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ROME

 

ACTS 27&28: We conclude our series of the book of Acts finding Paul sailing to Rome. The trip was not an easy one as they encountered many difficulties, including the loss of their ship following an encounter with a storm. Paul had warned them of the impending disaster but they refused to listen to him. When it was inevitable that the ship would sink Paul told them not to fear for he knew that God would bring them all to safety, and sure enough they were all able to get to shore after the ship broke up on a sand bar.

 

The island was called Malta and the natives were friendly and helped Paul and all those who were on the ship. At one point when Paul was gathering wood for the fire a poisonous viper attached itself to Paul’s hand. When the natives saw this they waited for Paul to die but he didn’t and they thought Paul was a god. Nearby there was an estate owned by Publius, the chief official of the island and he invited them to his home and he entertained them for three days. While they were there Paul was told that Publius’ father was very sick, so Paul went to him and laid his lands on him and prayed that he might be healed and he was. After this miracle many of the sick people on the island came to Paul to be healed. After being on the island for three months they boarded a ship that had wintered on the island and set sail for Rome. When they got there some brothers met Paul and spent a week with him. When they finally got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself under the care of a guard.

 

A few days later Paul summoned some of the Jews and explained why he was in Rome. They told him they had heard nothing about him but they wanted to hear from him directly, about his views of the Way, which everyone seemed to be talking against. They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day and he explained to them the kingdom of God from Moses to the Prophets and how Jesus fulfilled prophecy. Many believed him but there were those who did not. Upon their disagreement they all began to leave. Paul explained a portion of Isaiah’s prophecy speaking about the hardness of their hearts and because of their attitude, the way of salvation was now being delivered to the Gentiles who would listen and believe in the Lord Jesus. For two years Paul preached the g Good News of Jesus, boldly and without hindrance to all those who came to him.

 

In the final chapters of Acts we witness God’s power and grace. He spared the lives of those on Paul’s ship and delivered Paul to Rome as he said He would. Suffice to say that Paul’s fortitude would have been enough for all of us. He never gave up, regardless of the circumstances, because he believed; his faith unshakeable; his goal although seemingly impossible fulfilled his mission. I look forward to the day when I will meet Paul and thank him for his legacy to us. Praise God for His kindness and love. Amen

 

John 16:33; “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

 

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DEDICATED TO THE END

 

ACTS 26: With the permission of King Agrippa Paul told his story. After a proper addressing to the council Paul begins to explain that from the beginning of his life, he lived as a dedicated member of the Pharisees in the strictest sense, and now finds himself on trial for the promise and hope made by God to our fathers. Paul was taught that he had to be hostile to the name of Jesus and His followers, and he was very dedicated to that task, putting them in prison; even to casting his vote against them for death.

 

Paul then explains the time of the Lord appearing to him on the road to Damascus and speaking to him, asking why he was persecuting Him. Paul, blinded by a very bright light surrounding him and his men, asked whom it was that was talking and the Lord told him who He was. He told him that He was appointing him to be a minister and witness of all that he had seen and all the things that He would show him. Paul explained to King Agrippa that he was immediately obedient to God and began to preach repentance to all, and the fact that they should turn to Jesus for their salvation. For this very reason the Jews were trying to kill Paul. Paul told Agrippa he was and is still committed to the preaching of the Good News of salvation through Jesus. Paul reiterated reason for the death of Jesus. Agrippa responded by telling Paul he was crazy. Of course Paul denied his accusation and actually told Agrippa that he should have been aware of this. Paul told Agrippa that that he (Agrippa) believes in the Prophets, at which Agrippa accused Paul of trying to convert him. Agrippa and his people arose and conferred with each other admitting that Paul could have been free if he had not appealed to Caesar.

 

A very significant point was made in this chapter in verse 18 when Jesus told Paul that his mission was to “open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Paul was a very dedicated religious person, but was on the wrong path as so many dedicated, religious people are today. It appears to me that many people would rather dedicate themselves to a religion than to the Bible (God’s word) and freedom from the consequences of sin. We do not have to experience what Paul did on the road to Damascus, all we need is faith, the same faith that Paul had. It was his faith in God that saved him, nothing else. If you don’t have faith you cannot find God, therefore I ask you to pray for the faith you need to realize that Jesus died for you on the cross and believing in Him releases you from the dominion of Satan to the freedom of God’s world.

 

  

 

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PAUL’S DEFENSE

 

ACTS 25: Festus went up to Jerusalem and met with the Jews who continued to bring false accusations against Paul. They asked him to bring Paul to Jerusalem to be tried because they had conspired to kill him on the way. He told them that Paul was being held in Caesarea and for them to go there .After spending some time with the Jews, Festus went down to Caesarea with some of the Jews. Paul began to make his defense when Festus interrupted him to ask if he would be willing to be tried in Jerusalem, to which Paul said no and explained to him that he had a right to be heard and he appealed to Caesar.

 

A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived and Festus told him the story of Paul and how the Jews were accusing him of things related to their religion and something about a dead man who Paul claimed to be alive. The king was intrigued by all this and said he wanted to hear Paul himself.

 

The next day King Agrippa and Bernice entered the hall and Festus addressed them explaining how the Jews were accusing Paul and wanted him tried in Jerusalem. But Festus told them that he had found nothing wrong with what Paul had done, and also that Paul had appealed to Rome. Festus could find nothing to write to Rome about Paul so he was hoping that Agrippa might examine Paul and develop something worth writing to Rome.

 

Again Paul is demonstrating what needs to be done when adversity confronts us and there certainly is plenty to go around. Some Christians might sit back and say let God handle it or some might try to handle it in their own strength, but that is not what God wants. The Bible tells us that God has blessed us which means we already possess that which is necessary to confront any situation. All we have to do is to claim the right to the power that he has given us. In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus says: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Paul knew that God was going to put him in Rome; therefore he could have done nothing and left it up to God. However he did do something about it and did leave the results up to God. Paul knew God’s favor was upon him and we should all know that God’s favor is upon us. We are God’s children, therefore we are special in His eyes and he watches over us and wants the best for us. He has told us that throughout the Bible. Let’s claim it. He loves it when we claim what He gave us, when we accept His free gifts and especially the gift of salvation.

 

If you haven’t already given your life to Jesus, ask Him to come into your life. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins and you believe in what He died for on the cross. Look to Jesus directly, you don’t need religion; you need Him and His unchangeable Word.

 

 

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THE CONSPIRACY

 

ACTS 23: Paul got up to speak to all those assembled and tried to explain his position, of fulfilling his obligation to spread the Good News of  Jesus. The high priest instructed someone to strike him, apparently he didn’t agree with him. Paul insulted him and when he found out he was the high priest he apologized, because Paul was aware of the law and respect of the high priest.

 

Paul continued and began to speak about the resurrection because he knew the Pharisees and the Sadducees disagreed on this point and this caused a great uproar. Some of the Pharisees got up and said they found nothing wrong with what Paul was saying. The dispute became so violent that the commander had to have his men retrieve Paul by force from them. The following night, the Lord told Paul not to be concerned because he would be testifying for Him in Rome as he did in Jerusalem.

 

The next day about 40 Jews conspired to kill Paul and made a solemn oath not to eat or drink anything until they did. Paul’s nephew overheard the plot and told him. Paul told him to go the commander and tell him of the plot. He did and when the commander heard the story he ordered his man to assemble 470 soldiers to escort Paul out of the City. He wrote a letter to be delivered to the Governor which explained the circumstances of Paul’s trip to Rome. The commander told the Governor that he could find no fault with Paul other than the fact  that their dispute had something to do with the Jewish law.

 

They delivered the letter and Paul and when the Governor had received them he told Paul he would hear his case upon the arrival of his accusers.

 

Again we see the power of God at work. God had His plans for Paul and nothing would or even could possibly interfere. All who have confessed Jesus as their Savior have the same assurance that the plans He has for us will never be changed or cancelled. We can live in the peace offered through Jesus that we will be with Him, as we are now, for eternity.

 

 

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SAUL…SAUL

 

ACTS 21&22: Paul continues his mission and now we find him in Caesarea where he stayed with Philip, the evangelist who had 4 daughters who prophesied. After several days a prophet named Agabus visited Paul and forewarned him of the persecution he would face in Jerusalem. They tried to change his planned visit to Jerusalem but he would have no part in it. He said he was not only ready to be chained, but to die, also, for the work of the lord.

 

When they arrived in Jerusalem they visited James and the elders and informed them of the past events to which they all responded joyously. They knew that thousands of Jews   believed Paul but at the same time certain factions were inciting the people against him. The suggestion was made that Paul take 4 brothers who had taken a vow and have their head shaved which was a sign of living under the law. And so he did.

 

When the seven days of purification were over the crowd seized Paul. Soon the commander of the troops came and put Paul in chains and arrested him. As the soldiers were about to put Paul in the barracks, he persuaded the commander to let him speak to the crowd. Paul was free to do so and he told the crowd in their language what had happened to him on the road to Damascus when the lord spoke directly to Paul and told him what was about to happen to him. When the Lord spoke a very bright light blinded Paul and the Lord directed him to the city where Ananias met him and restored his sight.

He told Paul that God had chosen him to do His work and he prevailed upon Paul to be baptized and wash his sins away which, of course, was merely symbolic of the true forgiveness through Grace. When Paul returned to Jerusalem he was told by the Lord to leave immediately because the people would not accept his testimony and He would send him far away to the Gentiles.

The crowd finally got so angry that the Roman commander was going to have Paul whipped until the commander discovered he was a Roman citizen which stopped him cold in his tracks. The next day the commander brought Paul to the chief priests and the Sanhedrin to try to get to the bottom of the reason why the Jews wanted to kill Paul.

 

We can’t imagine the turmoil created in the formation of the Church. It is indeed a miracle that they were successful. It is so obvious that divine intervention was the hand that dealt the cards, so to speak. I am reminded of the scripture that says, “If God is for us, who can be against us.” When we look to Him and place our trust in Him, then, and only then are we victorious in Him. No matter what confronts us, as did Paul, prayerfully turn it over to God who so graciously wants to help. Ask and it will be. It is God’s wish for us to be content and live a fruitful life here on earth until we are with Him.

 

 

 

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SAUL…SAUL

 

ACTS 21&22: Paul continues his mission and now we find him in Caesarea where he stayed with Philip, the evangelist who had 4 daughters who prophesied. After several days a prophet named Agabus visited Paul and forewarned him of the persecution he would face in Jerusalem. They tried to change his planned visit to Jerusalem but he would have no part in it. He said he was not only ready to be chained, but to die, also, for the work of the lord.

 

When they arrived in Jerusalem they visited James and the elders and informed them of the past events to which they all responded joyously. They knew that thousands of Jews   believed Paul but at the same time certain factions were inciting the people against him. The suggestion was made that Paul take 4 brothers who had taken a vow and have their head shaved which was a sign of living under the law. And so he did.

 

When the seven days of purification were over the crowd seized Paul. Soon the commander of the troops came and put Paul in chains and arrested him. As the soldiers were about to put Paul in the barracks, he persuaded the commander to let him speak to the crowd. Paul was free to do so and he told the crowd in their language what had happened to him on the road to Damascus when the lord spoke directly to Paul and told him what was about to happen to him. When the Lord spoke a very bright light blinded Paul and the Lord directed him to the city where Ananias met him and restored his sight.

He told Paul that God had chosen him to do His work and he prevailed upon Paul to be baptized and wash his sins away which, of course, was merely symbolic of the true forgiveness through Grace. When Paul returned to Jerusalem he was told by the Lord to leave immediately because the people would not accept his testimony and He would send him far away to the Gentiles.

The crowd finally got so angry that the Roman commander was going to have Paul whipped until the commander discovered he was a Roman citizen which stopped him cold in his tracks. The next day the commander brought Paul to the chief priests and the Sanhedrin to try to get to the bottom of the reason why the Jews wanted to kill Paul.

 

We can’t imagine the turmoil created in the formation of the Church. It is indeed a miracle that they were successful. It is so obvious that divine intervention was the hand that dealt the cards, so to speak. I am reminded of the scripture that says, “If God is for us, who can be against us.” When we look to Him and place our trust in Him, then, and only then are we victorious in Him. No matter what confronts us, as did Paul, prayerfully turn it over to God who so graciously wants to help. Ask and it will be. It is God’s wish for us to be content and live a fruitful life here on earth until we are with Him.

 

 

 

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NO FEAR

 

ACTS 18: Upon his arrival in Corinth Paul met a Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla. They had come from Rome because all Jews were ordered to leave. Paul went to see them because he was a tentmaker and decided to stay for a while. Paul continued his preaching in the Synagogue every Sabbath until Timothy and Silas joined him. The Jews opposed Paul and began to be abusive, so Paul shook out his clothes in protest and left. He went next door to the house of Titus Justus who was a worshipper of God. A man named Crispus, a ruler in the Synagogue believed in Jesus, as well as many of the Corinthians.

 

One night Paul had a vision in which the Lord told him to continue preaching without fear because He had many of His people in the city, verse 9: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” He stayed there a year and a half preaching. The Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before Gallio, the proconsul, to complain. However he rebuked them and told them to handle the matter themselves because the dispute involved their laws. The Jews then turned on Sosthenes and beat him in front of the court without any interference from Gallio.

 

Paul continued his missionary work in Ephesus, preaching in the Synagogue until he left, even though the Jews wanted him to stay. He said he would come back if it is God’s will.

Paul visited many cities, strengthening the brothers in various areas.

 

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos,a native of Alexandria came to Ephesus to preach the way of the Lord. He had been schooled well and had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He taught about Jesus accurately but he was aware only of the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preach they invited him to their home to more adequately explain the way of the Lord. When he wanted to go to Achaia the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. He proved to be a great help to those, who by grace, believed. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public proving from Scripture that Jesus was the Christ.

 

Doesn’t the introduction of Apollos cause you to wonder about the difference between what he was preaching and the true way of Salvation? You see, he was preaching repentance of sins, not forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Remember, John was preaching repentance before Jesus was crucified. He was preaching to people to change their ways and admit sorrow for their sins. This is not salvation. A baptism of water does not save. Water baptism is merely symbolic; acceptance of Jesus as your Savior because He paid for the sin of mankind. This is Salvation. AS the Bible states quite literally,”There is no other name under Heaven whereby man can be saved.” (Acts 4:12) If you seek salvation in a religion or anything else you will be committing a mortal mistake. Simply read and listen to the Word of God.