnabas and
Saul
AD 44-45
When the task was
finished, Saul and
Barnabas returned
to Antioch
Paul was personally
commissioned and
qualified by Jesus
Christ to be HIS
Apostle
Barnabas would be
an apostle (one
sent) by the church
Barnabas And Saul Sail To Cyprus
Acts 13:4-12 So they, being sent forth
by the Holy Ghost, departed unto
Seleucia; and from thence they sailed
to Cyprus. (5) And when they were at
Salamis, they preached the word of God
in the synagogues of the Jews: and
they had also John to their minister.
(6) And when they had gone through
the isle unto Paphos, they found a
certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a
Jew, whose name was Barjesus: (7)
Which was with the deputy of the
country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent
man; who called for Barnabas and
Saul, and desired to hear the word of
God. (8) But Elymas the sorcerer
(for so is his name by interpretation)
withstood them, seeking to turn away
the deputy from the faith.
(9) Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,)
filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on
him, (10) And said, O full of all subtilty
and all mischief, thou child of the devil,
thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt
thou not cease to pervert the right ways
of the Lord? (11) And now, behold, the
hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou
shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a
season. And immediately there fell on
him a mist and a darkness; and he went
about seeking some to lead him by the
hand. (12) Then the deputy, when he
saw what was done, believed, being
astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
In Antioch of Pisidia
Acts 13:13-15
• Paul and his companions sailed north
from Cyprus to Pamphylia
• From there John Mark returns to
Jerusalem
• Paul displeased since Mark “…went
not with them to the work”
• Paul and Barnabas travel on to
Antioch of Pisidia
• They are there invited to speak in the
synagogue
117
Acts 13:13-15 Now when Paul and his
company loosed from Paphos, they came
to Perga in Pamphylia: and John
departing from them returned to
Jerusalem.
(14)
But when they
departed from Perga, they came to
Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the
synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat
down. (15) And after the reading of the
law and the prophets the rulers of the
synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye
men and brethren, if ye have any word
of exhortation for the people, say on.
Paul’s Speech
Acts 13:16-41
• Paul’s speech consisted of three
sections
– Israel’s history led them to the Christ
(vs 17-25)
– God fulfilled His promises to Israel by
raising Jesus from the dead (vs 26-37)
– In Jesus alone is forgiveness and
justification (vs 38-41)
119
Acts 13:16-41 Then Paul stood up, and
beckoning with his hand said, Men of
Israel, and ye that fear God, give
audience. (17) The God of this people of
Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the
people when they dwelt as strangers in
the land of Egypt, and with an high arm
brought he them out of it. (18) And
about the time of forty years suffered he
their manners in the wilderness. (19)
And when he had destroyed seven nations
in the land of Chanaan, he divided their
land to them by lot.
(20) And after that he gave unto them
judges about the space of four hundred
and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
(21) And afterward they desired a king:
and God gave unto them Saul the son of
Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by
the space of forty years. (22) And when
he had removed him, he raised up unto
them David to be their king; to whom also
he gave testimony, and said, I have found
David the son of Jesse, a man after mine
own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
(23)
Of this man's seed hath God
according to his promise raised unto
Israel a Saviour, Jesus: (24) When John
had first preached before his coming the
baptism of repentance to all the people of
Israel. (25) And as John fulfilled his
course, he said, Whom think ye that I
am? I am not he. But, behold, there
cometh one after me, whose shoes of his
feet I am not worthy to loose. (26) Men
and brethren, children of the stock of
Abraham, and whosoever among you
feareth God, to you is the word of this
salvation sent.
(27) For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and
their rulers, because they knew him not, nor
yet the voices of the prophets which are
read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled
them in condemning him. (28) And though
they found no cause of death in him, yet
desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
(29) And when they had fulfilled all that was
written of him, they took him down from the
tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. (30) But
God raised him from the dead: (31) And he
was seen many days of them which came up
with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are
his witnesses unto the people.
(32)
And we declare unto you glad
tidings, how that the promise which was
made unto the fathers, (33) God hath
fulfilled the same unto us their children, in
that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it
is also written in the second psalm, Thou
art my Son, this day have I begotten
thee. (34) And as concerning that he
raised him up from the dead, now no
more to return to corruption, he said on
this wise, I will give you the sure mercies
of David. (35) Wherefore he saith also in
another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine
Holy One to see corruption.
(36) For David, after he had served his own
generation by the will of God, fell on sleep,
and was laid unto his fathers, and saw
corruption: (37) But he, whom God raised
again, saw no corruption. (38) Be it known
unto you therefore, men and brethren, that
through this man is preached unto you the
forgiveness of sins: (39) And by him all
that believe are justified from all things,
from which ye could not be justified by the
law of Moses. (40) Beware therefore, lest
that come upon you, which is spoken of in
the prophets; (41) Behold, ye despisers,
and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in
your days, a work which ye shall in no wise
believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Impact of Paul’s Speech
Acts 13:42-43
• Both Jews and God-fearing
Gentiles were in the assembly
• The people were excited and
asked Paul and Barnabas to
speak again the next Sabbath
• Many of the Jews and devout
proselytes followed them, and
Paul and Barnabas persuaded
them further
• To continue in God’s grace, they
needed to believe and obey the
message they had heard
126
Acts 13:42-43
And when the Jews
were gone out of the synagogue, the
Gentiles besought that these words
might be preached to them the next
sabbath.
(43)
Now when the
congregation was broken up, many of
the Jews and religious proselytes
followed Paul and Barnabas: who,
speaking to them, persuaded them to
continue in the grace of God.
Events of The Following
Sabbath
Acts 13:44-52
128
Acts 13:44-52 And the next sabbath day
came almost the whole city together to
hear the word of God. (45) But when
the Jews saw the multitudes, they were
filled with envy, and spake against those
things which were spoken by Paul,
contradicting and blaspheming.
(46)
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and
said, It was necessary that the word of
God should first have been spoken to
you: but seeing ye put it from you, and
judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting
life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
(47) For so hath the Lord commanded
us, saying, I have set thee to be a light
of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be
for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
(48) And when the Gentiles heard this,
they were glad, and glorified the word of
the Lord: and as many as were ordained
to eternal life believed. (49) And the
word of the Lord was published
throughout all the region
(50)
But the Jews stirred up the
devout and honourable women, and
the chief men of the city, and raised
persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them out of their coasts.
(51) But they shook off the dust of
their feet against them, and came unto
Iconium. (52) And the disciples were
filled with joy, and with the Holy Spirit.
At Iconium
Acts 14:1-7
Acts 14:1-7
And it came to pass in
Iconium, that they went both together into
the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake,
that a great multitude both of the Jews and
also of the Greeks believed. (2) But the
unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles,
and made their minds evil affected against
the brethren.
(3)
Long time therefore
abode they speaking boldly in the Lord,
which gave testimony unto the word of his
grace, and granted signs and wonders to be
done by their hands.
(4) But the multitude of the city was
divided: and part held with the Jews,
and part with the apostles. (5) And
when there was an assault made both of
the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with
their rulers, to use them despitefully,
and to stone them, (6) They were
ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and
Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the
region that lieth round about: (7) And
there they preached the gospel.
At Iconium
Acts 14:1-7
• Paul and Barnabas learned of the plot and
fled to the province of Lycaonia
• The Romans had divided this region into
two parts. One part was made a part of
Galatia and called Galactica Lycaonia. This
part ruled by Rome. The other part was
called Lycaonia Antiochiana and ruled by
king Antiochus
• Paul and Barnabas did not go beyond the
Roman part of Lycaonia which contained
the cities of Lystra and Derbe
134
Paul And Barnabas In Lystra
Acts 14:8-20
135
Acts 14:8-20 And there sat a certain
man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being
a cripple from his mother's womb, who
never had walked: (9) The same heard
Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding
him, and perceiving that he had faith to
be healed, (10) Said with a loud voice,
Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped
and walked. (11) And when the people
saw what Paul had done, they lifted up
their voices, saying in the speech of
Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us
in the likeness of men.
(12) And they called Barnabas, Jupiter;
and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the
chief speaker. (13) Then the priest of
Jupiter, which was before their city,
brought oxen and garlands unto the
gates, and would have done sacrifice
with the people. (14) Which when the
apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of,
they rent their clothes, and ran in among
the people, crying out, (15) And saying,
Sirs, why do ye these things?
We also are men of like passions with
you, and preach unto you that ye should
turn from these vanities unto the living
God, which made heaven, and earth, and
the sea, and all things that are therein:
(16)
Who in times past suffered all
nations to walk in their own ways. (17)
Nevertheless he left not himself without
witness, in that he did good, and gave us
rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons,
filling our hearts with food and gladness.
(18)
And with these sayings scarce
restrained they the people, that they had
not done sacrifice unto them. (19) And
there came thither certain Jews from
Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the
people, and, having stoned Paul, drew
him out of the city, supposing he had
been dead.
(20)
Howbeit, as the
disciples stood round about him, he rose
up, and came into the city: and the next
day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Paul And Barnabas Return To
Antioch
Acts 14:21-28
140
Acts 14:21-28
And when they had
preached the gospel to that city, and had
taught many, they returned again to
Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
(22)
Confirming the souls of the
disciples, and exhorting them to
continue in the faith, and that we must
through much tribulation enter into the
kingdom of God. (23) And when they
had ordained them elders in every
church, and had prayed with fasting,
they commended them to the Lord, on
whom they believed.
(24) And after they had passed throughout
Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. (25) And
when they had preached the word in Perga,
they went down into Attalia: (26) And
thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they
had been recommended to the grace of
God for the work which they fulfilled. (27)
And when they were come, and had
gathered
the
church together, they
rehearsed all that God had done with them,
and how he had opened the door of faith
unto the Gentiles. (28) And there they
abode long time with the disciples.
Paul And Barnabas Return To Antioch
Acts 14:21-28
• from Attalia Paul and Barnabas sailed back to
Antioch ending their first journey
• Here they gathered the church together and
reported all that God had done with them
• They reported that God had opened a door of
faith to the Gentiles
• They stayed here a long time with the disciples
143
Points To Remember
• The churches needed qualified men to serve as
elders (pastors, shepherds, bishops, presbyters)
• Elders were appointed in every church
• These men could be qualified quickly because:
• Of being a faithful Jew
• The miraculous gifts of the Spirit
• Each church had its own elders (plural)
• Each church was self-governing
• Elders are to oversee only that flock among
which the Holy Spirit has made them shepherds
144
The Conference in Jerusalem
• Trouble Arises From Within
– Jewish Christians Began Teaching That
Gentiles Must First Enter A Covenant
With God By Circumcision
– Gentile Christians Were Challenged On
The Issue of Their Salvation in Christ
– Is Circumcision Essential To Salvation?
• This issue is the focus of the great
discussion in Acts 15
Acts 15:1-29; Gal. 2
Acts 15:1-29
And certain men came
down from Judea and taught the
brethren, "Unless you are circumcised
according to the custom of Moses, you
cannot be saved." (2) Therefore, when
Paul and Barnabas had no small
dissension and dispute with them, they
determined that Paul and Barnabas and
certain others of them should go up to
Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders,
about this question.
(3) So, being sent on their way by the
church, they passed through Phoenicia
and Samaria, describing the conversion
of the Gentiles; and they caused great
joy to all the brethren. (4) And when
they had come to Jerusalem, they
were received by the church and the
apostles and the elders; and they
reported all things that God had done
with them. (5) But some of the sect
of the Pharisees who believed rose up,
saying, "It is necessary to circumcise
them, and to command them to keep
the law of Moses."
(6) Now the apostles and elders came
together to consider this matter.
(7)
And when there had been much dispute,
Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and
brethren, you know that a good while ago
God chose among us, that by my mouth
the Gentiles should hear the word of the
gospel and believe. (8) So God, who
knows the heart, acknowledged them by
giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He
did to us, (9) and made no distinction
between us and them, purifying their
hearts by faith.
(10) Now therefore, why do you test God
by putting a yoke on the neck of the
disciples which neither our fathers nor we
were able to bear? (11) But we believe
that through the grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ we shall be saved in the same
manner as they." (12) Then all the
multitude kept silent and listened to
Barnabas and Paul declaring how many
miracles and wonders God had worked
through them among the Gentiles. (13)
And after they had become silent, James
answered, saying, "Men and brethren,
listen to me:
(14) Simon has declared how God at the
first visited the Gentiles to take out of them
a people for His name. (15) And with this
the words of the prophets agree, just as it
is written:
(16)
'AFTER THIS I WILL
RETURN
AND
WILL
REBUILD
THE
TABERNACLE OF DAVID, WHICH HAS
FALLEN DOWN; I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS,
AND I WILL SET IT UP; (17) SO THAT THE
REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD,
EVEN ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED
BY MY NAME, SAYS THE LORD WHO DOES
ALL THESE THINGS.' (18) "Known to God
from eternity are all His works.
(19) Therefore I judge that we should not
trouble those from among the Gentiles who
are turning to God, (20) but that we write
to them to abstain from things polluted by
idols, from sexual immorality, from things
strangled, and from blood. (21) For Moses
has had throughout many generations those
who preach him in every city, being read in
the synagogues every Sabbath." (22) Then
it pleased the apostles and elders, with the
whole church, to send chosen men of their
own company to Antioch with Paul and
Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also
named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men
among the brethren.
(23) They wrote this letter by them: The
apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To
the brethren who are of the Gentiles in
Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. (24)
Since we have heard that some who went
out from us have troubled you with words,
unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be
circumcised and keep the law"—to whom we
gave no such commandment— (25)
it
seemed good to us, being assembled with
one accord, to send chosen men to you with
our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) men
who have risked their lives for the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
(27) We have therefore sent Judas and
Silas, who will also report the same
things by word of mouth. (28) For it
seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to
us, to lay upon you no greater burden
than these necessary things: (29) that
you abstain from things offered to idols,
from blood, from things strangled, and
from sexual immorality. If you keep
yourselves from these, you will do well.
Farewell.
Galatians 2:1-21
Then after fourteen
years I went up again to Jerusalem with
Barnabas, and also took Titus with me.
(2) And I went up by revelation, and
communicated to them that gospel which
I preach among the Gentiles, but
privately
to
those
who
were
of
reputation, lest by any means I might
run, or had run, in vain. (3) Yet not
even Titus who was with me, being a
Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
Galatians 2:(4)
And this occurred
because of false brethren secretly
brought in (who came in by stealth to
spy out our liberty which we have in
Christ Jesus, that they might bring us
into bondage), (5) to whom we did not
yield submission even for an hour, that
the truth of the gospel might continue
with you.
(6)
But from those who
seemed to be something—whatever they
were, it makes no difference to me; God
shows personal favoritism to no man—for
those who seemed to be something
added nothing to me.
(7) But on the contrary, when they saw
that the gospel for the uncircumcised had
been committed to me, as the gospel for
the circumcised was to Peter (8) (for He
who worked effectively in Peter for the
apostleship to the circumcised also
worked effectively in me toward the
Gentiles), (9) and when James, Cephas,
and John, who seemed to be pillars,
perceived the grace that had been given
to me, they gave me and Barnabas the
right hand of fellowship, that we should
go to the Gentiles and they to the
circumcised.
(10) They desired only that we should
remember the poor, the very thing which
I also was eager to do. (11) Now when
Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood
him to his face, because he was to be
blamed; (12) for before certain men
came from James, he would eat with the
Gentiles; but when they came, he
withdrew and separated himself, fearing
those who were of the circumcision. (13)
And the rest of the Jews also played the
hypocrite with him, so that even
Barnabas was carried away with their
hypocrisy.
(14) But when I saw that they were not
straightforward about the truth of the
gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If
you, being a Jew, live in the manner of
Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you
compel Gentiles to live as Jews? (15) We
who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of
the Gentiles, (16) knowing that a man is
not justified by the works of the law but by
faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed
in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified
by faith in Christ and not by the works of
the law; for by the works of the law no flesh
shall be justified.
(17) "But if, while we seek to be justified
by Christ, we ourselves also are found
sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin?
Certainly not! (18) For if I build again
those things which I destroyed, I make
myself a transgressor. (19) For I through
the law died to the law that I might live to
God.
(20)
I have been crucified with
Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ
lives in me; and the life which I now live in
the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me.
(21) I do not set aside the grace of God;
for if righteousness comes through the law,
then Christ died in vain."
Possible Chronology of Acts 15 And
Galatians 2
• The Meeting About The Issue of
Circumcision
– Paul and Barnabas attended together –
(Acts 15:2; Gal. 2:1)
– They Were Accompanied By Others –
(Acts 15:2; Gal. 2:1)
– They Traveled From Syria – (Acts
14:26-28; Gal. 1:21
– They Went To Jerusalem For This
Meeting – (Acts 15:2-4; Gal. 2:1)
Possible Chronology of Acts 15 And
Galatians 2
Meeting About The Issue of Circumcision
Paul Faced Opposition From Jewish Christians
At Jerusalem – (Acts 15:5; Gal. 2:3-5)
The Apostles Met – (Acts 15:5-29; Gal. 2:6-10)
A Prominent Part Was Taken By Peter – (Acts
15:7-11, 14; Gal. 2:7-9)
James Also Took Part – (Acts 15:12-21; Gal. 2:9)
Paul Reported on His Mission to Gentiles and
defends it – (Acts 15:4, 12; Gal. 2:2)
Much Discussion Ensued–(Acts 15:6-7; Gal. 2:6, 7)
Possible Chronology of Acts 15 And
Galatians 2
• The Meeting About The Issue of
Circumcision
– The Apostles Drew A Necessary Conclusion –
(Acts 15:25-29; Gal. 2:7-10)
– Paul and Barnabas Continued Their Work –
(Acts 15:27-29; Gal. 2:7-9)
– A Few Requirements Expounded For Gentile
Converts – (Acts 15:28f; Gal. 2:10)
– Paul and Barnabas Returned To Antioch –
(Acts 15:30; Gal. 2:11-13)
Summary
• The Reason For The Circumcision Meeting
– Weigh The Judaizer’s Claim Against The
Evidence of Confirmed Gospel and O.T.
Prophecies
• The Reports During The Meeting
– Paul and Barnabas’ work among Gentiles
never revealed it as being necessary
– Peter’s door-opening experience among the
Gentiles did not require it
– James’ look at predictive prophecy in Amos
Summary
• The Reason For The Circumcision Meeting
• The Reports During The Meeting
• The Resolution From This Meeting
– Circumcision cannot be forced upon anyone
for salvation
– There were immediate moral issues that
should concern Christians
Paul And Barnabas And Their
Companions Return To Jerusalem
Acts 15:30 – 35
Acts 15:30-35 So when they were sent
off, they came to Antioch; and when they
had gathered the multitude together,
they delivered the letter. (31) When
they had read it, they rejoiced over its
encouragement. (32) Now Judas and
Silas, themselves being prophets also,
exhorted and strengthened the brethren
with many words.
(33) And after they had stayed there
for a time, they were sent back with
greetings from the brethren to the
apostles.
(34)
However, it seemed
good to Silas to remain there. (35)
Paul and Barnabas also remained in
Antioch, teaching and preaching the
word of the Lord, with many others also.
Dispute Between Paul And Barnabas
Acts 15:36-41
The date is A. D. 50/51
Acts 15:36-41 Then after some days
Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go
back and visit our brethren in every city
where we have preached the word of the
Lord, and see how they are doing." (37)
Now Barnabas was determined to take
with them John called Mark. (38) But
Paul insisted that they should not take
with them the one who had departed
from them in Pamphylia, and had not
gone with them to the work.
(39) Then the contention became so
sharp that they parted from one
another. And so Barnabas took Mark and
sailed to Cyprus; (40) but Paul chose
Silas and departed, being commended
by the brethren to the grace of God.
(41) And he went through Syria and
Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Paul Asks Timothy To Accompany Them
Acts 16:1-5 Then he came to Derbe
and Lystra. And behold, a certain
disciple was there, named Timothy, the
son of a certain Jewish woman who
believed, but his father was Greek. (2)
He was well spoken of by the brethren
who were at Lystra and Iconium. (3)
Paul wanted to have him go on with
him. And he took him and circumcised
him because of the Jews who were in
that region, for they all knew that his
father was Greek.
(4) And as they went through
the cities, they delivered to
them the decrees to keep, which
were determined by the apostles
and elders at Jerusalem.
(5) So the churches were
strengthened in the faith, and
increased in number daily.
Paul Sees A Vision
Acts 16:6-10
• A vision appeared to Paul in the night
• A man prayed him, saying, “Come to
Macedonia and help us.”
• Immediately, they left Troas, went
through Samothracia, Neapolis, then
to Philippi
• Philippi was the chief city in that part
of Macedonia
Acts 16:6-10
Now when they had gone
throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia,
and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to
preach the word in Asia, (7) After they were
come to Mysia, they assayed to go into
Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. (8)
And they passing by Mysia came down to
Troas. (9) And a vision appeared to Paul in
the night; There stood a man of Macedonia,
and prayed him, saying, Come over into
Macedonia, and help us. (10) And after he
had seen the vision, immediately we
endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly
gathering that the Lord had called us for to
preach the gospel unto them.
Lydia And Her Household
Are Converted
Acts 16:11-15
Acts 16:11-15
Therefore loosing from
Troas, we came with a straight course to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
(12) And from thence to Philippi, which is
the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and
a colony: and we were in that city abiding
certain days. (13) And on the sabbath we
went out of the city by a river side, where
prayer was wont to be made; and we sat
down, and spake unto the women which
resorted thither.
(14)
And a certain woman named
Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of
Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard
us: whose heart the Lord opened, that
she attended unto the things which
were spoken of Paul. (15) And when
she was baptized, and her household,
she besought us, saying, If ye have
judged me to be faithful to the Lord,
come into my house, and abide there.
And she constrained us.
Lydia And Her Household
• HEARD - Paul and his companions
preached (16:13)
• BELIEVED - Lydia opened her heart,
believed (16:14)
• BAPTIZED - She and her household
were baptized (16:15)
• REMAIN STEADFAST - Luke stayed
behind with this group (16:40), Paul
visited again (20:1-2,6), and wrote
them a letter
The Opposition At Philippi
Acts 16:16-24
Acts 16:16-24 And it came to pass,
as we went to prayer, a certain
damsel possessed with a spirit of
divination met us, which brought her
masters much gain by soothsaying:
(17) The same followed Paul and us,
and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which
shew unto us the way of salvation.
(18) And this did she many days. But
Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the
spirit, I command thee in the name of
Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he
came out the same hour. (19) And when
her masters saw that the hope of their
gains was gone, they caught Paul and
Silas, and drew them into the marketplace
unto the rulers, (20) And brought them
to the magistrates, saying, These men,
being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our
city, (21) And teach customs, which are
not lawful for us to receive, neither to
observe, being Romans.
(22)
And the multitude rose up
together against them: and the
magistrates rent off their clothes,
and commanded to beat them. (23)
And when they had laid many stripes
upon them, they cast them into
prison, charging the jailor to keep
them safely:
(24)
Who, having
received such a charge, thrust them
into the inner prison, and made their
feet fast in the stocks.
The Jailer Is Converted
Acts 16:25-34
Acts 16:25-34 And at midnight Paul and Silas
prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the
prisoners heard them. (26) And suddenly
there was a great earthquake, so that the
foundations of the prison were shaken: and
immediately all the doors were opened, and
every one's bands were loosed. (27) And the
keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep,
and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out
his sword, and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
(28) But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying,
Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
(29) Then he called for a light, and sprang in,
and came trembling, and fell down before Paul
and Silas, (30) And brought them out, and
said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (31)
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (32)
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord,
and to all that were in his house. (33) And he
took them the same hour of the night, and
washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and
all his, straightway. (34) And when he had
brought them into his house, he set meat
before them, and rejoiced, believing in God
with all his house.
The Jailer Is Converted
Acts 16:25-34
• He Hears Two Men Singing
• He Knows They Have Something
Special Within
• He Gives Himself A Death Sentence
When He Thinks The Prisoners Escaped
• He Gives Himself A Chance At Eternal
Life When He Asks “What must I do to
be saved?”
• He Heard The Gospel and Was
Baptized With Urgent Desire (Compare
the Great Commission to This)
• As A Servant of Jesus Christ, He Helps
Paul and Silas
Paul and Silas Are Released
Acts 16:35-40
Acts 16:35-40 And when it was day,
the magistrates sent the serjeants,
saying, Let those men go. (36) And
the keeper of the prison told this
saying to Paul, The magistrates have
sent to let you go: now therefore
depart, and go in peace.
(37) But Paul said unto them, They have
beaten us openly uncondemned, being
Romans, and have cast us into prison; and
now do they thrust us out privily? nay
verily; but let them come themselves and
fetch us out. (38) And the serjeants told
these words unto the magistrates: and they
feared, when they heard that they were
Romans.
(39)
And they came and
besought them, and brought them out, and
desired them to depart out of the city. (40)
And they went out of the prison, and
entered into the house of Lydia: and when
they had seen the brethren, they comforted
them, and departed.
Paul and Silas Are Released
Acts 16:35-40
• The Authorities’ Fear
– They learn that they have mistreated
Roman citizens
• The Christian’s Freedom
– They take advantage of physical freedom
– They return to Lydia’s house
– They meet with other believers before
leaving town
– Next Stop: Thessalonica
– Make note that Luke stays behind
At Thessalonica
Acts 17:1-9
Acts 17:1-9 Now when they had passed
through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they
came to Thessalonica, where was a
synagogue of the Jews: (2) And Paul,
as his manner was, went in unto them,
and three sabbath days reasoned with
them out of the scriptures, (3) Opening
and alleging, that Christ must needs
have suffered, and risen again from the
dead; and that this Jesus, whom I
preach unto you, is Christ.
(4) And some of them believed, and
consorted with Paul and Silas; and of
the devout Greeks a great multitude,
and of the chief women not a few.
(5) But the Jews which believed not,
moved with envy, took unto them
certain lewd fellows of the baser sort,
and gathered a company, and set all
the city on an uproar, and assaulted
the house of Jason, and sought to
bring them out to the people.
(6) And when they found them not, they
drew Jason and certain brethren unto the
rulers of the city, crying, These that have
turned the world upside down are come
hither also;
(7)
Whom Jason hath
received: and these all do contrary to the
decrees of Caesar, saying that there is
another king, one Jesus. (8) And they
troubled the people and the rulers of the
city, when they heard these things. (9)
And when they had taken security of
Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
The Opposition At Thessalonica
Acts 17:5-9
• Jason’s house is stormed in search of
Paul and Silas
• Jason is taken before the city council
• The accusations:
– Paul and Silas are charged with
troublemaking
– Jason is charged with allowing them
to stay in his home
– Paul and Silas are also accused of
treason: “They profess allegiance to
another king, Jesus”.
• The release on bond and invitation to
get out of town
– The brethren there knew it was not
safe for Paul and Silas to stay
Paul And Silas Go To Berea
Acts 17:10-15
And the brethren
immediately sent away Paul and Silas by
night unto Berea: who coming thither
went into the synagogue of the Jews.
(11) These were more noble than those
in Thessalonica, in that they received the
word with all readiness of mind, and
searched the scriptures daily, whether
those things were so. (12) Therefore
many of them believed; also of
honourable women which were Greeks,
and of men, not a few.
(13) But when the Jews of Thessalonica
had knowledge that the word of God
was preached of Paul at Berea, they
came thither also, and stirred up the
people. (14) And then immediately the
brethren sent away Paul to go as it were
to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus
abode there still. (15) And they that
conducted Paul brought him unto
Athens: and receiving a commandment
unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to
him with all speed, they departed.
In Berea
• We Find A Contrast With The Previous
Experience at Thessalonica – Acts
17:10-15
– There is Openness
– There is Eager Listening
– There is Honest Research
• Converts To Christ Result From Honest
Investigation Into The Evidence
• Jews From Thessalonica Come To Stir
A Riot – 17:13-15
Paul Reasons With Jews And
Gentile Philosophers In Athens
Acts 17:16-21 Now while Paul waited for
them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in
him, when he saw the city wholly given
to idolatry. (17) Therefore disputed he
in the synagogue with the Jews, and with
the devout persons, and in the market
daily with them that met with him.
(18) Then certain philosophers of the
Epicureans, and of the Stoicks,
encountered him. And some said,
What will this babbler say? other
some, He seemeth to be a setter forth
of strange gods: because he preached
unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
(19) And they took him, and brought
him unto Areopagus, saying, May we
know what this new doctrine, whereof
thou speakest, is?
(20)
For thou bringest certain
strange things to our ears: we would
know therefore what these things
mean. (21) (For all the Athenians
and strangers which were there spent
their time in nothing else, but either
to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
Paul’s Speech On Mars Hill
Acts 17:22-31 Then Paul stood in the
midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of
Athens, I perceive that in all things ye
are too superstitious. (23) For as I
passed by, and beheld your devotions, I
found an altar with this inscription, TO
THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye
ignorantly worship, him declare I unto
you. (24) God that made the world and
all things therein, seeing that he is Lord
of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in
temples made with hands;
(25)
Neither is worshipped with men's
hands, as though he needed any thing,
seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and
all things; (26) And hath made of one
blood all nations of men for to dwell on all
the face of the earth, and hath determined
the times before appointed, and the bounds
of their habitation; (27) That they should
seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after
him, and find him, though he be not far
from every one of us: (28) For in him we
live, and move, and have our being; as
certain also of your own poets have said,
For we are also his offspring.
(29)
Forasmuch then as we are the
offspring of God, we ought not to think
that the Godhead is like unto gold, or
silver, or stone, graven by art and man's
device.
(30)
And the times of this
ignorance God winked at; but now
commandeth all men every where to
repent: (31) Because he hath appointed
a day, in the which he will judge the
world in righteousness by that man whom
he hath ordained; whereof he hath given
assurance unto all men, in that he hath
raised him from the dead.
Paul Preaches About The True God
• The Idolatry of Athens – 17:16-17
• The Philosophical Groups: Epicureans and
Stoics –v. 18
• Talk About “The Unknown God” – v. 22-23
• The True God:
– Created all things – v. 24-29
• Even their poets said, “We are His
Offspring”
– Expects People to Seek Him Desperately
– v. 27
– Expects All Men To “Repent” – v. 30
– Will Judge All By Jesus Christ Who Was
Raised – v. 31
The Results Of Paul’s Speech
Acts 17:32-34 And when they heard of
the resurrection of the dead, some
mocked: and others said, We will hear
thee again of this matter. (33) So Paul
departed from among them.
(34)
Howbeit certain men clave unto him,
and believed: among the which was
Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman
named Damaris, and others with them.
Historical Facts About Corinth
• About 40 miles west of Athens
• Corinth was destroyed and sacked by
the Roman general Mummius in 146 B.C.
• 100 years later it was rebuilt by Julius
Caesar and given the status of a colony
• The old city had a temple to the goddess
Venus, or Aphrodite
• In the new city, a new temple was built
to Aphrodite
201
Corinth was well known for:
1. Its industry
• Corinthian brass was highly prized
and famous over the Roman world
2. Its trade
• Corinth commanded the trade routes
of the Mediterranean
3. Its immoral vices
• A “Corinthian” came to mean a
playboy without morals
202
Aquila and Priscilla
Acts 18: 1-4
Paul traveled from Athens to Corinth,
the capital of Achaia
Paul met a Jewish man named Aquila
and his wife, Priscilla
Aquila and Priscilla had lived in Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from
Rome in A.D. 49
Claudius ruled from A.D. 41-54
203
Paul Arrives In Corinth
Acts 18:1-4
After these things Paul
departed from Athens, and came to
Corinth; (2) And found a certain Jew
named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately
come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;
(because that Claudius had commanded
all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came
unto them. (3) And because he was of
the same craft, he abode with them, and
wrought: for by their occupation they
were tentmakers. (4) And he reasoned
in the synagogue every sabbath, and
persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
204
Aquila and Priscilla
Acts 18: 1-4
• Paul lived with them for a period of time
• They shared a similar occupation of
being tentmakers
• Every Sabbath Paul reasoned in the
synagogues
– He sought to persuade Jews and Greeks
• It was not known whether Aquila and
Priscilla were Christians before Paul met
them
205
Paul Teaches Jesus Is The Christ
Acts 18:5-6
Acts 18:5-6
And when Silas and
Timotheus were come from Macedonia,
Paul was pressed in the spirit, and
testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
(6) And when they opposed themselves,
and blasphemed, he shook his raiment,
and said unto them, Your blood be upon
your own heads; I am clean: from
henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
206
Paul Converts Many At Corinth
Acts 18:7-8
(7)
And he departed thence, and
entered into a certain man's house,
named Justus, one that worshipped
God, whose house joined hard to the
synagogue. (8) And Crispus, the chief
ruler of the synagogue, believed on
the Lord with all his house; and many
of the Corinthians hearing believed,
and were baptized. (rf. Mark 16:16)
207
Paul’s Vision
Acts 18:9-10
9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the
night by a vision, “Do not be afraid,
but speak, and do not keep silent;
10 for I am with you, and no one will
attack you to hurt you; for I have
many people in this city.”
208
Paul Stays Awhile In Corinth
Acts 18:5-11
• Paul remained at Corinth for 18
months, teaching the word of God
among the people
• Remember, these Corinthians had to
change their unrighteous ways to
become Christians (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
209
Paul Before Gallio
Acts 18:12-15
Acts 18:12-15 And when Gallio was the
deputy
of
Achaia,
the
Jews
made
insurrection with one accord against Paul,
and brought him to the judgment seat,
(13) Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to
worship God contrary to the law. (14) And
when Paul was now about to open his
mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were
a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye
Jews, reason would that I should bear with
you: (15) But if it be a question of words
and names, and of your law, look ye to it;
for I will be no judge of such matters.
210
Paul Before Gallio
Acts 18:12-15
• Gallio - proconsul of Achaia
– He ruled in A. D. 52
• Claudius was the ruling Caesar in
Rome
• Unbelieving Jews made an accusation
against Paul “This man persuades men to worship
God contrary to the law.”
• Gallio refused to hear their case
– Did this government official act properly?211
The Jews Were Humiliated
Acts 18:16-17
Acts 18:16-17 And he drave them
from the judgment seat. (17) Then
all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the
chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat
him before the judgment seat. And
Gallio cared for none of those things.
212
The Jews Were Humiliated
Acts 18:16-17
• Gallio ordered the Jews out of the
courtroom
• In the process, guards beat Sosthenes
(probably for protesting and not
leaving)
• Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the
synagogue in Corinth
• Gallio ignored the beating
Note: This Sosthenes is not the same man mentioned
in 1 Corinthians 1:1 unless he was converted after
213
this event.
Paul Leaves Corinth
Acts 18:18
• After a good while, Paul left Corinth
and sailed to Syria
• Priscilla and Aquila went with him
– No mention of Silas or Timothy
• When he reached Cenchrea, the
seaport for Ephesus, he had cut his
hair for a vow.
Do we know for sure who had the vow
or the type of vow?
214
Paul Goes To Ephesus
Acts 18:19-21
And he came to
Ephesus, and left them there: but he
himself entered into the synagogue,
and reasoned with the Jews. (20)
When they desired him to tarry
longer time with them, he consented
not; (21) But bade them farewell,
saying, I must by all means keep this
feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I
will return again unto you, if God
will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
215
Paul Returns To Antioch
Acts 18:22
• Paul “went up” to Jerusalem
– He saluted (greeted) the church there
– He kept the feast
• Then he “went down” to Antioch
• He no doubt gave a report of his
activities to both congregations
His second journey was over!
216
Periods of Bible History
• Creation
• The Flood
• Scattering of
People
• The Patriarchs
• The Exodus
• Wandering
• Conquest of Land
• Judges
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
United Kingdom
Divided Kingdom
Judah Alone
Captivity
Return
Years of Silence
Life of Christ
Early Church
Letters to
Christians
217
“Go Tell The Good News”
Part 1- Review
Acts 1:1 – 18:22
218
The Book of Acts
• Luke: Physician/Historian
– Wrote Gospel of Luke – 58-60 A.D.
– Wrote book of Acts – 61-64 A.D.
• Acts 1-12 covers Peter’s activities
• Acts 13-28 covers Paul’s activities
219
The Great Commission
Mark 16:15-16
• Jesus to His apostles:
“Go into all the world and preach the
gospel to every creature. He who
believes and is baptized will be saved;
but he who does not believe will be
condemned.”
• The work begins with two results:
– Obedience to the terms of salvation
– Persecution by unbelievers
220
The Work Begins
Acts 1-2
• Jesus ascends
• Matthias chosen
• On Pentecost:
– Apostles filled with the Holy Spirit
– Peter’s sermon
– First offering of “The Plan of Salvation”
– 3,000 souls added to the church
• The church of Christ was established
221
Conflicts Begin
Acts 3-7
• Peter and John performed a miracle
and was taken into custody
– Why? They preached Jesus – His death,
His resurrection, His promise of
salvation
• The church still grew in number and
the shared their possessions
• Ananias and Sapphira lied to God
– Cost them their lives
222
More Conflicts
Acts 3-7
• Preaching and healing continued
• The apostles were arrested but said,
“We must obey God rather than men.”
• Upon release, they
– rejoiced,
– felt honored to suffer persecutions, and
– kept on preaching
223
Severe Persecutions Begin
Acts 3-7
• Murmuring within the church:
– The Grecian Jews complained about their
people being neglected
– Seven men selected to resolve the problem
• Stephen:
– Worked miracles and preached their history
– Accusations against him caused a stir
• Stephen stoned to death – 1st martyr
– The young man Saul approved
224
The Church Is Scattered
Acts 8-12
• Severe persecutions continued
• Next step in God’ plan:
“...and you shall be witnesses to Me in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and
to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
• Philip preached in Samaria
– Many accepted the Word by being baptized
– The Holy Spirit given to others in Samaria
225
The Church Is Scattered
Acts 8-12
• Philip converted the Ethiopian eunuch
– The Word went beyond Judah and Samaria
• Saul was converted in Damascus
– Made a special apostle
• Peter’s first sermon to Gentiles
– Cornelius and his household believed and
was baptized
– The Holy Spirit came upon them
226
The Church Is Scattered
Acts 8-12
• The gospel spread to Antioch
• The name “Christian” first used
• The church at Antioch sent relief to the
saints in Jerusalem because of a famine
• James, brother of John, put to death
• Peter jailed but released by an angel
• God struck Herod (eaten with worms)
for accepting honor as a god
227
The First Missionary Journey
Acts 13-14
• God called Barnabas and Saul for a
preaching tour of lower Asia Minor
• Saul’s name changed to Paul on
Cyprus
• They preached in many cities
– Jews and Gentiles converted
– Fierce opposition arose from
unbelievers
– Paul stoned at Lystra
– Elders appointed in every church
228
The “Conference” in Jerusalem
Acts 15:1-35
• Many Gentiles had been converted
• Jews insisted on circumcising them
• Paul and Barnabas met with the
apostles and elders at Jerusalem
– Peter defended Paul’s position that they
did not need to be circumcised
– James, brother of Jesus, and the church
agreed and sent a letter to Antioch
– Judas and Silas confirmed the letter
229
The Second Missionary Journey
Acts 15:36 – 18:22
• Paul took Silas as his companion
– Started through Syria and Cilicia
confirming the churches
– Then to Derbe and Lystra
• Timothy joined them at Lystra
• Paul saw a vision
– A man from Macedonia called for help
• Luke joined them at Troas
230
The Second Missionary Journey
Acts 15:36 – 18:22
• At Philippi
– Lydia and her household converted
– Paul cast a demon out of a girl
– Paul and Silas beaten with rods and jailed
– Jailer and his household converted
• On to Thessalonica and Berea
– Started churches but opposition was great
231
The Second Missionary Journey
Acts 15:36 – 18:22
• At Athens,
– Idolatry and philosophy rampant
232
The Second Missionary Journey
Acts 15:36 – 18:22
• At Corinth
– Many converted from paganism
• Paul wrote his first epistles from Corinth
– Letters to the Thessalonians
• Paul brought before Gallio
– “This man persuades men to worship God
contrary to the law.”
233
The Second Missionary Journey
Acts 15:36 – 18:22
He then went to Ephesus,
Jerusalem and back to Antioch
234
Introduction To Acts Part 2
• The Third Missionary Journey
– Started about A. D. 54
– Route similar to the second journey
• Nero was the Roman Emperor
• During this time books were written
• Galatians
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Romans
235
Introduction To Acts Part 2
• Paul returned to Jerusalem – arrested
– Unfounded accusations made
• After two years, he was taken to Rome
• Paul remained a prisoner in Rome for
two years
• From there, he wrote:
– Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians
– Two letters to Timothy and one to Titus
• Paul’s work was finished
236
Conversions In Acts
Examples
Heard
Believed
Repented
Confessed
Baptized
Pentecost 2:14-41
2:27
Implied
37,38
Implied
38,41
Samaria 8:5-13
2:6
12
Implied
Implied
12,13
Simon 8:13
8:6
13
Implied
Implied
1
Eunuch 8:35-39
8:35
36,37
Implied
37
38
Saul 9,22,26
22:16
Implied
Implied
Implied
9:18
Cornelius10:25-48
33
43
Implied
Implied
48
Lydia 16:13-15
13
14
Implied
Implied
15
Jailor 16:30-34
30, 31
31
Implied
Implied
33
Corinthians 18:8
8
8
Implied
Implied
8
Ephesians 19:1-5
5
Implied
Implied
Implied
5
239
A Change In Commitment
 United with Christ in His
death – (Romans 6:3-6)
 Submitting to the authority
of Christ -(Receiving the
remission of sins – Acts 2:38)
 Becoming a child of God by
faith – (Gal. 3:26,27)
 Cleansing the conscience –
(1 Peter 3:21)
 Added to the church(Acts 2:40)
We Meet At:
656 St. James Church Rd.
Newton, NC
Regular Assembly Times :
Each Sunday: Bible Study 9:30 AM,
Worship 11:00 AM
Wednesdays: Bible Study 7:00 PM
By Phone: 828-465-3009
By Mail:
P.O. Box 893
Newton, NC
28658
JOIN US AGAIN
TUESDAY
September 16th @8PM
AS WE CONTINUE IN OUR
STUDY OF GOD’S WORD