April’s memory verse:

"Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." — Acts 28:28

Acts Chapter 28:

The circumstances of Paul's voyage to Rome are far different from any of his other voyages. In his previous voyages, he was a free man, but this time he is a prisoner to the Romans. However, his circumstances don't change his actions. In the last chapter of Acts, on the island of Malta, we see Paul remain calm and steadfast. He continues to trust the Lord and is not shaken by the snake bite he receives. If the Lord promised him he would go to Rome, why would he die of a snake bite? This is the faith that cast out all fear.

Although the natives of Malta call him a god, Paul simply made himself ready and available for the Lord to work through him. After 3 months on Malta, they set sail for Rome. Upon arrival, after settling into his single guarded room, Paul calls the leaders of the Jews together and discovers that his story is not known here. The word of his arrest has not traveled before him. Intrigued by the details, they set up a time to hear him speak. Many come to hear Paul continue to testify to the Kingdom of God. As he points to the prophets and the law of Moses, is he able to convince them about Jesus? Is there anything that could hinder Paul from his purpose? Is there anything that could keep the Gospel of Jesus Christ from being heard?

Here are a few application questions from this chapter to ponder this week:

• How do you think the people of Malta understood justice, given the way they viewed Paul? How do some people even in today’s society tend to view tragic events or unfortunate circumstances? Who is blamed?

• How did the Holy Spirit display His power through Paul?

• In what ways did God show favor and blessings over Paul in spite of all of the hardships he endured? Can you see God’s favor in your life when you’ve walked through difficult times?

If you need a quick synopsis of the events in the previous chapter, keep scrolling.

Summary of Chapter 27:

• The crew sets sail to Italy.

• In verse 3 we see that Paul, though a prisoner, is granted leave to see his friends.

• The voyage across the open seas becomes increasingly dangerous.

• Paul warns the men, but they do not listen.

• A tempestuous wind forces them to be "driven along" and go where the wind takes them.

• All hope to be saved is abandoned and the crew is desperate.

• An angel of the Lord visits Paul and tells him not to be afraid and to take heart.

• At daybreak, they see a beach that would make a good place to run the ship ashore.

• The crew and prisoners stay in the ship until it hits a reef, they jump ship and eventually come ashore, where they are safe on land.

April’s memory verse:

"Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." — Acts 28:28

Acts Chapter 27:

We left off our study in Chapter 26 a couple weeks ago with Paul attending his hearing before King Agrippa and Festus. And now we are setting sail to Rome!

Paul issues a warning early on in the chapter and for a very good reason! This is not the time to set sail! The waters are treacherous and the storms are sudden. We see these professional sailors try all the tricks in the book, and eventually, they lose hope. They are desperate. They have come to the end of trying to save themselves and are in despair. It is at this moment that Paul can speak and they have ears to truly hear. He tells them that the Angel of the God he belongs to, whom he worships, has declared, "Take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you." Do the passengers have faith to believe that what God says will come to be? Despite the rough seas, the soldiers and sailors and Paul's company are encouraged to remain in the boat. They break their fast, have a meal together, and prepare for the journey ahead. It is a tumultuous trip across the Adriatic Sea, that ends with a collision in a reef. And yet, we are still far from Rome! However, we only have ONE chapter left! How will we make it?

Here are a few application questions from this chapter to ponder this week:

• How did God reassure Paul that they would survive the storm and shipwreck? How does Paul reassure the crew?

• Has God given you a promise or assurance in the midst of a stormy season in your life? If so, has it been fulfilled yet?

• Sometimes we have to cut the ropes and release what we think will save us or give us security so we can depend fully on God to be our provider and Savior. Mediate on verse 32 and journal or share with someone else what you have had to cut loose in your life in order to focus more fully on God.

If you need a quick synopsis of the events in the previous chapter, keep scrolling.

Summary of Chapter 26:

• Paul stands before King Agrippa and makes his defense for all the accusations against him.

• Paul tells of his conversion, and within his story, shares the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Festus interrupts Paul and claims he is out of his mind and speaking gibberish.

• Paul turns to King Agrippa and asks, "Do you believe?"

• King Agrippa is not persuaded, but he does say that this man could be set free if he had not already appealed to Caesar.

• Paul is headed to Rome...

March’s memory verse:

"The following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.'” — Acts 23:11

Acts Chapter 26:

Chapter 26 opens up with Paul given permission to speak before Agrippa, a king familiar with Jewish law and tradition. Happy to have this chance, Paul begs to be listened to with patience and then proceeds to tell the whole story of why he is on trial—including his conversion story. I love that he approaches this opportunity before King Agrippa with the purpose of sharing the Gospel of Jesus through the telling of his own story. How can anyone argue with your own experience? Again, we see Paul focused on the purpose he's been called to: the Gospel going forth, rather that on a personal defense leading to his own release and comfort. Paul's focus is consistently on Jesus and the hope of the resurrection.

So, with Paul's moving testimony, is King Agrippa persuaded to become a Christ follower? Please take time to read the end—don't walk out at intermission—you gotta read the finale! And when you are done, pack your bags for the Mediterranean cruise we are getting ready to embark on (hint: it's not exactly a luxury cruise).

Here are a few application questions from this chapter to ponder this week:

• Why did Paul not want to return to Jerusalem for another trial, choosing to go to Rome instead?

• Consider how Paul makes the most of his imprisonment and trials. Instead of complaining about your present situation, are you able to look for every opportunity to serve God and share Him with others?

• Referencing verse 16 and the legal rights Paul had as a Roman citizen, what was the benefit of being able to give his defense in a formal court proceeding?

If you need a quick synopsis of the events in the previous chapter, keep scrolling.

Summary of Chapter 25:

• Festus arrived on the scene as the Governor and ordered Paul to be brought.

• The Chief priests and important men of the Jews go to Caesarea to bring the charges against Paul.

• The Jews surround Paul and bring serious charges against him.

• In his defense, Paul responds that he has committed no offense against the laws, the temple, or Caesar.

• Paul appeals to Caesar and also has a chance to speak to King Agrippa.

• Festus agrees that Paul had done nothing to deserve death, but the Jews thought otherwise.

• Festus asks King Agrippa to hear Paul and help him decide what to write to the Emperor in regard to the charges against Paul.

March’s memory verse:

"The following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.'” — Acts 23:11

Acts Chapter 25:

TWO YEARS have passed, and Paul is STILL in prison. The Jews are temporarily appeased. All is quiet...until suddenly, Festus is in charge and he is not messing around. Only three days after being in charge, he brings Paul to trial. Surrounded by Jews and in the presence of Festus, Paul continues to declare that there is no valid charge against him and that he wants to appeal to Caesar—the one and only Nero!

Before Paul is sent to Nero, though, King Agrippa visits Festus and hears of this Jewish drama. He is intrigued and asks to speak directly to Paul, so Festus sets up the meeting—this was the latest TV drama of the time. Festus presents Paul to Agrippa and declares that he finds nothing to indicate a charge against him. What does Paul have to say about all this? His response is in Chapter 26, so stay tuned for next week's episode!

Here are a few application questions from this chapter to ponder this week:

• Why did Paul not want to return to Jerusalem for another trial? Why was going to Rome so important to Paul?

• Referencing verse 16 and the legal rights Paul had as a Roman citizen, what was the benefit of being able to give his defense in a formal court proceeding?

• How did Paul make the most of his imprisonment and trials? Rather than grumble about your situation, do you look for ways to use each opportunity to serve and share God with others?

If you need a quick synopsis of the events in the previous chapter, keep scrolling.

Summary of Chapter 23:

• Paul speaks before the council in the presence of the Roman tribune who desired to know the real reason for his arrest.

• Immediately, the High Priest doesn't like the statement Paul makes and conflict arises.

• Paul notes the mixed party of Sadducees and Pharisees and sees the open door that would take the attention off of himself. He speaks of the resurrection and hope as the reason he is on trial and chaos erupts.

• The tribune whisks Paul away for fear of his safety.

• The Jews devise a plot to kill Paul and the information is leaked. 

• Paul is sent to Felix, the governor, while he waits for his accusers to arrive and his hearing.

March’s memory verse:

"The following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.'” — Acts 23:11

Acts Chapter 24:

The drama that Luke narrates continues as Ananias, the high priest, and a spokesman (lawyer) claim that Paul is a plague to the Jews around the world and that he profaned the temple. Addressing the governor cheerfully, Paul presents his rebuttal to this statement with the truth. He confesses that according to the Way, he worships God, believes in the law and the prophets, and knows that there will be a resurrection of the just and unjust. He clarifies the real reason, with respect to the resurrection of the dead, that he is on trial.

Felix delays the final judgment of Paul's case and places him in custody with limited freedoms. We see here that Paul doesn't waste time in prison, and that his delayed justice is God's sovereignty. If Felix knew Paul was innocent, why did he really keep Paul in prison? You will have to read to the very end for this one! The conundrum of rulers who keep one eye on public opinion and one eye on justice is at play.

Here are a few application questions from this chapter to ponder this week:

• What three points does Paul use to defend himself against the false accusations of the Jewish leaders in Felix’s court? How are these accusations similar to those made against Jesus before Pilate in Luke 23:2, 3, 14?

• What happened with Felix when Paul spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment? Why do you think he reacted this way? How did his reaction prevent him from receiving the good news of the Gospel?

• Why do you think many people turn away from the Gospel once it gets personal with regard to sin, self-control, and God’s judgment?

If you need a quick synopsis of the events in the previous chapter, keep scrolling.

Summary of Chapter 23:

• Paul stands before the council and declares, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”

• He lays out his defense and the Council is appalled at his rebuke to them.

• Paul declares the real reason he is on trial. "It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial." Chaos Erupts.

• Roman guards remove Paul from the chaos and place him in the barracks where Jesus meets and encourages him.

• Some Jews make a rash oath to not eat or drink till they kill Paul and devise a plot for his murder.

• Paul's nephew hears of the plot and reveals it to the tribune.

• Paul is sent to Felix, the Governor, where he waited in Herod's praetorium until his accusers arrive for further trial.

March’s memory verse:

"The following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.'” — Acts 23:11

Acts Chapter 23:

Well, the Jews have had it with Paul! So much so, that they are now relying on the Romans to arrest him! The Romans don't really see a reason for this arrest, and seek to understand.

As Chapter 23 opens, Paul stands before the Jewish council (the chief priest and leaders) to explain the bad blood between him and the Jewish leaders and offer a defense. But as soon as he opens his mouth, they attempt to close it. Seeing the closed door in front of him, he creatively drops a one-line statement (in verse 6) which causes the Jewish council to turn on themselves. As the dissension among them turns violent, the Romans realize that Paul is in grave danger and take him to the barracks. DON'T miss how the Lord meets Paul in those barracks!

Suddenly, a plot to kill Paul is revealed by an unlikely source and God shows up—four hundred seventy soldiers are used by God to exaggerate His faithfulness and protection (way more than enough)!

We're nearing the end of Acts...you don't want to miss this chapter!

Here are a few application questions from this chapter to ponder this week:

• Compare and contrast Jesus’ interaction with the high priest in John 18:19-24 with Paul’s interaction with the council in Acts 23:1-5. 

• How does Paul shift his defense in verse 6? How does Paul try to identify with some of the members of the council?

• Ananias gave a command that violated Jewish law by assuming Paul was guilty before he had been tried (verse 2). Paul commented in verses 3 and 5 that he didn’t recognize that Ananias was the high priest. What subtle message do you think Paul was sending to Ananias and those who witnessed his behavior?

If you need a quick synopsis of the events in the previous chapter, keep scrolling.

Summary of Chapter 22:

• Paul asks to speak to the crowd in Hebrew, and a great hush falls over everyone when they hear their native language.

• Paul shares his testimony to a Jewish audience and confesses that his job now is to guard the gospel and not the garments of Stephen.

• Acts 22:14 is a wonderful capsule of the duty of everyone before God: To know His will, to see the Just One (Jesus), and to hear the voice of His mouth (His word).

• When the Jews heard him speak what the Lord said, "Go, for I will send you to the Gentiles," they raised their voices and yelled, "Away with this man!"

• The tribune decides to examine Paul by flogging, but before he begins, Paul asks if it is lawful to flog an uncondemned Roman citizen (hint: it is not).

• Immediately, the treatment Paul receives from the Roman soldiers changes because he is a Roman citizen by birth.