THE BOOK OF ACTS
The writer of this book is the same who wrote the Gospel of Luke. It is a
continuation of the account of Christianity written to his friend, Theophilus.
In the “former treatise” he tells what Jesus “began both to do and teach”, and
in the Acts, what Jesus continued to do and teach through His Spirit-filled
followers.
The date of The Acts is about 65 A.D., judging from the subject matter in its
concluding chapter, which is that of Paul’s earliest ministry in Rome, which
took place about that time. The events recorded cover a period of thirty two
years.
As the Gospel pages are filled with the teaching and labors of Jesus, so The
Acts is filled with the presence of the Spirit revealing Jesus Christ to the
church, and using God’s chosen vessels to present Him in word and deed to both
Jew and Gentile.
The book is in two main parts as follows:
1. Chs. 1 to 9. The ministry to the Jews in which Peter is the prominent figure.
2. Chs. 11 to 28. The ministry to the Gentiles, in which Paul is the prominent
figure.
THE MINISTRY TO THE JEWS.
As the Gospels close with an account of the resurrection ministry of Christ, so
Luke commences his message in The Acts in the same way. Jesus had a last meeting
with His disciples, and reminded them of the promise through John the Baptist
that they should be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Now He informed them that the
time had arrived, and they must remain in Jerusalem and “wait for the promise of
the Father”, vs. 4-5. Some of His followers asked if He intended to restore the
kingdom to Israel at that time. To this question, the Lord replied that such
matters were the Fathers concern, but that they should receive power to be His
witnesses after the Holy Ghost came upon them, vs. 6-8. As He spoke these words
the Lord Jesus was caught up from their midst, and a cloud received Him out of
their sight. Naturally this was a great surprise, and as they stood gazing
toward heaven two men stood by them in white apparel. They said to the
disciples, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so
some in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven”, vs. 9-11.
The disciples returned to Jerusalem and commenced waiting on God as Christ had
commanded them. Due to the fact that their number had been depleted by the
action of Judas, who eventually committed suicide, Matthew 27:5, the apostle
Peter suggested that they cast lots for someone to fill his place. A brother
named Matthias was chosen, and in their reckoning he became one of the twelve,
vs. 23-26. Just whether God really recognized their choice is a question, for
Matthias never figures actively in the scriptures after that. We know, however,
that the apostle Paul was divinely chosen, and the opinion is often expressed
that he was more likely the one whom God will number among the twelve apostles.
The disciples, both men and women, spent most of their time in prayer after
Jesus ascended, “and when the day of Pentecost had fully come the Holy Ghost was
poured out upon them and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance.” There were unusual manifestations of power at that time
due no doubt to the ten days of waiting on God. In Lev. 23:9-10, 15-16, we read
that a sheaf of the first fruits of their harvest was to be waved before the
Lord in recognition of His blessing on the land. This sheaf typifies Christ, the
first fruits of the resurrection. Fifty days later the people gathered for the
feast of Pentecost. The spiritual meaning literally came to pass as per the
record in the second chapter of Acts. Jesus arose, and for forty days met on and
off with His disciples. Then He left them, “and when the day of Pentecost had
fully come” or exactly ten days later, God fulfilled by the outpouring of the
Spirit what was intended by the types contained in the feast of Pentecost, Ch.
1:3, 14, 2:1.
Great was the surprise of the multitude in Jerusalem to hear many languages
spoken by these Galileans who were ordinary local people. Peter, being inspired
by God, explained the phenomenon as the fulfillment of the prophecy by Joel. He
further explained that because Jesus had been exalted in heaven He had shed
forth the Spirit, with the unusual result as they had witnessed. Then he
exhorted the people to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins,
and they too would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, vs. 38-39.
As a result of the great outpouring God moved upon the apostles and they
immediately began to carry forward the Gospel ministry which was commenced by
Jesus.
Ch. 3 tells of a man lame from birth who daily begged at the gate of the temple,
being instantly made to walk. People came running together to see the sight,
v.11, and Peter took full advantage of the occasion and preached Christ unto
them. This aroused opposition on the part of the priests and Peter and John were
put in prison overnight, Ch. 4:13. The next morning they were asked how the
healing of the lame man had been accomplished. Peter explained that it was done
by the risen Christ whom they had crucified, but now He was alive and working
through them, v.10. The two apostles were there-upon commanded “not to speak at
all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Peter and John answered, “whether it be
right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For
we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard”, vs. 18-20. After
further threatening them they let the two apostles go. The believers thereupon
gathered for prayer and asked God for boldness to continue witnessing, and He
answered them abundantly with such power that even the house was shaken where
they were assembled together.
A dark shadow clouded the church at that time. Through goodness of heart quite a
number of believers sold their property and turned their money over to the
apostles for the Lords work. A man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, were
tempted of the devil to do likewise but to keep back par, and in making their
offering they lied, and pretended it was the full amount received in the sale.
God punished Ananias with instant death. Sapphira also died as party to the
falsehood. Great fear come on the church as a result, Ch. 5:1-11. The apostles
continued their ministry. Again the authorities interfered and put them in
prison. During the night an angel set them free, and sent them right back to
preach in the temple. Officers were sent and brought them before the council,
vs. 17-28. Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, stood up and warned the leaders to be
careful lest they fight against God. The apostles were thereupon called and
beaten, and were commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, but the Word Says,
“they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
As the church in Jerusalem grew, the business management of the church became
rather a problem. The apostles, therefore, asked that “seven men of honest
report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” be chosen and appointed to look after
these matters. This was done, and the work went steadily forward, Ch. 6:1-7.
Stephen, who was one of the seven deacons, not only did his part as appointed,
but also labored in the Gospel ministry with outstanding results. Certain men of
the Jews disputed with him with poor success. They finally engaged false
witnesses to lie about Stephen. As a result he was taken before the council, vs.
8-15. In making his defense he preached a masterly sermon to convince his
hearers that Jesus was the Christ. He quoted from Deuteronomy18:15, 18, and
sought to prove that the Lord Jesus was the Prophet of Whom Moses spoke, Ch.
7:37. So bigoted were the Jewish leaders that they paid no attention, but in
great wrath ran upon him, cast him out of the city, and stoned him, vs. 57-58.
As Stephen was being thus treated he said, “Lord, lay not this sin to their
charge and then breathed his last”, v.60.
After the martyrdom of Stephen, great persecution broke out against the church,
and the believers had to flee for their lives. What would naturally seem to be
sure destruction led rather to the furthering of the cause of Christ. The
scattered ones went everywhere preaching the Word, Ch.8:4, and so the good work
spread to other parts, Philip, another of the seven deacons, became an
evangelist and held a very successful revival in Samaria, vs. 5-8. Many turned
to the Lord and Peter and John paid a visit to them, and through the laying on
of hands they received the Holy Ghost, v.15. Philip was led out to the desert
where he was used to turn a prominent Ethiopian to the Lord. In this way the
Gospel was carried into Africa, vs. 37-38.
The apostle Peter in his missionary travels paid a visit to the saints which
dwelt at Lydia.
A certain man named Aeneas was confined to his bed with palsy, and had been in
that condition for eight years. Peter entered his room and said, “Aeneas, Jesus
Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed.” He arose immediately. As a
result many in these parts turned to the Lord, Ch. 9:32-35. Following this Peter
was called to go to Joppa. Upon his arrival he was taken to an upper chamber
where lay the dead body of a woman named Dorcas. A number of widows were
present. With tears they showed Peter the garments which the good woman had made
for them while she was alive. The only course for the apostle to take was to
find out the will of God in the matter. He put the people out of the room and
kneeled down and prayed. Then turning to the body he called upon the woman to
arise. She opened her eyes and sat up. Great was the effect of this miracle, and
many turned to the Lord as a result, vs. 39-42.
THE MINISTRY TO THE GENTILES, ETC.
In Ch. 7:58 we read that a young man named Saul was present at the stoning of
Stephen. Then in Ch. 9:1, we find him a prominent actor in persecuting the
church. Having obtained letters to the Jewish authorities in Damascus, he
journeyed there, intending to round up and commit to prison any man or woman who
believed in Jesus. God had His eye on things, and the story tells how He sent
forth at midday a light brighter than the sun. Saul fell to the earth and heard
a voice which said, “Why persecutest thou me?” Upon asking who spoke he learned
that it was Jesus. Then Saul was told to go to Damascus, and a man named Ananias
would come to him and tell him what he should do. After the light vanished it
was found that Saul was blind. He was led to his destination and for three days
he pasted and prayed. God in the meantime called Ananias and sent him to Saul
with power to restore his sight. He was told that the Lord had chosen this man
to become His messenger to the Gentiles. Ananias obeyed and Saul arose, was
baptized, and received the Holy Ghost, vs. 3-19. Thus began the ministry of the
great apostle to the Gentiles.
It was very evident that God wanted the Gentiles to be reached by the gospel
message. In Ch. 10, Peter and Cornelius are brought together after considerable
preparation on the part of Peter. So eager was God in the matter that even as
Peter preached He poured out the Holy Ghost upon the assembled company, and they
began speaking with other tongues, vs. 44-46. Sometime later Peter was
criticized by the church leaders in Jerusalem, but all he did was to rehearse
God’s dealings with him, and “they held their peace, and glorified God saying,
then that God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Ch. 11:18.
When the church of Jerusalem was scattered, certain believers settled in
Antioch. They began preaching to the Grecians and a great number believed, and
turned to the Lord. When tidings of this reached the mother church the leaders
sent Barnabas to look into the matter. He found a good condition among them, and
through his ministry much people were added to the Lord, vs. 23-24. Barnabas
then found Saul and took him back with him to minister the Word. For a whole
year they assembled with these people, and in the church in Antioch the
believers were first called Christians.
In Ch. 12, we read that Herod the king too James the brother of John and slew
him with the sword. Seeing that this pleased the Jews he took Peter and put him
in prison, intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people to probably
kill him in the same way, vs. 1-4. God allows some of His children to become
martyrs, but if He sees fit to deliver them, no shackle of man can hinder His
will. The church prayed without ceasing for Peter. The night that should have
been his last saw the performance of a remarkable miracle. An angel entered the
prison cell, caused Peters chains to drop off, and led him forth into the
street. Doors and iron gates opened of their own accord. The apostle made known
his deliverance to the church, and then went and hid himself, vs. 5-17. Herod
was enraged at the incident and gave orders that the keepers should be put to
death. A short time later the king died a miserable death caused by worms. Thus
the glory and pomp of man must come down before his Maker.
PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY.
In Chs. 13 and 14, we have the account of the first missionary journey of the
apostle Paul. While still known as Saul, he and Barnabas with others were
ministering unto the Lord in the church in Antioch, and during a time of fasting
and prayer the Holy Ghost said, “Separate unto Me Barnabas and Saul for the work
whereunto I have called them, Ch. 13:2. The two brethren started out and went
first to Seleucia. Form there they sailed to the island of Cyprus, and preached
to the Jews in Salamis. From there they went to Paphos. The deputy of the placed
called for the two men and desired to hear the Word of God. A Jew who was known
as Elymas, the sorcerer, tried to hinder, but god judged him through Paul, who
called down the curse of blindness upon the man. The deputy was greatly
impressed by this incident and believed in the Lord for himself, vs.6-12.
From Paphos, Paul and Barnabas continued their journey and went next to Perga in
Pamphylia. John, also called Mar, left them at that place and returned to
Jerusalem, from Perga they went to Antioch in Piscidia. Saul, who from now on is
called Paul, always met with the Jews first. After a good sermon explaining the
way of life through Christ, the people went from the meeting. Many of the Jews
and proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas who sought to persuade them to
continue in the grace of God, vs. 42-43. The Gentiles asked that they be granted
a meeting on the following Sabbath. A great crowd attended. This angered the
Jews, but Paul turned from them and had a profitable ministry among the
Gentiles, quite a number turning to God as a result, vs. 44-48. The two men
preached the Word throughout that region. Finally they had to leave and went
next to Iconium. In this city they attended the synagogue and witnessed to the
Jews, so that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed, Ch. 14:1. This
stirred up enmity, but in spite of it Paul and Barnabas kept on with their
ministry. At last an assault was made upon them and they fled to Lystra and
Derbe, cities of Lycaonia. When Paul preached in Lystra a crippled man was
healed, v. 10. This caused quite a stir. The heathen priests told the people
that the God’s had come down to them in the likeness of man, and they prepared
to offer sacrifice unto them. The tow brethren with great difficulty hindered
them from doing this. A little later certain Jews came from Antioch and Iconium
and turned the people of Lystra against them. Paul was stoned and drawn out the
city and left for dead, v. 19. God raised him up, however, and the next day he
and Barnabas went to Derbe. From there the two men turned their steps homeward
calling at Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch en route, and after they had passed
through Piscidia they went to Pamphylia, preached at Perga, went down to
Athaliah, and from there set sail to Antioch in Syria. This was the place from
which they had started. Her they reported to the church all that god had done
with them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, v.27.
The fact that the Gospel ministry was being extended so that it embraced the
Gentile world, was the cause of some contention in the church among the
believing Jews. Many labored under the impression that the commandments of Moses
were still binding. Paul felt otherwise. He had seen so many wonderful
conversions, and many people healed and filled with the Holy Ghost, and yet they
had not been circumcised, that there really seemed to be no reason why this
should be enjoined upon these new believers. A church council was called. Paul
and Barnabas attended, and testified how God had worked among the Gentiles, Ch.
15:4. Then some arose and said these new converts should be circumcised and
commanded to keep the law of Moses, v.5. A meeting was called for the apostles
and elders to give their decision in the matter, v.6. Peter stood up and
recounted what God had done through him among the Gentiles, and gave his opinion
that since the Lord had chosen to purify their hearts by faith, and had poured
His Spirit upon them, that it seemed quite unnecessary to put them under the
yoke of the law, v.10. Paul and Barnabas spoke next, and the people listened as
they told of the marvelous results of their ministry among the Gentiles. James
then arose, and by quoting the teaching of the prophets showed how God had
foretold His working among the Gentiles, vs. 15-17. Therefore he gave his
decision that they should issue no commandment to the new converts as was
suggested by some, but that they be written to “abstain from pollutions of
idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” Two
brethren named Judas and Silas were appointed to travel with Barnabas and Paul
to the new churches to tell the Gentile believers by word of mouth of this
decision, and thus offset the teachings which had been spread among them by
teachers who were advocates of the law of Moses, vs. 24-27. The reason for the
fourfold injunction mentioned above was no doubt to avoid giving offense to
godly Jewish believers who still felt to strictly observe those thing which were
taught them from their earliest days, and about which their consciences were
very tender.
We read in Ch. 15:36-41 that Paul suggested to Barnabas that they go again to
the different places where they had established churches among the Gentiles, and
see how the believers were getting along. To this Barnabas agreed. When he
desired, however, to take John, whose surname was Mark, with them, Paul very
much objected. The reason for this was because he had left them during their
last journey, and the apostle Paul did not have much confidence in him. Neither
of the men would yield to the other and it ended with Barnabas taking Marl and
going to Cyprus. Paul chose Silas and they journeyed together.
They went first of all through Syria and Cilicia confirming the churches. Then
they came to Derbe and Lystra. At this latter place, Paul found a young man
named Timothy, who had a good reputation among the believers in those parts, and
he was added to their number, Ch. 16:1-3. The brethren then went forward and
preached throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia. Paul had in mind to go
into Asia, but the Holy Ghost ruled otherwise. “After they were come to Mysia,
they sought to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.” Passing by
Mysia they came to Troas. That night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia who
begged him to come to those parts and help them. Feeling it was a call of God
they set sail from Troas, and passing Samotshracia, landed the next day at
Neapolis. From there they journeyed to Philippi where they stayed for a period
of ministry, vs. 6-12. In this city a woman named Lydia accepted the Gospel
message and was baptized. She is the first one on record in the New Testament
who was converted in Europe.
During Paul’s ministry in Philippi, he and Silas were put in prison. It all came
about through the deliverance of a demon possessed girl, whom her masters used
for fortune telling. So complete was her healing that she no more could follow
her former calling. The men brought Paul and Silas to the magistrates, who
commanded that they be beaten and thrust into the inner prison. The jailer did
this, and also put their feet in the stocks, vs. 16-24. Not daunted by the
hardness of the way the two brethren sang praises at midnight. God shook the
building with an earthquake, caused the chains to fall off of every prisoner,
and threw all the doors wide open. The jailer was so distressed that he was
going to kill himself. Being reassured by Paul that all was well he came to
them, fell down before Paul and Silas and asked what he must do to be saved. The
Lord accepted him, and Paul baptized him that same night, vs. 25-35. God’s ways
are past finding out. Who would have thought that so much good could have come
out of such a circumstance? We should learn to rejoice at all times and in all
things, and God will make bare His arm and get great glory to Himself. Paul and
Silas were set free the next day, and through it all were able to rejoice in the
fact that other souls were added to the family of God.
From Philippi the party journeyed to Thessalonica, passing through Amphipolis
and Appollonia on their way. The Jews made trouble in this city, but through the
visit a multitude of Greeks believed. From there Paul and Silas went to Berea.
They found the people who attended the synagogue very receptive and willing to
search the scriptures, and quite a number believed.
Jews from Thessalonica came and stirred up the people, and sought to hinder the
great work, Ch. 17:13. Paul moved on to Athens while Silas and Timothy stayed
behind awhile longer. They joined Paul a little later. While the apostle waited
for his fellow laborers, he walked through the streets of the city. Everywhere
he turned he saw signs of idolatry.
The people were ardent worshipers of their God’s. Lest they overlook some
heathen deity they erected an altar on which was inscribed, To the unknown God,
v.23. To Paul this offered a good subject for a sermon. Taking his place on Mars
Hill, he spoke to the assembled crowd and sought to introduce to them the
“unknown God.” He explained how this God did not dwell in temples made with
hands, but that He was the creator of all things, and we all live, move, and
have our being in Him, vs. 24, 28. Furthermore, no one should liken God to some
likeness of His animate creation, and then make a graven image of him. Paul said
also that God is not far from every one of us, if haply we might feel after Him
and find Him. The speaker concluded by pointing them to Jesus, Who was raised
from the dead as an assurance to all who will believe in Him, v.31. Some mocked
Paul, others said they would hear him again, but a few followed him and
believed. It pays to preach the Word of God, for the Lord knows there are always
a few here and there who are really open for the truth.
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. So reads Ch.
18:1. He found a Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla. They were tent makers
by trade and because Paul had worked at the same trade, he abode with them and
wrought. These two had evidently embraced the Christian faith. After the apostle
had ministered boldly in Corinth in the synagogue, he finally met the usual
opposition from the Jews. Many Corinthians believed and were baptized. They
eventually separated themselves from those who opposed them, and met in the
house of a man named Justus. God spoke to Paul saying that He had much people in
that city, and that he should continue to minister without fear. This he did for
some eighteen months, v.11. The Jews then created an uproar and sought to
persuade Gallio, the Roman deputy, to forbid Paul to continue. The man ignored
the request and drove the Jews out of court. After tarrying long, the apostle
decided to return to Syria and take Aquila and Priscilla with him. They traveled
together as far as to Ephesus where the couple remained, and Paul and his party
went on. Landing at Caesarea, they went to Jerusalem and saluted the church, and
then pushed forward to Antioch where Paul terminated his second missionary
journey, vs. 18-22.
PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY.
After Paul spent some time in Antioch, he stated out again to visit the
churches. This time he went all over the country of Galatia and Phrygia, Ch.
18:23, and then went to Ephesus, Ch. 19:1. Just before his arrival a young man
named Apollos had ministered there. He is spoken of as being an eloquent man and
mighty in the scriptures. He was also fervent in spirit, and spake and taught
diligently the things of the Lord, but knew only the baptism of John. When
Aquila and Priscilla heard him in the synagogue, they took him to them and
expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Apollos was open minded and
profited much by this contact. Afterwards he went on his way, and was made a
real blessing to the disciples which were in Achaia, Ch. 18:24-28.
Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was quite outstanding. He began by meeting with those
who were converted under Apollos. Perceiving that they lacked the fullness, the
apostle asked the question, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?
They had never heard that such was possible. Paul laid his hands on them, and as
the Holy Ghost came upon them they spake with tongues and prophesied, Ch.
19:2-6. For three months Paul preached in the synagogue. Due to the opposition
of some he finally withdrew, and med daily with the disciples in the school of
one Tyrannus. This continued for the space of two years. God wrought special
miracles by his hands, and handkerchiefs and aprons were taken from his body and
laid on sick folk and diseases departed from them, and evil spirits went out of
them, vs. 11-12. Others tried to imitate the apostle but fled for their lives
when a demon attacked them, vs. 13-16.
Due to the success of Paul’s ministry, many people turned from idolatry. This
naturally ill-affected the trade of idol making. A man named Demetrius, a
silversmith, stirred up others of like craft and created quite an uproar. The
town clerk finally got things quieted down and dismissed the assembly, vs.
23-41.
After the uproar was over, Paul decided to go into Macedonia again. From there
he went to Greece where he stayed three months. The Jews laid a plot to do him
damage, but Paul changed his course of travel, and returning to Macedonia, he
joined his companions at Troas, Ch. 20:1-5, stopping at Philippi en route. In
Troas, Paul preached his midnight sermon, prayed for and restored to life the
young man who fell out of the window, and then continued ministering until the
break of day. Paul’s party went by ship to Assos while the apostle went afoot
and met them there. Then they sailed together to Mitylene, next to Chios, and
from there to Samos, stayed a short while at Trogyllium, and the next day
arrived at Miletus, vs. 6-16.
While at this place, Paul sent for the elders of the church of Ephesus. As they
sat together the apostle recounted to them his ministry and manner of life among
them, and foretelling that false brethren would arise and seek to harm the
church, warned them to watch and remember how he had labored among them for
three years, so that they might now follow his example. The apostle also
intimated that it might be the last time they would see his face. At the close
of the discourse, they knelt down and Paul prayed with them all, and with a
great outburst of sorrow and affection they accompanied him to the ship, vs.
17-38.
Leaving Miletus, the party sailed on, calling at Coos, and Rhodes, and from
there went to Patara. Here they changed ships, boarding one that went to
Phenicia. Passing Cyprus, they sailed into Syria and landed at Tyre, where they
tarried seven days. While there, certain disciples through the Spirit, told Paul
he should not go up to Jerusalem, Ch. 21:4. After their stay at Tyre, Paul and
his party sailed to Ptolemais, stayed there one day, and the next day landed at
Caesarea. They took up their abode with Philip, the evangelist, whose four
daughters were used in prophecy, vs. 8-9. During those days, Agabus, a prophet,
came from Judea. He took Paul’s girdle, bound his own hands and feet, and said,
“Thus saith the Holy Ghost, so shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that
owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.” The
friends of Paul tried hard to dissuade him from going into certain danger, but
he answered that he was ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem
for the name of the Lord Jesus, v.13.
PAUL’S LAST VISIT TO JERUSALEM.
When Paul made his decision to go forward at any cost, his brethren said, “The
will of the Lord be done.” The party accordingly arrived in Jerusalem. Paul met
James and the elders who advised him to do something to allay the feelings of
the many Christian Jews, because of their zeal for the law. Following his rule
of becoming all things to all men, he complied by taking on himself a vow along
with four other men, for which he must shave his head and offer the customary
sacrifice, to signify that the days of purification had ended, vs. 23-26. While
engaged in this religious exercise Paul was seen in the temple by certain Jews
of Asia. They at once raised a great cry against him, saying that he taught men
everywhere to cease conforming to the law, and that he had brought Greeks into
the temple, thus defiling the sacred place. While none of these things were true
everyone believed them nevertheless. Many laid hands on Paul and began to beat
him. The Roman captain came and took him from them, vs. 27-32. The apostle was
bound with chains, but obtained permission to address the Jews, and spoke to
them in the Hebrew language.
As Paul began to speak the people were silent. He gave a brief account of his
past history, his training under Gamaliel, his zeal toward God, his former
bitter enmity against the Christians, his call from God while on the way to
Damascus and the circumstances which attended it, and the command of God that he
should minister to the Gentiles, Ch. 23:1-21. When Paul got that far his oice
was drowned out by the multitude crying, “ Away with such a fellow from the
earth; for it is not fit that he should live.” The Roman captain commanded that
he be examined by scourging to draw from him a confession of guilt. Paul
objected on the grounds that he was a Roman citizen and the order was canceled.
Then it was arranged that he appear on the morrow before the Jewish council, vs.
22-30.
The next day, Paul’s bands were removed and he began his defense. Before he had
gone far he perceived that the council was made up of Sadducees and Pharisees.
The apostle thereupon cried out that he was called in questing touching the hope
and resurrection of the dead. Immediately there was a division among them, and
as Paul was in danger of being injured in the excitement, the Roman soldiers
took him from them by force and brought him into the castle, vs. 1-10. That
night the Lord stood by Paul and assured him that as he had testified of Him in
Jerusalem, he must bear witness of Him in Rome also.
The Jews madness seemed insatiable. Finding themselves unable to get a sentence
of death against Paul, forty of their number took a vow on themselves to neither
eat nor drink until one of them had slain the prisoner. When this was brought to
the ears of the Roman captain by Paul’s nephew, he immediately sent Paul under a
heavy escort to Caesarea, to Felix the governor. Upon arrival he was placed in
Herod’s judgement hall pending an interview with his accusers, Ch. 23.
Over five days the high priests with the elders went to Caesarea, taking with
them an orator named Tertullus. He made many accusations against Paul, who was
then allowed to speak for himself. The result was that Felix was rather
persuaded in his own mind that the apostle was innocent of the charges, and if
sufficient money had been given him by Paul he would have set him at liberty.
The wife of Felix was a Jewess named Drucilla. One day Paul was called for an
interview and as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgement, Felix
trembled with conviction and sent Paul away saying that he would hear him again
at a more convenient season, Ch. 24.
The next one to hear Paul’s testimony was Procius Festus, who became governor
upon the transfer of Felix. The Jews desired him to have Paul taken to Jerusalem
for another hearing, hoping that one of their number might kill him en route.
When Festus reached Caesarea, he brought Paul and the Jews together into court.
The Jews made many accusations against the apostle, none of which they could
prove. When asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and there be tried,
Paul appealed to Caesar. As a Roman citizen, he had that privilege, and so it
was decided that the request should be carried out, Ch. 25:1-12. Shortly after
that, king Agrippa and his wife Bernice visited Festus, at whose request Paul
was asked to state his care in their presence. As Agrippa was well versed in
Jewish prophecy the apostle could speak very fully on such matters. Festus
finally interrupted him, saying with a loud voice, “Paul, thou are beside
thyself; much learning hath made thee mad.” Finally Agrippa said to Paul,
“Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Then the king told Festus that
but for the fact that the apostle had appealed for a hearing by Caesar, he might
have been set at liberty, Ch.26. The remarkable opportunity Paul had for
testifying before kings, etc. was a fulfillment of Acts 9:15.
PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME.
The day came at last when Paul with a group of other prisoners was put on board
a ship. As they sailed the called at Sidon, where Paul was allowed to visit his
friends, Ch. 27:3. Setting sail again, they moved on, calling at Myra, a city of
Lycia. There they transshipped and boarded a vessel which was sailing to Italy.
Paul, who had crossed those waters a number of times, saw there was a grave
possibility of bad weather. He informed them that to proceed was like throwing
their lives away, but the centurion listened rather to the master of the ship,
who spoke to the contrary. Then they ran into a great storm which raged for many
days. No one took time to eat. Finally Paul stood up and said that they should
have hearkened to him.
God sent His angel to him and showed him just how matters would end. The ship
would be lost, every life would be spared, and they would be cast upon a certain
island. As Paul gave this forth he said, Be of good cheer and then later took
some nourishment. The others followed his example, and took courage to hope for
the best. Finally land was sighted and with the wreck of the ship as was
foretold, all the passengers and crew, by swimming or clinging to broken pieces
of timber, got safely to land, vs. 4-44. Paul was used in a great healing
ministry on the island which was named Melita. They stayed three months, and
then took another ship sailing to Rome. On the way they called at Rhegium, and
then at Puteoli, where Paul fellow shipped with some brethren for seven days.
Other believers met them at Appii forum and the three taverns, which gave Paul
quite a little encouragement. Then the party reached Rome where the apostle was
allowed to swell by himself with a soldier that kept him, Ch. 28:1-16.
During his stay in Rome, Paul arranged for the Jews of the synagogue to come and
see him. He reasoned with them about the scriptures which testify of Christ.
They disagreed among themselves and finally left him. Turning from them, Paul
ministered to the Gentiles, and anyone who came to him. For two whole years he
dwelt in his own hired house “preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those
things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man
forbidding him,” Ch. 28:17-31.
From this brief exposition of the Acts one can see how patiently God labored
through His chosen vessels, not only to give the Gospel to the Jew, but also the
great unsaved Gentile world. Peter was privileged to see into the plan through
the incident of Cornelius. To Paul, however, was granted an unfolding of the
full message by which a man could turn “to God from idols to serve the living
and true God; and to wait for His Son from Heaven.” Another fact we learn is
that it is possible to be gloriously saved and healed as the people of the
Samaritan revival, and yet still need the outpouring of the Spirit, as in Ch. 8;
or to be devout and prayerful as Cornelius, and still ignorant of the full
blessing of the Gospel with accompanying signs as in Ch. 10; or be eloquent and
mighty in the scriptures as was Apollos, and yet know only the baptism of John.
We should aim to live up to the full standard of New Testament experience that
others may see, and hunger, and receive, to the glory of God.