| 1) The book of Acts is the second
of two letters written by Luke to a Roman official named Theophilos It records
the completion of the resurrection story and the beginning of the Church
Age.
2) In Acts we find the only reference to the amount of time spent on earth by Jesus after His resurrection. He spent forty days before He ascended. (Acts 1:3) |
(Acts 1:3 KJV) "To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" | ||
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3) (1) He showed His risen body to His Apostles (leaders of the Church) and disciples (followers of the Church) on several different occasions in the Gospels just prior to the book of Acts. (2) In Acts Jesus confirmed to the Apostles that they were not to leave Jerusalem until the promise had been given them (baptism of the Spirit). ((1) see below ; (2) Acts 1:4-5) |
(Acts 1:4-5 KJV) "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. {5} For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." | ||
| 3A) These notes are taken from the N. A. S. Ryrie study bible. The ten sightings are from the notes that I found in a passage in Jn.20:1. They are also compared to the synopsis of the Gospel as is found in the back of the Bible. I put these in order to the best of my ability: any error in the arrangement is mine. | |||
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Sightings of Jesus
in the Gospels just Prior to the Book of Acts
But After His Resurrection |
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a) (1) Mary the mother of James and Salome along with (2) Joanna and (3) Mary Magdalene had come to finish the burial preparations for their Lord's body. When they arrived they found the (4) stone had been rolled away. (5) Mary Magdalene left to find Peter and John and tell them she couldn't find the Lord. (6) While she was gone two angels appeared to the ladies left behind and told them He is not here He is risen. (7) Upon returning from her errand Mary Magdalene is standing at the tomb weeping when she sees the two angels. Crying bitterly she ask them where they have taken her Lord. Turning around she sees a man she supposes is the gardener and she ask him where have they taken the body. Then the man (Jesus) calls out her name MARY!! She called him Rabboni (or "teacher" in the Hebrew). She ran to tell the disciples she had seen Jesus. |
(1) Mk.16:1-4 |
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| b) When the angels told the two ladies that had been left behind that Jesus was risen (1) they also told them to go find the disciples and tell them He is risen. (2) The ladies while on their way to tell the disciples the news actually see Jesus. | (1) Lk.24:4-9 (2) Mt.28:8-10 ; Lk.24:9-10) | ||
| c) (1) When Peter and John heard Mary Magdalene they didn't believer her and went running toward the tomb. John got their first and then Peter. They found the stone rolled away and the grave cloths undisturbed and empty. (2) The Lord appeared to Simon Peter. | (1) Jn. 20:3-10 (2) Lk. 24:34) | ||
| d) Cleophas and another were walking towards Emmaus (about 7 miles from Jerusalem) . They were talking over what had happened when Jesus Himself appeared to them - though they did not know Him. He asked them what they talked about; they couldn't believe that anyone wouldn't have heard the news from Jerusalem. How Jesus a mighty prophet had been crucified. "We thought He was going to redeem Israel but it is the third day and we still have not seen Him. Some of our ladies went to bury Him but they couldn't find His body. Others went and found it just as they said for they too couldn't find Him." Jesus told them they were slow to believe and spoke so knowledgeably about God's Word they asked Him to stay the night with them. It was not till He took the bread from the table and blessed it that they recognized Him.(Lk.24 :13-32) | |||
| e) Cleophas and his partner returned to Jerusalem where they met with the eleven, telling them of who they had met and all they had seen. It was during the evening of the first day of the week and Jesus Himself appeared to them in their midst. He gently chided them, for they were frightened, thinking Him a spirit. "Look at me can't you see my hands, my feet, my side", He asked for and received a piece of fish of which He did eat. He then began to teach them just as He used to do. They later spoke of this to Thomas who was not with them at the time, but Thomas chose not to believe them. (Lk.24:36-43 ; Jn.20:19-25) | |||
| f) Eight days later Jesus appeared to all the disciples in a room with closed doors. Knowing of Thomas's doubt Jesus went strait to him, saying "feel my side, my hands, my feet". (Jn.20:26-29) |
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| g) The eleven disciples went towards Galilee where the Lord had told them to meet Him. He appeared to them and began teaching them and correcting them for their unbelief. He told them they would receive the promise of the Spirit. He was then taken up from them to sit on the right hand of the Father. (Mt.28:16-20) | |||
| h) He appeared to seven of the disciples at the sea of Tiberius. Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James, John, and two others were there. They were coming in from fishing with Peter, having caught nothing. Jesus appeared to them on the shore but they did not know Him. When inquiring about their haul, they told Him they had caught nothing. He told them to go back out and let their nets down on the right side of the boat. The disciples did this and gathered so many fish they couldn't contain them all. Then John, the beloved disciple, told Peter "it is the Master". When they all came ashore Jesus was waiting for them with a fire. He prepared bread and fish and they did eat together.(Jn.21:1-13) | |||
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i) Jesus was seen also of about 500 after his resurrection. (1 Cor. 15:6) j) He then appeared to James his half brother. (1 Cor.15:7) [ In 1Cor.15:8 We see where Jesus is seen by Paul.] |
(1 Corinthians 15:6-8 KJV) "After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. {7} After that, he was seen of James; then of all the Apostles. {8} And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." | ||
| 4) Jesus told them they were to be witnesses to the furthermost corners of the earth. | (Acts 1:8 KJV) "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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." | ||
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5) Then Jesus was (1) covered by a cloud and raised out of their sight to sit on the (2) right hand of God. 6) Two angels asked why they looked up, they told the people He will come back the same way He left. |
(1) Ac.1:9 (Acts 1:11 KJV) "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." |
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| 7) They left from the Mt. of Olives (which was about a half mile or a Sabbaths day journey) from Jerusalem and went to where the others awaited them in the upper room. There was approximately 120 people gathered, including many of the woman who followed Jesus. (1) Mary Magdalene was there and Mary Jesus' mother, also His (2) half brothers and many others who had followed Jesus. Ac.1:12-14 |
(1) Lk.8:2 |
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8) Peter was speaking to the crowd in the upper room, telling them they needed to replace Judas because he betrayed Christ. Peter sited references to this in Psalms.Ac.1:15-20 9) They developed some requirements for the man they were going to chose, deciding he had to have been a long time follower of Christ and a witness of His resurrection. The disciples made their choice by much prayer and by the casting of lots. (This was an acceptable choice during this time of history, one the priest themselves used in the Old Testament). Matthias was chosen using this method. (Ac.1:21-26) |
(Psalms 41:9 KJV) "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." (Psalms 69:25 KJV) "Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents." (Psalms 109:8 KJV) "Let his days be few; and let another take his office." |
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10) Have you ever wondered what the Holy Spirit does for you? He is our Helper. He reveals the Scripture to us and helps us remember it when we need to. Most of all He will be with us forever and reminds us of Jesus' work in our lives. 11) The Holy Spirit was to play a special role during one particular Jewish holiday. The day of Pentecost (a Greek word ) was a day of feasting for the Israelites. It was celebrated seven full weeks (a feast of weeks) after the first fruits. It normally celebrated the wheat harvest but this particular Pentecost was going to celebrate the beginning of the Church Age. |
(John 14:16 KJV) "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; .... But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (Exodus 34:22; Deuteronomy 16:10) |
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12) Most of the Apostles and disciples were waiting in the upper room on this particular Pentecost. God's promise to them from the Gospels would be fulfilled on this day. The Baptism of the Spirit - this was the promise that Jesus had given to them. [The following are notes from Ryrie and Wilmington] A noise like a mighty rushing wind filled the place where they were, and tongues like of fire rested on each one. (Ac.2:2-3) 13) In Jerusalem where they were, there were many Jews from surrounding nations staying there. These were all amazed for after hearing the noise, they discovered unlearned men from Galilee speaking to them in their own languages. (Ac.2:4-12) |
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Peter the Apostle
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| 14) Peter, one of the original Apostles, was one of the main players in the early Church. He along with John, Stephen, and Philip helped carry out what was known as the greater Jerusalem crusade. It was Peter that preached several of the pivotal sermons in this crusade. We see Peter coming forth in a position of power, considering that he had denied Jesus three times only a little earlier. We see where he pointed out the need for a new apostle after Judas's betrayal. We learn here he was one of the first preachers in the Church age. He begins his sermon by telling the people that what they just witnessed could not have happened if the people were drunk. Besides he says it is only the third hour (about 9:00 A.M.). He goes further and tells them that it is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. That the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all people. This was the beginning of that fulfillment but the completion want be seen till the book of Revelation. (Ac.2:13-21 ; also summary of notes from Ryrie and Wilmington) | (Luke
22:61-62 KJV) "And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter
remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock
crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. {62} And Peter went out, and wept bitterly."
(Joel 2:28-29 KJV) "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: {29} And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." |
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| 15) Peter went on to recount to them some of the things Christ had done all the way up to his crucifixion. He said heed the words of Jesus whom you have seen do many miracles in His Father's name. You yourselves did nail Him to the cross, but God raised Him up, for death could not hold Him. (Ac.2:22-24) | |||
| 16) Peter reminded them that prophets and kings as early as David had foretold that Jesus would not be held in the ground by death and thus would become our surety of hope in heaven. He quoted (Ps.16:8-11) and said being David is dead he must have been speaking of Christ in this passage. (Ac.2:25-31) | (Psalms 16:8-11 KJV) "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. {9} Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. {10} For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. {11} Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." | ||
| 17) Peter tells the people we
have seen Him raised up. "We have seen Him leave to go to heaven
and sit on the right hand of the Father. What you see and hear before you
is proof that the prophecies have been fulfilled".
(Ac.2:32-38)
18) Having seen and heard all of this many of the people were convicted and asked what they should do. "Repent and be baptized in Jesus name and you shall receive the Spirit. For the promise is for all who will come". Those that came were about 3,000 souls and they fellowshipped together and shared their wealth each one with his brother. (Ac.2:37-47) |
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| 19) Here we find Peter healing
a lame man this leads to him preaching another sermon. This is the second
in a series of sermons known as the Greater Jerusalem Crusades. Peter along
with John and Philip and Stephen were the main players
in this crusade. (See Wilmington's Guide To The
Bible for notes)
20) Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray at about the ninth hour of the day (about 3:00 P.M.). They met a lame man who had been brought there to beg alms. (Ac.3:1-2) |
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John The Apostle
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A1) We first see Peter and John in the early part of Acts. John was with Peter when they healed the lame man. (Ac.3:1-11) A2) John and Peter were put in jail one night and were not allowed to face their accusers till the next day. (Ac.4:3, 7) A3) The people marveled at the calmness of the two men. (Ac.4:13) A4) John and Peter though they were commanded to do so, refused to quit preaching the Word of the Lord. (Ac.4:19-20) A5) They were released with the warning not to preach anymore, but they went strait way and did it anyway. Though their first action was to go to their fellow believers and tell them their story. (Ac.4:21, 23) |
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A6) The word of God had been preached to the Samaritans and they had believed and been baptized. However they had not yet received the Holy Spirit. The Samaritans were considered outsiders by the other Jews because they were of mixed blood. The Apostles felt it necessary for some of them to be there when they received the Spirit lest they try to set up a new Church. They sent Peter and John to the Samaritans for this task. The Apostles laid their hands on them and they received the Spirit. This was a mark of John's maturity for earlier in his ministry he had wanted to destroy them. (Lk.9:54 ; Ac.8:14-17)
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(Luke
9:52-54 KJV) "And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and
entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. {53} And
they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to
Jerusalem. {54} And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said,
Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume
them, even as Elias did?"
(Acts 8:14-17 KJV) "Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: {15} Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: {16} (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) {17} Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." |
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| 21) The man was (1)
more than forty years old and had been lame from birth. He begged alms from
Peter and John but they gave him much more. ((1)Ac.4:22
; Ac.3:35)
22) Peter said I don't have money but in the name of Jesus rise up and walk. (Ac.3:6) 23) As Peter took the mans hands and lifted him up, his legs received strength and supported him. This was done through the name of Jesus and in His power. (Ac.3:6-7) 24) He got up with a leap and was praising God, all the people were amazed for they recognized him as the one begging alms. (Ac.3:8-10) 25) Peter asked the people why do you think this is so great? Do you think this was done through our own power certainly not. Peter used this event as a lead in to his second sermon. (Ac.3:11-12) 26) This was done to glorify the Jesus that you had crucified, when you asked a murder to be released instead. (Ac.3:13-15) 27) It is because this man believed in Jesus that he was healed. (Ac.3:16) 28) I know you don't understand but the things that were foretold of old have been fulfilled. Now you need to believe and repent that you might know this Jesus who died for you. (Ac.3:17-20) |
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29) Peter reminds them of what Moses himself said. That God would raise a prophet up to whom they should give heed to his every word. Those that don't listen will be destroyed, thus it was foretold by all the prophets from Samuel upwards. Peter tells the people you are the children of the promise. If you don't listen and obey the call then it will be passed on to those who will.
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(Deuteronomy
18:15 KJV) "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from
the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;"
(Acts 3:22-26 KJV) "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. {23} And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. {24} Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. {25} Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. {26} 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." |
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| 30) The crowd seeing the lame
man walking and hearing Peter's sermon was quite convicted and about 5,000
men were saved. (Ac.4:4)
31) There was so much confusion among the crowds that the priest and temple guard (second only to the priest (Ryrie note)) came to see what was going on. (Ac.4:1) 32) The priest and captain of the temple and others were very upset at the content of Peter's sermon. For he preached that you could be resurrected from the dead because of Jesus' work on the cross. They were so angry that they put Peter and John in jail over night till they could talk with them. (Ac.4:2-3) |
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| 33) Annas and Caiaphas and many of their kinspeople gathered Peter and John the next morning to question them. They wanted to know how the man had been healed, by the power of what name. (Ac.4:5-7) |
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| 34) Peter speaking with the power of the Spirit said, "If we are being tried for doing good to a sick man, it is in the name of Jesus that we have done this thing. He was rejected by you but He is the very foundation by whom you might be saved. There is no other name by which men must be saved. (Ps.118:22 ; Ac.4:8-12) | (Psalms
118:22 KJV) "The stone which the builders refused is become the head
stone of the corner."
(Acts 4:8-12 KJV) "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, {9} If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; {10} Be it known unto you 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 here before you whole. {11} This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. {12} Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." |
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35) Those judging Peter and John seeing their calmness and having seen the lame man walking didn't quite know what to say. Before they let them go they conferred together and decided to tell them not to speak of this Jesus anymore. (Ac.4:13-14) 36) Peter and John replied "whether it is right or wrong we have to speak, we can't stay silent". Having nothing else with which to hold them and fearing the crowd, their accusers released them. (Ac.4:19-22) |
(Romans
13:1-3 KJV) "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For
there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. {2}
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:
and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. {3} For rulers
are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid
of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"
Rulers are to be obeyed as long as their directives do NOT stand in direct opposition to the Word of God or the preaching of the Gospel - Editor |
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37) Peter and John went straight to the people and told them what had occurred. The people prayed with thanksgiving and prayed for boldness to continue. They began to realize both Jew and Gentile had crucified Jesus. They prayed all the more for boldness that more healings might take place through the name of Jesus. The place where they prayed was shaken and the Holy Spirit filled them with boldness. (Ac. 4:23-31) 38) Just as we saw it in chapter two where they were sharing, we see it even more clearly here. All of the people were in one accord; those that had possessions were selling and giving to those who did not have anything. They were even selling their land and giving their proceeds to the Apostles to distribute as they willed. Joseph who was called Barnabas did this also. (Ac.4:32-37) 39) There were two, Ananias and Sapphira, who did also sell their land. They both decided together to keep back part of the price, so Ananias went and laid part at the Apostles' feet. Peter spoke to Ananias: "Why have you let the devil tempt you that you would lie to the Spirit. Even when you had sold the land the money was still yours to spend as you wished. Yet you did lie to God by keeping part of it". Upon hearing this Ananias did fall down dead. Some of the congregation there carried out Ananias to bury him. Not three hours later the same was done with his wife Sapphira. She came in not knowing what happened to her husband, and told Peter they had sold the land for so much. Peter told her the same who buried your husband will also bury you. This brought much fear on all those who had witnessed these events. (Ac. 5:1-11) 40) The Apostles committed many such miracles and wonders. People were placed near Peter so that his shadow might fall on them so that they might be healed. Many people came to the Lord at this time. (Ac.5:12-16) 41) The priest was again stirred up against the Apostles because of all the healings and conversions that took place. So they took Peter and John and threw them in prison. (Ac.5:17-18) |
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The Angel of
The Lord
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42) The angel of the Lord himself opened the prison and brought them out telling them to go preach and teach in the temple. (Ac.5:19-21) Who was "the angel of the Lord"? This individual is throughout the Scripture, starting in Genesis, and shows up at key areas in God's Plan of the Ages - Editor
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43) The High Priest gathered and sent for the Apostles that they might question them. When the officers went to find them they couldn't because they had already been released. The prison was secure, only it didn't have Peter and John inside. (Ac.5:21-23) 44) The priest was quite upset about this and couldn't discern where the Apostles were. (Ac.5:24) 45) They were told the men they sought were in the Temple teaching. The guards went and fetched them without bloodshed for they feared the people. The High Priest questioned them saying are "you not doing the very thing we told you not to. All of Jerusalem is filled with your teaching". (Ac 5:25-28) 46) Peter again told them "We must obey God not you. We are witnesses to the fact that the One you crucified has been resurrected and sits on the right hand of God. He did this in order to give forgiveness of sin and to allow Israel to repent". (Ac.5:29-32) |
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47) This made the priest so angry that they wanted to kill the Apostles. It was only through the intervention of Gamaliel (a teacher of the law) that they were persuaded not to. Gamaliel ordered the Apostles out then spoke to the priest. (Ac.5:33-34) 48) If what they speak of is of man then they will be overthrown as others have been. Yet if it is of God then you will be seen as fighting God. (Ac 5:35-39) |
Editor - Who was Gamaliel? Gamaliel was the greatest teacher of the Law that the Pharisees ever had. He himself taught Saul, who would later become Paul the Apostle (Acts 22:3). Gamaliel, the more liberal of the Pharisees, believed that when there are two divergent views of the truth that both positions should be heard and recorded. Some of Gamaliel's legal opinions still stand in the Jewish Talmud. | ||
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49) The priest not being willing to release them completely brought them back in and cautioned them once more not to speak in the name of Jesus. The priest was very angry this being the second time Peter and John had been put in jail for teaching God's word. Before they released them they had them flogged (whipped). (Ac.5:40) 50) The Apostles left once again rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for Jesus and started preaching once again. (Ac.5:41-42) |
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51) There were those who felt that the Greek speaking Jews were being slighted in the dividing up of food and goods. The Apostles wanted to spend their time preaching, teaching, and studying God's word so they designated this problem to others. They went to the other disciples and asked them to pick out seven men who could oversee the task of keeping the peace between the Greeks and the Jews. These men were to be full of the Spirit and of a honest nature, so the disciples chose. (Ac.6:1-4) 52) The people got together and chose seven men all of which had Greek speaking names. These men were Stephen (who died a martyr), Philip (part of the Jerusalem crusade), Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. These men were set before the Apostles who prayed over them and laid their hands on them. God's word was able to increase, many more came to the Lord, including many of the priest. (Ac.6:5-7) |
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Stephen The First
Martyr
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A1) Stephen was one of the seven deacons who became very active in the church, so much so that he was martyred. A2) Stephen performed miracles and preached so much that a group from the synagogue that called themselves the Libertines rose up against him. Yet the very ones who rose up against him couldn't resist his preaching. So they hired others to lie against Stephen saying they had heard him speaking against God and Moses. The Libertines continued to stir the people up against Stephen so he was brought before the council. The men they hired swore they had heard Stephen say that Jesus would destroy the temple and raise it again in three days. That they had heard him admit that the laws of Moses would be changed. The council carefully watched Stephen while these proceedings were going on, but he had the look of an angel on his face. (Ac.6:8-15) |
F.F. Bruce in The Acts of the Apostles, pg. 156, notes that the Libertines were Jewish freedmen or their descendants from the places mentioned - Editor | ||
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A3) Stephen in facing his enemies recounted the story of Moses from before Isaac's birth through the burning bush and up to Moses again as he spoke prophesy. God Himself will raise a prophet like to me that you should follow. (Ac.7:1-37) A4) This same Moses was on the mountain speaking with God and you turned from them and began offering your own children on the alters of strange gods. (Ac.7:38-43) A5) You did have the tabernacle and later the temple, but God doesn't dwell in places we make. The earth and everything in it is God's. (Ac.7:44-50) A6) Your fathers knew the law but kept it not destroying the prophets. You are just as proud and unbelieving now as they were then. (Ac.7:51-53) A7) Stephen in recounting to them their many stumbles made them so angry they came against him to bite him with their teeth. (Ac.7:54) |
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A8) During all this Stephen who kept his faith, continually looked toward heaven, saying he saw Jesus Standing at the right hand of the Father. (Ac.7:55-56) A9) Their anger was so intense they literally covered their ears so they couldn't hear him anymore. They all rushed him with one accord pushing him out of the city to stone him. They laid their coats at the feet of a man called (1) Saul (Paul). They continued to stone him so that he said Jesus receive my spirit. Before he knelt down and died he asked the Father to not hold their sins against them. (Ac.7:57-60 ; (1) Ac.7:58) A10) This was the beginning of a great persecution against the Church, they were scattered throughout all the surrounding regions except for the Apostles. Some devout men buried Stephen and mourned over him. (Ac.8:1-2) [We note here that Saul was the main reason for the persecution that developed after Stephen's death. We will discuss Saul or Paul more at a later date.] |
(Acts 7:60 KJV) "And he {Stephen}kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Luke 23:34 KJV) "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." |
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B1) Philip was another deacon (1) known for his works in the church. When the persecution started after the death of Stephen and they all scattered, Philip went to Samaria. ((1) Ac.6:5 ; Ac.8:4-5) B2) Philip was casting out demons and performing other acts of healing, in the name of and through the power of Jesus. He was also speaking the word of God to the Samaritans, so there was much happiness through out the city. (Ac.8:6-8) B3) There was a practicer of magic named Simon who was in direct conflict with Philip. Before Philip's arrival Simon had made himself very powerful in the eyes of the people, so that many believed in him. (Ac.8:9-11) B4) Philip was preaching the good news of God and many were coming to be baptized. Finally Simon himself came and was baptized. He stayed at Philip's side and was much amazed at all the miracles that were being performed. (Ac.8:12-13) B5) When those in Jerusalem heard of the many new converts and baptisms that were happening in Samaria they sent Peter and John to them. They were to lay their hands on the new converts that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (Ac.8:14-17) B6 Our old friend Simon had obviously not truly believed for he offered money to Peter for the power he possessed. Peter told him "may your money perish with you, one can't buy the receiving of the Spirit". Peter told him to repent and get right with God. (Ac.8:12-24) B7) So Peter (after having rebuked Simon) and John returned back to Jerusalem speaking to the many cities of Samaria along the way. (Ac.8:25) [see Wilmington for notes on Simon] |
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| B8) An angel Appeared to Philip telling him to go south along a road leading to Gaza. There he met an Ethiopian eunuch who had gone to Jerusalem to worship. He was in his carriage on his way back to Ethiopia and he was reading in the book of Isaiah. The Spirit told Philip to go near the carriage, when he did he asked the man if he knew what he was reading. (Ac.8:26-30) | (Leviticus
21:20-21 KJV) "Or crookbacked, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in
his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; {21} No man
that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer
the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not
come nigh to offer the bread of his God."
(Deuteronomy 23:1 KJV) "He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD."
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B9) The eunuch replied "I need someone to teach me". Philip got into the carriage and began teaching the eunuch about Jesus. (Ac.8:31-35) B10) When they passed a body of water the eunuch said "why can't I be baptized". So they came down out of the carriage and Philip did baptize him. (Ac.8:36-38) |
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| B11) The Spirit
snatched Philip away and the eunuch saw him no more. But, the eunuch continued
to rejoice on his way home. (Ac.8:39)
B12) When Philip was put down he found himself at Apotus some twenty miles north of where he had been. He continued to preach in all the cities along the way till he reached Caesarea. (Ac.8:40) |
(Acts
8:39 KJV) "And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit
of the Lord caught away (HARPAZO, to snatch up, seize, take by force)
Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."
(2 Corinthians 12:3-4 KJV) "And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) {4} How that he was caught up (HARPAZO, to snatch up, seize, take by force) into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." (1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV) "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (HARPAZO, to snatch up, seize, take by force) together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (Revelation 12:4-5 KJV) "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon Stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. {5} And She brought forth a man child, {JESUS} who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up (HARPAZO, to snatch up, seize, take by force) unto God, and to his throne." |
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B13) Many years later Paul stayed at Philip's house in Caesarea on one of his missionary journeys. (Ac.21:8) B14) We find also that Philip had four daughters. (Ac.21:9) |
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53) Peter was doing a great deal of traveling, preaching and performing miracles as he went. He was on a journey near Lydia when he healed a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed for eight years. He told the man "Jesus heals you - take up your bed and walk". (Ac.9:32-34) 54) There were many in the community of Lydia and Sharon who when they saw this came to know the Lord. It also attracted notice in the near by town of Joppa. The disciples who were there had lost a dear friend named Dorcas, who was known for her many good works. Hearing that Peter was near by they sent for him. (Ac.9:35-36) 55) When Peter got to Joppa he found Dorcas or Tabitha laid out in an upper chamber, for She had died of an illness. All the woman of Joppa were mourning her, when Peter arrived they were showing him all the many things that Dorcas had made. (Ac.9:37-39) 56) Peter sent them from the room and knelt and prayed. Peter called out to the woman to get up, She opened her eyes and when She saw Peter She arose with his help. (Ac.9:40-41) |
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| 57) Then Peter took her and they
went down to the people who were waiting below. There were many in Joppa
who believed in Jesus on that day. (Ac.9:41-42)
58) Peter stayed in Joppa for quite some time, even as he was staying God was preparing his heart. For he stayed with Simon who was a tanner of animal skins. Even staying with this man would have been against Jewish customs for he dealt around dead carcasses to earn his living. (Ac.9:43) 59) Now while Peter was (1) staying in Joppa at Simon's house God was preparing a man to send to Peter. His name was Cornelius and he was a centurion from Caesarea (was about thirty miles from Joppa). ((1)Ac.9:43 ; Ac.10:1) |
[Ryrie notes Acts 10:1-2 - Cornelius was in charge of 100 Roman soldiers, he followed most Jewish practices but was not circumcised.] | ||
| 60) Cornelius was a devout man
and he and his family feared God, gave money to the Jews and prayed often,
yet he was not a Christian. (Ac.10:2)
61) An angel came to Cornelius and said "your prayers have been heard, you are to go to Joppa. There you, will meet one Simon Peter who is staying at Simon the tanners house he will help you". So Cornelius did as he was told but first he sent soldiers to Peter. (Ac.10:3-8) 62) Meanwhile God was also preparing Peter. He went up to pray about the sixth hour (about noon) while waiting on them to prepare food. While he was on the roof he went into a trance, what he saw was a sheet being let down from heaven. On this sheet were all manners of unclean animals he was told to kill and eat them. He replied and said I have never eaten any unclean thing and I don't want to start now. This was repeated three times, finally a voice from heaven said what God has made clean don't call it unclean. While Peter was still trying to make sense of the dream the soldiers from Cornelius were down below asking for him. The Spirit told Peter go with the three men down below without question "for I have sent them". The men spoke of Cornelius and what a good master he was, they told Peter an angel had come to him and told him to send to Joppa. There he was to find a man named Peter who was to come preach to them and tell them the good news. Peter welcomed them to stay the night and in the morning he and some fellow believers from Joppa went along with the soldiers back to Caesarea. (Ac.10:9-23) 63) Cornelius had gathered a great company of people along with his family to hear the message Peter was to bring. Cornelius tried to worship Peter when he arrived, Peter said "no, I am not worthy I am a man just like you". Peter told Cornelius "it is not right lawfully for me to be seen with you yet the Lord has shown me otherwise. So I came with out question to see what you wanted of me". Cornelius shared his story with Peter. Four days ago on the ninth hour a being with shining garments Appeared to me and told me my prayers had been answered. That I was to send to Joppa for a man named Peter who would come and share a word from the Lord with me. (Ac.10:24-33) 64) Peter said surely I understand that God does not show partiality. He began recounting things that had happened from the baptism of John all the way to the crucifixion of Christ. He told Cornelius that they were commissioned to go and preach and teach the gospel. While Peter was speaking the circumcised ones who had come with him from Joppa were amazed. For even while he preached the Holy Spirit was pouring Himself out on the Gentiles even as He had on the day of Pentecost. With the result that the Gentiles began speaking in tongues and praising God. Peter hearing these things asked his fellow believers can you see any reason why we should not baptize them too. So they were baptized in the name of Jesus, Peter and his company stayed with them for several more days before departing. (Ac.10:34-38) |
(Acts
10:28 KJV) "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 showed me that I should not call any man common
or unclean."
Here you see the hard headedness of the nation whom God chose, Israel, exemplified in Peter. Our Lord Jesus told Peter and ALL the Apostles - gave them AN ORDER: (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV) "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." And ratified this command, this Great Commission, just before His Ascension to Heaven: (Acts 1:8 KJV) "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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Jesus, the fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17) made it clear that the Gospel was to go out to first Jerusalem, then Judea, then Samaria, then to the rest of the world. Yet the Apostles defied this Divine command, and a lowly deacon, Philip, was the first to move outward into Samaria and to the Gentiles. Even after the vision that God gave Peter, this hardhead STILL needed further clarification from God before he did what he was clearly told to do at the beginning. Israel, and indeed, every Christian is saved based on the Grace of God and for His glory - for certainly there has NEVER been a person who deserved salvation. Peter is proof of that. - Editor |
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| 65) Peter upon returning to Jerusalem took quite a bit of flack because of his dealings with Cornelius. The circumcised (or Jewish Christian group) in Judea were not happy that Gentiles had received belief in Christ with out being circumcised. Peter had to recount the exact sequence of events that led up to their conversion before the Apostles and other Christians would believe that this was the hand of God. They finally settled down and accepted that God had given to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. (Ac.11:1-18) | This matter of circumcision would keep coming up, and the Jewish believer who, in error and zealous of the Law, would keep trying to push circumcision on the Gentiles. Only when Paul Stood up to Peter (Galatians 2:1-17), correcting this knothead, did this issue cease to be forced on the Gentiles. Following tradition rather than the Word of God has always, from the beginning, hindered the growth of Jesus' Church. - Editor | ||
| 66) The church (3) began to go through another period of persecution. (1) Herod troubled the Christians greatly, he put (2) James the brother of John to death with a sword. Herod, being on a roll, arrested Peter too. He sent him to prison with four squads of soldiers for company. He was going to keep him in prison till after the Passover and then bring him before the people. When Herod sent to bring him out Peter was sleeping. There were guards at the door and at the gate and Peter was between two soldiers and wrapped in chains. An angel Appeared in the cell in a bright light, he had to knock Peter in the side to waken him. His chains were removed and the angel told Peter to dress in his robe. The angel and Peter walked through the open doors of the prison and through the gate into the street. Here the angel departed from Peter and he finally realized that he was free and that this wasn't a dream. (Ac.12:1-11) |
(1) Herod - Ryrie note 12:1 - This was Herod Agrippa the first grandson of Herod the Great who put John the Baptist to death. (2) James - Ryrie note 12:2 - He was the first of the twelve to be martyred. (3) Editor - This was the second persecution of the Church, the first being directed against the Church at Jerusalem by Saul (later Paul the Apostle) |
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67) Across the town Christians had been praying for Peter at the house of John Mark's mother. Rhoda, a serving girl, went to answer the knocking at the gate. She was so over joyed at hearing Peter's voice that She ran inside leaving him at the gate. Even those who had been praying for his release could hardly believe he was free, till they saw him in the flesh. Peter told them to report what had happened and left to go to another place. (Ac.12:12-17) 68) Peter's rescue from prison left the soldiers in a bad way, they were ordered to be executed by Herod. After ordering this he went on his way to Caesarea where he stayed for awhile. Tyre and Sidon wanted peace because much of their grain was supplied by the kings (Herod's) country. The people of Tyre and Sidon kept calling Herod a god while they were talking to him and Herod accepted the title. He failed to give any of the glory to God so an angel of the Lord struck him down and killed him. (Ac.12:18-23) 69) After Peter was released from prison that last time we hear very little more from him in the book of Acts, except for a brief mention of him in Acts 15. The remaining part of Acts deals mostly with Paul and those associated with him in his missionary journeys. |
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Paul,
An Apostle of God
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| 70) Peter's crusades were directed toward the Jerusalem area, but Paul's were to reach all the world. Paul's main message was to the Gentiles. While Peter is almost exclusive in the first part of Acts, Paul is certainly predominant in the latter half. |
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| 71) Saulos Paulos Benjaminos was (1) born in Tarsus of Cilicia, though he was (2) raised in Jerusalem. He was taught strictly according to the law by Gamaliel, a great teacher of that day. (3) Paul was also a Pharisee by birth. |
(1) Acts 21:39 Ryrie note on Acts 13:9 - Saulos - Jewish name; Paulos -Roman name; Benjaminos - tribal name (Rom.11:1) (Romans 11:1 KJV) "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." |
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| 72) Paul spent much of his early adult life persecuting those connected with (1) " the Way" (2) . He was a first hand observer of the stoning of Stephen. He, being in full agreement with it, allowed the witnesses to place their coats at his feet. Paul was very diligent in his efforts to find those connected with the Way. (3) He asked for and received letters from the High Priest allowing him to bring people from the Way to be put on trial in Jerusalem. He would enter the homes where they were worshipping and carry them off to prison. After being responsible for putting them in prison he would beat them and try to get them to deny their faith. He would even cast his vote against them. |
(1) Acts 22:4 ; Acts 9:1-2 Ryrie note Acts 9:2- This was a name they gave to Christians |
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| 73) Paul had received a letter from the High Priest to hunt Christians down. He was on his way to Damascus to carry this out, but our Lord had other plans for him. (1) Paul had been traveling with a group of others heading towards Damascus about noontime. A light from Heaven surrounded Paul and the others. They fell to the ground and listened as a voice spoke to Paul in Hebrew and asked "why do you persecute Me?" Paul cried out and said "who are you Lord" (Yahweh or Jehovah see Ryrie note on Acts 9:5). Jesus replied "I am the One who you have been persecuting". The men who were with him were amazed for they heard a voice but saw no man speaking. (2) The men gathered around Paul and led him into the city where he had been told to wait. For when he rose from the ground he was blind - there were scale like objects on his eyes. For three days while he was blinded he neither ate nor drank but waited and prayed while he stayed at the house of Judas. He had a vision during this time of someone laying hands on him and restoring his sight. |
(1) Acts 9:7 ; Acts 9:3-5 ; 22:6 ;
26:14 Ryrie note Acts 9:5 - In this passage Paul correlates the Yahweh of the Old Testament with the Jesus of Nazareth of the New Testament. |
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| 74) Meanwhile the Lord was preparing Ananias to meet Paul and lay his hands on him so that he might serve the Lord. (1) The Lord came to Ananias in a vision. (Ananias followed the Law closely and was a disciple at Damascus) The Lord told him to go to the street called Strait and look for a man named Paul. The Lord told Ananias that Paul too had seen a vision and was waiting to receive his sight. Ananias sought some reassurance because he knew how evil Paul was reported to be. The Lord told Ananias to go to him "because I have chosen him to serve Me. I have chosen him to go to the Gentiles and the Jews and unto all the world and to (2) suffer much for My sake". So Ananias went and said "brother Saul" I have been sent that you might receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul was baptized strait way, he ate food to strengthen him and stayed with the disciples for a few days. Then he went to the synagogues and began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. |
(1)Acts 9: 10-20 ; 26:16 ; 22:12 ;
22:15
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75) The Jews in Damascus were amazed at the change in Paul for hadn't he come to Damascus to put those from the Way into prison. (Acts 9:20-22) 76) Though it's not really told in Acts, we know that Paul went from Damascus to somewhere in Arabia where he spent approximately three years. It was during this time by himself that he learned much of his knowledge from God. We also learn in Galatians that he was set apart from birth. After he left Arabia he went back to Damascus and was teaching there again. (1) There were many Jews in Damascus who tried to get rid of Paul. His disciples heard of the plot and helped him escape by lowering him in a basket from the city wall. Thus he escaped from those waiting for him at the gate and went to Jerusalem. (2) When he fled from Damascus and went to Jerusalem it was not as a student to learn from them but as an acknowledged person called out by God alone. When Paul sought to associate with those in Jerusalem no one believed him. So one named Barnabas took Paul before the Apostles and described his experience with the Lord. Then Paul moved freely around Jerusalem. (Gal 1:11-17) |
(Galatians
1:15-18 KJV) "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's
womb, and called me by his grace, {16} To reveal his Son in me, that I might
preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and
blood: {17} Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were Apostles before
me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. {18} Then
after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him
fifteen days."
(1) Acts 9:23-25 |
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| 77) Paul spoke plainly with the Greek speaking Jews while he was in Jerusalem. For their part they tried to put him to death for the second time. When the Christians in Jerusalem learned of this they sent Paul to Caesarea and then on further to Tarsus. He only stayed in Jerusalem about fifteen days this first trip. (Acts 9:29-30 ; Gal. 1:18) | |||
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Barnabas
And Paul's First Missionary Journey
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C1) Joseph was a Levite from Cyprus but the Apostles called him Barnabas which means "Son of Encouragement" . When the Church was in need Barnabas sold some of the land he owned and gave the money to the Church. (Acts 4:36-37) C2) Barnabas was the first to vouch for Paul in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:27) C3) Many of the believers fled Jerusalem in the persecution that came prior to Paul's conversion. Most of these preached to the Jews only, but a few spoke to the Gentiles too. This work was so blest by God that many came to know the Lord. Word of this got back to the Apostles in Jerusalem and they sent Barnabas to Antioch to investigate. (Acts 11:19-22) [Ryrie note Acts 11:19- Antioch was near the Orontes river this was about 300 miles from Jerusalem. It came to replace Jerusalem as the main center of Christian activity.] C4) When Barnabas who was full of the Spirit arrived at Antioch he found that God's grace had spread abundantly. He began to encourage them and to tell them to stand strong in the Lord. (Acts 11:23-24) C5) Barnabas went to Tarsus in search of Paul to help him in his work in Antioch. It had been about ten years since Paul went to Tarsus from Jerusalem. He returned with Barnabas and they spent about a year preaching the Gospel together in Antioch. It was here that believers were first called Christians. (Acts 11:25-26) [Ryrie notes Acts 11:25&26] C6) While Barnabas and Paul were still at Antioch a prophet named Agabus came down from Jerusalem telling them there would be a bad famine. The disciples at Antioch sent a love offering to the poor in Jerusalem. They sent it by way of Barnabas and Paul. (Acts 11:26-30) C7) When they came back from Jerusalem they had John Mark with them. John Mark was Barnabas' cousin. (Acts 12:25) [Ryrie note Acts 13:5 - Col. 4:10 - tells us that he was his cousin C8) It was while they were at Antioch that Barnabas was chosen by the Spirit to go with Paul on his first missionary journey. The believers at Antioch sent them out with prayers and fasting and the laying on of hands. (Acts 13:2-3) C9) Barnabas traveled with Paul extensively, always proclaiming the Word of God. The Jews in all the cities became angry and stirred up trouble against Barnabas and Paul but they continued teaching. (Acts 13:4,40,43,50) C10) Barnabas and Paul fled to Derbe to escape more persecution. (Acts 14:20) C11) Barnabas and Paul returned to Antioch from where they had set out on their journey. They spent some time there reviewing the progress that had been made for God's Kingdom. (Acts 14:26-28) C12) There arose a discrepancy between the Jew and the Greek so Barnabas and Paul and others were sent to Jerusalem to seek a solution to the problem. (Acts 15:1-20) C13) Barnabas and Paul returned to Antioch with a letter explaining the solution. (Acts 15:30-31) C14) Barnabas was asked by Paul to join him on a second missionary journey. Barnabas wished to take John Mark but Paul was against it because he had not completed the last missionary journey with them. There was such a disagreement that finally Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 15:37-39) C15) Barnabas is reunited with Paul at some point because he is with him in the book of Corinthians. (1 Cor. 9:6) |
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78) Paul left Tarsus and came to Antioch with Barnabas. They taught there for about a year and God's Word did abound. (Acts 11:25-26) 79) Paul went with Barnabas to carry aid relief to Jerusalem because of the famine. (Acts 11:29-30) 80) After rendering aid to those in Jerusalem they returned to Antioch bringing with them John Mark. (Acts 12:25 ; 13:1-5) 81) Paul was called out from Antioch to go on his first missionary journey. Barnabas was chosen as his companion and they also took John Mark who stayed with them part of the way. Paul and Barnabas were set apart for this work by the Holy Spirit, they were sent out with prayers and the laying on of hands. (Acts 13:1-3) |
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82) Seleucia was the first stop on their first journey. Then they sailed on to the island of Cyprus. Their preaching covered the whole island from Salamis to Paphos. (Acts 13:4-5) 83) In Paphos they met one Sergius Paulus a member of the proconsul of Rome, for Cyprus was a Roman province. Sergius was an educated man and he sought to learn what Paul had to say. Yet there was one hindering his learning, a Jewish false prophet and magician named Bar Jesus or (Elymas as he was known by the Greeks). He was trying his best to keep Sergius from hearing the Gospel and believing. Paul, led by the Spirit, commanded Bar Jesus to be blind and he was. Sergius saw all these things and believed. (Acts 13:6-12) |
Ryrie note Acts 13:9 - This is the first time that Saul is actually called Paul in the Bible | ||
| 84) The next stop on their journey was Perga of Pamphylia. This is where John Mark returned to Jerusalem. Then they traveled towards Pisidian Antioch, this being a smaller Antioch than the one from which they were sent out. Paul preached such great sermons and gathered such crowds that the leading Jews of the city grew angry with them. So they took their message to the Gentiles. Finally the persecution was so bad they shook the dirt off their feet and went towards Iconium. (Acts 13:13-51) |
Editor: Antioch (Pisidian), an Asia Minor city in Phrygia towards Pisidia. Situated on an important trading route between Ephesus and Cilicia, a prominent center of Hellenism. The Emperor Augustus gave this city the status of a Roman colony. Editor: Iconium, a city of Asia Minor, a productive and wealthy region. At length it became a part of the Roman province of Galatia. |
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85) In Iconium they were again preaching God's Word but both the Jews and Greeks stirred up against them, each side stirring the other up. To avoid stoning they went to Lycaonia , Lystra, and Derbe. (Acts 14:1-7) 86) It was at Lystra that Paul healed a man lame from his mothers womb. The crowd accredited the miracle to Paul and Barnabas being Zeus and Hermes. Both the men were much distressed with this association and sought diligently to share the Word of God with the people. But, there were some that came from Iconium that so stirred the crowds that they stoned Paul and left him for dead. Yet Paul rose up and he and Barnabas went to Derbe. (Acts 14:8-20) 87) They preached the Word of God in Derbe and many disciples were made in that city. They returned back through Lystra and Iconium and back to Pisidian Antioch. Each place they stopped they appointed elders for the Churches that had been created. They also spoke in Pamphylia, Perga and in Attalia. (Acts 14:21-25) 88) Then they returned to the Antioch from which they started and gathered the saints there and told them of all the wonders that God had done. How faith had been given to the Gentiles and many had received the Word of the Lord. They spent a long time in Antioch. (Acts 14:26-28) |
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| 89) People had come down from Judea and were teaching a works based theology (you have to be circumcised). This was in total opposition to Paul and Barnabas' teaching of salvation by faith in Christ alone. This grew so controversial that both groups finally traveled to Jerusalem to seek the opinion of the other Apostles there. Peter spoke for non-circumcision, recounting his experiences with Cornelius. He reminded those in the council that he had personally witnessed the Holy Spirit pouring Himself out on the Gentiles. After listening to all the debates, James who was the half brother of Jesus and head of the council in Jerusalem, agreed that circumcision was not necessary for salvation. He did ask that the Gentile believers refrain from certain practices that were abhorrent to their Jewish brethren. These being eating meat that had been offered to idols, or meat that had been strangled. They were also to stay away from blood. (Acts 15:1-20) |
Editor: James, the half brother of Jesus Christ, was an unbeliever during Jesus' ministry on earth, but later came to accept Christ as Savior. He was appointed by Jesus to be an Apostle: (1 Corinthians 15:7 KJV) "After that, he was seen of James; then of all the Apostles." He rose to prominence and leadership of the Church at Jerusalem following the death of James, the brother of John, one of the original twelve Apostles (Acts 12:2) |
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90) There having been such confusion in the Church, those in Jerusalem thought it wise for some of them to return with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. So they sent Judas called Barsabbas and Silas with a letter to those at Antioch. They apologized for having caused concern to their fellow Gentile believers and assured them their faith was real and justified. Both of these men, being prophets, stayed and encouraged the believers at Antioch. Then they returned to Jerusalem in peace. (Acts 15:22-33) 91) Sometime after the ruling of the Jerusalem council Paul began a second missionary journey. He wanted to return to those places he had been before and see how they fared. He invited Barnabas to go with him. Barnabas in turn wanted to bring John Mark. Paul was against this because he felt John Mark had deserted them before their first missionary journey was done. The debate became somewhat intense and it was finally decided that two teams would go out. Paul chose to take Silas who had come with them to Antioch from Jerusalem.. These two visited new places as well as checking on the previous ministries. Many new and interesting converts were added to the Christian faith. In the meanwhile Barnabas takes John Mark and they head towards Cyprus. (Acts 15: 35-40) |
Editor: Paul later regretted his decision on refusing to allow John Mark to come with him and Barnabas. All men make mistakes, and Paul made his share along with the other Apostles. Paul would later write: (2 Timothy 4:11 KJV) "Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry."
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Silas and Paul's Second
Missionary Journey
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92) Paul and Silas revisited many cities, Syria and Cilicia and Derbe and Lystra. In Lystra they met a young disciple named Timothy. Timothy's mother was a Jewish believer but his father was Greek. Paul desired Timothy to go with them on their journey, because of his mixed parentage Paul asked Timothy to be circumcised. This was done so that Timothy might have a fuller ministry with them among the Jews. So the three continued to minister to and encourage the different cities. Paul took notices of the actions that had taken place in Jerusalem, so the Gentiles would know they did not have to be circumcised to be saved. They passed on through the areas of Phyrgia and Galatia. Having been forbidden by the Spirit to go to Asia they were likewise told they were not to go to Bythinia. So they came down to Troas, it was here that Paul received a vision of a man in Macedonia, saying come help us. So the three plus Luke who had joined them at Troas set out for Macedonia. They sailed a strait course from Troas to Samothrace and then to Neapolis and on to Philippi. Philippi was a leading city of Macedonia. (Acts 16:1-12) |
(1 Corinthians
9:22 KJV) "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak:
I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
Ryrie note Acts 16:10 - Luke had joined their party at Troas. He went on with them to Philippi where he stayed on for about six or seven more years before he joined with Paul again in chapter twenty. |
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| 93) Paul's group went down to the riverside in Philippi looking for a place of prayer. While they were there they met a group of women and began speaking to them, one was Lydia a seller of purple from Thyatira. She was a worshiper of God but the Lord opened her heart to the things which Paul spoke, and She and her household were baptized. She entreated the group to go and eat with her. (Acts 16:13-15) | Wilmington notes that Luke probably stayed on at Philippi and that the "we" in chapter 20 refers to Luke who was a Greek physician. | ||
| 94) Also on the way to the riverbank they met a young slave girl who made her masters much money by her art of divination. The evil spirit in her caused her to follow Paul and the others and cry out "these are the servants of the most high God". Paul grew tired of this and told the spirit to leave her, and he did. This made her masters very angry because She no longer made them money. The owners caught Paul and Silas and carried them before the city authorities. Their case against them was that they were Jews and they were causing the citizens of the city to do things unlawful by Roman custom. There was such an outcry that the authorities caused Paul and Silas to be beaten with rods. They then threw them in jail, commanding the jailer to make sure they were not released. The jailer put them in the inner prison and put there feet in stocks. About midnight while Paul and Silas were praising God, a great earthquake came and shook open the doors of the prison and released all the prisoners chains. The jailer when he heard the commotion was going to kill himself, thinking the prisoners gone. Paul quickly assures him they are still there. The jailer then replies "what must I do to be saved". So he and his house were saved and his first action was to take home Paul and Silas and wash their wounds. The next morning the authorities sent word to let the prisoners go. Paul in turn said we are Roman citizens and have had our rights denied, let them tell us publicly. So with much fear the authorities came and urged the two to leave their city. (Acts 16:16-40) |
Ryrie note Acts 16:37- It was not allowed for a Roman citizen to be scourged. Editor: The Roman scourge was a whip that had lumps of bone, lead, or broken pieces of pottery woven into its strands. The weapon was designed to tear off skin. |
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| 95) The team, with the exception of Luke, continued on towards Anphipolas and Apollonia and to Thessalonica. Paul as always preached in the Synagogue for several weeks. Some Jews and many Greeks were added to the Church. The Jews once again stirred up the city, so they went to Jason's house where Paul and the others were staying to try and find them. When they couldn't find Paul they took Jason and dragged him to the magistrates claiming those in his house were acting contrary to Roman law. Jason had to sign a pledge saying there would be no more trouble before he was released. That night Paul and the others went on to Berea, the Bereans heard the Word with openness and many believed. The Jews from Thessalonica came and continued to stir up trouble. So the believers sent Paul away by sea to Athens, when they returned they brought word to Silas and Timothy to meet Paul in Athens. (Acts 17: 1-15) | (Acts
17:10-11 KJV) "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."
Editor: Many have taken the title of "Berean" to their denominations, but few deserve this title in our modern day Church. The Bereans were defined as those who, first, "received the word with all readiness of mind". They did not come to God's Word with their own preconceived notions, but opened up their hearts to the application of Scripture which was - at this time in history - what we call our "Old Testament" books. The Church epistles and writings of the Apostles were not yet dispersed other than to the isolated local Church it was addressed to, and the New Testament was yet being written under the direction of God the Holy Spirit. The "word" received was the Old Testament text. The second characteristic of the Berean was that they "searched the Scriptures DAILY", verifying doctrinal truths with their own eyes. No cultic followers these, but Christians who cherished God's Word and tossed out their own interpretations in favor of His Truth. God our Father, we desperately need Bereans today. Not those who pretend, or chop up Scripture to suit their own whims, but Bereans in heart and love of the Word. |
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| 96) In Athens Paul's spirit was very disturbed by all the idols in the city. He preached in their synagogues and to the Stoics and to the Epicurean philosophers in the city. They invited him to speak at Mars Hill a famous meeting place in that city. It was here he preached the sermon of the unknown God. Some believed, some jeered, and some turned away. (Acts 17:16-34) | Editor: The Stoic school of philosophy derived its name from the Stoa Poikile, the portico in Athens where Zeno of Citium (335-263 B.C.) first taught its doctrines. The Stoics sought salvation by aligning their will with the inherent Reason of the universe. Stoicism was akin to fatalism - whatever will be, will be - deal with it. He served man not out of love, but because this was his "assigned" place in the universe. "Reason is god". | ||
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97) From Athens Paul went on to Corinth where he met and stayed with a Jew from Pontus named Aquila. Aquila and his wife Priscilla were tent makers like Paul. They too had just arrived in Corinth having had to leave Rome because Claudius had commanded it. So Paul worked with them and preached in the synagogues on the Sabbath until Silas and Timothy could join him from Macedonia. When they arrived Paul dedicated himself to God's Word and to speaking to the Jews. Still they resisted the Word and blasphemed God until Paul shook his garments of them and declared he was only speaking to the Gentiles. (Acts 18:1-6) 98) While in Corinth Crispus the leader of the synagogue was saved. When this was heard many others believed. Paul was encouraged in a vision not to be afraid. So he continued to stay and preach in Corinth for over a year. (Acts 18:7-11) 99) Then the Jews rose up again against Paul and brought him before Gallio the proconsul of Achaia. Gallio would not hear the case because he said it was religious and they should work it out themselves. So the Jews grabbed Sosthenes the new leader of the synagogue and beat him instead. (Acts 18:12-17) 100) Paul stayed in Corinth a while longer (about eighteen months according to Wilmington), then left for Syria with Aquila and Priscilla. In Cencherea he cut his hair as the conclusion of a vow. Then they approached Ephesus where he left Aquila and Priscilla. He told the Ephesians he would come back if the Lord willed. He landed at Caesarea and greeted the church there, then he continued on to Antioch from where he started. (Acts 18:18-22) [Ryrie note Acts 18:18- Cutting your hair was the conclusion of a Nazarite vow.] |
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Paul's Third Missionary
Journey
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| 101) Paul began a third missionary journey after he left Antioch. He went through Galatia and Phrygia and eventually to Ephesus where he had left Aquila and Priscilla. While Aquila and Priscilla were in Ephesus they heard the teaching of a young Jewish man named Apollos. Apollos was an Alexandrian (Egyptian) by birth. He had come to the synagogue in Ephesus and was fervently teaching that which he knew which was the baptism of John. When they heard him teach they approached him and gave him the full salvation message, that Jesus had risen. Apollos heard their teaching and believed in the complete teaching of Christ. With their blessings he later went to Achaia and to Corinth to continue preaching God's Word. (Acts 18:22-28) |
American Tract Society: APOLLOS - A Jew of Alexandria, a learned and eloquent man, who through the Scriptures and the ministry of John the Baptist became a Christian. He visited Ephesus about A. D. 54, and publicly proclaimed his faith in Christ; whereupon he was further instructed in gospel truth. Passing thence into Achia, he preached with great power and success, especially among the Jews, Ac 19:1 1.Co 3:6. His character was not unlike that of Paul; they were equally grieved at the dissension of the Corinthians, and at those personal partialities which led many away from Christ, 1.Co 3:4-22 16:12; and they cooperated to the end in serving him, Tit 3:13. Jerome is of opinion that Apollos afterwards returned to Corinth from Crete. AQUILA: A Jew born in Pontus, a tentmaker by occupation, who with his wife Priscilla joined the Christian church at Rome. When the Jews were banished from that city by the emperor Claudius, Aquila and his wife retired to Corinth. They afterwards became the companions of Paul in his labors, and are mentioned by him with much commendation, Ac 18:2,3,24-26 Ro 16:3,4 1.Co 16:19 2Ti 4:19. |
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| 102) When Paul reached Ephesus he found some disciples there but in talking with them he discovered they only knew of John's baptism. Paul explained that John's baptism was unto repentance and in belief of the One who was to come. Paul told them that Christ had died for them and sent the Holy Spirit to be with them. So they were all baptized in the name of Jesus and Paul laid his hands on them and they spoke in tongues. There were about twelve disciples in all. (Acts 19:1-7) |
Baptisms, Doctrine Of (Editor) The word is from the Greek BAPTIZO, meaning to "immerse", and by the act of immersion to become identified with. Xenophon in the 4th Century BC said that Spartan soldiers baptized their spears in pig's blood in order to identify them as weapons of war. There are both REAL and RITUAL Baptisms in Scripture:
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| 103) Paul continued speaking in the synagogues in Ephesus for about three months, but the Jews hardened their hearts again. So Paul took the twelve disciples and moved to a public hall where he continued to spread God's Word for about two years. With the result that all of Asia both Jew and Greek heard the Word of God. (Acts 19:8-10) | |||
| 104) During this time Paul was performing many great miracles, this attracted the attention of some Jewish exorcists. There were seven sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva. They attempted to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus but were unable to. The demon himself said Jesus I know and Paul but who are you. So the demon leaped among them and wounded them all. When this was heard by the people many of them believed in the One True God and threw away their books of magic. So God's Word continued to become very great. (Acts 19:11-20) |
American Tract Society: SCEVA - A Jew at Ephesus, a leader among the priests, perhaps the head of one of the twenty-four courses. His seven sons pretended to practice exorcism, and presumed to call on evil spirits to come out from persons possessed, in the name of Jesus. Their ignominious discomfiture by a man possessed by and evil spirit, promoted the cause of the gospel at Ephesus, Ac 19:14-16. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: SCEVA - se'-va (Skeua): A Jew, a chief priest, resident in Ephesus, whose seven sons were exorcists (Acts 19:14 ff). Ewald regards the name as being Hebrew shekhabhyah. He was not an officiating priest, as there were only synagogues in Asia Minor. He may have belonged to a high-priestly family, or perhaps at one time he had been at the head of one of the 24 courses in the temple. In the narrative the construction is loose. There were seven sons (Acts 19:14), and it would appear (Acts 19:16) that in this particular case all were present. But (Acts 19:16) the demon-possessed man over-powered "both of them." Textus Receptus of the New Testament gets over the difficulty by omitting "both," but Codices Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus, Vaticanus, Bezae, so Tischendorf, Westcott and Hort, von Soden, and the best critics, retain the difficult reading. The explanation is that Acts 19:14 states the custom: "who did this" being hoi touto poiountes, "who used to do this." Acts 19:15 and 16 state a particular case in which two took part, but the incident is introduced in a careless manner. Ewald would translate amphoteron as "in both sides," but this is impossible. Baur understood "disciples" for "sons." Codex Bezae and Syriac have an interesting expansion which Blass considers original (Acts 19:14): "Among whom also the sons (Syriac `seven') of a certain Sceva, a priest, wished to do the same, (who) were in the custom of exorcising such. And entering into the demon-possessed man they began to call upon the Name, saying, `We charge you by Jesus whom Paul preaches to come out.' " S. F. Hunter |
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105) Paul in his own spirit decided to go to Jerusalem and to Rome. First he sent two of his helpers on ahead then he continued to stay in Asia for awhile. He sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia where they were to wait on him. (Acts 19:21-22) 106) While still in Asia Paul had another problem arise with many of the people there. There were many in Ephesus whose livelihood had been endangered when so many people accepted Christ. So Demitrius, who was a silversmith, gathered others around him who had also lost business because the people of the city were no longer worshiping idols. He stirred them up against Paul till they raised up a great cry. The disciples with Paul and some of the Asians themselves helped persuade him not to go to the assembly. The people with Demetrius were shouting "Ephesus is for Artemis". They were finally dispersed because it was not a lawful gathering. (Acts 19:23-41) 107) Paul encouraged the disciples in Ephesus one last time, before traveling on to Macedonia. First he traveled through Greece for about three months. He discovered a plot to kill him, so instead of going towards Syria he headed to Macedonia. (Acts 20:1-3) |
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| 108) He was accompanied by Sopater of Berea and two Thessalonians named Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius from Derbe. Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia and Timothy were with him also. Luke traveled from Phillipi and also joined them around this time. They all stayed in Troas for about seven days. On the first day of the week they met to take bread together, Paul spoke to them till nearly midnight. One of the young men listening fell asleep and tumbled from the third floor balcony. Paul rushed to Eutychus and embraced him and told the others not to be afraid that the boy was still alive. Afterwards he went back up and continued speaking till nearly dawn. (Acts 20:4-12) |
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: SOPATER - so'-pa-ter, sop'-a-ter (Sopatros): the Revised Version (British and American) the son of Pyrrhus; the King James Version omits. A man of Berea who is mentioned with some Thessalonians and others as accompanying Paul as far as Asia on his return to Jerusalem after his 3rd missionary journey (Acts 20:4). He is probably the same as the "Sosipater" of Rom 16:21. ARISTARCHUS - ar-is-tar'-kus (Aristarchos, "best ruler"): He was one of those faithful companions of the apostle Paul who shared with him his labors and sufferings. He is suddenly mentioned along with Gaius as having been seized by the excited Ephesians during the riot stirred up by the silversmiths (Acts 19:29). They are designated "men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel." We learn later that he was a native of Thessalonica (Acts 20:4; 27:2). They were probably seized to extract from them information about their leader Paul, but when they could tell nothing, and since they were Greeks, nothing further was done to them. When Aristarchus attached himself to Paul we do not know, but he seems ever after the Ephesian uproar to have remained in Paul's company. He was one of those who accompanied Paul from Greece via Macedonia (Acts 20:4). Having preceded Paul to Troas, where they waited for him, they traveled with him to Palestine. He is next mentioned as accompanying Paul to Rome (Acts 27:2). There he attended Paul and shared his imprisonment. He is mentioned in two of the letters of the Roman captivity, in the Epistle to the church at Col (4:10), and in the Epistle to Philem (1:24), in both of which he sends greetings. In the former Paul calls him "my fellow-prisoner." According to tradition he was martyred during the persecution of Nero. S. F. Hunter SECUNDUS - se-kun'-dus (Westcott-Hort Greek text Se'koundos, Textus Receptus of the New Testament, Sekou'ndos): A Thessalonian who was among those who accompanied Paul from Greece to Asia (Acts 20:4). They had preceded Paul and waited for him at Troas. If he were one of the representatives of the churches in Macedonia and Greece, entrusted with their contributions to Jerusalem (Acts 24:17; 2 Cor 8:23), he probably accompanied Paul as far as Jerusalem. The name is found in a list of politarchs on a Thessalonian inscription. TYCHICUS - tik'-i-kus (Tuchikos, lit. "chance"): Mentioned 5 times in the New Testament (Acts 20:4; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 2 Tim 4:12; Tit 3:12); an Asiatic Christian, a friend and companion of the apostle Paul. (1) In the first of these passages his name occurs as one of a company of the friends of Paul. The apostle, at the close of his 3rd missionary journey, was returning from Greece through Macedonia into Asia, with a view to go to Jerusalem. This journey proved to be the last which he made, before his apprehension and imprisonment. It was felt, both by himself and by his friends, that this journey was a specially important one. He was on his way to Jerusalem, "bound in the spirit" (Acts 20:22). But another cause which gave it particular importance was that he and his friends were carrying the money which had been collected for several years previous in the churches of the Gentiles, for the help of the poor members of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 24:17). No fewer than eight of his intimate friends companied him into Asia, and one of these was Tychicus Luke uses the word "Asian" (English Versions of the Bible "of Asia," Acts 20:4) to describe Tychicus. He was with Paul at Troas, and evidently journeyed with him, as one of "Paul's company" (Acts 21:8 the King James Version), all the way to Jerusalem. (2) The 2nd and 3rd passages in which the name of Tychicus occurs (see above) give the information that he was with Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment. In Colossians Paul writes, "All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord: whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts" (4:7,8). In almost identical words he writes in Ephesians, "But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts" (6:21,22). Paul had entrusted Tychicus with a very important mission. He was to deliver the Epistle to the Ephesians, that is, "the circular letter" (see LAODICEANS, EPISTLE TO THE) to the churches in proconsular Asia, to which it was sent, giving a copy of it to the church in Laodicea. He was then to proceed to Colosse, with the Epistle to the church there. In Colosse Tychicus would plead the cause of Onesimus, who accompanied him from Rome. "Under his shelter Onesimus would be safer than if he encountered Philemon alone" (Lightfoot, Commentary on Colossians, 314). In Laodicea and Colosse Tychicus would not only deliver the Epistles from Paul, but he would also, as the apostle had written to the churches in those places, Communicate to them all information about his "state," that is, how things were going with him in regard to his appeal to the emperor, and his hope of being soon set at liberty. Tychicus would make known to them all things. (3) The passages in the Epistles to Titus and to Timothy show that Tychicus was again with Paul, after the appeal to the emperor had resulted in the apostle regaining his freedom. The passage in Titus evidently refers to the interval between Paul's first and second Roman imprisonments, and while he was again engaged in missionary journeys. The apostle writes to Titus, who was in Crete in charge of the churches there, that he intended to send either Artemas or Tychicus to him, so as to take the oversight of the work of the gospel in that island, that Titus might be free to come to be with the apostle at Nicopolis. (4) The last passage where Tychicus is mentioned occurs in 2 Timothy, which was written in Rome not long before Paul's execution. To the very end Paul was busy as ever in the work of the gospel; and though it would have been a comfort to him to have his friends beside him, yet the interests of the kingdom of Christ are uppermost in his thoughts, and he sends these friends to help the progress of the work. To the last, Tychicus was serviceable as ever: "Tychicus I sent to Ephesus" (4:12). As Timothy was in charge of the church in Ephesus (1 Tim 1:3), the coming of Tychicus would set him free, so as to enable him to set off at once to rejoin Paul at Rome, as the apostle desired him (2 Tim 4:9,21). It should also be noted that at Ephesus Tychicus would be able to visit his old friend Trophimus, who was, at that very time, only a few miles away, at Miletus, sick (2 Tim 4:20). It is possible that Tychicus is the brother referred to in 2 Cor 8:22,23 as one "whom we have many times proved earnest in many things .... (one of) the messengers of the churches .... the glory of Christ." (5) The character and career of Tychicus are such as show him altogether affectionate, faithful and worthy of the confidence reposed in him by Paul, who, as already seen, sent him again and again on important work, which could be performed only by a man of ability and of high Christian worth and experience. Thus, all that is known regarding Tychicus fully bears out the description of his character given by the apostle himself, that he was a beloved brother, a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord. John Rutherfurd TROPHIMUS - trof'-i-mus (Trophimos, literally, "a foster child" (Acts 20:4; 21:29; 2 Tim 4:20)): An Asiatic Christian, a friend and companion-in-travel of the apostle Paul. 1. An Ephesian: In the first of the three passages in which Trophimus is mentioned, he and Tychicus are called Asianoi, that is, natives of the Roman province of Asia; and making it still more definite, in Acts 21:29, he is termed an "Ephesian." |
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109) Those with Paul went ahead and sailed towards Assos. Paul met them there having worked his way down on the landward side. From Assos they all sailed towards Mitylene, Chios, Samos and finally to Miletus. This journey took them past Ephesus where Paul knew the people would want him to stay. Paul was trying his best to reach Jerusalem before the Passover. From Miletus he sent for the elders from Ephesus and spoke to them one last time. He reminded them of all that he had done and that he was innocent of their blood. He told them he was unsure of what awaited him in Jerusalem, but he was willing to finish his course. He left them with some final words of encouragement and admonishment. He again reminded them of all he had done for them asking nothing in return. He commended them to God and His grace which is able to build you up. He warned them of those who would try to lead them astray even from within their own group. He prayed with them and left them weeping as he sailed towards Cos and Rhodes and Patara. (Acts 20:13-21:1) 110) They then boarded another ship and sailed towards Phonecia and Syria and Tyre. They remained there for seven days speaking with the disciples. These same disciples told Paul repeatedly in the Spirit that he was not to go to Jerusalem. They prayed with the disciples at Tyre and continued on towards Ptolemais where they stayed for one day. They traveled till they reached Caesarea, where they stayed with Philip the evangelist, who had four daughters all of who were prophetesses. They stayed there for some time and while they were there a prophet from Judea named Agabus came and spoke to them. He took Paul's belt and bound his own hands with it, stating that this is what would happen to the owner of the belt if he went to Jerusalem. He said again he will be bound and given to the Gentiles. So the group that was with Paul then as well as the group from Caesarea tried to dissuade Paul from going. When they found it to be in vain, they said the Lord's will be done. (My personal note - Paul has been warned three times by three different sources all of who were in the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem. Yet we see him going anyway. Was Paul wrong in going? I begin to think so. Did he go in his own spirit, YES! I certainly see this clearly.) Paul and his group went to Jerusalem where they met James and the elders. They recounted all the wonderful things that God had done among the Gentiles. So they were all rejoicing together about what God had accomplished. Towards the end of their discussion a sore point was brought up that many of the Christian Jews in Jerusalem believed. These Jews had heard that Paul was telling the Jews of other nations that they didn't have to obey the law and that they didn't have to circumcise their children. James and the elders in Jerusalem wanted to know what they could do to combat this, for "they will surely learn that you have come here". They persuaded Paul to purify himself along with four others who were ending a vow. Paul paid for their sacrifice so they could make their vow. There were seven days of purification before the sacrifice could be offered. During this time some Asian Jews stirred up trouble again, stating that Paul had taken a Gentile into the temple with him. (Trophemis was one of the group that had come with Paul to Jerusalem.) This was an offense that was punishable by death. The Jews were entering the temple to get Paul and to try to kill him. This created such confusion in the city that the commander of the Roman cohort sent soldiers to find out what was going on. When the crowd saw the soldiers they stopped beating Paul. The soldiers took Paul and bound him in chains, in order to take him back to the barracks and determine what was going on. (Acts 21:2-35) |
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Paul Captured
In Rome
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111) Paul asked permission of the commander to speak to the people. He began addressing them in Hebrew and the crowd became very quite. Paul began his defense by telling them some of his history - How he had persecuted those belonging to the Way till he was knocked down on the Damascus road. When he began speaking about going to the Gentiles they shouted all the more. Finally the commander took Paul into the barracks. He was going to have Paul scourged to find out what was going on. Paul told him he was Roman born, not bought. This caused the commander some concern as he and his soldiers had already put Paul in chains. Still, he wanted to find out what was going on. So he called in the chief priest and the council to determine the nature of the trouble. (Acts 21:37-22:30) 112) Paul speaks in his behalf by saying he has a perfectly clear conscience of everything he has done. The High Priest has Paul slapped on the mouth for his insolence. Paul, not knowing he is the High Priest, calls him a whited wall. Later learning of his error he apologizes for his words to a ruler. He uses the fact that he was a Pharisee to act as a wedge and divide his accusers. Paul is removed by the commander so the crowd will not kill him. (Acts 23:1-10) |
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| 113) The Lord Appeared to Paul and told him he must witness in Rome just as he had in Jerusalem. A group of about forty Jews bound themselves with a oath that they would kill Paul. Paul's nephew comes to the prison and tells Paul what he has found out. Paul sends the young man to the commander and he tells him of the plot against Paul. The commander sent Paul to Caesarea where Felix the governor stayed. He sent him with an escort of seventy horsemen and 200 spearmen. He also sent a letter explaining why he had sent him. Felix called Ananias and the other priest down to him in order to question Paul. When they came down they immediately began saying he was a troublemaker and caused confusion where ever he went. Paul began making his defense to Felix. Felix ignored the priest and listened to Paul as he spoke of the Way. Felix had Paul imprisoned for two years but came often to speak to him about Christ. Felix was succeeded by Festus and Paul still stayed in prison. Festus was trying to be good to the Jews also. He listened to them make accusations against Paul, listened to him say he wasn't guilty, finally he asked Paul would he go to Jerusalem to plead his case. Paul told Festus that he wouldn't be handed over to the Jews for something he hadn't done. He demanded to be heard by Caesar. (Acts 23:11-Acts 24:27 ; Acts 25:1-11) | (Acts
23:11 KJV) "And the night following the Lord Stood by him, and said,
Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so
must thou bear witness also at Rome."
(Acts 28:28-31 KJV) "Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. {29} And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. {30} And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, {31} Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." |
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| 114) Before being able to take Paul to Caesar Festus had some company. Agrippa and his wife Bernice came down to see him in his new posting in Caesarea. After hearing about Paul's case he also desired to hear Paul, Festus was glad to do this , hoping the king might find a case against Paul. For in all his talking with Paul he still hadn't discovered anything worthy of putting Paul to death for. This was one reason why Festus was glad to send Paul on to Caesar. Paul was glad to once again defend himself especially to Festus who knew Jewish law. Paul told his case eloquently so that Agrippa said almost you persuade me to be a Christian. Agrippa said if he hadn't appealed to Caesar he should go free. (Acts 25:12-26:32) | International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: FESTUS; PORCIUS - fes'-tus, por'-shi-us Porkios Phestos): The Roman governor or procurator who succeeded Felix in the province of Judea (Acts 24:27), and was thus brought into prominence in the dispute between Paul and the Sanhedrin which continued after the retirement of Felix (Acts 25; 26). Upon the arrival of Festus in Jerusalem, the official capital of his province, the Jews besought of him to send Paul from Caesarea to Jerusalem to appear before them, intending to kill him on the way (Acts 25:3). Festus at first refused their request, and upon his return to Caesarea proceeded himself to examine Paul (Acts 25:6). But on finding that the evidence was conflicting, and reflecting that, as the accused was apparently charged on religious rather than on political grounds, the Sanhedrin was a more suitable court for his case than a Roman tribunal, he asked Paul if he were agreeable to make the journey to Jerusalem (Acts 25:7-9). But Paul, who knew well the nefarious use that the Jews would make of the pleasure which Festus was willing to grant them, made his appeal unto Caesar (Acts 25:10,11). To this request of a Roman citizen accused on a capital charge (compare Acts 25:16), Festus had perforce to give his consent (Acts 25:12). But the manner of his consent indicated his pique at the apparent distrust shown by Paul. By the words "unto Caesar shalt thou go," Festus implied that the case must now be proceeded with to the end: otherwise, had it been left in his own hands, it might have been quashed at an earlier stage (compare also Acts 26:32). Meantime King Agrippa and Bernice had arrived in Caesarea, and to these Festus gave a brief explanation of the circumstances (Acts 25:13-21). The previous audiences of Festus with Paul and his accusers had, however, served only to confuse him as to the exact nature of the charge. Paul was therefore summoned before the regal court, in order both that Agrippa might hear him, and that the governor might obtain more definite information for insertion in the report he was required to send along with the prisoner to Rome (Acts 25:22-27). The audience which followed was brought to an abrupt conclusion by the interruption of Paul's speech (Acts 26:1-23) by Festus: "Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad" (Acts 26:24). Yet the meeting was sufficient to convince both Agrippa and Festus that "this man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds" (Acts 26:31). While Festus displayed a certain contempt for what he regarded as the empty delusions of a harmless maniac, his conduct throughout the whole proceeding was marked by a strict impartiality; and his straightforward dealing with Paul formed a marked contrast to the dilatoriness of Felix. The praise bestowed upon the latter by Tertullus (Acts 24:2) might with better reason have been bestowed on Festus, in that he freed the country from many robbers (Sicarii: Josephus, Ant, XX, viii-x; BJ, II, xiv, 1); but his procuratorship was too short to undo the harm wrought by his predecessor. The exact date of his accession to office is uncertain, and has been variously placed at 55-61 AD (compare Knowling in Expositor's Greek Testament, II, 488-89; see also FELIX). C.M. Kerr | ||
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115) Paul and some other prisoners were sent to Italy on board a ship. They were under a centurion named Julius. He was good to Paul and allowed him to go ashore at one of their stopovers. After stopping at several ports the centurion found an Alexandrian ship heading toward Italy. He placed his prisoners aboard this ship. They had sailed for many days and were having a hard time of it, Paul said he thought the ship was going to suffer great loss. Instead of listening to Paul and staying in the port they were in, the ship set back out to sea. Soon they were caught in a great storm and didn't see light for many days. Paul Stood up once more and told them to have courage, the ship would be lost but their lives would be saved. "I believe this because an angel of God told me this". When they came near land after nearly fourteen days some of the sailors tried to escape in a boat. Paul told the soldiers that unless every one stayed on board none of them would be saved. So the soldiers cut the rope on the boat so that every one would stay on board. Paul encouraged them to eat as it had been some days since they had done so. So the 276 souls on board began to eat. The centurion was intent on getting Paul to Rome so he told every one to swim or float towards shore. Natives of the island called Malta treated all the people well. They allowed them to have a fire for warmth, while gathering wood for this Paul was bitten by a serpent. The natives waited for him to die as it was a venomous snake. When he did not die they treated him as a god. Paul healed many who were sick among them. Then their ship set sail again for Rome, Paul was again allowed to go ashore and visit with the brethren. at one of the ports. He was greatly encouraged by this. (Acts 27:1-28:15) 116) While in Rome Paul was able to stay alone with his guards. He took advantage of this and invited the leading Jews of Rome to come and see him. He wanted to explain his views to them, before they heard it from the other Jews. On their part they desired to hear him speak of the Way, for they knew it was badly spoken of every where. Some of them he almost persuaded but others turned away. He told them once again that because they would not hear the message was going to the Gentiles. Paul remained two years in his rented quarters and preached the Gospel faithfully, with out hindrance. During this time he wrote Ephesians and Philippians and Colossians and Philemon. (Acts 28:15-31) |
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