Acts Bible Study Notes Chapter 24

5/5/2012

Acts 24

-After five days in Caesarea Maritima, the high priest Ananias (who had struck Paul in the mouth and been rebuked, Acts 23:2-3), came with his attorney, Tertullus, to accuse Paul before the governor, Felix. Tetullus smooth talks the political figure to gain favor and a decisive advantage in their case against the Apostle. The Jews along with him joined in the accusations. Here we see the venom of these religious power players. *Application* Religious fervency doesn’t necessarily put one in the right. The truth is what we should all be after. These Jews were sincere, but sincerely wrong just as Paul had been at one point in his life. They had so hardened themselves to the truth of the gospel and its saving power that they missed the entire point of Paul’s message, which he states in his defense, “having a hope in God,” and “resurrection” of the soul (Acts 24:15). Paul’s message was not for destruction, but for life change into the abundant grace of God (2 Corinthians 5:17). We too can become so callous in our beliefs that we make no room for truth to invade our lives and change us to what God really wants us to be. Be an open vessel and pliable clay in the hands of the living God (Isaiah 64:8).

-Paul makes a successful defense and questions where his accusers from Asia were at because they should have been present for this trial, though they were not. He also appealed to his presentation before the Council, which did not incriminate him in any way as to the accusations which were being levied against him.

-Felix ends up postponing the case as a political favor to the Jews and waits for Lysias, the commander, to come down to the coast there in Caesarea Maritima. Felix gives Paul quite vast freedoms in his custody and allows his friends to minister to him. He listened to Paul often concerning faith in Christ Jesus, but never would accept Him and sought after a bribe. *Application* It is a tragic mistake to turn God away when He comes calling in your life. Felix was close to salvation by his hearing of the message, but he denied the power of it and is now suffering the consequences of that. We will too if we don’t accept the truth of Jesus Christ.

-Paul was left imprisoned for two years until Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. This was a season in Paul’s life where he was forced to slow down as the Lord willed it. He took this time to minister to those who would come to see him as he had opportunity and he no doubt wrote some of his letters to the churches that we now have as the New Testament. *Application* Make the most of the time that the Lord gives you no matter what the situation. As the old saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”

Verse to Memorize: Acts 24:14

Acts Bible Study Notes Chapter 23

5/4/2012

Acts 23

-Paul defends himself before the Council of the Jews declaring his life lived under a good conscience before God. Ananias had him illegally struck on the mouth for this comment and Paul rebuked him strongly in the presence of all. However, when he found out that Ananias was the high priest, he retracted his comments and apologized in accordance to the Law (Exodus 22:28). *Application* Ananias’ inability to follow the very Law that he was supposed to be chief priest over left him unrecognizable to Paul. The same can happen to us if we are covert Christians who do not really represent Christ Jesus. Do people actually know who you are in this world O Christian?

-Paul then astutely divides the Council with his hope and resurrection of the dead beliefs. This led to a great dissension and the binding of Paul being taken into the custody of Roman barracks.

-This orchestrates the vow made on Paul by 40 Jews to kill him. Paul’s nephew learns of this mayhem and saves Paul’s life. Paul makes his way to Caesarea Maritima under custody of the Romans and is incarcerated in the official governor’s residence of Herod’s Praetorium waiting to appear before Felix, the governor.

-God appears to Paul in the middle of all this crisis in Jerusalem and gives him His word that he will solemnly witness the Lord’s cause in Rome. *Application* The voice of the Lord is sure. His promises never fail and we can count on every one of them. The Lord stands beside His chosen people. Paul does end up in Rome spreading the gospel of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Verse to Memorize: Acts 23:11

Acts Bible Study Notes Chapter 22

5/3/2012

Acts 22 

-Paul makes his defense before the Jews in Jerusalem in Hebrew recounting his testimony. This time he emphasizes the question he asked of the God, “What shall I do Lord (Acts 22:10)?” *Application* This question reflects steps in a journey that begins with our finding the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Paul asks the right questions: 1. Who are You, Lord? and 2. What shall I do? Once we figure these two things out the rest of life naturally falls into place one step at a time.

-Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles is what makes them extremely upset and wanting to kill him. This reveals the exclusive nature of their thinking, which was not at all what God intended when He choose the Jews to be His people. *Application* Exclusivity should not be a part of the Kingdom of God once Jesus Christ is introduced (Galatians 3:27-29).

-Paul goes through quite an ordeal with the Roman commanders, and Paul uses his Roman citizenship, as he had before, to his advantage and well being.

Verses to Memorize: Acts 22:14-16

Acts Bible Study Notes Chapter 21

5/2/2012

Acts 21

-Paul and the team go back to Jerusalem despite the prophetic words that he would be bound. *Application* Paul’s courage should embolden us to step up for Christ in this Godless-secular age in which we live. If we love the Lord we will not be cowards.

-Paul meets with the elders and reports all God has done among the Gentiles. They advise him to purify himself and pay four men’s expenses for head shaving (keeping the Law).

-Asian Jews stir up the Temple crowd and Paul is beaten and seized by the Romans, but now he wants to address the Jewish crowd with the gospel of Jesus Christ. *Application* What selfless heroics we see in this sold out man of God. He will go through whatever punishment and sacrifices that it takes to gain an ear for the message of Christ and His salvation. He typifies here what he wrote about in Romans 12:1-2. Let us be that yielded to the Spirit’s work in our lives!

Verse to Memorize: Acts 5:31, 39

Acts Bible Study Notes Chapter 20

5/1/2012

Acts 20

-After the debacle in Ephesus, Paul exhorts the brethren there and takes leave to Macedonia through those districts giving much exhortation all the way southward into Greece.

-He returned through Macedonia because of a plot by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria.

-Back in Asia in Troas he teaches for a week during Unleavened Bread days. This is where Eutychus falls from the 3^rd floor after falling asleep during Paul’s midnight message. *Application* Don’t fall asleep in church, bad things can happen J. However, Paul falls upon him and the young man’s life returns to him (a miracle). Paul goes back up and preaches until daybreak and then goes by land to Assos. *Application* This gives us a glimpse into the hard core nature of the early church. There were no watch watchers in Paul’s audience. He would go all night! These disciples of Christ were fervent!

-The disciples go from Mitylene to Chios to Samos to Miletus. In Miletus Paul called to him the elders of the church in Ephesus and gave his farewell message to them. These are the things he did while laboring over them in the Name of Jesus Christ: He was humble, shed tears, suffered in trials, did not shrink back from declaring the word of God and anything that was profitable and according to the whole purpose of God, went from house to house, taught repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ, did not covet, and worked hard to help the weak remembering the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).”

-Paul prophesies what awaited him in Jerusalem. He relates that his life was meaningless in comparison of finishing his course for God in His strength. He tells the elders to beware and be alert for the savage wolves that would come in (Revelation 2:1-7).

-The tearful goodbye with embracing and affectionate brotherly kisses ends Paul’s time with the elders as he moves on toward the Promised Land. *Application* What a picture perfect way to say so long. Paul had no regrets in his labor over this body of believers he had diligently poured into. He is beloved and the brethren knew this would be it. Remember to say good-bye appropriately and passionately when the time comes to leave any particular situation. Remember too that we as believers will all be reunited in the eschaton when we are resurrected in Christ.

Verse to Memorize: Acts 20:35

Acts Bible Study Notes Chapter 19

4/30/2012

Acts 19 

-While Apollos was in Ephesus, Paul came once again and believers received the Holy Spirit who were familiar only with the baptism of John. They were baptized in the Name of Jesus and Paul laid hands on them. With that laying on of hands they received the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues and prophesying (the power of God came upon them!). There were about twelve of them. *Application* Oh the mighty power of God when He is in a place. I have seen His awesomeness sweep through a place that is hungry for Him and allows Him to have His way in all things. It is truly supernatural and just as real as in these New Testament times. Praise the LORD!

-Paul taught in the synagogue for 3 months with effectiveness, but some were becoming hardened and disobedient to the faith speaking evil of him and the Way. *Application* Any time God’s Spirit is moving there will be a counter punch by the enemy. These are spiritual battles we should expect and prepare for with fervent praying and many times fasting (Matthew 17:21).

-Paul withdraws then from the synagogue and takes disciples that were of faith in Christ. They reason together in the school of Tyrannus for 2 years. In this amount of time the Bible states that all in Asia heard the word of the Lord (Acts 19:10). *Application* Notice that the message of Christ was not taught in the traditional setting here as the church grew in Asia. In Christian work and ministry we must remember to be flexible. The church is the body of Christ and not a building. His message can spread from any location. Be flexible and adaptable in your service for the Lord as Paul shows in this passage. God can do great things in whatsoever manner He pleases. Rejection in a traditional place doesn’t mean God is through working through you in that particular locale.

-God was giving great power and authority to Paul. The seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were trying to cast out demons but the demons didn’t know them and chased them out naked and wounded. Fear of the Lord was on Ephesus as a result of these remarkable events and magic practices were being eradicated and destroyed. The word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing (Acts 19:20)! *Application* Our nation at this time needs some of this type of Holy Spirit type fire and power. However, Christians must stand up for God and what is right for this to happen. Are we giving God a chance to show up big for us?

-The Demetrius incident occurs, but it is subdued concerning Artemis’ idol worship. *Application* What are the idols in our modern society? Where would we see this kind of back lash to the growth of the gospel and sold out Christianity? I know one thing for certain here where I live in Texas. If you dared to put a Christian meeting up against high school football in the fall, there would be an uproar from the carnal saints. Where do our affections reside?

Verse to Memorize: Acts 19:20

Acts Bible Study Notes Chapter 18

4/29/2012

Acts 18

-Paul arrives now in Corinth and receives the vision of the Lord in the night to stay at that point speaking out unafraid and boldly in the Name of Jesus Christ. He is told further that no one will attack him in order to harm him for God has many people for Himself in that city (Acts 18:9-10).

-The leaders of the synagogue and many Gentiles in Corinth come to believe in Christ. *Application* God always fulfills His word; His promises are magnificent, great, and sure (2 Peter 1:4). Trust in what He reveals.

-During Gallio’s proconsul a disturbance is brought before the judgment seat but is dismissed. Sosthenes is beaten but Paul stayed out with the brethren’s protective efforts. He stays many more days and meets Priscilla and Aquila there doing tent making together for provision.

-Paul departs Corinth finally going Cenchrea and Ephesus, Caesarea, Jerusalem, and back to Antioch.

-After spending some time there back at the home bases, he ventures out on a third missionary journey starting by land through Galatia and Phrygia. In Ephesus, Apollos the Alexandrian who was an eloquent speaker and knew Jesus from John the Baptist’s testimony and studying the Scriptures is introduced. He was taught Christ’s completed work through Priscilla and Aquila. He had great power as the Lord was upon him. *Application* God gifts certain people for His mighty purposes. Sometimes these need growth and understanding. Who knows, you may influence the next great Christian leader of the future generation by your simple acts of Christian obedience. Think about that for a bit.

Verses to Memorize: Acts 18:9-10