Promoting the Lord Jesus Christ

• Basics:
• An innocent Jewish man, Jesus of Nazareth (later entitled Lord Jesus Christ), the Messiah, the Son of God, died:
  • for our sin(s)
  • to be a ransom for many
  • to reconcile us to God the Father
  • to free us from sin to live righteously
  • to justify us from sin apart from the law
  • to express love
  • to defeat evil and Satan
  • to be an example
  • to provide eternal life
• God the Father raised Jesus of Nazareth from the dead on the third day which delivered us from death and the wrath to come, to those that believe in Him
• The resurrected Lord Jesus was seen by:
  • Mary Magdalene and the other Mary
  • two disciples on the road to Emmaus
  • eleven apostles while eating
  • Cephas (Simon Peter)
  • eleven apostles and those with them
  • The eleven (Thomas absent), evening, Ist day of the week
  • 8 days later, the eleven with Thomas present
  • Breakfast, Sea of Tiberias, 7 disciples: Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee (James and John) and two other of His disciples
  • the eleven apostles saw Him for 40 days before His ascension into Heaven, showing Himself alive and speaking of the kingdom of God
  • James (Jesus’ step brother)
  • Greater than 500 brethren at once
  • Paul on the road to Damascus
• Forty days after His resurrection, He ascended into Heaven, exalted and glorified, Head of the church, which is His body, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, now waiting for His return to Earth, to set up His Kingdom at His Father’s appointed time
• by turning to and confessing Jesus Christ with our mouth and believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we are forgiven of our sins and we shall be saved from the coming judgement by God on sin, and inherit eternal life by God’s mercy and grace — a gift
• this offer of forgiveness and to get right with God the Father is for today because by tomorrow we may be unable and Jesus Christ’s return to Earth to reign in Jerusalem is imminent. Please respond today!

Warning

• John, one of the apostles of Jesus, stated clearly (1 Jn 4:1-3): ‘Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (is a human being, a man, NOT God, nor god-man) is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.’
• A similar warning is given by John in 2 John verses 7-11. Please take heed.

Basic background of the biblical, good news of the grace and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ:

• Overall, God the Father creates the heavens and the earth; creation’s fall; its recreation in 6 days; its fall due to Man’s disobedience; its ongoing restoration through Jesus of Nazareth, God’s Messiah (Agent)
• In the beginning, God the Father created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1)
• The earth becomes chaotic, empty and covered with water
• The earth is restored in 6 days including the creation of Man from the dust of the earth
• A woman (Eve) is made from the side of the man (Adam)
• Adam and Eve are placed in an idyllic, all provided for, garden and warned not ‘to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil’, and if they did, they would die
• Provoked by the devil (the serpent), Eve and Adam disobey (sin) and eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil
• God confronts Eve, Adam and the serpent (devil) and pronounces judgemental consequences on each of them
• Restoration begins: God promises the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head
• God speaks to a man called Abram and tells him to leave his country (Chaldea; modern day southern Iraq) and promises him a land God will show him, and to make Abram a great nation
• Abram, his wife, Sarai, and others of his family arrive in Canaan (covering parts of Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan)
• God appears to Abram and tells him, ‘to his seed (children) He will give this land’
• When Abram was 90 years old, God appears to Abram and makes a covenant (of circumcision) with him, confirming God will multiply him exceedingly and make him a father of many nations, and that ‘kings shall come out of thee’
• Abraham and Sarah (note name change) have a son, Isaac, who has a son, Jacob who has 12 sons. The promise of the land of Canaan is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob (Israel)
• Jacob and his family relocate from Canaan to Egypt because of famine in Canaan and are looked after by Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons
• Four hundred years later, God tells Moses, a Hebrew brought up and educated in the palace of Pharaoh (the ruler of Egypt), to lead the now, greatly multiplied, enslaved Hebrews out of Egypt to the Sinai desert
• God makes a covenant with the Hebrews at mount Sinai to be their God if they will listen and obey His laws (moral and ceremonial). Israel was meant to be a kingdom of priests (Ex 19:6) and a light to the Gentiles (nations) (Deut 4:6-8)
• The moral laws pointed the way of how to live
• The ceremonial laws pointed a way of approach to their holy (pure, set apart, sacred) God and forgiveness for sin (missing the mark/standard) when falling short of the moral law
• The children of Israel (Hebrew) arrive at Kadesh Barnea in preparation to enter the land of Canaan, but rebel against God and wander in the wilderness/desert for 40 years until the rebels had died.
• Moses’ successor, Joshua leads the children of Israel (the children of the rebels) across the river Jordan into Canaan; conquers most of the land and divides the land, by lot, to the 10 tribes of Israel, west of the Jordan river
• The children of Israel are ruled by a succession of Judges and then Samuel, the last judge, who appoints a king (Saul)
• King Saul is disobedient and is rejected by God; Samuel anoints a young shepherd boy–David–as king
• David becomes king of Israel and God promises King David to establish an everlasting kingdom through David’s offspring
• David’s son, Solomon builds the first Temple in Jerusalem
• Solomon dies and the kingdom of Israel divides into two: Israel in the north and Judah in the south
• The northern kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian conquerors because of persistent idolatry
• Isaiah, an Old Testament prophet, prophesies the Suffering Servant of God
• The southern kingdom, Judah, falls to the Babylonian empire conquerors; the survivors go into exile in Babylon and the king and kingdom ends because of persistent idolatry
• After 70 years in exile, a remnant of Jews from each tribe return to Jerusalem, rebuild the city wall and the Temple
• The Romans invade and occupy the land of Israel and there is an expectation of a Messianic King who will eject the Roman oppressors
• John the Baptist, a New Testament prophet/preacher, and cousin to Jesus of Nazareth, is born
• Gabriel (an angel of God) announces to a virgin girl, Mary, she is going to have a son who is going to save his people from their sins (Messianic High Priest) and to be their Messianic King on David’s throne
• Jesus of Nazareth is born in Bethlehem as prophesied by Micah, on Old Testament prophet
• Herod the Great attempts to kill the infant Jesus but Joseph and Mary, Jesus’ mother and legal father, both of the lineage of King David, flee and live in Egypt until Herod’s death; they return to Nazareth
• About 30 years of age, Jesus is declared by John the Baptist to be the Lamb of God (a Messianic High Priest title) and after Jesus’ water and spirit baptism, the Son of God (Messianic King title) by God, His Father
• Jesus of Nazareth preaches ‘repent for the Kingdom of Heaven/God is at hand/near to the house of Israel and does miracles foretold in the Old Testament Prophets to substantiate He is the Messiah
• The Judean Jews consider Jesus of Nazareth a messianic impostor and arrange with the help of the Roman governor (Pontius Pilate) and Judas Iscariot, a disciple of Jesus, to have Jesus crucified and killed.
• On the day of crucifixion (nailing Jesus through the hands and feet to an upright, wooden stake and leaving Him to die), the Passover lambs were being slaughtered, and Jesus was certified dead by 3pm by having a spear thrust into His side by a Roman soldier. Simon of Arimathea and Nicodemus (two disciples), having had permission from Pilate to have the body of Jesus, hastily wrapped it in linen cloths and buried it in a local rock tomb with a large stone rolled over the entrance, sealed, and guarded by at least 16 Roman guards to prevent grave robbers
• On the third day after Jesus’ death, either post 6pm Saturday night or Sunday morning, God the Father raises Jesus of Nazareth from the dead, the stone is rolled back, the linen cloths are still there and the tomb is empty, as the eyewitnesses–the women, Peter and John saw. Angels at the tomb announce He has been raised
• Multiple persons on different occasions saw Jesus post-resurrection where ‘He showed Himself alive after His passion (suffering) by many infallible (unmistakeable) proofs, being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God’
• The apostles (ones sent out on a mission) of Jesus ask Him if the kingdom will be restored to Israel at this time. Jesus replied it is not for them to know the times or the seasons which the Father has put in His own power (authority)
• The apostles are directed to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father–power from on high–Holy spirit’s baptism, to proclaim repentance (change your mind) and remission of sins in Jesus’ name to the nations
• Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection, He ascends in a cloud to heaven on the mount Olivet, near Jerusalem; 2 men in white clothes state that Jesus will return in like manner
• Ten days later on the day of Pentecost (a yearly Jewish festival 5 weeks of Passover feast), the Holy Spirit of God baptises 120 disciples and they speak in languages they had not learnt and the Jerusalem visitors from many nations hear the wonderful works of God in their own language. ‘But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said unto them, “Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: for these are not drunken as ye suppose seing it is but the third hour of the day (9 am). But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days,’ saith God, ‘I will pour out of My spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams: and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour in those days of My spirit and they shall prophesy: and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire and vapour and smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before that great and notable day of the LORD come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’ Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a Man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that He should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning Him, ‘I foresaw the LORD always before my face for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore did my heart rejoice and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of joy with Thy countenance.’ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that ‘of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne’ He seeing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that ‘His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption.’ This Jesus hath God raised up whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens but he saith himself, ‘The LORD said unto my Lord, sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thy foes Thy footstool.’ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye crucified both Lord and Christ.’ Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said unto them, “Repent (to reform, to have a genuine change of mind and heart and life from worse to better), and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.” And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying,: “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers and fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles and all that believed were together and had all things in common and sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat (food)with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the People and the Lord added to the church (assembly) daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:14-47)
• Peter and John heal a lame man in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth at the Temple Gate called Beautiful in Jerusalem; this draws a large crowd. Peter preaches ‘Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham and of Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just and desired a murderer to be granted unto you and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead whereof we are witnesses. And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I wot (know) that through ignorance ye did it as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ, which was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers ‘A prophet shall the LORD your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.’ Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and the covenant which God made with our fathers saying unto Abraham, ‘And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.’ Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.’ (Acts 3:12-26). About 5000 believe
• Resistance against the gospel message of Jesus Christ begins:
  • The religious rulers, elders and scribes resist the preaching of Peter and John for teaching the people and preaching through Jesus the resurrection from the dead; they are arrested and held in custody overnight; ‘and it came to pass on the morrow that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred (race) of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them,” Ye rulers of the People, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto ye all, and to all the People of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:3-12). The council, after private discussion, decide to threaten Peter and John and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
  • Later when the number of believers was increasing and the number of miracles performed too, the high priest and all they that were with him (Sadducees–who don’t believe in the resurrection) were filled with indignation and imprisoned the apostles in the common prison but the angel of the LORD (YHVH-God’s personal name) by night opened the prison doors and brought them forth and said “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” (Acts 5:14-20). And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning and taught. The apostles are re-arrested and brought before the high priest and the council ‘saying , “Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and behold ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins and we are His witnesses of these things and so is also the Holy Ghost whom God has given to them that obey Him.” When they heard that they were cut to the heart and took counsel to slay them.’ (Acts 5:28-33) Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law advises to leave the apostles alone. His advice is heeded; so they beat the apostles and again command that they should not speak in the name of Jesus; then they let them go (Acts 5:34-40)
  • Stephen, a disciple, is brought before the council on false charges. Stephen’s speech accuses them of resisting the Holy Ghost as their fathers had done and of persecuting and killing the prophets before ‘the coming of the Just One, of Whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers’. The men, brethren and fathers were furious and gnashed at Stephen with their teeth, cast him out of the city and stoned him to death. Saul (later called Paul) was present, consenting to his death
  • At that time there was persecution against the believers in Jerusalem and they were scattered throught out Judea and Samaria, preaching as they went.
• Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
  • Saul was on his way to Damascus with letters from the high priest to bring any believers, men or women, bound to Jerusalem, when he sees the risen Lord Jesus Christ and becomes a believer in Jesus Christ, is baptised in water and filled with the Holy Spirit
  • Straight away Saul preaches Christ in the synagogues that He is the Son of God
  • The Jews plotted to kill Saul in Damascus; he escapes and goes to Jerusalem where he speaks boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and spoke openly against Greek speaking Jews who attempt to kill him, but when the brethren knew, they brought Saul to Caesarea and then sent him to Tarsus
• The Gentiles receive the word of God in fulfillment of the promise to Abraham:
  • Peter and six men from Joppa visit a Gentile (a non-Jew) called Cornelius, a Roman centurion, with his relatives and close friends in Caesarea. ‘Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is the Lord of all:) that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughtout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 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. 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: Him God raised up the third day and shewed Him openly; 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. 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 the quick (living) and dead. To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word 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 for they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” And he commanded them to be baptised in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry (remain) certain days.’ (Acts 10:34-48)
• State persecution:
  • Herod the king (Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great) beheads James, (an apostle of Jesus), the brother of John, and imprisons Peter to please the Jews
  • Prayer is made to God for Peter who is released from prison by the angel of the Lord during the night
• Paul’s First Missionary Journey:
  • Paul and Barnabas are sent forth by the Holy Ghost from Antioch in Syria, and in Antioch in Pisidia (modern day Turkey), they enter the Jewish synagogue on the sabbath day and after the reading of the Law and the prophets, they are invited to speak. ‘Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this People of Israel chose our fahters, 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. And about the time of forty years suffered He their manners in the wilderness. And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, He divided their land by lot. And after that He gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 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. 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’. Of this man’s seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: when John had first preached before His coming the baptism of repentance to all the People of Israel, 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.’ Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 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 and though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired Pilate that He should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a sepulchre (tomb). But God raised Him from the dead: and was seen many days of them which came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses unto the People. And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 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.’ 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.’ Wherefore He saith also in another Psalm, ‘Thou shalt not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.’ 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 but He Whom God raised again saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore men and brethren that through this Man (One) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins and by Him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken by the prophets; ‘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.’” (Acts 13:16-41) Some Jews and Gentiles believe
  • The next sabbath day almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God, but some Jews were filled with envy and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them out of their region
  • At Iconium, there was a violent attempt made by Gentiles and Jews with their rulers to abuse and stone Paul and Barnabas but they became aware of the plan and fled to Lystra and Derbe where they preached the gospel
  • ‘And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: the same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on thy feet.” And he leaped and walked. 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.” And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 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. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 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: who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 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.” And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people that they had not done sacrifice unto them. (Acts 14:8-18)
  • However, ‘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. 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. (Acts 14:19-20)
  • ‘And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and Antioch, 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 and when they had ordained them elders in every church (assembly), and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord on Whom they believed’ (Acts 14:21-23)
  • ‘And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia and thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come and had gathered the church (assembly) together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And they abode long time with the disciples (Acts 14:24-28)
• Assembly at Jerusalem consider if believing Gentiles need to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses
  • ‘And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, “Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church (assembly), they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church (assembly), and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, “Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made a choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? but we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name and to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, ‘After this I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up that the residue of men might seek after the LORD, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name is called,’ saith the LORD, ‘Who doeth all these things.’ Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is that we trouble not them which from among the Gentiles are turned to God, but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication, and from things strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.” Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church (assembly) to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren; and they wrote letters by them after this manner: “The apostles and the elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, ‘Ye must be circumcised and keep the law’ to whom we gave no such commandment: it seemed good unto us being assembled with one accord to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” So when they were dismissed they came to Antioch and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space (time), they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles; notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.’ (Acts 15:1-35)
• Paul’s Second Missionary Journey with Silas
  • After some days Paul said unto Barnabas, “Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they do” (Acts 15:36)
  • Barnabas takes John Mark and sails to Cyprus and Paul chose Silas and leaves Antioch, being recommended by the brethren to the grace of God.
  • They go through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches (assemblies)
  • At Derbe and Lystra, Paul meets a disciple named Timotheus (Timothy, to whom Paul, later, writes two letters: 1 and 2 Timothy in the New Testament Bible), whom Paul wanted to go with him; he circumcises Timotheus because of the Jews in that area because his father was a Greek and his mother, a Jewess. (Acts 16:1-3)
  • ‘And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the degrees (edicts) for to keep that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches (assemblies) established in the faith and increased in number daily.’ (Acts 16:4-5)
  • ‘Now when they had gone throughtout Phrygia and the region of Galatia and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia (district of Mysia, Lydia, etc, western coast of modern Turkey). After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 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.” And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing (weighing a ship’s anchor) from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia and the next day to Neapolis and from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony (a Roman military settlement): and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath (the Jewish rest day) 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 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. 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. (Acts 16:6-15)
  • Paul and Silas are beaten and jailed for preaching the gospel and delivering a young girl from a spirit of divination in the name of Jesus Christ
  • Whilst Paul and Silas were in the inner prison, in stocks; they prayed and sang hyms to God at midnight and the prisoners heard them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, the doors were opened and every one’s bands were loosed. The jailer asks Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.” (Acts 16:22-40)
  • Paul and Silas go to Thessalonica and reason with the Jews out of the Scriptures, ‘opening and alleging that Christ (Messiah) must needs have suffered and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus whom I preach unto you is Christ’ (Acts 17:3). Some Jews and Gentiles believed but the non-believing Jews because of envy stirred up trouble among the people, saying ‘ these (the believers) all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king, one, Jesus.’ (Acts 17:7). Paul and Silas, by night, go to Berea
  • The Jews at Berea 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. Therefore many of them believed but the non-believing Jews at Thessalonica came and stirred up the people in Berea too (Acts 17:10-14)
  • ‘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. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews and with the devout persons and in the market daily with them that met him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans and 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. And they took him and brought him unto Areopagus saying, “May we know what this new doctrine whereof thou speakest is? for thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these mean.” (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else but to tell or to hear some new thing). 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. For as I passed by and behold your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you. 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; neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He giveth to all life and breath and all things; 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; 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: 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.’ Forasmuch then 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. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 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.” and when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked and others said, “We will hear thee again of this matter.” So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris and others with them.’ (Acts 17:15-34). After these things Paul departed from Athens and came to Corinth. (Acts 18:1)
  • ‘And he (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks and when Silas and Timotheus were come to Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ 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.”‘ (Acts 18:4-6)
  • ‘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. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, “Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.’ (Acts 18:8-11)
  • The Jews rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgement seat of Gallio, deputy of Achaia, saying “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”. Gallio drives them from his judgement seat because it is a question of words, names and their law; not a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness.
  • Paul continues to stay there for many days and then leaves by ship for Syria so he can fulfil a vow and keep a feast in Jerusalem. He lands at Caesarea, goes to Jerusalem and then down to Antioch and spends some time there
  • Paul’s third missionary journey
  • Paul leaves Antioch and went over the district of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples (Acts 18:23)
  • Paul arrives in Ephesus ‘and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” And they said unto him, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” And he said unto them, “Unto what then were ye baptized?” And they said, “Unto John’s baptism.” Then said Paul, “John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the People, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them and they spake with tongues and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.’ (Acts 19:1-7)
  • ‘And he went into the synagogue and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers (some) were hardened and believed not, but spake evil of that (the) way before the multitude, he departed from them and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia ( Roman Provence of: western modern Turkey) heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and evil spirits went out of them.’ (Acts 19:8-12)
  • ‘Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are ye?” And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them and overcame them and prevailed against them so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus: and fear fell on them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came and confessed and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men and they counted the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.’ (Acts 19:13-20)
  • Paul purposes to go to Jerusalem and then Rome (Acts 19:21-22)
  • Uproar at Ephesus fuelled by Demetrius, (made silver shrines for goddess Diana), whose business and wealth was being affected adversely by Paul persuading and turning away many people by saying ‘they be no gods which are made with hands’. The townclerk appeases the crowd and exonerates Paul by saying they are not church robbers nor blasphemers of the goddess Diana. (Acts 19:23-41)
  • After the Ephesian uproar, Paul travels to Macedonia and then Greece for three months and when he had planned to sail to Syria, because the Jews were plotting against him, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
  • Sails from Philippi to Troas, then on foot to Assos, then to Mitylene, then Samos, Trogyllium and then Miletus, because Paul, if possible wanted to be in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost
  • ‘And from Miletus he (Paul) sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church (assembly). And when they were come to him, he said unto them, “Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations (trials) which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews; and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you and taught you publickly (publicly) and from house to house testifying both to the Jews and also the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the whole counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church (assembly) of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your ownselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one, night and day with tears. And now brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man’s silver or gold or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:17-35)
  • Paul and his companions board a ship at Miletus to Coos then to Rhodes then Patara. Found a ship going to Phenicia and landed at Tyre. From there by ship to Ptolemais then to Caesarea then Jerusalem.
• Paul arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17-22)
  • Paul is arrested by the Romans in Jerusalem because some Jews of Asia stirred up the local people, saying Paul was teaching against the law and bringing a gentile into the temple area and polluting it.
  • Paul tells the crowd of how he met and spoke to the risen Lord Jesus of Nazareth and how Jesus had told him to get out of Jerusalem when he was there because the Jews would not accept his testimony concerning Jesus and when Paul said to the crowd that Jesus had said to him, ‘Depart, for I will send you far hence to the Gentiles’, the crowd then shouted, ‘Away with such a fellow; for it is not that he should live.’
  • Next day Paul is set before the chief priests and council and causes a division among them by declaring himself a Pharisee of the hope of resurrection of the dead–the Sadducees not believing this–Paul is rescued by the Romans (Acts 22:30-23:10)
  • At night, the Lord stood by Paul and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jesrusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.’ (Acts 23:11)
  • When it was day, more than 40 Jews conspired to kill Paul. The plot is discovered and Paul is escorted under armed guard by the Roman military to Felix, the govenor at Caesarea (Acts 23:12-35)
  • Five days later, Ananias, the Jewish high priest, and the elders with an orator, Tertullus, come to Caesarea and give evidence against Paul to Felix saying Paul was a plague, mover of sedition among the Jews throughout the world; a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes and had profaned the temple (in Jesrusalem) (Acts 24:1-9)
  • ‘Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, “Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: because that thou mayest understand that there are but twelve days since I went up to Jesrusalem for to worship and they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogue nor in the city: neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men. Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings, whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor tumult who ought to have been here before thee and object if they had ought againgst me, or else let these here say, if they have found any evil doing in me while I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, ‘Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.’” (Acts 24:10-21)
  • Paul is kept in custody but allowed his companions to visit (Acts 24:22-23)
  • ‘And after certain days when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come, Felix trembled (was frightened) and answered, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” He hoped also that money should be given him of Paul that he might loose him, wherefore he sent for him the oftener and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’s room (position), and Felix willing to shew the Jews a pleasure (favour), left Paul bound’ (Acts 24:24-27)
• Paul before the judgment seat in Caesarea
  • ‘…he (Festus) went down into Caesarea and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. And when he was come, the Jews which came down form Jerusalem stood round about and laid many and grievous complaints (charges) against Paul which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple nor yet against Caesar, have I offended at all.” But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure (favour) answered Paul and said, “Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem and there be judged of these things before me?” Then Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat where I ought to be judged; to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender or have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.” Then Festus when he had conferred with the council (of the court), answered, “Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.” (Acts 25:6-12)
• Paul before King Agrippa (Acts 25:13-26:32)
  • ‘And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came to salute Festus. And when they had been there many days, Festus declares Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, “There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix about whom when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me desiring to have judgment against him. To whom I answered, ‘It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.’ Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed; but had certain questions against him of their own superstition and of one Jesus which was dead whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these matters. But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.” Then Agrippa said unto Festus, “I would also hear the man himself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “thou shalt hear him.” And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth. And Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me both at Jerusalem and also here, crying that he ought not live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that after examination had, I might have somewhat to write; for it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not with all to signify the crimes laid against him.”‘ (Acts 25:13-27)
  • ‘Then Agrippa said unto Paul, “Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.” Then Paul stretched forth his hand and answered for himself: “I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews; especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews; wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews, which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth which thing I also did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them and punished them oft in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks (goads).’ And I said, ‘Who art thou, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But arise and stand upon thy feet for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the People and the Gentiles unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and 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.’ Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision; but shewed first unto them of Damascus and at Jeerusalem and throughtout all the coasts of Judea and then to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God and do works meet (worthy of) for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things that those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer and that He should rise from the dead and should shew light unto the People and to the Gentiles.” And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice. “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.” But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of the things before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” Then Agrippa said unto Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God that not only thou but also all that hear me this day were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up and the governor and Bernice and they that sat with them; and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves saying, “This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” Then said Agrippa unto Festus, “This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed unto Caesar.”
• Paul’s hazardous journey to Rome by ship (Acts 27:1-28:16)
• Paul’s conference with the Jews in Rome (Acts 28:17-29)
  • Paul is allowed to live by himself but chained to a guard
  • ‘And it came to pass that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together; and when they were come together, he said unto them, “Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the People or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans who, when they had examined me would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you to see you and to speak with you because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” And they said unto him, ” We neither received letters out of Judea concerning thee neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest, for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.”‘
  • ‘And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him (Paul) into his lodging, to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed after that Paul had spoken one word, “Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias (Isaiah) the prophet unto our fathers, saying, ‘Go unto this People, and say, Hearing ye shall hear,and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see and not perceive: for the heart of this People is waxed gross and their ears are dull of hearing and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and should be converted and I should heal them,’ Be it known therefore unto you that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles and that they will hear it.”‘ And when he had said these words the Jews departed and had great reasoning among themselves.’
• Paul in prison 2 years
  • ‘And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no man forbidding him’ (Acts 28:30-31)
• The new testament book of Acts, quoted from extensively above, is a historical book written by Luke who also wrote the gospel bearing his name. Three groups of people are mentioned: the Jews, the Gentiles and the believers in Christ (assemblies/churches). A common theme running through the narrative is the rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders as their Messiah and the belief and acceptance by many Gentiles. While the offer of the return of Jesus, upon national repentance was open to Israel (Acts 3:12-26; see above), Paul was preaching his gospel of the grace of God which he had received by revelation from Jesus Christ Himself, to the Gentiles because he didn’t know whether the Jews would or would not repent. During this uncertain time, Paul and other prophets had revelation that God was creating a new Man — the body of Christ–the Church, where Jesus Christ was the head and believers in Christ were His body. These believers in Christ were from Jews, Gentiles, bond, free, male and female groups, believing Christ died for their sins and that Christ arose from the dead. As it turned out, Israel didn’t repent with the consequence, Israel would not be a light to the Gentiles as they were meant to be at this time. While Paul was in prison in Rome (Acts 28), he wrote the prison epistles (letters): Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians to the churches in Ephesus, Philippi and Colosse respectively, now having been authorised to right down the secret concerning the Body of Christ–the Church. AD 62. This body was God’s agent to preach the Word of God/Gospel of the grace and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and evangelise the world until the fulness of the Gentiles had come in; because God wants all to be saved from sin and death
• Paul’s letters to the Churches
• While Paul was on his missionary journeys he wrote letters to the churches at Corinth (1 and 2 Corinthians), Rome (Romans), a group of churches in Galatia (Galatians), and at Thessalonica (1 and 2 Thessalonians) and while in prison in Rome — Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. These letters are essential reading for today in the following order ie the order they are presented in the New Testament viz: Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians
• Paul’s letters to individuals
• About AD62, Paul is released from prison and travels to Crete and Nicopolis. About AD67, Paul writes to Timothy (1Timothy) and then in prison, Paul writes to Timothy again (2 Timothy) and to Titus (Titus) before his martyrdom. Again, these letters are essential reading for today.
• Paul also wrote a personal letter to Philemon around AD62 when Paul was first imprisoned in Rome
• The Rapture of the Church-the Body of Christ
• Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica ‘But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him; for this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent (go or come before, anticipate) them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, “Peace and safety;” then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail (labour) upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all children of light and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation for God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another even as also ye do.’ (1 Thess 4:13-5:11)

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