Apostle Paul
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Composed of the Following:
A
study of the person and life of Apostle Paul can be a most rewarding and
humbling experience. As I prepared my notes for this study course, I could
not help but be in awe of this most remarkable Man of God. I can think of no
one in the history of the church, that poured out their lives, for the cause
of Christ, as our beloved brother Apostle Paul did. His dedication and
self-sacrifice for the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ, continues to be an
inspiration for Christians everywhere, through out the ages.
Thank you brother Paul.
Of the
27 books of the New Testament, 13 came by way of Apostle Paul. His writings
were authenticated to be inspired scripture by Peter. ( 2 Peter 3:15-16 )
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1. His pre- Christian
life
1. His Birth
Acts 22:3 I am
verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet
brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the
perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye
all are this day.
a. Of the tribe of Benjamin
Philippians 3:5
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of
Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews;
2.
A Roman Citizen
Acts 22:25-28 And as
they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is
it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
26. When the
centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed
what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
27. Then the chief
captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
28. And the chief
captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said,
But I was free born.
29. Then straightway
they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain
also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound
him.
3. His Family
a.
Father
Acts 23:6 But when
Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he
cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a
Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
b. Sister
Acts 23:16 And
when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered
into the castle, and told Paul.
c. Relatives
Romans 16:7
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are
of note among the apostles,
who also were in
Christ before me.
Vs. 11 Salute
Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which
are in the Lord.
4.
His Education
Acts 22:3 I am
verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought
up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect
manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are
this day.
5.
His Trade
Acts 18:1-3 After
these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
2. And found a
certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his
wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from
Rome:) and came unto them.
3. And because he was
of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation
they were tentmakers.
6. His Religion
a. A strict Pharisee
Acts 23:6 But
when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other
Pharisees, he cried out in the
council, Men and
brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and
resurrection of the dead I am called in
question.
Galatians 1:14
And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own
nation, being more exceedingly
zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Philippians 3:5.
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of
Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews;
as touching the law, a Pharisee;
b. His religious zeal
Philippians 3:6
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church;
c. A former persecutor of the Church
Acts 7: 58.
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down
their clothes at a young man's
feet, whose name was Saul.
* Paul’s
circumcision name was Saul
Acts 8:1 And
Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great
persecution against the church
which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout
the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the
apostles.
Acts 9:1-2
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the
disciples of the Lord, went unto the high
priest,
2. And desired of him
letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way,
whether they were men or
women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Acts 22: 4 And
I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons
both men and women.
Galatians 1:13
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion,
how that beyond measure I
persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
1. God shows mercy to Paul
1 Timothy
1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I
obtained mercy, because I did it
ignorantly in unbelief.
1 Timothy
1:15-16 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that
Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16. Howbeit
for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew
forth all longsuffering, for a
pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life
everlasting.
*
Some people think that God won’t forgive their sins; Paul is a
wonderful example of God’s mercy and forgiveness.
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2. Paul's
conversion
How it happened
Acts 9: 1. And Saul,
yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the
Lord, went unto the high priest,
2. And desired of him
letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way,
whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3. And as he
journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him
a light from heaven:
4. And he fell to the
earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou
me?
5. And he said, Who
art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is
hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6. And he trembling
and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said
unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou
must do.
7. And the men which
journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8. And Saul arose
from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led
him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9. And he was three
days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Acts 22: 4-10 And I
persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both
men and women.
5. As also the high
priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom
also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring
them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
6. And it came to
pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about
noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7. And I fell unto
the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why
persecutest thou me?
8. And I answered,
Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou
persecutest.
9. And they that were
with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice
of him that spake to me.
10. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise,
and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which
are appointed for thee to do.
a. Blinded for 3 Days
Acts 9:8-12 And Saul
arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they
led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10. And there was a
certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a
vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11. And the Lord said
unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and
inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold,
he prayeth,
12. And hath seen in
a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he
might receive his sight.
b. Is healed and baptized
Acts 9:17-18 And
Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on
him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the
way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and
be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he
received ight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
c. Begins to preach Jesus
Acts 9:19 And when
he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with
the disciples which were at Damascus.
20. And straightway
he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21. But all that
heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which
called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he
might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
d. The Jews plot to kill him and his escape
Acts 9:23 And after
that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
24. But their laying
await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill
him.
25. Then the
disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
e. At first, Christians were afraid of him
Acts 9: 26-27 And
when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the
disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a
disciple.
27. But Barnabas took
him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen
the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached
boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
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3. Early
Christian life
a.
Eventually accepted
Acts 9: 26-30 And
when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the
disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a
disciple.
27. But Barnabas took
him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen
the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached
boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28. And he was with
them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
29. And he spake
boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but
they went about to slay him.
30. Which when the
brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to
Tarsus.
b. Paul goes into
Arabia
Galatians 1:15-17
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.
c. Paul receives
Divine revelation
Galatians 1:11 But I
certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after
man.
12. For I neither
received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus
Christ.
d. Paul returns to
Jerusalem - visits Peter
Galatians 1:18-19
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with
him fifteen days.
19. But other of the
apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
e. Brought to
Antioch to help
Acts 11:25-26 Then
departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26. And when he had
found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole
year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And
the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
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4.
First missionary journey
The
Call
Acts 13:1-3 Now
there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers;
as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and
Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2. As they ministered
to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas
and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3. And when they had
fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Events of
1. Sail to Cyprus - Preach the Gospel
Acts 13:4-5
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and
from thence they sailed to
Cyprus.
5. And when
they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the
Jews: and they had also
John to their minister.
* Paul’s companions ( above scriptures) Barnabus and John
2. An Encounter With a False Prophet
Acts 6-12
And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain
sorcerer, a false prophet, a
Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
7. Which was
with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called
for Barnabas and Saul, and
desired to hear the word of God.
8. But Elymas
the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking
to turn away the deputy from
the faith.
9. Then Saul,
(who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
10. And said,
O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy
of all righteousness, wilt thou not
cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
11. And now,
behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not
seeing the sun for a season. And
immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went
about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
12. Then the
deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the
doctrine of the Lord.
3. John quits and returns home
Acts 13:13
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in
Pamphylia: and John
departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
4.
Paul preaches at Antioch in Pisidia
Acts 13:14
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and
went into the synagogue on the
Sabbath day, and sat down.
Vs.16 Then
Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that
fear God, give audience.
(see verses 17-52 )
a.
Gentiles believe and are glad
b.
The Jews bring about persecution against Paul and Barnabus and have them
expelled. They shake off the dust of
their feet as a testimony against them.
5. Events at Iconium
Acts 14:1-5
And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the
synagogue of the Jews, and so
spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the
Greeks believed.
2. But the
unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected
against the brethren.
3. Long time
therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto
the word of his grace, and
granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4. But the
multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part
with the apostles.
5. And when
there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with
their rulers, to use them
despitefully, and to stone them,
6. On to Lystra
Acts 14:6-7
They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia,
and unto the region that lieth
round about:
7. And there
they preached the gospel.
Highlights
of Vs. 8-19 (at Lystra)
a.
Crippled man is healed
b.
Paul has to convince the people that he and Barnabas were not gods
c.
Paul is stoned
7. On to Derbe
Acts 14:20
Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into
the city: and the next day he
departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
8.
Returning home
Acts 14:21-28
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many,
they returned again to
Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22.
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in
the faith, and that we must through much
tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
23. And when
they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting,
they commended them to
the Lord, on whom they believed.
24. And after
they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25. And when
they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
26. And
thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace
of God for the work which
they fulfilled.
27. And when
they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all
that God had done with them,
and how he had opened
the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
28. And there
they abode long time with the disciples.
a.
Confirmed the disciples, that they had led to the Lord
b.
Exhorted them
c.
Ordained Elders in the churches that had been established
d.
Preached at Perga
e.
Sailed back to Antioch, from where their journey began
f.
Assembled with the church there and gave testimony concerning all that God
had
done on
this first missionary journey.
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5. Between
journeys
1.
The debate at Jerusalem
a. The dispute
Acts1-6 And
certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said,
Except ye be circumcised after
the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2. When
therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with
them, they determined that Paul and
Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto
the apostles and elders about this question.
3. And being
brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and
Samaria, declaring the conversion of
the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4. And when
they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the
apostles and elders, and they
declared all things that God had done with them.
5. But there
rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it
was needful to circumcise them,
and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
6. And the
apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
b. The decision
12. Then all
the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul,
declaring what miracles and wonders
God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13. And after
they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken
unto me:
14. Simeon hath
declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of
them a people
for his name.
15. And to this
agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16. After this
I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is
fallen down; and I will build again the
ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17. That the
residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my
name is called, saith the
Lord, who doeth all these things.
18. Known unto
God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19. Wherefore
my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles
are turned to God:
20. But that we
write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from
fornication, and from things
strangled, and from blood.
c. The action taken
Acts 15:22-29
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send
chosen men of their own
company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed
Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the
brethren:
23. And they
wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and
brethren send greeting unto the
brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
24. Forasmuch
as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with
words, subverting your
souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we
gave no such commandment:
25. It seemed
good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you
with our beloved Barnabas
and Paul,
26. Men that
have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27. We have
sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by
mouth.
28. For it
seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater
burden than these necessary
things;
29. That ye
abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things
strangled, and from fornication: from
which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
2. Paul and
Barnabas at Antioch
Acts 15:35
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the
word of the Lord, with many
others also.
3. Paul rebukes
Peter
Galatians
2:11-21 Vs.11-13 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to
the face, because he was to be
blamed.
12. For before
that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they
were come, he withdrew and
separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13. And the
other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was
carried away with their
dissimulation.
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6.
Second missionary journey
1. Beginnings
Acts 15:35-36 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and
preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
36. And some days
after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in
every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
2.
The Problem
Acts 15:37-38 And
Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark
38. But Paul thought
not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and
went not with them to the work.
a. The solution
Acts 15:39-41
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder
one from the other: and so
Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40. And Paul
chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace
of God.
41. And he
went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
3.
Paul revisits Derbe and Lystra
a. Take Timothy as a helper
Acts 16:1-5
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was
there, named Timotheus, the son of
a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was
a Greek:
2. Which was
well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3. Him would
Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the
Jews which were in those
quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4. And as they
went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that
were ordained of the apostles
and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5. And so were
the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
4. Directed by the
Holy Ghost
Acts 16:6-9 Now when
they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were
forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7. After they were
come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered
them not.
8. And they passing
by Mysia came down to Troas.
9. And a vision
appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed
him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
10. And after he had
seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly
gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
11. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
5. Events at Philippi
a. Lydia is converted
Acts 16:14-15
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of
Thyatira, which worshipped God,
heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the
things which were spoken of Paul.
15. And when
she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have
judged me to be faithful to the
Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
b. An unclean spirit is cast out of a girl
Acts 16:16-18
And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed
with a spirit of divination met
us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17. The same
followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the
most high God, which shew
unto us the way of salvation.
18. And this
did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I
command thee in the name of
Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
c. Paul and Silas are beaten
Acts 16:23-24
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison,
charging the jailor to keep
them safely:
24. Who, having
received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their
feet fast in the stocks.
d. Paul and Silas sing praise
Acts 16:25-26
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the
prisoners heard them.
26. And
suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison
were shaken: and immediately all
the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
e. Jailer is converted
Acts 16:27-33
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prison doors open, he drew out
his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the
prisoners had been fled.
28. But Paul
cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29. Then he
called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before
Paul and Silas,
30. And brought
them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31. And they
said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy
house.
32. And they
spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33. And he took
them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized,
he and all his, straightway.
6.
On to Thessalonica
Acts 17:1-4 Now when
they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica,
where was a synagogue of the Jews:
2. And Paul, as his
manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out
of the scriptures,
3. Opening and
alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the
dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
4. And some of them
believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a
great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
7. On to Berea
Acts 17:10-14 And
the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who
coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11. These were more
noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all
readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things
were so.
12. Therefore many of
them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a
few.
13. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God
was
preached of Paul at
Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
8. Paul at Athens
Acts 17:14-16 And
then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea:
but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
15. And they that
conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto
Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
16. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in
him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
a. Paul preaches and has some converts
Acts 17:22-34
Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I
perceive that in all things ye are
too superstitious.
23. For as I
passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this
inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom
therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
24. God that
made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and
earth, dwelleth not in temples
made with hands;
25. Neither is
worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth
to all life, and breath, and
all things;
26. And hath
made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the
earth, and hath determined the
times before
appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27. That they
should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him,
though he be not far from every one
of us:
28. For in him
we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets
have said, For we are also his
offspring.
29. Forasmuch
then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead
is like unto gold, or silver,
or stone, graven by art and man's device.
30. And the
times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every
where to repent:
31. Because he
hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness
by that man whom he hath
ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he
hath raised him from the dead.
32. And when
they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We
will hear thee again of this
matter.
33. So Paul
departed from among them.
34. Howbeit
certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the
Areopagite, and a woman
named Damaris, and others with them.
9. Paul goes to
Corinth
Acts 18:1 After
these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
a. Stays with Aquila
Acts 18:2 And
found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy,
with his wife Priscilla;
(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:)
and came unto them.
3. And because
he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their
occupation they were
tentmakers.
b. Reunited with Silas and Timothy
Acts 18:5 And
when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the
spirit, and testified to
the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
c. The Jews oppose Paul
Acts 18:6 And
when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said
unto them, Your blood
be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto
the Gentiles.
d. The Lord encourages Paul
Acts 18:9-11
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but
speak, and hold not thy peace:
10. For I am
with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people
in this city.
11. And he
continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
10. Paul goes to
Ephesus
Acts 18:19-21 And he
came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the
synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
20. When they desired
him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
11. Paul returns to
Antioch
Acts 18:21-22 But
bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast
that cometh in
Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed
from Ephesus.
22. And when he had
landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to
Antioch.
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7. Third missionary journey
1. Strengthening the disciples
Acts 18:23 And after
he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of
Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
a. Apollos is instructed
Acts 18:24-26
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and
mighty in the scriptures,
came to Ephesus.
25. This man
was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he
spake and taught diligently the
things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26. And he
began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had
heard, they took him unto
them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
3. At Ephesus some disciples receive the Holy Ghost
Acts 19:1-6 And it
came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through
the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2. He said unto them,
Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him,
We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3. And he said unto
them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4. Then said Paul,
John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people,
that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on
Christ Jesus.
5. When they heard
this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6. And when Paul had
laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with
tongues, and prophesied.
a. Paul remains 2-3 years teaching them
Acts 19:8-10
And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three
months, disputing and
persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
9. But when
divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before
the multitude, he departed from
them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of
one Tyrannus.
10. And this
continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia
heard the word of the Lord Jesus,
both Jews and Greeks.
b. God does miracles
Acts 19:11-12
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
12. So that
from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the
diseases departed from them,
and the evil spirits went out of them.
c. The 7 sons of Sceva
Acts 19:13-16
Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over
them which had evil spirits
the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul
preacheth.
14. And there
were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
15. And the
evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are
ye?
16. And the man
in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed
against them, so that
they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
d. Sorcery books are burned
Acts 19:19
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together,
and burned them before all men:
and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand
pieces of silver.
4. On to Macedonia and Greece
Acts 20:1-2 And
after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and
embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
2. And when he had
gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into
Greece,
5.
Paul at Troas
Acts 20:6-10 And we
sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto
them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.7. And upon the first
day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul
preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech
until midnight.
8. And there were
many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
9. And there sat in a
window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep:
and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from
the third loft, and was taken up dead.
10. And Paul went
down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for
his life is in him.
6. Paul at
Miletus
Acts 20:15 And we
sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we
arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to
Miletus.
a. Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders
Acts 20:17 And
from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
( see Vs. 18-38 for Paul’s address to them )
7.
Paul at Caesarea
Acts 21:7-9 And when
we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the
brethren, and abode with them one day.
8. And the next day
we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we
entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven;
and abode with him.
9. And the same man
had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
a. Agabus the Prophet
Acts 21:10-12
And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain
prophet, named Agabus.
11. And when he
was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and 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.
12. And when we
heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go
up to Jerusalem.
b. Paul is determined to go
Acts 21:13-14
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am
ready not to be bound
only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14. And when he
would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
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8. Paul at
Jerusalem
1.
Welcomed by the church
Acts 21:17-19 And
when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the
elders were present.
19. And when he had
saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the
Gentiles by his ministry.
a. Paul is captured by the Jews
Acts 21:26-30
Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them
entered into the temple, to signify
the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an
offering should be offered for every one of them.
27. And when
the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw
him in the temple,
stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
28. Crying out,
Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where
against the people, and the law,
and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and
hath polluted this holy place.
29. (For they
had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they
supposed that Paul had brought
into the temple.)
30. And all the
city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew
him out of the temple: and
forthwith the doors were shut.
b. Seized by the Romans
Acts 21:31-33
And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of
the band, that all Jerusalem
was in an uproar.
32. Who
immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when
they saw the chief captain and
the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
33. Then the
chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with
two chains; and demanded
who he was, and what he had done.
c. Paul is allowed to speak to the Jewish mob
Acts 22:1-2
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now unto you.
2. (And when
they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more
silence: and he saith,)
( see Vs. 3-23 for his address to them )
d. The mob rejects his words
Acts
22:22.....Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he
should live.
e. Paul is to be scourged
Acts 22:24-28
The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade
that he should be examined by
scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
25. And as they
bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it
lawful for you to scourge a man
that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
26. When the
centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed
what thou doest: for this man is
a Roman.
27. Then the
chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said,
Yea.
28. And the
chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul
said, But I was free born.
f. Paul’s defense before the Jewish council
Acts 23:1-10
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have
lived in all good conscience
before God until this day.
2. And the high
priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
3. Then said
Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to
judge me after the law, and
commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
4. And they
that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?
5. Then said
Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written,
Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler
of thy people.
6. But when
Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he
cried out in the council, Men
and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and
resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
7. And when he
had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the
Sadducees: and the multitude was
divided.
8. For the
Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but
the Pharisees confess both.
9. And there
arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose,
and strove, saying, We find no
evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him,
let us not fight against God.
10. And when
there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should
have been pulled in pieces of
them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force
from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
g. The Lord Jesus himself encourages Paul
Acts 23:11 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.
h. A plot to
kill Paul
Acts 23:12-13
And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound
themselves under a curse, saying
that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
13. And they
were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. (see Vs.13-35 )
i. Paul is delivered
Acts 23:23-24
And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred
soldiers to go to Caesarea,
and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the
third hour of the night;
24. And provide
them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the
governor.
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9. Paul at
Caesarea
1.
Accusers against Paul
Acts 24:1, 5-9 And
after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with
a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
5. For we have found
this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews
throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6. Who also hath gone
about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according
to our law.
7. But the chief
captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of
our hands,
8. Commanding his
accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take
knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9. And the Jews also
assented, saying that these things were so.
2.
Paul’s defense
Acts 24:10-22 Then
Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered,
Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this
nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11. Because that thou
mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to
Jerusalem for to worship.
12. And they neither
found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the
people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13. Neither can they
prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14. But this I
confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I
the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and
in the prophets:
15. And have hope
toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a
resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16. And herein do I
exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and
toward men.
17. Now after many
years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18. Whereupon certain
Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor
with tumult.
19. Who ought to have
been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
20. Or else let these
same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before
the council,
21. Except it be for
this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection
of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22. And when Felix
heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred
them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know
the uttermost of your matter.
a. Paul’s 2yr. imprisonment
Acts 24:27 But
after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to
shew the Jews a pleasure, left
Paul bound.
b. Paul’s appeal to Caesar
Acts 25:1-12
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended
from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2. Then the
high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and
besought him,
3. And desired
favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in
the way to kill him.
4. But Festus
answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would
depart shortly thither.
5. Let them
therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse
this man, if there be any
wickedness in him.
6. And when he
had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and
the next day sitting on
the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
7. And when he
was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and
laid many and grievous
complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
8. While he
answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against
the temple, nor yet against Caesar,
have I offended any thing at all.
9. But Festus,
willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up
to Jerusalem, and there be
judged of these things before me?
10. Then said
Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the
Jews have I done no wrong, as
thou very well knowest.
11. For if I be
an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to
die: but if there be none of these
things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I
appeal unto Caesar.
12. Then
Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed
unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt
thou go.
c. Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa
Acts 26:13-18
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the
brightness of the sun, shining round
about me and them which journeyed with me.
14. And when we
were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying
in the Hebrew tongue, Saul,
Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against
the pricks.
15. And I said,
Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16. But rise,
and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to
make thee a minister and a
witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those
things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17. Delivering
thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18. To open
their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of
Satan unto God, that they may
receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are
sanctified by faith that is in me. ( see Vs. 19-32 )
d. King Agrippa’s
response
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
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10. Voyage to
Rome
1. Setting sail
Acts 27:1-10 And
when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul
and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus'
band.
2. And entering into
a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia;
one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
3. And the next day
we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him
liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
4. And when we had
launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were
contrary.
5. And when we had
sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of
Lycia.
6. And there the
centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us
therein.
7. And when we had
sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind
not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
8. And, hardly
passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh
whereunto was the city of Lasea.
9. Now when much time
was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now
already past, Paul admonished them,
10. And said unto
them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage,
not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
a. A terrible storm
Acts 27:14-15
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called
Euroclydon.
15. And when
the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
( see Vs.14-44 )
b. Paul is encouraged by an angel
Acts 27:22-24
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of
any man's life among you, but of
the ship.
23. For there
stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24. Saying,
Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given
thee all them that sail with thee.
2. Shipwrecked on
the island of Melita
Acts 27:40-44
And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the
sea, and loosed the rudder
bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
41. And falling
into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart
stuck fast, and remained
unmovable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the
waves.
42. And the
soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim
out, and escape.
43. But the
centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded
that they which could swim
should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
44. And the rest,
some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to
pass, that they escaped all
safe to land.
Acts 28:1 And
when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
a. Events on Melita
1. Paul
bitten by snake
Acts 28:3-5
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire,
there came a viper out of the
heat, and fastened on his hand.
4. And when
the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among
themselves, No doubt this
man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet
vengeance suffereth not to live.
5. And he
shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
2. God
heals through Paul
Acts 28:8-9
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of
a bloody flux: to whom Paul
entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9. So when
this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were
healed:
3.
Voyage resumed
Acts 28:11
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had
wintered in the isle, whose sign
was Castor and Pollux.
12. And
landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
13. And from
thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the
south wind blew, and we
came the next day to Puteoli:
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11. Paul at Rome
1. Arrival at
Rome
Acts 28:16. And when
we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the
guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept
him.
2.
Paul ministers for two years
Acts 28:30:31 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.
Apostle Paul wrote several of his Epistles during this time.
*
Some believe that Paul was released after two years and was imprisoned a
second
time. At some point
during his
second imprisonment, he was beheaded.
* Some of his last words.
2 Timothy
4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.
7. I have
fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8. Henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that
day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing.
Revelation 2:10 ...be
thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
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