Acts 23-24  Once again the Lord moves Paul from one place to another.. even testifying to him directly that he would go to Rome as His witness. 

Paul was brought before the Council of the Jews by the commander, Claudius Lysias. That ended up in a mess as the Pharisees and Sadducees began arguing about theological beliefs... the resurrection, angels, spirits etc.  Then, Paul's nephew heard about a plot against him.. 40 Jews who took an oath to kill Paul the next day. Coming to Paul and telling him of this plot, the young man was sent to the commander also. This brought about a nighttime trip for Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea.

 Paul was taken by the soldiers to Antipatris  and then to Caesarea where he was housed in Herod's Praetorium, the judgement hall.  He would be held there until the Council came from Jerusalem to make their case against Paul before Felix. Felix was a governor or procurator of the region of Judea under the emperor Claudius. 

When the Jewish Council came to make their case against Paul they brought a Jewish lawyer, Tertullus to present the case. This man used flattery and half truths against Paul.  Felix allowed Paul to speak. Paul truthfully gave testimony that he had done nothing that he had been accused of.. he did not violate the Law, he did not desecrate the temple, and he did not cause a riot.. in fact he hadn't even spoken to any of those making accusations against him!  But, Paul said, "This I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law, and this is written in the Prophets; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."

Paul spent 2 years imprisoned by Felix who would call him often to talk to him and held out for a bribe of some kind. 

Two years.. Paul was in prison but allowed some freedom.  His friends were allowed to minister to him. He would testify before Felix and Drusilla.. and later before Festus, King Agrippas and Bernice, his wife. Apparently most resources think that  Paul didn't write any of the epistles there in Caesarea, but I wouldn't be surprised if he had written other letters. Paul would have been in his 50's during this time. He had many friends in that area. The Lord had Paul there at that time for His own purposes. Someday we will hear Paul's stories about what the Lord did for him during those quiet days. 

Father in heaven, we know that You give us times of waiting and times of moving in our lives. We know You have planned our steps, so help us when we are in those times to just keep trusting! We serve You, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and we put our hope in You, just as Paul did.  We know there will certainly be a resurrection for the righteous and the wicked.  We pray that we will be complete and ready to stand before You on that day. Cover us, Lord Jesus, with Your righteousness for we have been made clean by the blood that You shed on the cross. Thank You! You are our Hope. Hallelujah and Amen!

 Acts 21 Paul and his friends set sail for Syria.  Luke gives us the exact route and number of days and even who they stayed with during this trip. All along the way people warned Paul about going to Jerusalem.  He knew without doubt that he was walking into a place of bondage and persecution.  His response?   "For I am ready not only  to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Paul was able to encourage the church at Jerusalem with the good news of what God was doing throughout Asia and Europe. But.. it didn't take long before the Jews began to cause trouble and Paul was arrested. He was able to speak to the Jews and give his testimony about coming to know Jesus on the road to Damascus. But, when he spoke about going to the Gentiles...the people would no longer listen and started throwing things at him. 

Tied up by the Romans, Paul revealed his Roman citizenship and had to be released from his chains while a trial was set up with his accusers.

I wonder how I would have responded in Paul's place?  When godly people begged Paul to stay away from Jerusalem he still went. Would I go anyway?  We are cautiously concerned  for those who are sent where they know it may be dangerous.. but if we knew they were absolutely going to suffer would we beg them not to go? Do we have the courage to walk into a place of danger.. even if we believe that the Holy Spirit is telling us to go?  I confess that I have trouble walking into any place that  is new to me.. let alone a place where I have been warned about!  God chose Paul to do what he was called to do.. knowing that he would follow through no matter what. 

 God chooses each of us for what He has prepared us for.. what He has made us for.. what He has called us to do.. and He will equip us for that work.  Thank God for His grace and goodness!

Father, grant us the courage to obey Your voice and to walk in Your ways.. no matter what lies ahead. In Jesus' name we ask this. Amen. 

 Acts 20  Paul left Ephesus and traveled west once more to visit Macedonia and then Greece.  He was there 3 months before the Jews started to plot against him once again. Paul's associates now included Sopater of Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica; Gaius of Derbe; Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus of Asia.  It also included Luke, the author of this book.  Most of this group traveled by ship to Troas and waiting there while Paul and Luke traveled back to Macedonia to Philippi and then sailed to Troas after the days of Unleavened Bread. 

It is here in Troas  where Paul spoke most of the night and the young man, Eutychus, fell asleep while sitting in the window sill and fell down 3 floors and died. "But Paul went down and fell upon him and after embracing him, he said, 'Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.' "

From Troas Paul and his companions traveled south to Miletus. Again, Paul sent the others on by ship while he went by land part of the way. Paul was anxious to get to Jerusalem before Pentecost, but he took time to meet with the men from Ephesus once more, having them come to Miletus. Paul's farewell message to the Ephesians is recorded here for us.  Paul knew that he was unlikely to see any of these men again.  The Holy Spirit was testifying to him that "bonds and afflictions" were ahead.  He just wanted them all to know of his love and concern for them. 

Paul spoke of "serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials". 

He spoke of not shrinking back or shirking his responsibility to speak the Good news .. "solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Paul told them that he did  not count his own life as dear in light of the "ministry which [he] received from the Lord Jesus to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." 

Paul testified that he had preached the "whole purpose of God" and warned them of coming false teachers. "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all this who are sanctified," 

Paul reminded them of how hard he had worked and that they should also work hard, while helping those who are weak.  Then he left them weeping at his departure. 

Father in heaven, the word of Your grace.. the gospel of Jesus Christ.. is our foundation and our greatest joy! We know that even in the midst of bonds and affliction we have a Lord who will never leave or forsake us. We need You every hour, Lord, and we seek Your Presence through whatever path we need to travel today. Build us up by Your word Lord God! Sanctify us through and through that we might stand before You complete and blameless on the day when You bring it to pass. You are faithful and You are able to accomplish all of Your purposes in us and through us to the glory of the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Acts 19  Paul's third missionary journey took Paul through some of the places where churches had been established.  He encouraged and strengthened the believers all through the region of Galatia which would include Derbe, Lystra, Iconium.  He also traveled through the region called Phrygia in Asia Minor. This would include the cities of Laodicea, Colossae, Philadelphia, Thyatira, Sardis and Ephesus. 

In Ephesus, Paul found some "disciples".  These 12 men had been baptized with "John's baptism".  They had not heard of the Holy Spirit.  Paul taught them and the Holy Spirit came on them powerfully so that they "began speaking in tongues and prophesying."  Paul spent 3 months speaking in the synagogue in Ephesus and then about 2 years in Ephesus teaching in the "school of Tyrannus."  Verse 9 tells us that Paul "took away" or separated the disciples from those who rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ.  What an education the believers got to receive there!

The Lord worked through that group of believers so much that "all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks."  The Lord also did many miracles there through Paul. Even handkerchiefs or aprons that Paul touched were taken to the sick and they were healed! Evil spirits were also being cast out in the Name of Jesus.  

When some Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of Jesus saying, "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches." the demons responded with, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then the man who had the evil spirit attacked and overpowered the men attempting to do what only God can do.  

God was also working in the lives of the many people in Ephesus who were involved in magic practices.  They would confess their practices, burn their books, and magnify the name of Jesus.  

"So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing." (v 20) 

One more thing that happened in Ephesus as the Lord was at work building his church : the craftsmen who made silver shrines to Artemis, the goddess whose temple was located in Ephesus, became upset that their businesses were seeing less profit as people turned away from the false religion to the One True God. They caused a riot that "filled" the city. When it was finally calmed down by the "town clerk" everyone was sent away.  After this, Paul departed for Macedonia. 

Father in heaven, may the word of the Lord grow mightily and prevail in our cities and towns today.  Send Your Holy Spirit with power to anoint Your followers.. to bring healing and deliverance to those in need. Open the eyes of  people to recognize the evil of magic and false gods so that they repent and come to know Jesus Christ the Lord.. Purify Your church and teach us Your Word so that we come out from worldly and wicked influences and be strengthened in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth.. in us.. as it is in heaven. We ask all these things in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. 

 Acts 18 Paul left Athens and traveled to Corinth.  This is where he meets Aquila and Priscilla who had come from Rome. These three worked together making tents for a while until Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia. Then, "Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ." (v5)  

It is never made clear whether Aquila and Priscilla were Christians before they met Paul or after, but they ended up traveling with him to Ephesus where they continued to serve the Lord.  Paul had a fruitful ministry in Corinth, staying a year and six months as directed by the Lord.  "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you for I have many people in this city." ( v9-10)  Paul's message for Jesus was rejected by many Jews so Paul ministered to the Gentiles in Corinth with some exceptions. One mentioned by name is Crispus, the leader of the synagogue and his household who believed and were baptized.

Eventually the Jews tried to stir up trouble for Paul, bringing him before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, but he refused to listen and drove them all away from the judgement seat.  Paul, along with Aquila and Priscilla.. and probably Timothy and Silas, all sailed to Syria and came to Ephesus.  Paul didn't stay long at Ephesus on this occasion, probably because he had taken a vow and needed to go to Jerusalem. Aquila and Priscilla were joined by Apollos in Ephesus where they taught him "the way of God more accurately." 

Apollos was led back to Achaia and worked in Corinth. Paul considered Apollos a brother in the Lord and spoke about him as a partner in the church in Corinth, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth."  He warned the church not to cause division by claiming either himself, Apollos, or Peter as their spiritual father.. but to recognize them as servants of the Lord. ".. So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you whether of Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God." (I Corinthians 3:21-23) 

Father in heaven, thank You for those who have come into our lives to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to each of us. Thank You for those who have "watered" us.. encouraging us in faith and truth.  Thank You for those who have added what we have missed so that we may walk in Your ways "more accurately".  Thank You for the power of Your Spirit moving in the lives of men and women so that Your church continues to grow.  Lead us in Your paths and be glorified in Your church today we pray. In Jesus' name we come - for we belong to Him alone and He belongs to You. Hallelujah and Amen! 

 Acts 17:16-34  As Paul waited for the rest of his team in Athens he noticed all of the idols in the city.  He was "provoked" by all that he saw.  Paul went to the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews and the "God-fearing Gentiles", plus he went into the market place and spoke to anyone who would listen.  Athens was a place where "Epicurean and Stoic philosophers" and others liked to spend their time debating and talking about anything and everything, so they wanted to hear what Paul was talking about. 

Side note: Epicurean philosophy was founded  about 300 years BC.  The main teaching was that the highest good is a life that pursues pleasure ( not excessive, but only as far as absence of pain and anxiety).  The object of one's life is to be untroubled, free from fear, and free from physical discomfort.  Sounds ok until you look at their view of God. They do not believe in a Creator or in One who cares about human beings. Epicurus said, "Death is nothing to us, since when we are, death has not come, and when death has come, we are not."

Stoicism is considered a practical philosophy and is still prevalent today. It also began about 300 years before Christ.  The main idea is that a person can live a good, happy life by cultivating wisdom, courage, justice, and self-discipline. A core principal is to focus on the things that you can control ( your own thoughts, choices.. ) and not obsess over the things you can't control (other people, the weather, the past).  They also teach that virtue is the highest good; defining wisdom as knowing what really matters; courage as doing what is right even when it is hard; justice as treating others fairly; and temperance as using self-restraint.  An early Stoic, Seneca, stated that it is not that we have a short time to live but that we waste a great deal of it. Again, the greatest problem with Stoicism is how they view God. They believe that God is not a separate person but is the universe itself and the natural order of all things.

Paul was invited to the Areopagus to tell more about what he was teaching. Paul's message is well worth reading for yourself. ( verses 23-31)   He begins by pointing out an altar that he had seen inscribed by the words "To An Unknown God".  Paul then begins to teach the Truth about the God of Israel.  He then said, "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent."  He spoke about the coming judgement that would be administered by Jesus Christ.. the One who was appointed and proven to be worthy by His resurrection from the dead. 

It is the resurrection that stumped these philosophers. Some wanted to hear more. Some turned away. But.. some believed and were saved. Two are named in verse 34, Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris.

Father in heaven, we know that the wisdom of man is far below even the foolishness of God, for it does not take into account the greatness of Who You are.  We want only to live in Your Spirit Who is Wise and who comes to guide us into all Truth.  Help us to rest in You alone, God our Creator, our Savior, and our King forever.  Take our minds and thoughts and bring them into conformity with Your will we pray.  Thank You Jesus for  bringing us to repentance and surrender to the One True God. Be glorified in us this day. Amen, 

 Acts 17 Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled from Philippi around the coast, through Amphipolis and Apollonia, to Thessalonica.  Paul spent three Sabbaths at the Jewish synagogue there "explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying 'This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.' "  Some of the Jews, along with some Greek men and women, became believers.  But.. jealous Jews stirred up trouble and started a riot.. dragging Jason, a man who had welcomed Paul into his home, in front of the city authorities.  After this, the "brethren" sent Paul and Silas away by night. 

Paul and Silas end up in Berea.. "now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men,"  Once again trouble comes and Paul is sent away, leaving Silas and Timothy behind this time. Paul is "conducted" to Athens where he waits for Silas and Timothy to join him. 

Several things come to my attention through this passage.  First, I notice again how Paul is moved from place to place... not by his own will.. but as the Lord uses his circumstances to move him.  In these two cities Paul is moved because of troubles caused by the Jews. This seems to be common to Paul's life and ministry.. and he just goes where he is led.. finding people everywhere who will listen and believe the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The second thing I notice is how the Lord reaches "leading" and "prominent" women, as well as men,  bringing them into the Church.  God was building a church throughout  Macedonia, the country which we now call Greece, choosing and calling women and men, Jews and Greeks, rich and poor.. revealing His impartiality and grace to all! 

Paul writes 2 letters to Thessalonica, but Berea is not really mentioned again.  A man from Berea does accompany Paul during his third missionary journey, but that is the last that is mentioned. The first letter to Thessalonica is thought to be Paul's first letter ever written to a church.  Paul opens that letter with these encouraging words, "We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love,  and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father." ( 1st Thessalonians 1:2-3)

Father in heaven, we thank You for the way You move us.. like Paul.. from place to place according to Your plan and purpose.  It's not always comfortable to be moved or conducted.. or led away from where we want to be.. but we know that You are good and You have good plans for us!  Help us to also be willing to go where You send us. We are also thankful for the way You build Your church .. calling men and women of many nations, regardless of status or influence.. regardless of wealth or poverty.. You fit us together into one body where Your Holy Spirit lives. Father, bless Your church around the world today.. deliver us from evil and from the evil one we pray.. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in us! In Jesus' name. Amen,