ACTS
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Introduction • One • Two • Three • Four • Five • Six • Seven • Eight • Nine • Ten • Eleven • Twelve • Thirteen • Fourteen • Fifteen • Sixteen • Seventeen • Eighteen • Nineteen • Twenty • Twenty-One • Twenty-Two • Twenty-Three • Twenty-Four • Twenty-Five • Twenty-Six • Twenty-Seven • Twenty-Eight
ACTS
Introduction
AT A GLANCE
Luke, beloved physician, friend, and companion to Paul
Theophilus, and all “lovers of God”
Mid-to-late AD 60s, though possibly 70–85
Type of Ancient historical biography
Major the Holy the church, mission, and social dimensions
The Church is Born —
The Church is Persecuted and Expands —
The Church and Mission to the Gentiles —
First Missionary Journey and Full Gentile Inclusion —
Second and Third Missionary Journeys —
Paul’s Arrest and Journey to Rome —
ABOUT ACTS
The book of Acts provides us with the startling details of how the church of Jesus Christ began. We see the pillar of fire that led Israel through her wilderness years appearing in the upper room and splitting into 120 personal pillars of fire over the heads of the lovers of God. This inspired account of church history will awaken your soul with transforming power and give you courage to be a witness for Christ wherever he sends you!
Although many consider this book to be the “Acts of the Apostles,” only two apostles are predominantly mentioned: Peter and Paul. It would be more accurate to call it the “Acts of the Holy Spirit.” God indeed uses men and women to fulfill his purpose—those who are empowered, filled, anointed, and overflowing with the Holy Spirit.
Acts takes up the story where Luke leaves off. We begin with 120 disciples who had been in a ten-day prayer meeting. Acts explains the explosive beginning of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that resulted in tongues, prophecy, miracles, salvations, and the birthing of countless churches. Acts provides us with the story of Paul’s three missionary journeys, with many gentile nations hearing the gospel and believers being added to the church. Acts demonstrates the healing miracles of Peter, Paul, and the apostles. We see miracles in answer to prayers, including signs and wonders, and many deliverances. God will do what only God can do—and he is still working in power today through his yielded lovers.
We learn much about the Spirit of God in Acts. Without him, there would be no church, no evangelistic impact, no miracles, and no expression of the power of God. It is not by human means, human power, or human might, but by the limitless power of the Holy Spirit that God’s kingdom realm advances on the earth; Jesus builds his church through the Holy Spirit.
PURPOSE
Like the book of Luke, Acts is a quick trip through history; it traverses the history of Christ’s body, the church. Luke’s purpose for writing was to offer a vivid portrait of the church’s birth by cataloging the historical events in the movement of those who carried the good news about Jesus far and wide throughout the Mediterranean world.
The book of Acts confirms and further defines the identity of the church as the community of people who follow Jesus. Luke paints this picture with the Holy Spirit at the foreground, not background, of the church through the impartation of gifts and the miraculous signs and wonders that are present at every turn. He wants to make crystal clear that the life and work of Jesus continues on in the life and work of the church—which means it continues on in and through you and me!
AUTHOR AND AUDIENCE
Both Luke and Acts were written by a physician named Luke. The material in Luke and Acts covers a period of about sixty years, from the birth of Christ to the birth of the church and the early years of the expansion of God’s kingdom realm on the earth. You could consider Acts to be “Luke, Volume 2,” since he wrote them both for the lovers of God.
Luke wrote both of his books to someone named Theophilus, which means “lover of God.” You are also meant to be the recipient of Luke and Acts, for Luke wrote them to you, the lover of God. You are the most excellent and favored one. He wrote his books for you!
MAJOR THEMES
Jesus, the Exalted, Exclusive Lord of Salvation. Acts opens in the same way Luke closes, with the ascension and exaltation of Jesus to the right hand of the Father. In essence, the disciples pick up where Jesus left off in seeing the salvation of the world realized. Not only is he the object of the church’s affection, Jesus is the content of their message! Luke makes it clear that salvation is found in no one and nothing else but Jesus and his name. The word name appears over fifty times in Acts, signifying that Jesus is the exalted, exclusive Lord of salvation. We are saved through him and him alone!
The Holy Spirit of Power. There are almost four times as many references to the Holy Spirit in Acts as there are in the book of Luke. If Jesus was front and center in Luke, the Holy Spirit takes center stage in the book of Acts! He is the promised gift dispensed to Christ’s disciples and unleashed through them on the world in full power. He enables the church to carry out its mission, empowers them to bear witness to the gospel, and anoints God’s people to perform mighty wonders. The Spirit isn’t reserved for the select, holy few; he is the promised gift given to all whom God has called and who believe in his Son.
Salvation for the World. The book of Acts makes it clear that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (2:21). One of the most moving episodes is when Simon Peter is given a vivid dream from heaven. In this dream God essentially says the non-Jewish people Peter thought were unclean are now clean and also invited to partake of the same salvation he and the Jews enjoyed. Later the full council of church leaders realized the same thing: Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus was available to the entire world!
The Church, Mission, and Persecution. In a book about the birth of the church, one would expect to find more references to “church” than the twenty-three times this term appears in Acts. The reason is because Luke has a unique word for the church, a community called “the Way.” His point is that the church of Jesus is a distinct community who are on a love-mission by the One who loves the world with fiery passion! For Luke, the church isn’t merely a “gathering” or “assembly” (the English definitions of the Greek word); she’s a movement—a Spirit-fueled movement led by leaders who articulate and apply the power of the gospel. And like most movements, the church faces opposition and persecution, yet triumphs and expands through the Holy Spirit’s power.
Discipleship and Ethics in the Church. Discipleship is transformed in Acts because after Pentecost believers are able to follow Jesus in ways they couldn’t before they received the Spirit. Because of the Spirit, this community is now an active community on an intentional mission to bear witness to the risen Christ in both word and deed. Proclamation is a central focus of this community in Acts. So too is their care for one another and the world around them in the name of Jesus. Such a commitment to the mission and message of Christ finds its expression in all their lifestyle. Through their love for neighbors and God, prayer, perseverance in suffering, watchfulness, faith, joy, and commitment to the lost, we find on-fire disciples of Jesus at every turn!
Women and the Poor. Luke continues the tone set in his Gospel here in Acts, insisting women are fully included in Jesus’ work through his community of followers. They receive the Spirit of power in full measure, empowered as witnesses of who Christ is and what he did. In some contexts, women teach and prophesy. Luke makes it clear that unlike many social contexts, women are neither dismissed nor forgotten. Neither are the poor! While the term poor doesn’t appear in Acts, we see the church rising up to provide for and care for them. Not only do they pool their resources together to care for the poor in their city, they send food along to other cities in need. They are gospel people who give out of the abundance of grace and mercy they’ve received from their heavenly Father!
ACTS
To the Lovers of God
the lover of God.
I write to you again, my dear friend, to give you further about the life of our Lord Jesus and all the things that he did and
before he ascended into heaven, Jesus left through the Holy Spirit for the apostles he had chosen. the sufferings of his cross, Jesus appeared alive many to these same apostles over a forty-day proving to them with many convincing signs that he had been During these encounters, he taught them the truths of God’s
instructed them, “Don’t leave Jerusalem, but wait here until you receive the gift I told you about, the gift the Father has promised. John baptized you in water, but in a few days from now you will be baptized in the Holy
time they were gathered together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is it now the time for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
answered, “The Father is the one who sets the fixed dates and the times of their fulfillment. You are not permitted to know the timing of all that he has prepared by his own authority. I promise you this—the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and you will be seized with You will be my to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant to the remotest places on
after Jesus spoke those words, the disciples saw him being lifted into the sky, and disappearing into a they stared into the sky, watching Jesus ascend, two men in white robes suddenly appeared beside them. told the startled disciples, “Galileans, why are you staring up into the sky? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but he will come back in the same way that you saw him ascend.”
A New Apostle Is Chosen
disciples left the Mount of Olives and returned to Jerusalem, which was less than a mile there, they went into a large second-floor room to Those present were Peter, John, Jacob, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, Jacob (the son of Alpheus), Simon (the zealot), Judas (the son of Jacob), and a number of women, including Mary, Jesus’ mother. His were there as well. All of them were united in prayer, gripped with one interceding night and day.
this time Peter stood up among the 120 believers who were gathered and said, the Scripture David prophesied by the Holy Spirit concerning Judas had to be Judas betrayed our Lord Jesus and led the mob to the garden to arrest him. was one of us, and he was chosen to be an apostle just as we earned the wages of his for he fell headfirst, and his belly split open, spilling his intestines on the ground. in Jerusalem knows what happened to him. That’s why the field where he died is called in ‘Haqel Dama,’ that is, ‘The Bloody Field.’ it is written in the Psalms:
‘Let his house be deserted and become a wasteland.
No one will live
And also:
‘Let another take his
then, we must choose his replacement from among those who have been with us from the very John’s baptism until Jesus’ ascension. And, like us, he must be a witness of his resurrection.”
proposed two candidates: Joseph, who is also called Barsabbas the Just, and all prayed, “Lord you know the heart of every Please give us clear revelation to know which of these two men you have chosen be an apostle and take Judas’ place because he renounced his apostleship to go where he cast and determined that Matthias was the Lord’s choice, so he was added to the eleven apostles.
a 1:1 Some scholars believe that Theophilus could be a symbolic name and not necessarily one individual. This is most likely not written to one individual. When the meaning of his name is translated, the sentence reads, “I wrote to you before, O lover of God.” Both Luke and Acts were written to every lover of God.
b 1:1 This account was written by Luke, the human author of the Gospel of Luke. The title Lord Jesus is found only in the Aramaic. The Greek is simply “Jesus.”
c 1:1 Although Jesus’ work of redemption has been completed for us, there is still the unfinished work of preparing and beautifying his eternal partner, the bride of Christ. With gifts of power Jesus’ church is continuing what he began to do and teach through evangelism and disciple-ship. See Matt. 28:19– 20 ; John 21:25 ; Eph. 4:11– 13 .
d 1:2 Or “commands.”
e 1:3 Jesus appeared to his followers at least eleven times and taught them the mysteries of God’s kingdom realm. See also Matt. 13:11 .
f 1:3 The number forty is significant, for it speaks of transformation and completeness through testing. Jesus was tempted for forty days, the deluge during Noah’s day lasted forty days and nights, Moses met with God for forty days on Sinai, Israel wandered for forty years, and Elijah fasted for forty days. Jesus spent forty days appearing to his disciples to teach them that a day of completeness and transformation had arrived. It took them forty days to comprehend that Christ’s kingdom was spiritual, not political.
g 1:3 The world is still waiting to see “many convincing signs” from our lives signifying that we too have been raised from the dead. Spiritual fruit and spiritual power provide these signs.
h 1:3 The Aramaic adds, “and shared meals with them.”
i 1:5 The Aramaic implies that they would be the ones who would do the baptizing: “John baptized you in water, but you will baptize [others] in the Holy Spirit.”
j 1:8 Or “You will seize power.”
k 1:8 Or “witnesses.” The Greek word can also be translated “martyrs.”
l 1:8 Or “Samaria,” a term used for a distant province populated by another people group.
m 1:8 See Matt. 24:14 .
n 1:9 Or “A cloud came under him and took him up from their sight.” The Aramaic is “A cloud accepted him and covered him from their eyes.” He did not start from a cloud and ascend to outer space. He started from their visible presence, and disappeared from view in a cloud, ascending by that means into heaven. And when he returns, it will be in reverse order. We will see him appearing from out of a cloud, then descending back into our visible presence where we can see him and be forever with him.
o 1:12 The Aramaic is “seven stadia” (furlongs). A furlong is about one-eighth of a mile. The Greek uses a phrase not found in the Septuagint or elsewhere in the Greek New Testament or in any Greek literature: “of a Sabbath having away.” It is rendered in most modern translations “a Sabbath’s journey.”
p 1:13–14 The Greek uses the definite article “the upstairs room.” This was where they had met before to have the Last Supper with Jesus. In Mark’s Gospel, after the disciples returned from witnessing the ascension, they preached, for Mark is the Gospel of ministry. In Luke, after Jesus’ ascension, they praised, and here in Acts they prayed.
q 1:13–14 Or “siblings.” Jesus’ four brothers are named in Matt. 13:55 and Mark 6:3 as Jacob, Joses (or Joseph), Simon, and Judah. Even though John 7:5 records that early in Jesus’ ministry his own brothers did not believe in him, they obviously later repented and received the revelation of the resurrected Christ, their own brother, and believed in him.
r 1:13–14 The Aramaic is “They prayed with one soul.”
s 1:16 Or “brothers.”
t 1:16 That is, replacing Judas with another to complete the Twelve. See v. 20.
u 1:17 As translated from the Aramaic.
v 1:18 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “He acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness.” Judas would have had no time between his betrayal and his suicide to purchase land. This plot of land was likely purchased by the Jewish authorities. They could not use the returned blood money for temple purposes, so instead they purchased a small burial plot for Judas.
w 1:19 Or “in the language of the region.” The Greek text is clear that the Jews of Jesus’ day spoke Aramaic, the language that Jesus and his apostles taught in. The Greek text transliterates the name of the field into a Greek equivalent for a Greek audience.
x 1:20 See Ps. 69:25 .
y 1:20 See Ps. 109:8 .
z 1:21 Or “that our Lord Jesus went in and out among us.”
aa 1:23 Barsabbas means “son of promise.” Matthias means “gift of YHWH.”
ab 1:24 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is simply “Lord.”
ac 1:24 The Greek is “Lord, you are the heart knower of all.”
ad 1:25 The Aramaic is “go to his place.” The Greek is “departed from this life,” a euphemism for death.
ae 1:26 This was similar to rolling dice. Casting lots is not mentioned again in the New Testament after the Holy Spirit was poured out. The Aramaic reads “They raised up a shaking-free and elevated Matthias,” which indicates they shook free from Judas’ claim to apostleship and appointed Matthias.
The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
the day Pentecost was being all the disciples were gathered in one place. they heard the sound of a violent blast of rushing into the from out of the heavenly realm. The roar of the wind was so overpowering it was all anyone could bear! all at once a pillar of fire appeared before their It separated into tongues of fire that each one of them. were all filled and with the Holy Spirit and were to speak in tongues—empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!
at that time there were Jewish who had emigrated from many different lands to live in Jerusalem. the of the city heard the roaring sound, crowds came running to where it was coming from, stunned over what was happening, because each one could hear the disciples speaking in his or her own language. they said to one another, “Aren’t these all how is it that we hear them speaking in our own languages? are northeastern northwestern and those from Judea, east central the coastal areas of the Black central southern Turkey, Egypt, Libyans who are neighbors of Cyrene, visitors from all over the Roman Empire, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs. we hear them speaking of God’s mighty wonders in our own all stood there, dumb-founded and astonished, saying to one another, “What is this
others poked fun at them and said, “They’re just drunk on new wine.”
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues—empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!
Acts 2:4
ARTIST NOTES
The day finally arrived for me to see the famous, mighty geyser, Old Faithful, at Yellowstone Park. It was a long bus ride, but excitement overwhelmed discomfort. In the freezing weather, we bundled up and waited at the historic site as a park ranger described the geyser’s spectacular displays over the years.
The big moment came. “Get ready,” he said. “Here we go!” We heard a slight rumble, followed by a puff of smoke about ten feet in the air. Not much more than the exhale of a man smoking a cigar. We were dumbfounded. The ranger said, “That’s it, folks.” We looked at each other like we had just been sold a bottle of snake oil. That was it?
Have you ever wondered if that’s how Christians appear to the watching world? We talk mighty, but when it comes to allowing the Holy Spirit to display his gifts in us to a dying world, we often don’t measure up. Like you, I’ve heard the stories of men and women who experienced God’s power confirming their words with supernatural actions. What has happened to many modern churches? Are we now content to live without God’s best?
Scripture tells us Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as our Counselor, Helper, and Comforter. How is it that the Holy Spirit has virtually become the forgotten member of the Trinity? We include him in songs, but many times, we’re more interested in what he gives than in how we can make ourselves fully available to him.
I can’t take back the times I ignored the Holy Spirit, but I can move forward. May this painting challenge you to embrace the third person of the Trinity so the fruit of your life is more than a puff of smoke.
FIND YOUR STORY
Are there times in your life when you felt something powerful from the Lord come upon you? Something bigger than yourself for God’s glory? Describe what happened and ask the Lord to do it again.
Read Ephesians What does it mean to grieve or ignore the person of the Holy Spirit?
According to Jesus’ own words, in Acts what was the primary purpose and outcome of the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Are we still called to that same purpose? Read Mark and John
To what degree do you feel dependent on his power in your life? Describe what this looks like in various situations, big and small.
Never forget the Holy Spirit is holy. When you seek the Holy Spirit to act in your life, do you also seek personal holiness?
The fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit Corinthians are integral parts of the Christian walk. Do you pursue them all? Why or why not?
Peter’s Pentecost Sermon
stood up with the eleven and to the crowd. “Listen carefully, my fellow and residents of Jerusalem. You need to clearly understand what’s happening here. people are not drunk like you think they are, for it is only nine o’clock in the is the fulfillment of what was prophesied through the prophet Joel, for God
is what I will do in the last will pour my Spirit on everybody and cause your sons and daughters to prophesy, and your young men will see and your old men will experience dreams from Holy Spirit will come upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. will reveal startling signs and wonders in the sky above and mighty miracles on the earth below. Blood and fire and pillars of will appear. the sun will be turned and the moon blood-red before that great and awesome appearance of the day of the Lord. everyone who calls on the name of the will be saved.’ ”
continued, “People of Israel, listen to the Jesus, the was a man on a divine whose authority was clearly proven. For you know how God performed many powerful miracles, signs, and wonders through him. Man’s destiny was prearranged, for God knew that Jesus would be handed over to you to be crucified and that you would execute him on a cross by the hands of lawless men. Yet it was all part of his predetermined plan. destroyed the cords of and raised him up, because it was impossible for death’s power to hold him prisoner. is the very thing David prophesied about
‘I continually see the in front of me.
He’s at my right hand, and I am never
wonder my heart is glad and my glory
My mouth is filled with his praises,
and I have hope that my body will
you will not leave my soul among the
nor will you allow your sacred one to experience decay.
you have revealed to me the pathways to life,
and seeing your face fills me with
fellow Jews, I can tell you there is no doubt that our noted patriarch has both died and been buried in his tomb, which remains to this day. So you can see that he was not referring to himself with those words. as a prophet, he knew God’s faithful promise, made with God’s unbreakable oath, that one of his descendants would take his when peering into the future, David of the Messiah’s resurrection. And God revealed to him that the Messiah would not be abandoned to the realm of death, nor would his body experience decay.
you see it? God has resurrected Jesus, and we all have seen
God exalted him to his right hand upon the throne of highest honor. And the Father gave him the authority to send the promised Holy Spirit, which is being poured upon us today. This is what you’re seeing and hearing!
wasn’t the one who ascended into heaven, but the one who prophesied:
said to my Lord,
I honor you by enthroning you beside
I make your enemies
a footstool beneath your
everyone in can know for that Jesus, whom you crucified, is the one God has both and the Messiah.”
The Crowd Responds to Peter’s Words
they heard this they were crushed and realized what they had done to Deeply moved, they said to Peter and the other apostles, “What do we need to do,
replied, “Repent and return to and each one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus, the Anointed to have your sins removed. Then you may take hold of the gift of the Holy Spirit. God’s promise of the Holy Spirit is for and your families, for those yet to be and for everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
preached to them and warned them with these words: “Be rescued from the wayward and perverse culture of this
who believed the word that day numbered three thousand. They were all baptized and added to the
The Community of Believers
believer was faithfully devoted to following the of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one sharing and coming together regularly for deep sense of holy swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and the believers were in fellowship as one and they shared with one another whatever they had. of generosity they even sold their assets to distribute the proceeds to those who were in need among them. they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility. were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to
a 2:1 Or “came to be fulfilled.” The Greek word means “to fill completely (to be fulfilled).” Pentecost was one of the main feasts of Israel. The name is derived from pentekostos , which means “fiftieth,” since it was held on the fiftieth day after the Passover Sabbath. It was also known as the Feast of Harvest.
b 2:2 The Aramaic can also be translated “like the roar of a groaning spirit.” This mighty wind is for power; the breath of Jesus breathed into his disciples in John 20:22 was for life.
c 2:2 Or “It filled the house.” Tradition says they were gathered in an upper room; however, it is more likely that it was the House of the Lord (the temple), where they all gathered to celebrate Pentecost. See also Luke 24:53 .
d 2:3 This was the pillar of fire that led Israel from bondage into the promised land. The same pillar of fire manifested here to initiate a new beginning from dead religious structures into the powerful life of the Spirit. Each believer received an overpowering flame of fire, signified by the shaft of light that engulfed them. It was as though each one received his own personal pillar of fire that would empower him and lead him throughout his life. This was the promise Jesus gave to his disciples of “the one like me” ( John 14:26 ), who would be sent by the Father and never leave them. Today every believer is indwelt by the Spirit of Christ ( Rom. 8:9 ). This was the birthday of the church of Jesus Christ.
e 2:3 Or “rested over them.”
f 2:4 There are two Greek words used here for “filled.” In v. 2, it is pleroo , which means “filled inwardly.” In v. 4 it is pletho , which means “filled outwardly” or “furnished and equipped.” This was the anointing of the Spirit for ministry. Every believer needs the filling of the Spirit both inwardly for life and outwardly for ministry.
g 2:4 The Greek word apotheggomai literally means “to ring out” (like a bell). It can also mean “carried along” or “inspired.”
h 2:5 Or “devout Jewish men.”
i 2:6 The Greek word andres implies respect, such as “ladies and gentlemen.”
j 2:7 It is likely they knew they were Galileans by their Aramaic dialect common in Galilee.
k 2:9 Or “Parthians.”
l 2:9 Or “Medes.”
m 2:9 This area is now Khuzestan and the Ilam Province, including a small part of southern Iraq.
n 2:9 The Aramaic is Beth-Nahrin, which means “land of the rivers.” This would include Iraq, parts of Syria, southeastern Turkey, and southwestern Iran. The Assyrians also consider themselves to be natives of Beth-Nahrin (Mesopotamia).
o 2:9 Or “Cappadocia.”
p 2:9 Or “Pontus,” which is northeastern Turkey. Pontus means “sea.”
q 2:9 Or “Orientals.”
r 2:10 Or “Phrygia.”
s 2:11 This is the universal remedy of the curse of Babel, where human beings were divided by languages (Gen. 11:9). Now, in Christ, the language of the Spirit unifies us all in him.
t 2:12 As translated from the Aramaic.
u 2:14 All of the twelve standing there would prove that they were not drunk. They stood before this massive crowd, possibly in the courts of the temple. There were three thousand converted and baptized that day, so the crowd was possibly much larger than that.
v 2:14 See footnote for v. 4. Peter was speaking under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The tongues being spoken, along with the sound of the wind, drew the crowd. Peter would have spoken to them in the common language of Aramaic. Even with the Galilean and Judean dialects, nearly all of the Jewish people present would understand his words.
w 2:14 Or “you Jewish men.” This is also used in Acts 2:22 ; 3:12 ; 5:35 ; 13:16 ; 21:28 .
x 2:15 Or “the third hour,” the time for Jewish morning prayer.
y 2:16 See Joel 2:28–32.
z 2:17 The New Testament term “the last days” began at Pentecost and extends until the return of Christ. We have technically been in “the last days” for over two thousand years.
aa 2:17 Or “gush forth,” or “run greedily.” The Aramaic can be translated “I will be splashing my Spirit-Wind over all flesh” (humanity).
ab 2:17 Or “divinely appointed appearances.” The Greek word for “visions,” horasis , can also mean “our eyes opened to have divine encounters and see into the spiritual realm.” These are not daydreams but visions of the heavenly realm. (See Strong’s Concordance , Gr. 3700 and 3706.)
ac 2:17 This verse can be translated from the Aramaic as “Your grandparents shall see visions and your priests shall dream dreams.”
ad 2:19 Or “columns [plumes] of smoke.” The Aramaic can be translated “the sweet smell of burning incense.”
ae 2:20 This could be a figure of speech similar to “Lights out on the old order.” The Aramaic is “The sun will be in mourning.” Perhaps this prophecy was fulfilled when Christ was crucified.
af 2:21 The Aramaic can be translated “Whoever calls on the name of Jesus as the Messiah will receive life.”
ag 2:22 Peter wisely begins his sermon with a recounting of Jewish history, keeping the main point of his sermon until the end. A great transformation had taken place in Peter, who had denied Christ three times only six weeks ago. Now he preaches with power and authority. This is the difference the Holy Spirit makes in the life of a believer.
ah 2:22 Or “Jesus the Nazarene” (the Branch). The Aramaic word used here also implies the title of an heir of a powerful family, or one who is victorious (“Jesus, the Victorious”).
ai 2:22 The Aramaic is “the man from God,” which may be an idiomatic saying for “the man born of God.”
aj 2:24 As translated from the Aramaic, which can also be translated “God destroyed death’s destruction.” The Greek is “God freed him from the travails of death.” The Greek word translated “travails” is commonly used for the labor pains of childbirth.
ak 2:25 See Ps. 16:8– 11 .
al 2:25 The Hebrew-Aramaic word is Yahweh .
am 2:25 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “so that I will not be shaken.”
an 2:26 As translated from the Aramaic.
ao 2:26 The Greek word for “live” ( kataskenosei ) is always used for “pitch a tent.” Or “My body will pitch its tent in hope (expectation).” The Aramaic is “Even my body he will restore to hope.”
ap 2:27 The Aramaic is “Sheol”; the Greek is “Hades.” Both refer to the realm of death.
aq 2:28 This Greek word ( euphrosune ) occurs only here and in Acts 14:17 . It is the spirit of joy, an ecstasy that comes from God. The Aramaic is “You will fill me, O Sweetness, with your presence.”
ar 2:30 See Ps. 132:11 ; Luke 1:32 .
as 2:31 The Aramaic can be translated “David rose up after seeing a vision and he saw.”
at 2:32 Or “of whom we are witnesses,” which implies that they all had seen the resurrected Jesus.
au 2:33 The Aramaic is “splashed out the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
av 2:34 As translated from the Aramaic.
aw 2:34 Or “at my right hand.”
ax 2:35 See Ps. 110:1 , which is the most frequently quoted Old Testament verse found in the New Testament. This shows there is a continuing work of defeating Christ’s enemies as his kingdom increases on earth as it is in heaven.
ay 2:36 Or “all the house of Israel.”
az 2:36 Or “inescapably,” for no one can escape the claims of Christ.
ba 2:36 The Aramaic is “Lord Yahweh made him [from birth] to be both Elohim and Messiah.” The Greek verb used for “made” can also mean “brought forth.” This is a clear statement of both Jesus’ humanity (God brought him forth by human birth) and his deity.
bb 2:36 Y’shua (Jesus) is now Lord of a new creation company, a new heaven, and a new earth—he is Lord of all. The Greek word kurios is not necessarily a divine title. The Aramaic text uses a clear title of Jesus’ deity.
bc 2:37 This Greek verb indicates the deepest sorrow and emotional agitation. It is taken from a root word that means “mortally wounded” and is found only here in all the New Testament.
bd 2:37 The Aramaic contains an idiomatic figure of speech, “What do we need to do to be your brothers?”
be 2:38 The Greek word translated “repent” means both “to change the mind and direction of your life” and “to turn back to God.”
bf 2:38 Peter was likely saying these words from the steps of the temple. Below him were dozens of mikveh (immersion pools used for ceremonial cleanings of Jewish worshipers). Peter was pointing them to the cleansing that comes through the name and authority of Jesus Christ. The Aramaic is startling: “Be immersed in the name of Lord Yahweh Y’shua .” Peter is clearly saying that Lord Yahweh and Jesus are one and the same.
bg 2:39 The Aramaic can be translated “This outpouring is for you.”
bh 2:39 Or “for those who are far away (gentiles).”
bi 2:40 Or “Be free from and preserved from this crooked people!”
bj 2:41 Although the word church is not in the text, it is implied. They were converted by the message of Peter and brought into the fellowship of the believers.
bk 2:42 The Greek word didache means “skilled instruction and training.”
bl 2:42 Or “They became partners.”
bm 2:42 Or “breaking of bread.” This was more than sharing meals, but participating together in observing the Lord’s Table. The Aramaic, which can be translated “the Eucharist” or “holy communion,” makes it even more explicit.
bn 2:42 Or “[all kinds of] prayers.”
bo 2:43 Or “Fear [of God] came upon every person.”
bp 2:43 The Aramaic adds, “in Jerusalem,” which is missing in the Greek.
bq 2:44 Or “added into one body.”
br 2:47 As translated from the Aramaic. The Aramaic word for “church” is the joining of “meet” and “come.” This word is an invitation to enter into fellowship with Christ and his people. The Greek word for “church” is ekklesia , which is “called-out ones.” (See the second footnote on Matt. 16:18 .)
Healing at the Beautiful Gate
afternoon Peter and John went to the temple for the three o’clock they came to the entrance called the Beautiful they were captured by the sight of a man crippled from birth being carried and placed at the entrance to the temple. He was often brought there to beg for money from those going in to worship. he noticed Peter and John going into the temple, he begged them for money.
and John, looking straight into the eyes of the crippled man, said, “Look at us!” a gift, he readily gave them his attention. Peter said, “I don’t have money, but I’ll give you this—by the power of the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk!”
held out his right hand to the crippled man. As he pulled the man to his feet, suddenly power surged into his crippled feet and ankles. The man jumped up, stood there for a moment and then began to walk around! As he went into the temple courts with Peter and John, he leapt for joy and shouted praises to God.
all the people saw him jumping up and down and heard him glorifying God, realized it was the crippled beggar they had passed by in front of the Beautiful Gate. Astonishment swept over the crowd, for they were amazed over what had happened to him.
Peter Preaches to the Crowd
over what they were witnessing, the crowd ran over to Peter and John, who were standing under the covered walkway called Solomon’s Porch. Standing there also was the healed beggar, clinging to Peter and
the crowd surrounding him, Peter said to them all, “People of listen to me! Why are you so amazed by this healing? Why do you stare at us? We didn’t make this crippled man walk by our own power or God of our ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and has done For he has glorified his Jesus, the one you denied to Pilate’s face when he decided to release him—and you insisted that he be crucified. the one who is holy and righteous, and instead begged for a murderer to be released. killed the Prince of But God raised him from the dead, and we stand here as witnesses to that fact. in Jesus’ name has healed this man standing before you. It is the faith that comes through believing in Jesus’ name that has made the crippled man walk right in front of your eyes!
fellow Jews, I realize that neither you nor your leaders realize the grave mistake you made. in spite of what you’ve done, God has fulfilled what he foretold through the prophets long ago about the sufferings of his Anointed One. now you must repent and turn to God so that your sins will be and so that times of will stream from the Lord’s presence. he will send you Jesus, the Messiah, the appointed he must remain in heaven until the restoration of all has taken fulfilling everything that God said long ago through his holy prophets. has not Moses told
‘The Lord your God will raise up
a prophet from among you who is like me.
Listen to him and follow everything he tells you.
person who disobeys that prophet
will be cut off and completely destroyed.’
fact, every prophet from the time of Samuel onward has prophesied of these very days! you are heirs of their and of the covenants God made with your fathers when he promised ‘Your will bring blessing to all the people on the earth.’
The Cleansing Stream
You must repent and turn back to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord’s presence.
Acts 3:19
ARTIST NOTES
I decided to follow Christ when my pastor invited people to come forward during an altar call. But asking Christ into your heart can happen at home, in your car, or while you’re away on vacation. You simply need to recognize there is only one way to heaven—through Jesus. When you believe in his name, he puts you in right relationship with God and allows you to experience The Cleansing Stream.
A lady asked me if I could talk to her husband about spiritual things. Awkwardly, our conversation got around to why he doesn’t attend church. “It seems all they want is to get me to the altar,” he mumbled. “I’m tired of hearing it!”
I want him and others to know that my experience with God at the altar is what changed my life for eternity.
The waterfall emanating from the cross in the stained-glass window represents the cleansing stream Peter preached about in Acts This happened when the man repented and asked Christ to come into his heart. There is no other way to obtain God’s fresh river that washes us white as snow. It doesn’t come through heredity or association. Only through personally accepting the Fountainhead of Life.
FIND YOUR STORY
I had my “altar moment” as a little girl in my living room. How did you first meet Christ?
Years later, God met me in an extra special way when I was alone in my dorm room at Bible college. Another time, he showed up when I was worshiping him in my kitchen. Since God is everywhere, he’ll meet us anywhere—if we’re open. Describe a powerful God encounter subsequent to your conversion and how it affected you.
What does it mean to flow in God’s cleansing streams of grace? And what would your life look like if you under God’s continual flow?
What can you do today to be a conduit of grace and a powerful healing stream for someone around you who needs God’s touch?
When you walk into a room, do you see yourself more like a thermometer (who reports the room temperature) or a thermostat (who changes the room temperature)? Tell the Lord what you want to be and invite him to take you there.
LET’S PRAY
Father God, thank you for streaming through me with your contagious cleansing presence. It’s a joy to jump into your current and experience you in new ways as you empower me to lead others to your sin-defying grace.
that God raised up his he has chosen to send him first to you that he might bless you by turning each one of from your
a 3:1 Daily sacrifices were made in the temple at sunrise and about three o’clock every afternoon.
b 3:2 Or “the gate called Wonderful” in Aramaic. It is difficult to ascertain which of the many gates of the temple this might have been, and there is varying speculation with no certain conclusion. However, this Beautiful Gate points to Jesus Christ, who is the gate or entrance into the sheepfold of God. Furthermore, it hints of Ezekiel’s temple (Ezek. 47), which has a river flowing out from the threshold through the gateway of the temple. This river was first measured to be ankle deep. This man, lame in his ankles, was healed by the spiritual “river” that flowed out the “Beautiful Gate” of Christ. The gateway opened up and the river poured out of Peter and John, bringing healing to the lame.
c 3:11 What an amazing picture this makes. This scene transpired at Solomon’s Porch. Lessons of wisdom, greater than the wisdom of Solomon, were uncovered by this miracle to those who had hearts of understanding.
d 3:12 The Aramaic could be translated “protectors of Israel.”
e 3:12 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “piety.”
f 3:13 See Ex. 3:6.
g 3:13 See Isa. 52:13.
h 3:14 Or “denied.” It is amazing how complete was the healing of Peter’s life. Just fifty days previously, it was Peter who denied he knew Jesus three times. Now he says to his fellow Jews, “You denied the holy and righteous One!”
i 3:15 Or “Originator of Life.”
j 3:19 Peter uses the Greek word epistrepho (“turn back to God,” “be converted”). We need to not only repent but to return home to God’s grace and truth. This is a Hebraic thought of returning to the Lord God (the Hebrew word shuv ). Every Jew would know what that means: “Come back to God!” Repentance and return is more than a passive changing of one’s mind.
k 3:19 The Greek word used here, exaleipho , means “obliterated” or “canceled.”
l 3:19 Or “cooling breeze,” which occurs only here in the New Testament. This hints of the time when God walked with Adam in the cooling breeze of the day. The work of the cross begins the restoration of Paradise within the hearts of Christ’s followers.
m 3:20 The Aramaic can be translated “He will send you all that has been already prepared for you through Jesus, the Anointed One.”
n 3:21 Or “until the time for the universal restoration.”
o 3:21 Or “This one the heavens must receive until the times of universal restoration.” The word restoration in Greek is apokatastasis , which infers the restoration of creation to the state of existence before the fall, but also Davidic covenant being restored. Luke’s choice of the Greek word found only here in the New Testament is noteworthy. It is a medical term that means “restoration of perfect health.”
p 3:22 See Lev. 23:29; Deut. 18:15, 19.
q 3:25 Or “sons of the prophets.”
r 3:25 See Gen. 22:18; 26:4.
s 3:25 Or “seed” (descendants).
t 3:26 The Greek word pais can mean either “servant” or “son.” (See Strong’s Concordance , Gr. 3816.) The Aramaic is clearly “son.” Notice how many times in the book of Acts that the followers of Christ preached the resurrection. The power and virtue of the cross can never be diminished; however, it is the resurrection of Christ that became the apostolic center of their preaching in the book of Acts.
u 3:26 The Aramaic uses the conditional clause “if you turn and repent from your evils.”
v 3:26 The Greek is plural, “wickednesses” or “evil ways.”
Peter and John Arrested
4
teaching and preaching of Peter and John angered the priests, the captain of the temple police, and representatives of the Jewish sect of the They were furious that the people were being taught that in Jesus there is a resurrection from the dead. So while Peter and John were still speaking, the Jewish authorities came to the temple courts to oppose them. had them arrested, and since it was already evening they kept them in custody until the next day. there were many in the crowd who believed the bringing the total number of men who to nearly five thousand!
next day many Jewish leaders, religious scholars, and elders of the people convened a meeting in Jerusalem. the high priest was there with Caiaphas, John, and others who were members of the high priest’s family. made Peter and John stand in front of the council as they questioned them, saying, “Tell us, by what power and authority have you done these
filled with the Holy Spirit, answered, “Respected elders and leaders of the people, listen. we being put on trial today for doing an act of kindness by healing a frail, crippled man? Well then, and everyone else in Israel should know that it is by the power of the name of Jesus that the crippled man stands here today completely healed! You crucified Jesus Christ of but God raised him from the dead. Jesus is ‘the stone that you, the builders, have rejected, and now he has become the is no one who has the power to save us, for there is only one name to whom God has given authority by which we must experience the name of
council members were astonished as they witnessed the bold of Peter and John, especially when they discovered that they were just ordinary men who had never had religious Then they began to understand the effect Jesus had on them simply by spending time with him. there with them was the healed man, and there was nothing further they could say.
they ordered them to leave the room while they discussed the matter. Among themselves, they said, should we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem can clearly see that they’ve performed a notable sign and wonder—we can’t deny that. to keep this propaganda from spreading any further among the people, let’s threaten them severely and warn them to never speak to anyone in this name again.”
they had them brought back in before the council, and they commanded them to never teach the people or speak again using the name of Jesus. Peter and John replied, “You can judge for yourselves—is it better to listen to you or to God? impossible for us to stop speaking about all the things we’ve seen and heard!”
the members of the council couldn’t come up with a crime they could punish them for, they threatened them once more and let them go. All the people praised God, thrilled over the miraculous healing of the crippled the man who received this miracle sign of healing was over forty years
The Church Prays
soon as they were released from custody, Peter and John went to the other believers and explained all that had happened with the high priest and the elders. the believers heard their report, they raised their voices in unity and prayed, “Lord you are the Lord of all! You created the universe—the earth, the sky, the sea, and everything that is in you spoke by the Holy Spirit through your servant David, our forefather, saying:
‘How dare the nations plan a rebellion,
ranting and raging against the Lord Most High?
Their foolish plots are futile!
at how the kings of the earth take their stand,
with the rulers scheming and conspiring together
against and his anointed
fact, Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with Jews and non-Jews, met together to take their stand against your holy servant, Jesus the Messiah. did to him all that your purpose and will had determined, according to the destiny you had marked out for him. now, Lord, listen to their threats to harm us. Empower us, as your servants, to speak the word of God freely and courageously. out your hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the name of your holy Son,
they prayed the earth shook beneath them, causing the building they were in to Each one of them was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they proclaimed the word of God with unrestrained
the believers were one in mind and heart. Selfishness was not a part of their community, for they shared everything they had with one another. apostles gave powerful testimonies about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great measures of rested upon them all. who owned houses or land sold them and brought the proceeds before the apostles to distribute to those without. Not a single person among them was needy.
example, there was a Levite from Cyprus named Joseph, who sold his farmland and placed the proceeds at the feet of the apostles. They nicknamed him Barnabas (or
a 4:1–2 Of the three major sects of Judaism of that day (Pharisees, Essenes, and Sadducees), the Sadducees were a small but influential group that philosophically denied the supernatural and gravitated instead toward political control of the people. Their denial of the resurrection is what prompted their actions here.
b 4:4 Or “the Word” (Gr. logos ).
c 4:4 Although the cultural way of numbering the Jewish crowd is technically “adult males,” the usage of the Greek term ton andron is consistently found throughout Greek literature as an inclusive and formal term of respect, similar to “ladies and gentlemen.” Including women and children, the early church swelled rapidly into tens of thousands.
d 4:6 There is little known about John (or Jonathan) and Alexander. It is possible that John was the son of Caiaphas, who would one day be the high priest. Or John and Alexander could have been the leaders of the Sadducees.
e 4:7 Or “In whose name did you do this?”
f 4:10 Or “the Nazarene.”
g 4:11 See Ps. 118:22 .
h 4:12 Peter insisted there was no man who could claim to be the Messiah other than Jesus.
i 4:12 The Aramaic is “We must experience the Life Giver” or “We must receive the covenant of life.”
j 4:13 The Aramaic is “hearing the bold words of Peter and John.”
k 4:13 The Aramaic is “They did not know the scrolls.” The Greek is “uneducated.”
l 4:21 Made explicit from the text, “over what had happened.”
m 4:22 For the significance of the number forty, see the second footnote on 1:3.
n 4:24 As translated from the Aramaic.
o 4:24 See Ex. 20:11; Ps. 146:6 .
p 4:26 The Aramaic is “Lord Yahweh,” and the Greek is “Lord” ( kurios ).
q 4:26 See Ps. 2:1– 2 .
r 4:30 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “your holy servant, Jesus.”
s 4:31 The Aramaic is “an earthquake.”
t 4:31 The Greek word is parresia . This involves more than confidence; it was a free-flowing, unrestrained boldness. It can also mean “freedom of speech.” Parresia carries nuances that are not easily brought over into English. The person who speaks with parresia will say everything that is on his mind with no restraint, flowing out of his heart with confidence. It involves being frank and honest, hiding nothing and speaking directly to the heart. Most often it is a word used for public speaking. It refers to speech that is not tailored to make everyone happy but to speak the truth, in spite of what that may cost. It is the courage to speak truth into the ears of others. This was reserved for only the highest rank of Greek citizens, not people of other lands or slaves. The right to speak freely was an essential aspect of Athenian democracy. Although it is sometimes associated with negative speech, in this context parresia refers to an unrestrained boldness. There was a Greek idiom that said essentially, “If you tell me the truth no matter what that truth turns out to be, I will not punish you.” This was known as the Parresiastic Contract. See M. Foucault, “Discourse and Truth: The Problematization of Parresia,” six lectures given at the University of California at Berkeley, 1983, ed. by Joseph Pearson in 1985. Parresia is found also in Mark 8:32 ; John 7:4 , 13 , 26 ; 10:24 ; 11:14 , 54 ; 2 Cor. 3:12 ; 7:4 ; Eph. 3:12 ; 6:19 ; Phil. 1:20 ; and numerous other places.
u 4:33 Or “mega-grace.”
v 4:36–37 The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement,” or “son of the prophet.” This was the Barnabas who traveled with Paul as an apostle.
The Judgment of Ananias and Sapphira
a man named Ananias and his wife, likewise sold their farm. conspired to secretly keep back for themselves a portion of the proceeds. So when Ananias brought the money to the apostles, it was only a portion of the entire sale. revealed their secret to so he said to him, “Ananias, why did you let Satan fill your heart and make you think you could lie to the Holy Spirit? You only pretended to give it all, yet you hid back part of the proceeds from the sale of your property to keep for yourselves. you sold it, wasn’t it yours to sell or to keep? And after you sold it, wasn’t the money entirely at your disposal? How could you plot such a thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to people; you’ve lied to
moment Ananias heard those words, he fell over dead. Everyone was terrified when they heard what had happened. young men came in and removed the body and buried him.
hours later, his wife came into the room, with no clue what had happened to her husband.
said to her, “Tell me, were the two of you paid this amount for the sale of your land?”
Sapphira said, “Yes, that’s how much it was.”
told her, “Why have you agreed together to test the Spirit of the I hear the footsteps of those who buried your husband at the door—they’re coming here to bury you too!” that moment she dropped dead at Peter’s feet.
When the young men came in, she was already dead, so they carried her out and buried her next to her husband. entire church was seized with a powerful sense of the fear of which came over all who heard what had happened.
The Apostles Perform Miracles, Signs, and Wonders
apostles performed many signs, wonders, and miracles among the people. the believers were wonderfully united as they met regularly in the temple courts in the area known as Solomon’s Porch. No one dared harm for everyone held them in high regard.
more and more people believed in the and were added to their number—great crowds of both men and women. fact, when people knew Peter was going to walk by, they carried the sick out to the streets and laid them down on cots and mats, knowing the incredible power emanating from him would overshadow them and heal numbers of people swarmed into Jerusalem from the nearby villages. They brought with them the sick and those troubled by demons—and everyone was healed!
The Apostles Persecuted
high priest and his officials, who formed the party of the Sadducees, became extremely jealous over all that was happening, they had the apostles arrested, placed in and thrown into jail. during the night, the sent an angel who appeared before He supernaturally opened their prison doors and brought the apostles outside. the angel told them. “Stand in the temple courts and preach the words that bring life!” early that morning they entered the temple courts and taught the people. The high priest and his officials, unaware of their supernatural release from convened the members of the supreme They sent for the apostles to be brought to them from prison. when the officers came to the prison cell, it was empty! They returned to the council and informed them, found the jail securely locked and the guards standing by their cell, but when we opened the door, there was no one inside!”
the captain of the temple guard and the leading priests heard this report, they were perplexed and at a loss over what to make of it.
came and informed them, “The men you put in prison are out there standing in the temple courts, teaching the people!”
the captain of the temple guard and his officers went to arrest them once again, but without using force, for they were afraid the people would stone them.
they brought them before the council, the high priest demanded an explanation, “Didn’t we strictly warn you that you were to never again teach in this name? But instead you have now filled all of Jerusalem with this doctrine and are committed to holding us responsible for this man’s
and the apostles replied, “We must listen to and obey God more than pleasing religious leaders. had Jesus arrested and killed by but the God of our has raised him up. the one God has exalted and seated at his right hand as our Savior and He is the provider of grace as the Redeemer of are witnesses of these and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God freely gives to all who believe in
they heard this, they were infuriated and determined to murder them. a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a noted religious professor who was highly respected by all, stood up. He gave orders to send the apostles outside. he said to the council, “Men of Israel, you need to be very careful about how you deal with these men. time ago there was a man named Theudas who rose up claiming to be somebody. He had a following of about four hundred men, but when he was killed, all of his followers were scattered, and nothing came of it.
him, in the days of the another man rose up, Judas the Galilean, who got people to follow him in a revolt. He too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. in this situation, you should just leave these men to themselves. For if this plan or undertaking originates with men, it will fade away and come to nothing. if this movement is of God, you won’t be able to stop it. And you might discover that you were fighting God all along!”
Gamaliel’s words convinced the council. they brought the apostles back in and had them severely beaten. They ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus and then let them go.
apostles left there rejoicing, thrilled that God had considered them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. nothing stopped them! They kept preaching every day in the temple courts and went from house to house, preaching the gospel of Jesus, God’s Anointed One!
a 5:1 The Aramaic can be translated “Ananias, together with his wife, who was famous for her beauty.” The Aramaic name Shapeera means “beauty.”
b 5:3 With supernatural discernment, God revealed to Peter what had happened. The words “pretended to give it all” are not in the original text, but supplied because of the inference of the words “lie to the Holy Spirit.” The true sin was more than simply telling Peter a lie, but lying to the Holy Spirit.
c 5:4 The Aramaic can be translated “You are not a phony with just men, but with God.”
d 5:9 The Aramaic is “the Spirit of the Lord Yahweh.”
e 5:11 Or “mega-fear fell on the church.”
f 5:13 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “No one else dared join them,” which is somewhat confusing because of the next verse.
g 5:14 The Aramaic is “the Lord Yahweh.”
h 5:15 The Greek word translated “overshadow” is episkiazo , which is used exclusively for the power of the Almighty “overshadowing,” such as with Mary, who conceived a child supernaturally by God. It is also used for the cloud that overshadowed Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. See Matt. 17:5 ; Mark 9:7 ; Luke 1:35 . This was not a natural shadow created by the light of the sun, but the supernatural overshadowing of God’s power coming upon the sick to bring healing.
i 5:18 As translated from the Aramaic.
j 5:19 The Aramaic is “Lord Yahweh.”
k 5:21 Or “the Sanhedrin.”
l 5:28 Or “bringing [the guilt of] this man’s blood on us.”
m 5:30 Or “by hanging him on a tree,” an Aramaic idiom for crucifixion. See Deut. 21:22–23.
n 5:30 See Ex. 3:15.
o 5:31 Or “Prince.”
p 5:31 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “He gives repentance and removal of sins to Israel.”
q 5:32 Or “words.” This is the Greek word rhema .
r 5:32 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “to those who hear and obey him.”
s 5:37 Or “registration for the Roman tax.”
Servant Leaders
those days the number of Jesus’ followers kept multiplying greatly. But a complaint was brought against those who spoke by the Greek-speaking who felt their widows were being overlooked during the daily distribution of food.
twelve apostles called a meeting of all the believers and told them, “It is not advantageous for us to be pulled away from the word of God to wait on tables. want you to carefully from among yourselves seven godly men. Make sure they are honorable, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will give them the responsibility of this crucial ministry of serving. will enable us to give our full attention to prayer and preaching the word of God.”
in the church loved this So they chose seven men. One of them was who was known as a man full of faith and overflowing with the Holy Spirit. Along with him they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas from who had converted to Judaism. seven stood before the apostles, who laid their hands on them and prayed for them, commissioning them to this
word reigned and kept spreading. The number of Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem quickly grew and increased by the day. Even a great number of Jewish priests became believers and were obedient to the faith!
who was a man full of grace and supernatural power, performed many astonishing signs and wonders and mighty miracles among the upset some men belonging to a sect who called themselves the Men Set They were and
They all confronted Stephen to with him. the Holy Spirit gave Stephen remarkable wisdom to answer them. His words were prompted by the Holy Spirit, and they could not refute what he said. the Men Set Free conspired in secret to find those who would bring false accusations against Stephen and lie about him by saying, “We heard this man speak blasphemy against Moses and God.”
Men Set Free agitated the crowd, the elders, and the religious then seized Stephen and forcefully took him before the supreme council. after another, false witnesses stepped forward and accused Stephen, saying, “This man never stops denigrating our temple and our Jewish law. we have heard him teach that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the temple and change the traditions and customs that Moses handed down to
member of the supreme council focused his gaze on Stephen, for right in front of their eyes, while being falsely his face glowed as though he had the face of an
a 6:1 Or “the Hebrews” (converts from orthodox Judaism). There was one dominant language in Israel: Aramaic. However, the issue between the two groups was more than merely a language difference. Those who spoke Aramaic were natives, while the Greek-speaking minority were most likely Jews from other nations.
b 6:1 Or “Hellenists.” These were Jewish converts who sought to maintain a Greek language and culture and were predominantly Alexandrian Jews. These may have been Jews who were scattered throughout the Roman Empire, including Greece and Alexandria, Egypt.
c 6:3 The Aramaic is “select with awe,” that is, in the presence of the Lord.
d 6:5 The Aramaic can be translated “This proposal appeared beautiful.”
e 6:5 It is most likely that Stephen was not a gentile but a Jewish believer. His Hebrew name, Tzephania , is transliterated into Greek as Astaphanos (Stephen in English). Tzephania is the name of the prophet Zephaniah. Zephaniah means “Yah has treasured [him].” Stephen was not a gentile proselyte to Judaism but a Greek-speaking Hebrew. He spoke in Acts 7 and addressed his hearers as “fellow Jews and fathers.” Although he was a powerful minister of the Word, Stephen was humble to accept the task of serving.
f 6:5 The Aramaic can be translated “Nicholas, the hero of Antioch.”
g 6:6 The practice of laying on of hands indicates approval, impartation of authority, commissioning, and ordaining. As the Old Testament priest laid hands on a sacrifice and transferred the guilt of sins upon the animal, the New Testament apostles laid their hands on men and appointed them to ministry. See Lev. 16:21–22; Num. 27:18–20; Heb. 6:2 .
h 6:7 As translated from the Aramaic.
i 6:8 Stephen was not an apostle, yet he worked miracles of power through his ministry. The miraculous is not for the few, but for the many.
j 6:9 Or “the Synagogue of the Freedmen.” Although most expositors view these as former Hebrew slaves, the Aramaic is “Libertines.” It is possible that these were pagan cult members who followed a Roman mythical hero named Liber. From this word we get the English word liberty . They emphasized drunkenness and promiscuity. They boasted in their freedom from all moral laws as the Men Set Free to do whatever they desired. They were so hedonistic that even other pagans viewed them as wicked. These Libertines were the antithesis to the true freedom that comes through Christ ( John 8:36 ).
k 6:9 Or “Cyrene,” a region of eastern Libya.
l 6:9 Or “Alexandria,” a large Egyptian city on the Mediterranean.
m 6:9 Or “Cilicia” (southeastern coastal area of Turkey) and “the province of Asia” (that is, Asia Minor, comprised of western and southwestern Turkey). Both regions are included in the word Turks .
n 6:9 The Aramaic is “word wrestle.”
o 6:12 Or “scribes.” These were considered the experts in the law of Moses.
p 6:14 The Aramaic is “We heard him teach that Jesus the Nazarene is the one who freed our nation and changed the feasts that Moses observed.”
q 6:15 As he faced persecution and martyrdom, Stephen’s face lit up with heaven’s light, shining as an angelic messenger. What manifests in your life when you are opposed and falsely accused?
Stephen’s Sermon
high priest asked, “Are these accusations true?”
replied, “My fellow Jews and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory to our ancestor Abraham while he was living in and before he moved to in Syria. said to him, ‘Go! Leave behind your country and your relatives. Begin your journey and come to the land that I will show
Abraham left southeastern and began his journey. He settled in Haran and stayed there until his father passed away. Then God had him move to the land of Israel with only a promise. God gave him no parcel of land he could call his own, not even a yet he promised Abraham that he and his descendants would one day have it all. And even though as yet Abraham had no child, spoke with him and gave him this promise:
‘Your descendants will live in a foreign land with a people
who will make slaves of them
and oppress them for four hundred
I will judge the nation that enslaves them,
and your descendants will be set free
to return to this land to serve and worship
God entered into covenant with Abraham, which included the requirement of circumcision. So when he became the father of Isaac, he circumcised him eight days after his birth.
then became the father of Jacob, who was the father of our twelve patriarchs. Jacob’s sons became jealous of their brother Joseph and sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God’s favor and blessing rested upon Joseph, and in time, rescued him from all his oppression and granted him extraordinary favor before Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh appointed him as the overseer of his nation and even of his own
a devastating famine came over all of Egypt and Canaan, bringing great misery to the people, including our ancestors, who couldn’t find when Jacob learned that there was food in Egypt, he sent his sons, our ancestors, on their first trip to purchase grain for their family. their second trip to Egypt, Joseph revealed his identity to his and because of this, Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family and where he came from.
sent for his father, Jacob, and his entire family, a total of seventy-five people, to come and reside in Egypt. Jacob died there, along with all of his sons, our forefathers. were later carried back to the promised land and buried in Shechem, in the tomb Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor.
time drew near for God to fulfill the prophetic promise he had made to Abraham. Our Jewish people had increased greatly in number, multiplying many times over while in Egypt.
king, who had forgotten how Joseph had made their nation arose to rule over was an abusive king who exploited our people with his smooth talk. With cruelty he forced our ancestors to give up their little boys as he committed
Moses came on the scene—a child of divine His parents hid him from Pharaoh as long as they could to spare his After three months they could conceal him no longer, they had to abandon him to his fate. But God arranged that Pharaoh’s daughter would find him, take him home, and raise him as her own son. Moses was fully trained in the royal courts and educated in the highest wisdom Egypt had to offer, until he arose as a powerful prince and an eloquent
Moses turned forty, his heart was stirred for his people, the Israelites. day he saw one of our people being violently mistreated, so he came to his rescue, and with his own hands Moses murdered the abusive Egyptian. hoped that when the people realized how he had rescued one of their own, they would recognize him as their deliverer. How wrong he was! next day he came upon two of our people engaged in a fist fight, and he tried to break it up by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers! Why would you want to hurt each other?’
the perpetrator pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who do you think you are? Who appointed you to be our ruler and judge? you going to kill me like you did the Egyptian
by this, Moses fled and lived as an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. forty years had passed, while he was in the desert near Mount Sinai, the Messenger of appeared to him in the midst of a flaming thorn was astonished and stunned by what he was seeing, so he drew closer to observe this marvel. Then the Lord Yahweh spoke to him out of the flames:
am the living the God of your ancestors.
I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’
“Trembling in God’s presence and overwhelmed with awe, Moses didn’t even dare to look into the fire.
of the flames the Lord Yahweh said to him:
‘Take the sandals off your
for you are standing in the realm of
have watched and seen how my people
have been in Egypt.
I have heard their painful groaning,
and now I have come down to set them free.
So come to me, Moses,
for I am sending you to Egypt to represent
God sent back to Egypt the man our people rejected and refused to recognize by saying, ‘Who appointed you to be our ruler and judge?’ God sent this man back to be their ruler and deliverer, commissioned with the power of the messenger who appeared to him in the flaming thorn bush. man brought the people out from their Egyptian bondage with many astonishing wonders and miracle signs—miracles in Egypt, miracles at the Red Sea, and miracles during their forty-year journey through the wilderness. is the same Moses who said to our ancestors, ‘The Lord will raise up one from among you who will be a prophet to you, like I have been. Listen to everything he will
led the congregation in the and he spoke face-to-face with the angel who spoke with him on the top of Mount Sinai. Along with our ancestors, he received the living oracles of God that were passed down to us. our forefathers refused to obey. They pushed him away, and their hearts longed to return to Egypt.
Moses was on the mountain, our forefathers said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to lead us, because we don’t know what has become of this Moses who brought us out of
they made a god, an idol in the form of a bull calf. They offered sacrifices to it and celebrated with delight what their own hands had
God saw what they had done, he turned away from them and handed them over to the worship of the stars of as recorded in the prophetic
‘People of Israel, you failed to worship me
when you offered animal sacrifices
for forty years in the wilderness.
you worshiped the god
and you carried his tabernacle, not mine.
You worshiped your star-god,
You made idols with your hands
and worshiped them instead of me.
So now I will cast you into exile beyond Babylon.’
gave Moses the revelation of the pattern of the tabernacle of the testimony. By God’s command, he made it exactly according to the specifications given to him for our ancestors in the wilderness. next generation received possession of it, and under leadership they took possession of the land of the nations, which God drove out in front of them. The tabernacle was carried about until found loving favor with God and prayed for a dwelling place for the God of Jacob, it was Solomon who built him a
the Most High God does not live in temples made by human hands, as the prophet
is my throne room and the earth
is but a footstool for my feet.
How could you possibly build a house
that could contain me?’ says the Lord Yahweh.
‘And where could you find a place where I could live?
you know that it is my hands
that have built my not
would you be so stubborn as to close your hearts and your ears to me? You are always opposing the Holy Spirit, just like your forefathers! prophet was not persecuted and murdered by your ancestors? Name just one! They killed them all—even the ones who prophesied long ago of the coming of the Righteous One! Now you follow in their steps and have become his betrayers and murderers. have been given the law by the of angels, but you have not obeyed it.”
Stephen Is Stoned to Death
they heard these things, they were overtaken with violent rage filling their souls, and they gnashed their teeth at him. Stephen, overtaken with great was full of the Holy Spirit. He fixed his gaze into the heavenly realm and saw the glory and splendor of God—and Jesus, who stood up at the right hand of God.
Stephen said. “I can see the heavens opening and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God to welcome me
accusers covered their ears with their hands and screamed at the top of their lungs to drown out his voice. they pounced on him and threw him outside the city walls to stone him. His accusers, one by one, placed their outer garments at the feet of a young man named Saul of
they hurled stone after stone at him, Stephen prayed, “Our Lord Jesus, accept my spirit into your presence.” crumpled to his knees and shouted in a loud voice, “Our Lord, don’t hold this sin against And then he died.
a 7:2 The entire Hebrew family, and consequently the life of believers today, all began with a divine encounter as the God of glory appeared before Abraham. It is this same glory that calls people to faith in Christ. We, like Abraham, have been captured by the God of glory. See 2 Peter 1:3 .
b 7:2 Or “Mesopotamia,” or “the land between two rivers” (Euphrates and Tigris).
c 7:2 This is the city to which Abraham migrated on his way to the promised land. Haran was also the son of Caleb who claimed a mountain. Haran means “mountain climber.”
d 7:3 See Gen. 12:1.
e 7:4 Or “the land of Chaldeans.”
f 7:5 See Deut. 2:5.
g 7:6 See Gen. 15:13–14; Ex. 2:22; 12:40.
h 7:7 See Ex. 3:12.
i 7:10 See Gen. 41:37–44.
j 7:11 See Gen. 41:54; 42:5.
k 7:13 See Gen. 45:1.
l 7:16 The Aramaic is “his [Jacob’s] bones,” while every Greek manuscript is “their bones.” Jacob was buried in Abraham’s tomb according to Gen. 50:1–14. Joseph was buried in a plot purchased in Shechem for one hundred pieces of silver (Gen. 33:18–20; Josh. 24:32).
m 7:18 The Greek is “another of a different kind [or ‘character’].”
n 7:18 See Ex. 1:7–8.
o 7:19 The Aramaic can also be translated “forced them to abort their children.”
p 7:20 Or “beautiful [well pleasing] in the eyes of God.” The Aramaic is “He was loved by God.” Ancient Hebrew scholars believed Moses may have had a shining of glory on his countenance when he was born, distinguishing him as a special servant of the Lord God. This shining face would later mark him as one who dwelt in the presence of the Lord (Ex. 34:29). Moses was a type or picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. No one was fairer than he; but no one was more extraordinary than our Lord. We learn from Ex. 6:20 that Moses’ father was Amram and his mother was Jochebed. Amram means “family of the lofty One” and Jochebed means “Yah makes great.” The sister of Moses was Miriam (the Hebrew name for Mary), which comes from the root word for “myrrh,” meaning “aromatic,” “fragrant,” or “bitter.” The name Moses means “rescued out of the water.”
q 7:20 See Heb. 11:23 .
r 7:22 Jewish tradition is that Pharaoh’s daughter had no child of her own and she herself was an only child. Moses stood in line to receive the throne of Egypt, the great world power. God was going to prepare a servant who would do his pleasure. All the education and culture of this world dynasty with its unlimited resources was placed before Moses. See Ps. 113:7– 8 .
s 7:28 See Ex. 2:14. Moses missed God’s timing. To know God’s will doesn’t mean you know God’s timing. God made Moses a ruler and a judge, but it took forty years to prepare him. Moses wanted the position forty years before he was ready. No one can make himself ruler and judge—only God has authority to set leaders in place. We cannot raise ourselves up with ministry responsibilities until God releases us. See also Prov. 8:16 .
t 7:29 See Heb. 11:24– 27 .
u 7:30 As translated from the Aramaic.
v 7:30 See Ex. 3:2.
w 7:32 As translated from the Aramaic.
x 7:33 Removing one’s shoes indicated the highest reverence. It is symbolic of removing earthly matters from our minds and hearts in readiness to accept spiritual realities.
y 7:33 Or “you are standing on ground that is set apart” (sacred).
z 7:34 The Aramaic is “I have seen their torment.”
aa 7:34 See Ex. 3:6–10.
ab 7:37 As translated from the Aramaic.
ac 7:37 As translated from the Aramaic. See Deut. 18:15.
ad 7:38 Or “Moses is the one who was in the assembly in the wilderness.”
ae 7:40 The Aramaic is “We don’t know who this Moses is.” See Ex. 32:1, 23.
af 7:41 Or “They had a party in honor of what their own hands had made.”
ag 7:42 This was in violation of Deut. 4:19; 17:2–5.
ah 7:42 See Amos 5:25–27.
ai 7:43 This was the Canaanite god of the sun and sky.
aj 7:43 Or “Derphan,” or “Remphan.” This is the Assyrian deity also referred to as Saturn.
ak 7:45 In Aramaic-Hebrew, the spelling of Joshua and Jesus is the same: Yeshua .
al 7:47 See 2 Chron. 5.
am 7:48 See Isa. 66:1–2.
an 7:50 Or “all these things.”
ao 7:53 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “by angelic decrees.”
ap 7:55 As translated from the Aramaic.
aq 7:56 Jesus sits at the right hand of God, but when he saw Stephen give his last breath for the gospel, he stood to welcome his martyr into his eternal reward.
ar 7:58 That is, Saul, who would be converted and become Paul the apostle. Stephen’s graduation was Paul’s initiation.
as 7:60 See Luke 23:34 , 46 .
Saul Persecutes the Believers
Saul agreed to be an accomplice to Stephen’s stoning and participated in his execution. From that day on, a great persecution of the church in Jerusalem began. All the believers scattered into the countryside of Judea and among the Samaritans, except the apostles who remained behind in Jerusalem. men gave Stephen a proper burial and mourned greatly over his death.
Saul mercilessly persecuted the church of God, going from house to house into the homes of believers to arrest both men and women and drag them off to prison.
The Stoning of Stephen
As they hurled stone after stone at him, Stephen prayed, “Our Lord Jesus, accept my spirit into your presence.” He crumpled to his knees and shouted in a loud voice, “Our Lord, don’t hold this sin against them.” And then he died.
Acts
ARTIST NOTES
In 35 AD, just a few years after Christ’s crucifixion, a young Christ-follower named Stephen is thrown into the street to be stoned to death. Religious leaders, upset that Stephen has the courage to boldly speak out for Jesus, decide it’s time to punish him. His actions are politically incorrect, so they pick up stones, and a good man’s life is taken.
Thousands of years later, many Stephens continue to feel the painful impact of rocks hurled by misguided people. We are a bit more subtle in our punishments, but we still let the stones fly. Stones in the shape of angry words. Rocks jagged with hatred toward another person with different opinions. We may not kill others physically, but we intimidate hearts, execute characters, and bury reputations.
Just as Jesus stood there giving Stephen strength and courage in the face of evil, he now stands to give courage to each of us who suffers from any form of hatred, cruelty, or malice.
Chances are, you have been on one or both sides of the stones. If you have ever been hit by hate stones, I pray you forgive those who threw them. If you threw rocks yourself, I pray you stop. May your last stone truly be your last one.
FIND YOUR STORY
Does this convict you too? It makes me want to be even more careful with my words.
Ephesians 4:29 reminds us that our words should not be “ugly or hateful.” Rather, we must always speak encouraging, grace-filled words, much like Stephen on that fateful day. What side of the stone have you been on lately? On what side has it been more challenging for you to forgive?
Have you ever said something less than favorable about someone because you thought they might have said something less than favorable about you? Talk about a vain and backward attempt (definitely not God’s way) to defend oneself. Philippians 4:8 tells us to only entertain thoughts we know for certain are true. Why do we need to place our confidence in the Lord when it comes to our relationships? Read Proverbs
After Stephen told the crowd he saw “the heavens opening and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” to welcome him home, according to Acts his accusers threw their coats at Saul of Tarsus’ feet, right before they murdered Stephen. How do you think Stephen’s final words might have impacted Saul before and after he became the great apostle Paul? Can you think of someone who was positively influenced by seeing you respond to persecution or mistreatment with a shower of God’s love?
How has God changed your heart and behavior toward people you would have retaliated against in the past? Are you able to pray, Lord, don’t hold this sin against If not, ask the Lord to give you a forgiving heart.
The Gospel Spreads to Samaria
the believers were scattered by persecution, they preached the wonderful news of the word of God wherever they went. traveled to a Samaritan and preached to them the wonderful news of the Anointed One. crowds were eager to Philip’s message and were persuaded by the many miracles and wonders he performed. demon-possessed people were set free and delivered as evil spirits came out of them with loud screams and shrieks, and many who were lame and paralyzed were also resulted in an uncontainable joy filling the city!
Simon the Sorcerer Converted
there was a man who lived there who was steeped in sorcery. For some time he had astounded the people of Samaria with his magic, boasting to be someone from the least to the greatest among them, was dazzled by his saying, “This man is the greatest wizard of all! The divine power of God walks among us!” many years everyone was in awe of him because of his astonishing displays of the magic arts.
as Philip preached the wonderful news of God’s kingdom realm, and the name of Jesus the Anointed One, many believed his message and were baptized, both men and women. Simon believed and was baptized! Wherever Philip went, Simon was right by his side, astounded by all the miracles, signs, and enormous displays of power that he witnessed.
the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had accepted God’s message of life, they sent Peter and John pray over them so that they would receive the Holy they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and were yet to have the Holy Spirit fall upon them. soon as Peter and John arrived, they laid their hands on the Samaritan believers, one after another, and the Holy Spirit fell and filled each one of
Simon saw how the Holy Spirit was released through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he approached them and offered them money, “I want this power too. I’m willing to pay you for the that you have, so that I also can lay my hands on everyone to receive the Holy Spirit.”
rebuked him and said, “Your money will go with you to destruction! How could you even think that you could purchase God’s supernatural gift with money? will never have this gift or take part in this for your heart is not right with God. this moment for allowing such wickedness to fill you. Plead with the Lord that perhaps he would forgive you the treachery of your heart. I discern that jealous has poisoned you and binds you as a captive to sin.”
begged, “Peter, please pray to God for me. Plead with him so that nothing you just said over me may come to pass!”
Philip and the Ethiopian
Peter and John had testified and taught the word of God in that city, they returned to Jerusalem, stopping at many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the hope of the
the Lord’s angel said to Philip, “Now go south from Jerusalem on the desert road to Gaza.” left immediately on his assignment.
Along the way he encountered an Ethiopian who believed in the God of the who was the minister of finance for Candace, queen of Ethiopia. He was on his way home from worshiping God in Jerusalem. he rode along in his chariot, he was reading from the scroll of Isaiah.
Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go and walk alongside the chariot.”
Philip ran to catch up. As he drew closer he overheard the man reading from the scroll of Isaiah the prophet. Philip asked him, “Sir, do you understand what you’re reading?”
man answered, “How can I possibly make sense of this without someone explaining it to So he invited Philip up into his chariot to sit with him.
portion from Isaiah he was reading was this:
He was led away to the slaughter
like a lamb to be offered.
He was like a lamb that is silent
before those who sheared him—
he never even opened his mouth.
his lowliness justice was stripped away from
And who could fully express his struggles?
For his life was taken from the
Ethiopian asked Philip, “Please, can you tell me who the prophet is speaking of? Is it himself or another man?”
started with this passage and shared with him the wonderful message of Jesus.
they were traveling down the road, the man said, “Look, here’s a pool of water. Why don’t I get baptized right now?”
replied, “If you believe with all your heart, I’ll baptize you.”
The man answered, “I believe that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of
Ethiopian stopped his chariot, and they went down into the and Philip baptized him. they came up out of the water, Philip was suddenly snatched up by the Spirit of the Lord and instantly carried away to the city of where he reappeared, preaching the gospel in that city.
The man never saw Philip again. He returned to Ethiopia full of great joy. Philip, however, traveled on to all of the towns of that region, bringing them the good news, until he arrived at
a 8:5 Or “the main city of Samaria.” Many believe this was the Samaritan city of Sebaste.
b 8:6 As translated from the Aramaic, which indicates they did more than just hear the good news; they silenced those who said anything against Philip’s message.
c 8:7 Healings, miracles, and deliverances were being accomplished through others, not just the apostles.
d 8:9 The Aramaic is “He boasted of himself, saying, ‘I am the great god!’ ”
e 8:10 The Aramaic is “They were all praying to him” or “bowing down to him.”
f 8:15 Or “take hold of the Holy Spirit.”
g 8:17 Implied in the text. The Greek is “They took hold of the Holy Spirit.” That is, the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them and filled them.
h 8:19 Or “authority.”
i 8:21 Or “You have no part with us in this word” ( logos ). The Aramaic is “You have no portion in this faith.”
j 8:23 Or “bitter anger.”
k 8:25 As translated from the Aramaic.
l 8:27 Implied by the Aramaic word mhymna , a hom*onym that can mean “believer” or “eunuch.” It is difficult to understand why a minister of finance would need to become a eunuch.
m 8:31 Or “unless someone guide me.”
n 8:33 Which means he had no one there to defend him and stand up for justice.
o 8:33 As translated from the Aramaic. Both the Greek and the Aramaic are difficult to translate. The Greek is “Who can describe his posterity?” or “Who could describe the [evil] people of his time?” The Aramaic word for “struggles” (sufferings) and “generation” is the hom*onym darreh . See Isa. 53:7–8.
p 8:37 Although only a few later Greek manuscripts include v. 37, it is found in one of the oldest Aramaic texts (Harklean Syriac Version, AD 616) and one Greek uncial from the eighth century. There is widespread consensus among scholars of both Greek and Aramaic texts that v. 37 was added as an ancient Christian confession of faith.
q 8:38 There was no need to go down into the water if it was a baptism of sprinkling. Philip immersed the believing Ethiopian man in baptism.
r 8:39–40 Or “Azotus.” This translation of Philip was an amazing miracle, as the city of Ashdod would have been fifteen miles or more from the desert road to Gaza. This miracle of being translated also took place with Ezekiel. See Ezek. 3:12–15.
s 8:39–40 This prominent Roman city was also known as Caesarea by the Sea.
Saul Encounters Jesus
those days, Saul, full of angry threats and wanted to murder the disciples of the Lord Jesus. So he went to ask the high priest requested a letter of authorization he could take to the Jewish leaders in requesting their cooperation in finding and arresting any who were followers of the Saul wanted to capture all of the believers he found, both men and women, and drag them as prisoners back to Jerusalem. he obtained the authorization and left for Damascus.
Just outside the city, a brilliant light flashing from heaven suddenly exploded all around him. to the ground, he heard a booming voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting
men accompanying Saul were stunned and speechless, for they heard a heavenly voice but could see no one.
Saul replied, “Who are you, Lord?”
“I am Jesus, the the one you are Now, get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you are to do.”
stood to his feet, and even though his eyes were open he could see nothing—he was blind. So the men had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. three days he didn’t eat or drink and couldn’t see a thing.
in Damascus was a believer named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling his name. “Ananias.”
“Yes, Lord,” Ananias answered.
Lord said, “Go at once to the street called and look for a man from named Saul. You will find him at Judah’s While he was he saw in a supernatural vision a man named coming to lay hands upon him to restore his
Lord,” Ananias replied, “many have told me about his terrible persecution of those in Jerusalem who are devoted to fact, the high priest has authorized him to seize and imprison all those in Damascus who call on your name.”
Lord answered him, “Arise and go! I have chosen this man to be my special He will be brought before kings, before many nations, and before the Jewish people to give them the revelation of who I am. I will show him how much he is destined to because of his passion for me.”
left and found the house where Saul was staying. He went inside and laid hands on him, saying, “Saul, my brother, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me to pray for you so that you might see again and be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit.”
at once, the crusty substance that was over Saul’s eyes disappeared and he could see perfectly. Immediately, he got up and was baptized. eating a his strength
the he was in the synagogues, preaching about Jesus and proclaiming, “Jesus is the Son of who heard him were astonished, saying among themselves, “Isn’t this the Saul who furiously persecuted those in Jerusalem who called on the name of Jesus? Didn’t he come here with permission from the high priest to drag them off and take them as prisoners?”
power increased greatly as he became more and more proficient in proving that Jesus was the anointed Messiah. Saul remained there for several days with the disciples, even though it agitated the Jews of Damascus.
Saul Escapes from Damascus
time passed, the Jews plotted together to kill Saul, it was revealed to him what they were about to do. They closely guarded the gates of the city and tracked his every movement so they could kill him. during the night, some of Saul’s converts helped him escape by lowering him down through an opening in the wall, hiding him in a woven
Saul Returns to Jerusalem
Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to introduce himself to the fellowship of the believers, but everyone was afraid of him because they doubted he was a true disciple. came to his defense and brought him before the apostles. Saul shared with them his supernatural experience of seeing the Lord, who spoke with him on the road to Damascus. Barnabas also told them how boldly Saul preached throughout the city in Jesus’ mighty name.
they accepted him as a brother and he remained with them, joining them wherever they went in Jerusalem, boldly preaching in the power and authority of openly debated with some of the Jews who had adopted the Greek yet they were secretly plotting to murder him. the believers discovered their scheme, they smuggled him out of the city and took him to Caesarea and then sent him on to
this, the church all over Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a season of The congregations grew larger and larger, with the believers being empowered and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. They worshiped God in wonder and and walked in the fear of the Lord.
Peter Heals Aeneas
Peter was from place to place, he visited God’s devoted ones in the village of met a man there named who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Anointed One instantly and divinely heals you. Now, get up and make your bed.”
at once he stood to his feet. And when all the people of Lydda and Sharon saw him, they became believers in the
Peter Raises the Dead
there was a follower of Jesus who lived in Joppa. Her Aramaic name, Tabitha, means She lived her life doing kind things for others and serving the poor. then she became very ill and died. After the disciples prepared her body for they laid her in an upstairs room.
the believers heard that Peter was nearby in Lydda, they sent two men with an urgent message for him to come without delay. Peter went with them back to Joppa, and upon arriving they led him to the upper room.
There were many widows standing next to Peter, weeping. One after another showed him the tunics and other garments that Tabitha had made to bless others. made them all leave the Then he knelt down and prayed. Turning to the dead body, he said, “Tabitha, rise up!”
At once she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers and all the widows to come and see that she was alive!
news spread all over the city of Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. remained in Joppa for several more days as a guest at the house of Simon the
a 9:1 As translated from the Aramaic.
b 9:2 Or “synagogues of Damascus.”
c 9:2 The “Way” is Jesus Christ, the way that God dispenses himself into human beings. He lives inside of those who believe in him. See John 14:6 . “The Way” is also a term Luke uses throughout the book of Acts to designate believers in Jesus.
d 9:4 To persecute the church is to persecute Jesus. He is one with his beloved church. See Zech. 2:8.
e 9:5–7 As translated from the Aramaic, which uses the word scion . Although scion is often translated “branch” (Nazarene), it can also be mean “victorious” or “heir of a mighty family.”
f 9:5–7 The Aramaic adds a line here that can be translated “Is it hard for you to rear up against a scorpion’s stinger [or “goads”]?”
g 9:11–12 As translated from the Aramaic, or “Fat Street.” The Greek is “Straight Street.” As the straightest street in the city, this is the main east-west thoroughfare in Damascus, which is known today as Midhat Pasha Souq. Damascus, only 190 miles northeast of Jerusalem, in 2017 has a population of about two million and is considered to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Many remnants of the Roman occupation, including two-thirds of the walls of the city, can still be seen today. The conversion of Saul the legalist into Paul the grace preacher has a significant lesson for us. We can be amazingly wrong while thinking we are doing right. The Holy Spirit awakens our hearts to feast on Christ, our righteousness. Religion has a deadening effect on our hearts. Like Saul, we have to fall off our “high horse” and bite the dust before our blinded eyes can see.
h 9:11–12 Tarsus, or Cilicia, is in southeastern Turkey. Tarsus means “a basket.” See v. 25.
i 9:11–12 Or “Judas’ house.” (Judah’s house is the house of praise).
j 9:11–12 Made explicit from the text.
k 9:11–12 Ananias means “the Lord’s gracious gift.” He truly was the Lord’s gracious gift to Paul, who was healed by God’s gracious gift. The word grace is found 125 times in the New Testament, and Paul uses the word 120 times.
l 9:11–12 Ananias means “Yah is merciful.” This is a wonderful play on words in the Aramaic, for God is about to show mercy to Saul and is asking Ananias to live up to his name.
m 9:13 Or “your holy ones.”
n 9:15 As translated from the Aramaic word for “Yahweh,” MarYah .
o 9:15 Or “tool.”
p 9:16 Or “experience.”
q 9:19 Some Aramaic manuscripts add, “He accepted the message of salvation,” or “He received the hope” (of the kingdom).
r 9:19 The sentence “Saul remained with the disciples for several days” has been placed in v. 22 as a concluding statement of the narrative.
s 9:20 As translated from the Aramaic.
t 9:20 Or “This Man is the Son of God.”
u 9:25 See 2 Cor. 11:33 .
v 9:27 See Acts 4:36– 37 .
w 9:28 Or “in the name of Jesus.”
x 9:29 Or “Hellenist Jews.” These were Jews who had adopted the Greek culture and language, as opposed to the orthodox Jews, who were strictly following Hebrew culture. The respected historian Josephus writes in AD 44, in his book of Jewish wars, that Greek was not the predominant language spoken in Israel. (See Antiquities xx, xi, 2.) The Hellenists were Jewish immigrants who had lived in Alexandria, Greece, and in Rome. They would have learned Greek culture and language as well as Hebrew.
y 9:30 Tarsus was a city in south-central Turkey, about ten miles from the Mediterranean coast. Saul’s family originated from Tarsus, but he grew up in Jerusalem as an orthodox Jew.
z 9:31 The “church” in a region is mentioned here, “Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.” Even though great cultural distinctions existed between them, the Holy Spirit had made them one church.
aa 9:31 Implied in the Hebraic concept of “the fear of the Lord,” which means more than just dread or terror. It also includes “to worship with awe.”
ab 9:32 Or “traveling.”
ac 9:32 Lydda (Aramaic, Lod ) means “strife.”
ad 9:33 Aeneas means “praise.” “Praise” had been paralyzed for eight years. Eight is the number of a new beginning.
ae 9:35 Or “they turned to the Lord.”
af 9:36 Or “Dorcas,” which is the Greek word for “deer.” The name Dorcas is also found in v. 39 in the Greek.
ag 9:37 Or “washed her body.” By implication they prepared her for burial.
ah 9:40 The Greek word used here is ekballo , a strong word that can mean “drive out” or “cast out.”
ai 9:43 Or “Simon Berseus.”
An Angel Comes to Cornelius
that time there was a Roman military officer, Cornelius, who was in charge of one hundred men stationed in Caesarea. He was the captain of the Italian devout man of extraordinary character who worshiped God and prayed regularly, together with all his family. He also had a heart for the poor and gave generously to help them.
afternoon about three o’clock, he had an open vision and saw the angel of God appear right in front of him, calling out his name, “Cornelius!”
he was overcome with fear by the sight of the angel. He asked, “What do you want, Lord?”
The angel said, “All of your prayers and your generosity to the poor have ascended before God as an eternal send some men to Joppa at once. Have them find a man named Simon the is staying as a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
the angel left, Cornelius called for two of his servants and a trusted, godly soldier who was his personal attaché. explained to them everything that had just happened and sent them off to Joppa.
Peter’s Trance
next day around noon, as Cornelius’ men were approaching Joppa, Peter went up to the flat of the house to pray. was hungry and wanted to eat, but while lunch was being prepared he fell into a trance and entered into another the heavenly realm opened up, he saw something resembling a large linen tablecloth that descended from above, being let down to the earth by its four corners. it floated down he saw that it held many kinds of four-footed animals, reptiles, and wild birds.
voice said to him, “Peter, go and prepare them to be eaten.”
replied, “There’s no way I could do that, Lord, for I’ve never eaten anything forbidden or impure according to our Jewish
voice spoke again. “Nothing is unclean if God declares it to be
vision was repeated three Then suddenly the linen sheet was snatched back up into heaven.
was so stunned by the vision that he couldn’t stop wondering about what all it meant.
Meanwhile, Cornelius’ men had learned where Peter was staying and at that same moment were standing outside the gate.
called out to those in the house, “Is this where Simon, the is staying?”
Peter was in deep thought, trying to interpret the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Go downstairs now, for three men are looking for you. Don’t hesitate to go with because I have sent them.”
went downstairs to the men and said, “I believe I’m the one you’re looking for. What brings you here?”
answered, “We serve Cornelius, a Roman military captain, who sent us to find you. He is a devout man of the highest integrity who God and is respected throughout the Jewish community. He was divinely instructed through the appearance of an angel to summon you to his home and to listen to the message that you would bring him.”
invited them to stay for the night as his guests. The next morning they departed, accompanied by some of the believers from Joppa.
next day they arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was waiting anxiously for them and had gathered together all of his relatives and close friends. moment Peter walked in the door, Cornelius fell at his feet to worship him. Peter pulled him to his feet and said, “Stand up, for I’m only a man and no different from you.”
talked together and then went inside, where Peter found a large gathering waiting to hear his
said to them, “You all know that it is against the Jewish laws for me to associate with or even visit the home of one who is not a Jew. Yet God has shown me that I should never view anyone as or ritually unclean. when you sent for me, I came without Now, may I ask why you sent for me?”
replied, “Four days ago I was and praying here in my home at this very hour, three o’clock in the afternoon, when a man in glistening clothing suddenly appeared in front of my eyes. said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayers. Your generosity to the poor has been recorded and remembered in God’s you must send for a man named Simon, the Rock, who is staying in Joppa as a guest of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ I immediately sent my men to bring you here—and you were kind enough to come. And now, here we are, all of us in God’s presence, anxious to hear the message that God has put into your heart to share with us.”
said, “Now I know for certain that God doesn’t show favoritism with but treats everyone on the same makes no difference what race of people one belongs to. If they show deep reverence for God, and are committed to doing what’s right, they are acceptable before him. sent his word to the Jewish people announcing the wonderful news of hope and through Jesus, the Anointed One, the Lord of are well aware of all that began in Galilee and spread throughout the land of Israel immediately after John preached his message of baptism.
of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with great power. He did wonderful things for others and divinely healed all who were under the tyranny of the for God had anointed him. apostles were eyewitnesses to all the that he performed throughout the land of Israel. Finally, in Jerusalem, he was crucified on a God raised him from the dead three days later, allowing him to be seen didn’t appear to everyone, but he appeared to us, his chosen witnesses. He actually ate and drank with after he rose from the
ordered us to preach and warn the that God had appointed him to be the judge of the living and the dead. not only but all of the prophets agree in their writings that everyone who believes in him receives complete of sins through the power of his name.”
The Holy Spirit Falls
Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit cascaded over all those listening to his message. Jewish brothers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on people who weren’t Jews, they heard them speaking in supernaturally given languages and passionately praising
said, “How could anyone object to these people being baptized? For they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” he instructed them to be baptized in the power of the name of Jesus, the Anointed One.
After their baptism, they asked Peter to stay with them for a few more
a 10:1 Cornelius was a centurion who was in charge of a sixth of a cohort of six hundred men. It seems likely that Cornelius was a gentile who had converted to Judaism.
b 10:4 Or “as an offering that he remembers.”
c 10:5 Or “Simon, who is also called Peter” (Rock).
d 10:9 This was common when the house was filled with smoke from the cooking fires.
e 10:10 The Greek word for “trance” ( ekstasis , from which we get the word ecstasy ) literally means “to be taken to another place” (state or realm). (See Strong’s Concordance , Gr. 1611.) He was actually taken into another realm as a trance came over him.
f 10:15 Or “purified.” The meaning of this spiritual vision is this: God has declared every human being to be of special worth and dignity. The entire world needs the gospel. The four corners of the large tablecloth represent the four corners of the earth. The clean animals represent God’s people, the Jews, and the unclean speak of the non-Jewish nations. This encounter helped Peter understand that God was about to send him off with the men who were at the door of the house, even though their religion had been labeled “unclean.”
g 10:16 Peter’s history contains a number of threes. Peter denied he knew Jesus three times, the Lord restored Peter by challenging his love three times, and here we have the vision repeated three times.
h 10:18 Or “Peter.”
i 10:19–20 Or “Don’t let prejudice keep you from going with them.” The Aramaic is literally “Don’t be divided” (in your soul).
j 10:22 Or “fears God.”
k 10:28 Or “forbidden.”
l 10:29 The Aramaic is “I was destined to come to you.”
m 10:30 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek has no mention of Cornelius fasting.
n 10:31 The Aramaic is “Your acts of righteousness are offerings before God.”
o 10:34 The Aramaic is “God is not the God of hypocrites.”
p 10:34 The Greek is “God is not one who receives masks (faces).” God doesn’t treat us according to externalities but according to what is in our hearts.
q 10:36 The Aramaic is “For the Living Expression was the inheritance of the Jewish people.”
r 10:36 Or by inference, “peace with God through Jesus Christ.” Only the Aramaic has “hope and peace.”
s 10:36 The Aramaic is “who is Master Yahweh of all.” That is, Jesus is Lord, not just for the Jewish people but for all people groups. The Aramaic is “who is Master Yahweh of all.”
t 10:38 The Greek word for “devil” can also be translated “slanderer-liar.”
u 10:39 Or “things.” By inference, the miracles of healing and deliverance.
v 10:39 Or “hung him on a tree and killed him.” See Deut. 21:23.
w 10:40 As translated from the Aramaic.
x 10:41 The word sumpino means “to drink together.” It is used only here in the New Testament and refers to being refreshed by drinking the after-dinner wine together. Jesus celebrated with his disciples after his resurrection. He still longs to celebrate with us today.
y 10:41 See Luke 24:35– 49 .
z 10:42 Or “He commanded us to tell everyone the command.”
aa 10:43 Or “cancellation.”
ab 10:46 This is the gentile Pentecost as the Holy Spirit fell on gentile believers for the first time, imparting to them the gift of tongues.
ac 10:48 At last the gospel broke through and penetrated into the non-Jewish cultures and people groups. The Holy Spirit was now uniting Jewish believers and non-Jewish believers into one mystical body of Christ on the earth. Because of this, there would no longer be a distinction between Jew and non-Jew, but one family of believers formed by faith in Jesus Christ. See Gal. 3:26– 29 . The three conversions of the Ethiopian dignitary in ch. 8, Saul of Tarsus in ch. 9, and the Roman officer Cornelius in ch. 10 prove the power of the gospel of God. One could view these three represent all of the sons of Noah: Ham (Ethiopian), Shem (Saul), and Japheth (the Roman Cornelius). A black man, a Jew, and a gentile were converted!
Ethnic Barriers Broken
news traveled fast and soon reached the apostles and the believers living in Judea that non-Jewish people were also receiving God’s message of new Peter finally arrived in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers called him to task, saying, did you stay in the home of people who aren’t Jewish? You even ate your meals with them!”
explained what had happened, saying, day when I was in the city of Joppa, while I was praying I fell into an ecstatic trance and I went into another I saw in a vision something like a linen tablecloth descending out of heaven, being let down by its four corners, and it got close to me. I examined it I saw many four-footed animals, wild animals, reptiles, and wild birds. I heard a voice say to me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat them.’
said, ‘I can’t do that, Lord! For I’ve never eaten anything that is forbidden or impure according to our Jewish laws.’
voice spoke to me again, saying, ‘Nothing is unclean if God declares it to be clean.’
vision repeated itself three times. Then suddenly the linen sheet was snatched back up into heaven. that moment three men from Caesarea, who had been sent for me, approached the house where I was staying. Spirit told me to accompany them with no questions asked. These six brothers here with me made the trip, and we entered into the home of the man who had sent for me. shared with us about the angel who appeared to him and told him to send messengers to Joppa to find Simon, the Rock. The angel had told him, will tell you and your family the message of how you can be saved!’
after I began to speak, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them, just like what happened to us at the beginning. I remembered the words the Lord had told us: ‘John immersed you in water, but you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit.’ I concluded that if God is pleased to give them the same gift of the Holy Spirit that he gave us after they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who am I to stand in the way of God?”
they heard this, their objections were put to rest and they all glorified God, saying, “Look what God has done! He’s giving the gift of repentance that leads to life to people who aren’t even Jews.”
The Church at Antioch
of the persecution triggered by Stephen’s death in Jerusalem, many of the believers were scattered. Some reached as far as the coast of the island of Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria, but they were still only preaching the word to Jews. some of the believers from Cyprus and who had come to Antioch in preached to the non-Jews living there, proclaiming the message of salvation in the Lord mighty power of the Lord was with them as they ministered, and a large number of people believed and turned their hearts to the Lord.
of what was happening in Antioch reached the church of Jerusalem, so the apostles sent Barnabas to Antioch as their emissary. he got there and witnessed for himself God’s marvelous grace, he was enthused and overjoyed. He the believers to remain faithful and cling to the Lord with passionate was a good full of the Spirit of holiness, and he exuded a life of faith. Because of his ministry even more crowds of people were brought to the Lord!
left for Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to Antioch. Saul and Barnabas ministered there for a full year, equipping the growing church and teaching the vast number of new converts. It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first revealed as “anointed
Agabus Prophesies a Coming Famine
that time there were prophets in the church of Jerusalem, and some of them came to Antioch. of them, named Agabus, stood up in one of the meetings and prophesied by the Holy Spirit that a severe famine was about to come over Israel. (This prophecy was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius they determined that each believer, according to his or her ability, would give an offering to send as relief to the brothers living in Judea. set aside the gifts and entrusted the funds to Barnabas and Saul to take to the of the church in
a 11:5 See footnote on Acts 10:10 .
b 11:19 Or “Phoenicia.”
c 11:20 A city on the coast of Libya. Some have linked the man who carried the cross of Jesus, Simon of Cyrene, to this group of missionary evangelists.
d 11:20 Antioch was important from both a commercial and a military point of view. It was the seat of the Roman governor-general, with large garrisons and military supplies stored there. It was also a center of art and culture, known for its beauty and recognized as the capital of the Syrian kingdom. The church prospered greatly in Antioch, and it became a Christian hub and headquarters for the apostles. For many centuries in church history, Antioch remained a strong witness for evangelization, sending missionaries into Persia and throughout the Roman Empire.
e 11:20 In the early days of the church, every believer was a missionary. There was a great cost involved with following Christ. They laid their lives down to serve him and to make him known among the nations. Not just the apostles, but all of the believers did their part in spreading the teachings of Jesus wherever they went.
f 11:23 Barnabas was given the nickname “Encourager.” See Acts 4:36– 37 .
g 11:23 The Aramaic is “He begged them to imitate the Lord with all their hearts.”
h 11:24 The Aramaic is “He was a blessed man.”
i 11:26 Or “Christians.” The Greek word chrematizo means “supernaturally revealed” (imparted), more than simply “called.” It was first in Antioch that the revelation came that the believers were anointed ones. See also Matt. 2:12 , where the term is used as God giving revelation in a dream.
j 11:28 This would have been about AD 45–46.
k 11:30 The Aramaic is “priests.”
l 11:30 Upon hearing the prophecy of a famine coming, the church of Antioch determined to receive an offering for the Judean believers, for the gospel came to them from Jerusalem. They gave back to the place where the gospel was sent to them.
Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison
this period King incited persecution against the church, causing great harm to the believers. even had the apostle John’s brother, Herod realized how much this pleased the Jewish leaders, he had Peter arrested and thrown into prison during the Feast of Sixteen soldiers were assigned to guard him until Herod could bring him to public trial, immediately after the Passover celebrations were over. church went into a season of intense asking God to free him.
night before Herod planned to bring him to trial, he made sure that Peter was securely bound with two chains. Peter was sound asleep between two soldiers, with additional guards stationed outside his cell door, all at once an angel of the Lord appeared, filling his prison cell with a brilliant light. The angel struck Peter on the to awaken him and said, “Hurry up! Let’s go!” Instantly the chains fell off his wrists. angel told him, “Get dressed. Put on your sandals, bring your cloak, and follow me.”
quickly left the cell and followed the angel, even though he thought it was only a dream or a vision, for it seemed unreal—he couldn’t believe it was really happening! walked unseen past the first guard post and then the second before coming to the iron gate that leads to the city—and the gate swung open all by itself right in front of them!
They went out into the city and were walking down a narrow street when all of a sudden the angel disappeared. when Peter realized that he wasn’t having a dream! He said to himself, “This is really happening! The Lord sent his angel to rescue me from the clutches of Herod and from what the Jewish leaders planned to do to me.”
he realized this, he decided to go to the home of and her son John Mark. The house was filled with people praying. he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young servant girl named got up to see who it was. she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so excited that she forgot to open the door, but ran back inside the house to announce, “Peter is standing outside!”
you crazy?” they said to her. But when she kept insisting, they answered, “Well, it must be his angel.”
Peter was still outside, knocking on the door. When they finally opened it, they were shocked to find Peter standing there.
signaled for them to be quiet as he shared with them the miraculous way the Lord brought him out of prison. Before he left he said, “Make sure you let and all of the other believers know what has happened.”
the first sign of daylight, the prison guards were in a tremendous uproar because of Peter’s disappearance. Herod ordered a thorough search for him, but no one could find him. he interrogated the guards, he ordered them executed. Then Herod left the province of Judea for Caesarea and stayed there for a period of time.
during those days, Herod was engaged in a violent dispute with the people of Tyre and So they sent a united delegation to Caesarea to appeal to him and reconcile their with the king, for Herod controlled their food supply. First they enlisted the support of his trusted personal assistant, Blastus, who secured them an appointment with the king.
the chosen day, Herod came before them, arrayed in his regal robes. Sitting on his elevated throne, he delivered a stirring public address to the people. its conclusion the people gave him a round of applause. The crowd shouted, “These are the words of a god, not a man!”
an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, an infestation of worms, because he accepted the people’s worship and didn’t give the glory to God, and he died. the hope of God’s kept spreading and multiplying everywhere!
Barnabas and Saul had delivered the charitable offering for they left Jerusalem, bringing with them a disciple named Mark (who was also known as
a 12:1 Or “King Herod Agrippa.”
b 12:2 Or “James.” Both Greek and Aramaic leave the Hebrew name as it is, Jacob. According to the Gospels, Jacob (James) and John were the first two disciples of Jesus, and Jacob was the first apostle to be martyred.
c 12:2 Or “executed by the sword.”
d 12:3–4 These events most likely took place in AD 42 or 43.
e 12:5 The Greek phrase used here for “intense intercession” means “to stretch tightly in prayer.”
f 12:7 The word translated “struck” is the same Greek word used for Jesus being “struck” for our sins ( Matt. 26:31 ). Jesus was pierced in his side to awaken hearts to God. Peter was awakened from his sleep by an angel who struck him on his side.
g 12:12 This Mary was a relative of Barnabas. See Col. 4:10 .
h 12:13 Or “Rhoda.”
i 12:17 This was Jacob (James), the brother of Jesus.
j 12:20 Tyre and Sidon are coastal cities in Lebanon, north of Israel.
k 12:20 The Aramaic can also be translated “They wanted cultivated land,” which makes sense if their food supply was running out.
l 12:24 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “the word.”
m 12:25 This is the Mark who wrote the second Gospel included in our New Testament. John (or Yochanan ) was his Jewish name; Marcus was his Roman name. Because he once abandoned Paul during a missionary journey, Paul refused to take him with him again. But later, Mark and Paul were fully restored in their ministry together. See 2 Tim. 4:11 .
Saul and Barnabas Sent Out as Apostles
the church at Antioch there were a number of prophets and teachers of the Word, including Barnabas, Simeon from Lucius the Libyan, Manean (the childhood companion of King Herod and Saul. they were worshiping as before the Lord in prayer and fasting, the Holy Spirit “I have called Barnabas and Saul to do an important work for me. Now, release to go and fulfill it.” after they had fasted and prayed, they laid hands on them and sent them
Saul and Barnabas, and their assistant Mark (known as were directed by the Holy Spirit to go to and from there they sailed to When they arrived at they went to the synagogues and declared the Word of God. there they crossed the island as far as where they encountered a Jewish false prophet, a sorcerer named who also went by the name of “son of had gained influence as the spiritual advisor to the regional governor, Sergius Paulus, considered by many to be a wise and intelligent leader. The governor requested a meeting with Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the message of God’s Elymas, whose name means stood up against them and tried to prevent the governor from believing their message.
also known as stared into his eyes and rebuked him. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he said, son of the You are full of every form of fraud and deceit and an enemy of all that is right. When will you stop perverting the truth of God into lies? this very moment the hand of God’s judgment comes down upon you and you will be blind—so blind you won’t even be able to see the light of the
As Paul spoke these words, a shadowy and darkness came over the sorcerer, leaving him blind and groping about, begging someone to lead him around by the hand. the governor witnessed this, he believed and was awestruck by the power of the message of the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Turkey
and his companions sailed from the Cyprus port of Paphos to Perga in southern John left there and returned to Jerusalem they journeyed on to the city of Antioch in the region of
On the Sabbath they went into the synagogue and took their seats. the reading from the scrolls of the books of Moses and the prophets, the leader of the sent Paul and Barnabas a message, saying, “Brothers, do you have a word of encouragement to share with us? If so, please feel free to give it.”
stood and motioned that he had something to say. He said, “Listen, all of you Jews and non-Jews who worship God. God of Israel divinely chose our ancestors to be his people. While they were enslaved in Egypt, he made them great, both in numbers and in strength, until he unveiled his mighty power and led them out of nearly forty years, he nourished them in the was the one who destroyed the seven nations inhabiting the land of and afterward gave the land to his people as their inheritance. took about four hundred and fifty
“Then God raised up deliverers for the people until the time of the prophet Samuel. people craved for a king, so God gave them one from the tribe of Benjamin: Saul, the son of Kish, who ruled for forty years. removing him, God raised up David to be king, for God said of him, ‘I have found in David, son of Jesse, a man who always pursues my and will accomplish all that I have destined him to
David’s lineage God brought Israel a Savior, just as he promised. before Jesus appeared, John preached the message of a baptism of to prepare all of Israel. John was about to finish his mission, he said repeatedly, ‘If you think that I am the one to come, you’re mistaken. He will come after me, and I don’t even deserve to stoop down and untie his sandals!’
Jews, Abraham’s descendants, and all those among you who worship and reverence God, this message of has been sent for us all to hear. the people of Jerusalem and their leaders didn’t realize who he was, nor did they understand the prophecies written of him. Yet they fulfilled those very prophecies, which they read week after week in their meetings, by condemning him to death. though they could come up with no legal grounds for the death sentence, they pleaded with Pilate to have him executed. they did to him all that was prophesied they would do.
“Then they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. God raised him from the dead! for many days afterward he appeared on numerous occasions to his disciples who knew him well and had followed him from Galilee to Jerusalem. Those disciples are now his telling the people the truth about him.
here we are to share with you some wonderful news! The promise God made to our forefathers now been fulfilled for us, their children. For God has raised Jesus from the dead, as it says in Psalms:
‘Today I reveal you as my Son, and I as your
had promised to not let him decay in the tomb or face destruction again, so God raised him from the dead. He gave this promise in the Psalms:
‘I will give to what I gave to David:
Faithful that you can
explains it further in another Psalm:
‘You will not allow your holy one to experience bodily
cannot be a reference to David, for after he passionately served God’s purpose for his generation, he died. He was buried with his ancestors and his body experienced decay. the one whom God raised from the dead has never experienced corruption in any form.
listen, friends! Through this Jesus, the of sins is offered to you. who believes in him is set free from sin and guilt—something the law of Moses had no power to do. be very careful that what the prophets warned about does not happen to you:
amazed and in agony, you
For in your day I will do something so wonderful
that when I perform mighty deeds among you,
you won’t even believe that it was I who did it!’
Paul and Barnabas started to leave, the people pleaded with them to share more about these things on the next Sabbath day. the meeting had finally broken up, many of those in attendance, both Jews and converts to Judaism, tagged along with Paul and Barnabas, who continued to persuade them to go deeper in their understanding of God’s grace.
following week, nearly everyone in the city gathered to hear the word of God. the Jewish leaders saw the size of the crowds, vicious jealousy filled their hearts and they rose up to oppose what Paul was teaching. They insulted and argued with him over everything he said.
Paul and Barnabas did not back down. Filled with courage, they boldly replied, “We were compelled to bring God’s first to you Jews. But seeing you’ve rejected this message and refuse to embrace eternal we will focus instead on the nations and offer it to them. will fulfill what the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have destined you to become
a beacon light for the nations
and release salvation to the ends of the earth!’
the non-Jewish people in the crowd heard these words, they were thrilled and they the word of the Lord. All who believed that they were destined to experience eternal life received the word spread like wildfire throughout the entire region.
Jewish leaders stirred up a violent mob against Paul and Barnabas, including many prominent and wealthy people of the city. They persecuted them and ran them out of town. they left, they shook the dust off their feet as a sign of protest against them, and they went on to the city of left the new converts in Antioch overflowing with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
a 13:1 The Aramaic word niger means “someone who works with wood, a carpenter.” The Latin word niger means “black.”
b 13:1 Or “who was like a brother to Herod the tetrarch.”
c 13:2 Or “serving the Lord.” The Greek word used here is also used for priestly duties.
d 13:2 Here we see the Lord of the harvest, the Holy Spirit, sending out laborers into the harvest field. The Holy Spirit speaks in many different ways. Perhaps he spoke a prophecy through one of the prophets in the church, or a divine voice may have interrupted their worship. God’s Spirit still speaks today in any way he chooses.
e 13:2 Or “appoint them.” The Greek word used here is found in the Septuagint of Num. 8:11 for consecrating Levites for God’s service as priests.
f 13:3 Or “dispatched them” (a military term). This was the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul as apostles. The word apostle means “sent one.” They were sent by the Holy Spirit and by the church and released as missionaries. The New Testament shows there were many other apostles besides the Twelve. See also Eph. 4:11– 13 .
g 13:4–5 Implied in the text. Seleucia (modern-day Samandag) was a coastal city in Syria from which Paul and Barnabas left with John Mark for their first missionary journey in AD 49. Seleucia means “white light.”
h 13:4–5 Cyprus was the home of Barnabas.
i 13:4–5 Salamis is a city on the southeastern coast of Cyprus. Salamis means “in the middle of salty water.”
j 13:6 Paphos is a city on the southwestern coast of Cyprus. Paphos means “boiling hot.”
k 13:6 Or “spiritual advisor.” The Greek word magos is often translated “astrologer.” Although the text does not give us his name, Elymas, until v. 8, it is included here for the sake of the English narrative.
l 13:6 Or “Bar-Jesus” (son of Joshua). The Aramaic is “Bar-Shuma.”
m 13:7 The Aramaic can be translated “the manifestation of God.”
n 13:8 The Aramaic name Elymas means “magician” or “sorcerer.” This would be similar to the Arabic name Alumas, which also means “magician.”
o 13:9 From here on in Acts, Saul is only referred to as Paul. Saul means “sought after,” and Paul means “little.” The name change is descriptive of what happened within Paul, leaving behind greatness in his own eyes and being content to be insignificant. This is the journey every believer must take.
p 13:10 Or “son of the accuser.”
q 13:11 The Aramaic is “until the end of the age.”
r 13:11 The Aramaic can be translated “gloom.”
s 13:13 Or “Pamphylia,” which may mean “a place of mingled races.” It is a region in southern Turkey.
t 13:13 The sudden departure of John from the team became an issue between Paul and Barnabas. See Acts 15:36– 39 .
u 13:14 Antioch in the region of Pisidia is situated in the Sultandag Mountains about one hundred miles north of Perga. This would have been an arduous journey from the sea into the mountains. God was directing his missionaries where to go.
v 13:15 Or “president of the synagogue.”
w 13:17 See Ex. 6:6; 12:51.
x 13:18 As translated from the Aramaic and some Greek manuscripts. See also Ex. 16:35; Num. 14:34.
y 13:19 See Deut. 7:1.
z 13:20 There is much debate over where this clause fits. It is possible that it would go with the next sentence, “For four hundred and fifty years God raised up deliverers.”
aa 13:22 See 1 Sam. 13:14; Ps. 89:19– 29 .
ab 13:22 Or “he will do all my pleasure.”
ac 13:24 The Aramaic is “the baptism of grace.”
ad 13:26 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is, “the message of salvation.” See Ps. 107:20 .
ae 13:31 The Greek word for “witnesses” can also be translated “martyrs.”
af 13:33 See Ps. 2:7 .
ag 13:34 The Greek is plural, “you all,” or “to you and yours.”
ah 13:34 Or “decrees.” See Isa. 55:3.
ai 13:34 The Aramaic is “I will give to you the grace [favor] I gave to faithful David.”
aj 13:35 See Ps. 16:10 .
ak 13:38 Or “cancellation.”
al 13:41 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “Be amazed and perish, you scoffers.”
am 13:41 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek text seems to quote from the Septuagint version of Hab. 1:5, “I am doing a work in your days that you won’t believe even when it is announced to you.”
an 13:45 Or “blasphemed.”
ao 13:46 Or “word.”
ap 13:46 Or “You view yourselves as unworthy of eternal life.”
aq 13:47 See Isa. 42:6; 49:6; 60:1–3.
ar 13:48 Or “praised.”
as 13:48 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “Those who were appointed to experience eternal life believed.” The Greek word for “appointed” can also be translated “stationed in battle order.”
at 13:51 This is present-day Konya, a large city about sixty-two miles (one hundred kilometers) from Antioch. This journey would have taken a number of days. Iconium means “small image” (idol). In Israel, Iconium is a girl’s name that means “coming.”
Miracles and Revival in Iconium
Paul and Barnabas arrived at Iconium, the same thing happened there. They went, as they always did, to the synagogue and preached to the people with such power that a large crowd of both Jews and non-Jews believed.
of the Jews refused to believe, and they began to poison the of the non-Jews to discredit the believers. Paul and Barnabas stayed there for a long time, preaching boldly and fearlessly about the Many trusted in the Lord, for he backed up his of with miracles, signs, and wonders performed by the apostles.
people of the city were split over the issue. Some sided with the apostles, and others with the Jews who refused to all the opposition factions came together, with their leaders devising a to harm Paul and Barnabas and stone them to death. the apostles learned about they escaped to the region of to the cities of and and the nearby villages. they continued to preach the hope of the
Paul and Barnabas Preach at Lystra
Lystra, Paul and Barnabas encountered a man who from birth had never walked, for he was crippled in his feet. listened carefully to Paul as he preached. All of a Paul discerned that this man had faith in his heart to be he shouted, “You! In the name of our Lord stand up on your feet!” The man instantly jumped to his feet, stood for the first time in his life, and walked!
the crowds saw the miracle Paul had done, they shouted in their own “The gods have come down to us as men!” addressed Barnabas as and Paul as because he was the spokesman.
outside of the city stood the temple of Zeus. The priest of the temple, in order to honor Paul and Barnabas, brought bulls with wreaths of flowers draped on them to the gates of the courtyard where they were The crowds clamored to offer them as sacrifices to the apostles. He even brought flower wreaths as crowns to place on their heads.
the understood what was happening, they were mortified and tore their clothes as a sign of dismay. They rushed into the crowd and shouted, what are you doing? We’re only weak human beings like everyone else. This is why we’ve come to tell you the good news, so that you would turn away from these worthless and turn to the living God. He is the Creator of all things: the earth, the heavens, the sea, and everything they contain. previous generations he allowed the nations to pursue their own ways, he has never left himself without clear evidence of his goodness. For he blesses us with rain from heaven and seasons of fruitful harvests, and he nourishes us with food to meet our needs. He satisfies our lives, and fills our hearts.”
after saying these things, they were barely able to restrain the people from offering sacrifices to them.
of the Jews who had opposed Paul and Barnabas in Antioch and Iconium arrived and stirred up the crowd against them. They stoned Paul and dragged his body outside the city and left him for dead.
the believers encircled Paul’s body, he miraculously stood Paul stood and immediately went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
preaching the wonderful news of the gospel there and winning a large number of followers to Jesus, they retraced their steps and revisited Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. each place they went, they strengthened the lives of the and encouraged them to go deeper in their faith. And they taught them, “It is necessary for us to enter into the realm of God’s kingdom, because that’s the only way we will endure our many trials and
and Barnabas ordained leaders, known as elders, from among the congregations in every church they After prayer and fasting, they publicly committed them into the care and protection of the Lord of their faith.
passing through different regions of central went to the city of Perga, preaching the life-giving message of the Afterward they journeyed down to the coast at from there they sailed back to Antioch.
With their mission complete, they returned to the church where they had originally been sent out as missionaries, for it was in Antioch where they had been handed over to God’s powerful grace. they arrived in Antioch, they gathered the church together and shared with them all of the wonderful works God had done through them and how God had opened the door of faith for the non-Jews to enter in. Paul and Barnabas stayed there for a long time in fellowship with the
a 14:2 Or “embittered their souls.”
b 14:3 The Aramaic uses the phrase “the Lord Yahweh,” referring to Jesus Christ.
c 14:3 The Aramaic is “manifestation of grace.”
d 14:3 The Greek word for grace, charis , means “that which brings delight, joy, pleasure, and sweetness.” (See Strong’s Concordance , Gr. 5485.)
e 14:5 The Aramaic is “They issued a decree” (death sentence).
f 14:6 Although not clearly stated, it is possible that it was by supernatural revelation that Paul and Barnabas learned of the plot to kill them.
g 14:6 Lyconia means “land of the wolf.”
h 14:6 Lystra means “ransomed” or “set free.”
i 14:6 Derbe means “tanner” or “one who covers with skins.” The journey from Iconium to these cities would have been about twenty-two miles (thirty-five kilometers).
j 14:7 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “the good news.”
k 14:9 There is an implication in the Greek that Paul was watching this man and waited until he saw faith rise in the man’s heart for his healing.
l 14:9 The same phrase, “to be healed,” is consistently translated elsewhere in the New Testament as “to be saved.” To be saved and to be healed are synonymous.
m 14:10 As translated from the Aramaic. This clause is absent in the Greek.
n 14:11 That is, the Lyconian language.
o 14:12 The Aramaic is “the master of deities,” and the Latin is “Jupiter.” Also found in v. 13.
p 14:12 Hermes was considered to be the messenger god, whom the Romans called Mercury. In Ovid’s famous story Metamorphoses , there is an account of Philemon and Baucis from Lystra, who took in two strangers (Zeus and Hermes) and welcomed them into their home. But the rest of the village rejected them, and for that the village was destroyed—only Philemon and Baucis survived. That story was no doubt in the minds of the people when they welcomed Barnabas and Paul. They did not want to make the same mistake as their ancestors. (See Ovid, Metamorphoses 8.611–725.) Archeologists have found a stone altar near Lystra with an inscription dedicating it to Zeus and Hermes.
q 14:13 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is ambiguous and could be “the gates of the temple” or “the gates of the city.”
r 14:14 The book of Acts clearly states that there were more than twelve apostles who were recognized by the church. Barnabas is described multiple times as an apostle. Ephesians 4:11– 13 says that apostles and prophets will minister and equip the body of Christ until we are complete and restored into Christ’s fullness.
s 14:15 Implied in the text, which is simply “things.”
t 14:17 See footnote on Acts 2:28 .
u 14:20 The Greek word used here, anistemi , is used twenty-seven times in the New Testament for people being raised from the dead.
v 14:22 The Aramaic is “they confirmed their spirit of discipleship.”
w 14:22 That is, the only way to avoid the oppression of the age is to enter deeper into God’s kingdom realm. An alternate translation would be “Through great tribulation we enter into God’s kingdom realm.” Neither translation of this sentence implies a future kingdom, but a kingdom realm that is presently accessible.
x 14:23 The appointment of elders among the people dates back to the days of Moses in the wilderness. See Ex. 18:21, where the word used to describe these leaders is khayil , or “mighty men of valor.” The word khayil is also used for the radiant church (commonly known as the “virtuous woman” found in Prov. 31 ). These elders were the pastors and leaders of the churches, ordained by the apostles. See also Heb. 13:17 ; 1 Tim. 3 ; Titus 1 .
y 14:24 Or “After they had passed through Pisidia, they went into Pamphylia.”
z 14:25 Or “the manifestation of Lord Yahweh,” as translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “the word of the Lord.”
aa 14:25 Or “Attalia.” Antalya is a city on the southwestern coast of Turkey.
ab 14:28 This would have been AD 47–48, when Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians, the region they had visited during their first missionary journey. Antioch of Syria is here seen as the center of the missionary enterprise as the church hosts the anointed apostles Paul and Barnabas, who taught the church during their time there. For many centuries Antioch of Syria was considered a major Christian center. Into the fourth century, it was noted as having schools of theology and institutions of learning.
The Jerusalem Council of Apostles
Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, some false teachers came from Judea to trouble the believers. They taught, “Unless you are circumcised, as the law of Moses requires, you cannot be saved.” sparked a fierce argument between the false teachers and Paul and Barnabas. So the church appointed a delegation of believers, including Paul and Barnabas, to go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders of the church and resolve this issue. the church sent them on their way.
As they passed through and Samaria, they stopped to share with the believers how God was converting many from among the non-Jewish Hearing this report brought great joy to all the churches.
they finally arrived in Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders. They explained to them everything God had done among them. some of the believers who were of the religious group called “separated were insistent, saying, “We must continue the custom of circumcision and require that the people the law of Moses.”
the apostles and elders met privately to discuss the matter further. a lengthy debate, Peter rose to his feet and said to them, “Brothers, you know how God has chosen from the beginning to preach the wonderful news of the gospel to the non-Jewish nations. who knows the hearts of every person, confirmed this when he gave them the Holy Spirit, just like he has given the Spirit to now, not one thing separates us as Jews and gentiles, for when they believe he makes their hearts pure. why on earth would you now limit God’s by placing a yoke of religious duties on the shoulders of the believers that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? you believe that we are introduced to eternal life through the grace of our Lord Jesus—the same grace that has brought these people new life?”
became silent and listened carefully as Paul and Barnabas shared with the council at length about the signs and wonders and miracles God had worked through them while ministering to the non-Jewish people.
they had finished, Jacob took the floor and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, listen. has explained thoroughly that God has determined to win a people for himself from among the non-Jewish nations. the prophet’s words are fulfilled:
these things I will return to you
and raise up the tabernacle of David
that has fallen into ruin.
I will restore and rebuild what David experienced
that all of humanity will be able to encounter the Lord
including the gentiles whom I have called
to be my very own,’ says the Lord.
I have made known my works from
in my judgment, we should not add any unnecessary burden upon the non-Jewish converts who are turning to God. will go to them as and teach them to be set free from offering sacrifices to idols, sexual immorality, and eating anything strangled or with any many generations these words of Moses have been proclaimed every Sabbath day in the synagogues.”
The Apostles’ Letter to the Non-Jewish People
apostles and elders and the church of Jerusalem chose delegates to go to Antioch in Syria. They chose Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leaders in the church, to accompany Paul and Barnabas. sent with them this letter:
“Greetings from the apostles and pastors, and from your fellow believers—to our non-Jewish brothers and sisters living in Antioch in Syria and the nearby
are aware that some have come to you from the church of Jerusalem. These men were not sent by us, but came with false teachings that have brought confusion and division, telling you to keep the law and be circumcised—things we never commanded them to after deliberation, we’re sending you our beloved brothers Paul and Barnabas, who have risked their for the glory of the name of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. They are accompanied by Judas and Silas, whom we have unanimously chosen to send as our representatives to you. They will validate all that we’re wanting to share with
it pleases the Holy Spirit and that we not place any unnecessary burden on you, except for the following restrictions: away from anything sacrificed to a pagan idol, from eating what is strangled or with any blood, and from any form of sexual immorality. You will be beautiful if you keep your souls from these things, and you will be true and faithful to our Lord Jesus. May God bless you!”
sent the four men off for Antioch, and after gathering the regional church together, they delivered the letter. the people heard the letter read out loud, they were overjoyed and delighted by its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who were both prophets, spoke to them affirming that strengthened the
the four men spent some time there, the church sent them off in peace to return to the apostles in only Judas Paul, Barnabas, and Silas stayed in Antioch, where they and many others preached and taught the wonderful message of the word of God.
Paul and Barnabas Disagree
some days, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s travel to the regions where we’ve preached the word of God and see how the believers are getting along.”
wished to take Mark (also known as John) along with them, Paul disagreed. He didn’t think it was proper to take the one who had deserted them in south-central leaving them to do their missionary work without him. became a heated argument between them, a disagreement so sharp that they parted from each other. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Paul chose as his partner.
After the believers prayed for them, asking for the Lord’s favor on their ministry, they left Syria and southeast Every place they went, they left the church stronger and more encouraged than before.
a 15:3 Or “Phoenicia.”
b 15:3 The Aramaic is “the reconciliation of the gentiles.”
c 15:5 Or “Pharisees.” The legalism of the Pharisees continued even among some believers, who were still bound in the expressions of external religion.
d 15:5 The Aramaic is “to put a fence around the Torah”; that is, to guard the Torah and keep it as a sacred duty to man. The apostolic council of Acts 15 makes it clear that gentile believers had no obligation to keep that “fence” around the Torah (observing the Mosaic laws).
e 15:7 The wording of the Aramaic text is different, stating, “God chose the gentiles from the beginning to hear the manifestation of the gospel from my mouth and to believe.”
f 15:8 This is in reference to the events of Acts 10– 11 .
g 15:10 The text is “testing [provoking] God”; e.g., by limiting his grace among the gentiles.
h 15:18 As translated from the Aramaic. This prophecy (vv. 16–18) is found in Amos 9:11–12.
i 15:20 Or “We will be apostles [sent ones] to them.” As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “to send a message” (letter).
j 15:20 See Lev. 17:12–16.
k 15:23 Or “Cilicia,” which is the southwestern region of coastal Turkey that borders Syria.
l 15:24 As translated from the Aramaic and implied in the Greek. The Greek does not make explicit the false teaching, but says simply, “They have upset and unsettled you.”
m 15:25–27 The Aramaic is “they have devoted their souls.”
n 15:25–27 Significant changes in the order of the clauses in these three verses have been made for the sake of clarity of the English narrative.
o 15:28 Or “the Holy Spirit and we have determined” (decided).
p 15:29 As translated from the Aramaic.
q 15:32 The Aramaic is “an abundant word” or “a rich word.”
r 15:32 The ministry of the New Testament prophet is to strengthen the church.
s 15:33 Or “sent them with peace back to those who sent them.”
t 15:34–35 The most reliable Greek manuscripts do not mention Silas remaining in Antioch. However, many manuscripts include this information, such as the Aramaic, codices D and C, the Harklean Syriac Version of AD 616, the Sahidic Version of the second to third centuries, and the St. Ephraim of Syria version of the fourth century. Regardless, v. 40 indicates that Silas did remain behind. An argument could be made that copyists inserted the data in v. 34 to explain the presence of Silas from v. 40.
u 15:38 Or “Pamphylia.”
v 15:40 The apostle Silas was acknowledged in church history as one of the seventy apostles whom Jesus sent out. See Luke 10:1– 11 . After his missionary journey with Paul, he remained in Corinth and ministered there until his death.
w 15:41 Or “Cilicia.”
Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
and Silas came to the city of Derbe and then went on to the hometown of a believer named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish follower of Jesus, but his father was not a was well known and highly respected among all the believers of Lystra and Iconium. recognized God’s favor on Timothy’s life and wanted him to accompany them in ministry, but Paul had Timothy circumcised first because of the significant Jewish community living in the region, and everyone knew that Timothy’s father wasn’t a Jew.
went out together as missionaries, traveling to different cities where they preached and informed the churches of the decrees of the apostolic council of Jerusalem for the non-Jewish converts to observe. the churches were growing daily and were encouraged and strengthened in their faith.
Paul’s Vision of the Man from Macedonia
Holy Spirit had forbidden Paul and his partners to preach the word in the southwestern provinces of so they ministered throughout the region of central and west-central they got as far west as the borders of Mysia, they repeatedly attempted to go north into the province of but again the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to instead they went right on through the province of Mysia to the seaport of Troas.
staying there Paul experienced a supernatural, ecstatic vision during the night. A man from Macedonia appeared before him, pleading with him, “You must come across the sea to Macedonia and help us!”
Paul had this vision, immediately prepared to cross over to Macedonia, convinced that God himself was calling us to go and preach the wonderful news of the gospel to them.
Paul Arrives at Philippi
Troas we sailed a straight course to the island of Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis. we reached Philippi, a major in the Roman colony of Macedonia, and we remained there for a number of
the Sabbath day came, we went outside the gates of the city to the nearby river, for there appeared to be a house of prayer and worship Sitting on the riverbank we struck up a conversation with some of the women who had gathered there. of them was Lydia, a business-woman from the city of Thyatira who was a dealer of exquisite purple and a Jewish convert. While Paul shared the good news with her, God opened her heart to receive Paul’s devoted herself to the Lord, and we baptized her and her entire family. Afterward she urged us to stay in her home, saying, “Since I am now a believer in the Lord, come and stay in my house.” So we were persuaded to stay there.
The Python Spirit
day, as we were going to the house of prayer, we encountered a young slave girl who had an evil spirit of divination, the spirit of She had earned great profits for her owners by being a fortune-teller.
kept following us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Great High God, and they’re telling us how to be saved!”
after day she continued to do this, until Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit indwelling her, “I command you in the name of Jesus, the Anointed One, to come out of her, now!” At that very moment, the spirit came out of her!
her owners realized that their potential of making profit had vanished, they forcefully seized Paul and Silas and dragged them off to the city square to face the authorities.
they appeared before the Roman soldiers and magistrates, the slave owners leveled accusations against them, saying, “These Jews are troublemakers. They’re throwing our city into confusion. pushing their Jewish religion down our throats. It’s wrong and unlawful for them to promote these Jewish ways, for we are Romans living in a Roman colony.”
great crowd gathered, and all the people joined in to come against them. The Roman officials ordered that Paul and Silas be stripped of their garments and beaten with rods on their bare backs.
Miracles Can Come Out of Painful Places
they were severely beaten, they were thrown into prison and the jailer was commanded to guard them securely. the jailer placed them in the innermost cell of the prison and had their feet bound and
and Silas, undaunted, prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship.
a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. All at once every prison door flung open and the chains of all the prisoners came loose.
the jailer awoke and saw every cell door standing open. Assuming that all the prisoners had escaped, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself Paul shouted in the darkness, “Stop! Don’t hurt yourself. We’re all still here.”
jailer called for a light. When he saw that they were still in their cells, he rushed in and fell trembling at their feet. he led Paul and Silas outside and asked, “What must I do to be saved?”
answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all your they prophesied the word of the over him and all his family. though the hour was late, he washed their wounds. Then he and all his family were baptized. He took Paul and Silas into his home and set them at his table and fed them. jailer and all his family were filled with joy in their newfound faith in God.
daybreak, the magistrates sent officers to the prison with orders to tell the jailer, “Let those two men go.” jailer informed Paul and Silas, “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. So you’re free to go now.”
Paul told the officers, “Look, they had us beaten in public, without a fair trial—and we are Roman Do you think we’re just going to quietly walk away after they threw us in prison and violated all of our rights? Absolutely not! You go back and tell the magistrates that they need to come down here themselves and escort us out!”
the officers went back and reported what Paul and Silas had told them, the magistrates were frightened, especially upon hearing that they had beaten two Roman citizens without due process. they went to the prison and apologized to Paul and Silas, begging them repeatedly, saying, “Please leave our city.”
Paul and Silas left the prison and went back to Lydia’s house, where they met with the believers and comforted and encouraged them before departing.
a 16:1 Lystra is modern-day Klistra, a city in Turkey. Derbe, also in Turkey, was about sixty miles from Klistra (Lystra).
b 16:1 The Aramaic is “his father was a Syrian” (an Aramaic speaker). In the time of Paul’s missionary journeys, the Aramaic language was commonly spoken in the region he traveled throughout in the Middle East. The Greek is “his father was a Greek.”
c 16:6 Or “Asia.” This does not refer to the continent of Asia as we know it today, but to the far western and southwestern provinces of Asia Minor (Turkey).
d 16:6 Or “Phrygia” and “Galatia.” The modern-day capital of Turkey, Ankara, is situated in the area known as Galatia.
e 16:7 Both Mysia and Bithynia are northwestern regions of Turkey.
f 16:7 We do not know how the Holy Spirit kept them from going into Bithynia, but it could have been through a warning given by means of a dream or vision. In any case, it is obvious the Holy Spirit was guiding his missionaries. He is the Lord of the harvest who prepares, imparts gifts, anoints, and sends out his servants to gather the nations to Jesus Christ. The book of Acts is best understood as the book of Activities of the Holy Spirit. Here he is designated “the Spirit of Jesus.” True and lasting fruit in ministry comes through the work and leading of the Spirit of Jesus.
g 16:10 Apparently, Luke now joins the missionary team going to Macedonia (which includes parts of modern-day Bulgaria and former Yugoslavia). This is the first instance in Acts of the gospel going to Europe. Luke likely left the group later, as he is not included in the team starting in v. 40. Portions of Acts appear to be Luke’s missionary travel journal.
h 16:12 The Aramaic is “the capital city.”
i 16:12 The Aramaic can be translated “In a matter of days we were well known in the city.” Other versions of the Aramaic read “We were there over certain holy days.”
j 16:13 Although implied in the Greek text, it is made explicit in the Aramaic, “We saw it was a house [place] of prayer.”
k 16:14 Or “purple dye,” a rare commodity that would only be purchased by the wealthy.
l 16:14 Or “feared [worshiped] God.” The implication is that Lydia was a gentile convert to Judaism.
m 16:16 In the religious context of Greek mythology, she was an “oracle,” a medium who had the spirit of the gods speaking through her to foretell the future. The Python spirit was the epithet of Apollo, known as the Greek god of prophecy. An individual (often a young virgin) who became the oracle of Apollo was known as the Python, or Pythia.
n 16:24 Or “placed in stocks.”
o 16:31 The implication is “you and anyone in your household who believes.”
p 16:32 Or “spoke the word of the Lord.” This phrase is consistently used in the Old Testament for prophetic utterance of a supernatural origin.
q 16:37 Paul didn’t notify them that he and Silas were Romans prior to their beatings, when they could have escaped persecution. Instead, they endured the brutal treatment and ended up leading their jailer to Christ.
A Riot Breaks Out in Thessalonica
passing through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia, Paul and Silas arrived at they customarily did, they went to the synagogue to speak to the Jews from the Torah scrolls. For three weeks challenged them by explaining the truth and proving to them the reality of the gospel—that the Messiah had to suffer and die, then rise again from among the dead. He made it clear to them, saying, “I come to announce to you that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah!”
of the Jews were convinced that their message was true, so they joined Paul and Silas, along with quite a few prominent women and a large number of Greeks who worshiped many of the Jews were motivated by bitter jealousy and formed a large mob out of the troublemakers, unsavory characters, and street gangs to incite a riot. They set out to attack Jason’s house, for he had welcomed the apostles into his The mob was after Paul and Silas and sought to take them by force and bring them out to the people. they couldn’t find them, they took Jason instead, along with some of the brothers in his house and dragged them before the city council. Along the way they screamed out, “Those troublemakers who have turned the world upside down have come here to our city. now Jason and these men have welcomed them as guests. They’re traitors to Caesar, teaching that there is another king named Jesus.”
Peace
Paul and Silas, undaunted, prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship.
Acts 16:25
ARTIST NOTES
When people say, “I’m happy in the Lord,” it often means they have a nice car, their family’s healthy, their job’s steady, their financial future’s secure, and life is basically smooth. But what becomes of happiness when bad things happen?
Since Peter and John worshiped God in a dark prison cell, they must have learned that true peace is not the absence of storms but rather the rock we cling to in the storm. I don’t always take time to receive God’s peace in my storm because I’m often too busy trying to convince him to get me out of How about you?
We all like to experience the “peace that transcends human understanding” We want to run from our storm, flick it off and say, “I knew God would take care of me.” Isaiah reminds us that a Godward focus brings peace. “Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you; they confidently trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
In this painting, the shadows of bars symbolize imprisonment. The section that falls across his chest forms the shape of cross. We can’t afford to forget the unfailing hope in our hearts. Notice how the bars start to disappear around his head. No one can remove our freedom of thought and attitude.
FIND YOUR STORY
Paul and Silas, two of my favorite role models, show us how to be overcomers. Do you consider yourself to be an overcomer? How do you draw on God’s strength, peace, and joy in the midst of adversity? Name some people who have been good examples to you in this way.
How much do you depend on your circ*mstances for joy and happiness? Do you typically praise and worship God before, during, or after your difficulty?
Read Philippians and Psalm Have you ever been so bound by worry that you felt imprisoned? I have. But God taught me that my praise breaks worry’s chains and bars. What has been your experience with this?
If you need chains broken off, don’t wait. Focus on the Lord. Tell him what he means to you, thank him for his attributes, magnify him, and watch your Deliverer live up to his name!
LET’S PRAY
Lord, take these clanging chains of lies, these ugly bars of bondage. Help me focus on the pure, lovely, and true. At every roadblock I face, I’m grateful for your kindness, mercy, and goodness—as I praise my way through!
angry shouts stirred up the crowds and troubled the city and all its officials. when Paul and Silas came before the leaders of the they refused to let them go until Jason and his men posted bail.
The Gospel Received in Berea
night the believers sent Paul and Silas off to the city of where they once again went into the synagogue. found that the Jews of Berea were of more noble character and much more open minded than those of Thessalonica. They were hungry to learn and eagerly received the word. Every day they opened the scrolls of Scripture to search and examine them, to verify that what Paul taught them was true. large number of Jews became believers in along with quite a few Greek women and men.
the news reached the Jews in Thessalonica that Paul was now in Berea, preaching the word of God, the troublemakers went there too and they agitated and stirred up the crowds against him. fellow believers helped Paul slip away to the coast of the Aegean while Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.
who accompanied Paul sailed with him as far as Athens. Then Paul sent them back to Berea with for Silas and Timothy to hurry and join him.
The Apostle Paul in Athens
Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was deeply when he realized that the entire city was full of idols. argued the claims of the gospel with the Jews in their synagogue, and with those who were worshipers of God, and every day he preached in the public square to whomever would listen.
of the teachings of and others called with Paul. When they heard him speak about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What strange ideas is this babbler trying to present?” Others said, “He’s peddling some kind of foreign religion.” they brought him for a public dialogue before the leadership council of known as the Areopagus.
“Tell us,” they said, “about this new teaching that you’re bringing to our city. presenting strange and astonishing things to our ears, and we want to know what it all means.” it was the favorite pastime of the Athenians and visitors to Athens to discuss the newest ideas and philosophies.
Paul Speaks to the Leaders of Athens
Paul stood in the middle of the leadership council and said, “Respected leaders of it is clear to me how extravagant you are in your worship of as I walked through your city, I was captivated by the many shrines and objects of your worship. I even found an inscription on one altar that read, ‘To the Unknown I have come to introduce to you this God whom you worship without even knowing anything about him.
true God is the Creator of all things. He is the owner and Lord of the heavenly realm and the earthly realm, and he doesn’t live in man-made temples. supplies life and breath and all things to every living being. He doesn’t lack a thing that we mortals could supply for him, for he has all things and everything he needs. one man, Adam, he made every man and woman and every race of humanity, and he spread us over all the earth. He sets the boundaries of people and nations, determining their appointed times in has done this so that every person would long for God, feel their way to and find him—for he is the God who is easy to is through him that we live and function and have our identity; just as your own poets have ‘Our lineage comes from
our lineage can be traced back to God, how could we even think that the divine image could be compared to something made of gold, silver, or stone, sculpted by man’s artwork and clever imagination?
the past God our ignorance of these things, but now the time of deception has passed He commands us all to repent and turn to the appointed day has risen, in which he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has designated. And the proof given to the world that God has chosen this man is this: he resurrected him from among the
moment they heard Paul bring up the topic of resurrection, some of them ridiculed him, then got up and But others said, “We want to hear you again later about these things.” Paul left the meeting. there were some who believed the message and joined him from that day forward. Among them were Dionysius, a judge on the leadership and a woman named
a 17:1 Known today as Salonica or Thessaloniki, it was the ancient capital of Macedonia.
b 17:4 It is probable that this is when Timothy arrived in Thessalonica with gifts of money and food from the church of Philippi. See Phil. 4:16 ; 1 Thess. 1:1 ; 2 Thess. 1:1 .
c 17:5 This information is borrowed from v. 7 and inserted here for the sake of English narrative.
d 17:6 Although not much about Jason is given here, he is known in church history as Jason of Tarsus, who was one of the seventy apostles Jesus sent out and is named as one of Paul’s ministry companions. See Luke 10:1– 11 ; Rom. 16:21 .
e 17:10 Berea (modern-day Veria) was a city in Macedonia about forty-five miles (seventy-five kilometers) from Thessalonica.
f 17:12 The Greek word euschemon also implies “women of high standing,” “wealthy,” “honorable,” “elegant,” and “respected.” (See Strong’s Concordance , Gr. 2158.)
g 17:14 The Greek text is simply “the sea.”
h 17:15 The Aramaic makes it clear that this message was written as a letter.
i 17:16 Or “deeply pained” or “irritated.”
j 17:18 Epicurus was a Greek philosopher (341–270 BC) who espoused a radical materialism that claimed people should live for pleasure and materialistic gain. He denied an afterlife and asserted that the gods had little interest in or concern for humanity.
k 17:18 Stoicism, in contrast to Epicureanism, is a passive determinism of emotional indifference that elevates the virtue of self-control. By mastering human passions and emotions, one could realize peace within himself. The Greek Stoics believed that humans can only reach their full potential when they live by sheer reason and divine principle, or the spark of divinity, which they called logos .
l 17:18 The Aramaic is “word wrestled.”
m 17:19 The Areopagus was a governing body of intellectuals who were the overseers of Athens. It was equivalent to the board of education, the city council, the ethics committee, the council of foreign relations, and leaders of the religious and philosophical community all rolled into one. The Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill (Mars, or Ares, was the Greek god of war), was not simply a location but a gathering of a council of people overseeing the spiritual atmosphere of Athens. It could best be described as the Greek temple of human thought. The Aramaic here uses the phrase “house of religion.”
n 17:22 Or simply, “Athenians.”
o 17:22 As translated from the Aramaic, which can also be translated “You excel in the worship of demons” (or “idols”). The Greek is “How very superstitious you are (i.e., extraordinarily religious).”
p 17:23 The Aramaic can be translated “To the Hidden God.”
q 17:26 The Aramaic adds an interesting nuance: “He commands the separation of the seasons and sets the lifespan of every person.”
r 17:27 The Aramaic is “investigating him in his creation.”
s 17:27 Or “the God who is not far from each one of us.”
t 17:28 Paul is quoting two classical Greek writers (ca. 270 BC): Aratus ( Phaenomena , 5) and Cleanthes ( Hymn to Zeus , 5).
u 17:28 Or “Our nature comes from him,” as translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “We are his offspring.” The Greek word is genos , which means “kindred” or “family” (taken from his genes).
v 17:30 Or “deliberately paid no attention to.”
w 17:30 As translated from the Aramaic.
x 17:30 That is, to turn away from idolatry and worship the true God.
y 17:31 The Aramaic is “God turns the hearts of men to faith in him [Jesus] and raises them from among the dead.”
z 17:34 As translated from the Aramaic. According to the church historian Eusebius, Dionysius later became the Bishop of Athens (Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiae III: iv).
aa 17:34 The Greek word can also mean “wife,” indicating she was possibly the wife of Dionysius. Regardless, she must have been a woman of high social standing to be included in the meeting of the leadership council.
The Apostle Paul in Corinth
Paul left Athens he traveled to he met a Jewish man named Aquila, who was originally from northeastern He and his wife, Priscilla, had recently emigrated from Italy to Corinth because Emperor Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome. Paul and Aquila were both by trade, Paul moved in with them and they became business partners.
Sabbath day Paul spoke openly in the synagogue, to both Jews and attempting to persuade them to believe the message of
Silas and Timothy finally arrived from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word of trying to convince the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.
they viciously slandered him and hurled abuse on him, he symbolically shook the dust off his clothes in protest against them. He said to them, “Have it your way then! I am guiltless as to your fate, for the blood-guilt of your actions will be on your own heads, and from now on I will preach to the non-Jews.”
the synagogue, Paul went to the home of a convert to Judaism, for he and his family attended the Jewish and they had all become believers in the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire family, and many of the Corinthians who heard what had happened believed in the Lord and were baptized.
night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a supernatural vision and said, “Don’t ever be afraid. Speak the words that I give you and don’t be intimidated, I am with No one will be able to hurt you, for there are many in this city whom I call my own.”
the next year and a half, Paul stayed in Corinth, faithfully teaching the word of God.
Paul Brought before the Roman Official Gallio
at that time, Gallio was the regional governor who ruled over the Roman province of and the Jews turned against Paul and came together to seize him and bring him publicly before the governor’s accused him before Gallio, saying, “This man is creating a disturbance by persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our laws.”
as Paul was about to speak in his defense, Gallio interrupted and said, “Wait! If this involved some major crime or fraud, it would be my responsibility to hear the case. this is nothing more than a disagreement among yourselves over and and traditions of your own Jewish Go and settle it yourselves! I refuse to be the judge of these issues.” Gallio dismissed them from the court.
the crowd turned on one of the of the synagogue who sided with They seized him and beat him up right there in the courtroom! But Gallio showed no concern at all over what was happening.
Priscilla and Aquila
remaining in Corinth several more days, Paul finally bid to the believers and sailed away for the coast of Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Before they left, Paul had his head shaved at because he had taken a vow of dedication.
they reached Paul left Priscilla and Aquila behind, then he went into the synagogue and spoke to the Jews. asked him to stay longer, but he refused said farewell to them, adding, “I will come back to you, if it is God’s will, after I go to Jerusalem to observe the Then he set sail from Ephesus for Caesarea.
he arrived there he traveled on to Jerusalem to visit the church and pray for then he left for Antioch. spending some time there, Paul continued on through the region of Galatia and Phyrgia in central Turkey. And wherever he went he encouraged and strengthened the
The Ministry of Apollos
Jewish man by the name of Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was a native of and was recognized as an educated and cultured man. He was powerful in the Scriptures, accepted Jesus, and had been taught about the Lord. He was spiritually for Jesus and a convincing teacher, although he only knew about the baptism of John. fearlessly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos’ teachings, they met with him and revealed to him the ways of God more
Apollos, with the encouragement of the believers, went to the province of He took a letter of recommendation from the brothers of Ephesus so his ministry would be welcomed in the region. He was a tremendous help to the believers and caused them to increase in boldly and publicly confronted the Jews, vigorously debating them, proving undeniably from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
a 18:1 Corinth is about forty-eight miles (seventy-eight kilometers) from Athens. It was a large commercial center with trade links all over the entire ancient world. It was the home of the famous Isthmian Games and the temple of Aphrodite, which held a thousand temple prostitutes. Corinth was known for its debauchery. In the midst of a depraved culture, God birthed a church to become light to the people of their city.
b 18:2 Or “Pontus,” a Roman province in northeastern Asia Minor (Turkey).
c 18:3 The Aramaic can also mean “saddle makers.”
d 18:4 The Aramaic is “pagans.”
e 18:5 The Aramaic is “the manifestation of God.”
f 18:7 The Greek text is “Titus Justus,” but the Aramaic only has Titus. It is possible that he is the Titus who accompanied Paul in ministry and the one Paul addressed in the book of Titus.
g 18:7 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek says that Titus Justus lived next door to the synagogue.
h 18:8 Crispus was one of the few people Paul baptized. See 1 Cor. 1:14 . According to church tradition he became the bishop of Aegina.
i 18:10 Somewhat more explicit in the Aramaic, this is the great “I AM” who is speaking with Paul, assuring him of God’s presence.
j 18:12 The province of Achaia included the three most important parts of southern Greece: Attica, Boeotia, and the Peloponnesus. Gallio was the brother of Seneca, the tutor of Nero.
k 18:12 Or “judgment seat.” This was a raised platform with a marble bench where judicial and governmental decrees were issued. This bench has been discovered after excavations in the agora.
l 18:15 Or “doctrines.”
m 18:15 Or “names.”
n 18:15 The Aramaic is “Torah” (the first five books of Moses).
o 18:17 Sosthenes means “savior of our nation.” See 1 Cor. 1:1 .
p 18:17 The Aramaic word used here can mean “priest” or “elder.” Crispus is mentioned as the president or leader (v. 8). Some speculate that Crispus’ term of service had been completed and Sosthenes took his place.
q 18:18 Shalom is the Hebrew and Aramaic word for “peace and well-being.” The Greek is “farewell.” The Aramaic can also be translated “Paul brought peace to the brothers.”
r 18:18 Priscilla means “Ancient”; Aquila means “Eagle.”
s 18:18 Cenchrea was one of two major ports of Corinth, possibly where agricultural goods were exported, for Cenchrea means “millet,” a grain similar to quinoa.
t 18:19 Ephesus was in the ancient world, a white marble city, one of the most beautiful in the world. It had the temple of Artemis, one of the seven great wonders of that era. It also had two agoras, a beautiful fountain in the city supplied by an aqueduct, the monument of Phillio, the Koressian Gates, the Bouleuterion, a large stadium, and many terraced houses. It was the capital city of the Roman province of Asia and had a population of well over one hundred thousand at the time Paul visited the city. Ephesus was known historically as the center of powerful magical practices and the casting of spells, as well as the cult center of the worship of the Ephesian goddess Artemis, known as “the supreme power.” It was in this backdrop that the apostle Paul and his companions planted the renowned church of Ephesus.
u 18:21 This last clause is only found in the Aramaic.
v 18:22 Although this clause is missing in the Greek, the Aramaic can be translated “to pray for the peace of the congregation.” A true spiritual father prays for believers and brings them a message of hope and peace.
w 18:23 The Aramaic can be translated “Wherever he went he made them all disciples.”
x 18:24 This is Alexandria in Egypt.
y 18:25 Or “His spirit boiled.”
z 18:26 That is, boldly and powerfully. The Aramaic can be translated “with crystal clarity.”
aa 18:26 The Aramaic is “they took him into their home.”
ab 18:26 Or “more accurately.” They filled in the gaps in his understanding of the Lord Jesus.
ac 18:27 See the first footnote on v. 12.
ad 18:27 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “He helped those who believed by grace.”
The Apostle Paul in Ephesus
Apollos was ministering in Corinth, Paul traveled on through the regions of until he arrived in Ephesus, where he found a group of twelve followers of first thing he asked them was “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”
“No,” they replied. “We’ve not even heard of a holy spirit.”
asked, “Then what was the meaning of your
They responded, “It meant that we would follow John’s teaching.”
said, “John’s baptism was for those who were turning from their and he taught you to believe in and follow the one who was coming after him: Jesus the Anointed
they understood this, they were baptized into the authority of Jesus, the Anointed when Paul laid his hands on each of the twelve, the Holy Spirit manifested and they immediately spoke in and
three months Paul taught openly and fearlessly in the synagogue, arguing persuasively for them to enter into God’s kingdom some of them hardened their hearts and stubbornly refused to believe. When they spoke of the Way in front of the congregation, Paul withdrew from them and took the believers with him.
for over two he taught them in the lecture hall of which resulted in everyone living in the province of Jews and non-Jews, hearing the prophetic word of the
Extraordinary Miracles in Ephesus
kept releasing a flow of extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul. of this, people took Paul’s handkerchiefs and articles of clothing, even pieces of cloth that had touched his skin, laying them on the bodies of the sick, and diseases and demons left them and they were healed.
there were seven itinerant Jewish exorcists, sons of Sceva the high priest, who took it upon themselves to use the name and authority of Jesus over those who were demonized. They would say, “We cast you out in the name of the Jesus that Paul preaches!”
day, when they said those words, the demon in the man replied, “I know about Jesus, and I recognize Paul, but who do you think you are?”
the demonized man jumped on them and threw them to the ground, beating them He overpowered the seven exorcists until they all ran out of the house naked and badly bruised.
Revival Breaks Out
of the people in Ephesus were awestruck, both Jews and non-Jews, when they heard about what had happened. Great fear fell over the entire city, and the authority of the name of Jesus was exalted. believers publicly confessed their sins and disclosed their secrets. numbers of those who had been practicing magic took all of their books and scrolls of spells and incantations and publicly burned them. When the value of all the books and scrolls was calculated, it all came to several million power of God caused the word to spread, and the people were greatly
A Riot Breaks Out
had it in his heart to go to Jerusalem and, on his way there, to revisit the places in Greece where he had “After that,” he said, “I have to go to Rome also.” he sent ahead into Macedonia two of his ministry assistants, and while he remained in western
that time a major disturbance erupted in Ephesus over the people following God’s began with a wealthy man named Demetrius, who had built a large business and enriched many craftsmen by manufacturing silver shrines for the Greek goddess
called a meeting of his employees, along with all the various tradespeople of Ephesus, and said, “You know that our prosperous livelihood is being threatened by this Paul, who is persuading crowds of people to turn away from our We make a good living by doing what we do, but everywhere Paul goes, not only here in Ephesus but throughout western he convinces people that there’s no such thing as a god made with hands. businesses are in danger of being discredited. And not only that, but the temple of our great goddess Artemis is being dishonored and seen as She is the goddess of all of western Turkey and is worshiped in all the world. But if this outrage continues, everyone everywhere will suffer the loss of her magnificent greatness.”
the people heard this, they were filled with boiling rage. They shouted over and over, “Artemis, the great goddess of the Ephesians!” entire city was thrown into chaos as everyone rushed into the stadium dragging with them and Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.
Paul attempted to go in and speak to the massive crowd, the disciples wouldn’t let him. of the high-ranking governmental officials of the region, because they loved sent Paul an urgent message, saying, “Whatever you do, don’t step foot into that stadium!”
frenzied crowd shouted out one thing, and others shouted something else, until they were all in mass confusion, with many not even knowing why they were there!
of the Jews pushed forward a Jewish man named Alexander to be their spokesman, and different factions of the crowd shouted instructions at him. He stood before the people and motioned for everyone to be quiet so he could be heard. when he began to speak, they realized that he was a Jew, so they shouted him down. For nearly two hours they shouted over and over, “Great is Artemis, the goddess of the
the mayor of the was able to quiet them down. He said, “Fellow citizens! Who in the world doesn’t know that we are devoted to the great of Artemis and to her image that fell from Zeus out of no one can deny it, you should all just be quiet. Calm down and don’t do anything hasty. you have brought these men before us who aren’t guilty of any crime. They are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess. if Demetrius and the men of his trade have a case against someone, the courts are open. They can appear before the judge and press charges. if you’re looking for anything further to bring up, it must be argued before the court and settled there, not here. you realize we’re putting our city in danger of being accused of a riot by the Roman authorities? There’s no good explanation we can give them for all this commotion!”
he had said this, he dispersed the crowds and sent them away.
a 19:1 The Greek is “the upper inland country.” This was a trek through certain regions of Turkey for him to arrive in Ephesus.
b 19:1 Or “some disciples.” Verse 7 states there were twelve. This information is included here in v. 1 for the sake of the English narrative.
c 19:3 Or “into what [name or authority] were you baptized?”
d 19:4 The Aramaic can be translated “John’s baptism was a baptism of grace to the people.”
e 19:4 “The Anointed One” (or “Messiah”) is found only in the Aramaic. The Greek is simply “Jesus.”
f 19:5 Or “on the name of Jesus Christ,” which means they were baptized into the authority of the name of Jesus, who was greater than John.
g 19:6–7 Or “supernaturally given languages.”
h 19:6–7 The Aramaic is “They spoke tongue by tongue and gushed out prophecies.” The impartation of the Holy Spirit and his gifts are here being transferred from Paul to these believers. See also 1 Tim. 4:14 ; 2 Tim. 1:6– 7 . Jesus taught that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, it is to impart power for our lives and ministries. See Acts 1:8 .
i 19:8 Or “about God’s kingdom realm.” It is a big step for both Jews and Christians to come out of their religious identity and focus on the reality of God’s kingdom realm.
j 19:9 Or “cursed the Christian way of living.”
k 19:10 The Greek manuscript D adds, “from the fifth hour [11:00 a.m.] to the tenth hour [4:00 p.m.].”
l 19:10 Counting the three months of focusing on ministry to the Jews, Paul’s entire stay in Ephesus came to three years, which would have included a short visit to Corinth. See Acts 20:31 .
m 19:10 This was like a college or lecture hall. Tyrannus (whose name means “sovereign”) was most likely a philosopher and lecturer who had disciples whom he taught. Apparently Tyrannus welcomed Paul after he left the Jewish congregation and brought him into his school to teach the students.
n 19:10 This “school of ministry” exploded as many came to hear Paul and then went out to preach, expanding the reach of the gospel into all the “province of Asia” (Asia Minor). The province of Asia would have covered no less than one-third of Turkey. Many multitudes heard the gospel in the two-year period when Paul taught in Ephesus. The teaching of the apostles resulted in the expansion of God’s kingdom realm.
o 19:10 Or simply, “the word of the Lord.” However, the phrase “the word of the Lord” is a Hebrew expression consistently used for the prophetic utterances given by the prophets.
p 19:16 True authority comes from relationship with Jesus Christ, not just using formulas and techniques. Evil spirits know about the depth of our relationship with God.
q 19:19 Or “fifty thousand silver drachmas.” Some historians have said that one lamb would be sold for one silver drachma. The price of a ewe lamb today is about 150 USD. A drachma was one day’s wage, and fifty thousand drachmas would be one hundred years’ wages. The value of the books could have been millions of dollars.
r 19:20 Chronologically, this would have been the time when Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians.
s 19:21 Or “to go through Macedonia and Achaia.” The implication is that Paul wanted to revisit the area of Greece he had ministered in; therefore, that is made explicit in this translation.
t 19:22 Timothy’s name means “one who honors God.” He was Paul’s spiritual son and later became an apostolic church planter. See 1 and 2 Timothy .
u 19:22 Erastus means “beloved.” He was possibly the treasurer of the city of Corinth. See Rom. 16:23 ; 2 Tim. 4:20 .
v 19:22 Or “the province of Asia” (Minor).
w 19:23 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is simply “the way.”
x 19:24 Also known as Diana. She was venerated as the daughter of Zeus and the sister of Apollo.
y 19:25–26 The true worship of God threatens not only the political realm, but the spiritual and economic realm as well. Jesus compels men to adopt new values.
z 19:25–26 Or “the [Roman] province of Asia [Minor].”
aa 19:27 The temple of Artemis (Diana) is one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. We must never put buildings or temples above the true worship of God. The Ephesians valued their goddess and economic standards more than truth.
ab 19:29 The stadium of Ephesus has recently been discovered and is estimated to have held twenty-four thousand spectators.
ac 19:29 Gaius’ name is a variant form of “lord.” There is speculation that he could be the man to whom the apostle John wrote his third letter (3 John).
ad 19:29 Aristarchus’ name means “best ruler.” He was a native of Thessalonica ( Acts 20:4 ; 27:2 ). He traveled often with Paul and is also mentioned in Col. 4:10 and Philem. 24 , called there Paul’s “fellow prisoner.” Church tradition states that he was martyred by Emperor Nero for loving and serving Jesus Christ.
ae 19:31 As translated from the Aramaic.
af 19:34 Artemis, the great goddess of the Ephesians, has faded from history, while we fill stadiums today for conferences and revivals and say, “Great is the God Most High!”
ag 19:35 The Aramaic is “the city governor.” The Greek is “city clerk” or “scribe” (or “keeper of the records”). For all practical purposes he would be or represent the mayor of the city.
ah 19:35 As translated from the Aramaic, the Greek is “custodians of the temple.”
ai 19:35 The Aramaic is “her face that fell from heaven.” Much conjecture has been made over this statement. Some of the oldest translations have “fell from Zeus [Jupiter],” while most modern translations have “fell from the sky [heaven].” Some believe it was an aerolite that was fashioned into a stature of Artemis; however, Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and philosopher who died trying to save relatives from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, says it was made from wood, possibly ebony ( Naturalis Historia 16.79.213–14).
The Apostle Paul Goes to Macedonia and Greece
the uproar finally died down, Paul gathered the believers and encouraged their hearts. He kissed said good-bye, and left for Macedonia. every place he passed through, he brought words of great comfort and encouragement to the believers. Then he went on to Greece stayed there for three months.
Just as Paul was about to sail for Syria, he learned of a plot against him by the Jews, so he decided to return by going through Macedonia. men accompanied him as far as western Turkey. They were son of from Berea, and from Thessalonica, from Derbe, and and from western Turkey. men went ahead and were waiting for us at
soon as all of the Passover celebrations were we sailed from Philippi. After five days we joined the others in Troas, where we stayed another Sunday we gathered to take and to hear Paul preach. Because he was planning to leave the next day, he continued speaking until past midnight. were many flickering in the upstairs chamber where we were meeting. in an open window listening was a young man named As Paul’s sermon dragged on, Eutychus became drowsy and fell into a deep slumber. Sound asleep, he fell three stories to his death
went downstairs, bent over the boy, and embraced him. Taking him in his arms, he said to all the people gathered, “Stop your worrying. He’s come back to
went back upstairs, served communion, and ate a meal with them. Then he picked back up where he left off and taught until with enormous joy, they took the boy home alive and everyone was
Paul’s Voyage to Miletus
our journey, we made our way to the ship and sailed for Paul had previously arranged to meet us there as he traveled overland by foot. he rejoined our team there and we took him aboard and sailed for next day we crossed over to and the following day we arrived at the island of We stayed at and on the day after that we reached was in a hurry to arrive in Jerusalem, hoping to make it in time for the Feast of Pentecost, so he decided to bypass Ephesus and not spend any time in that from Miletus Paul had sent a message to the elders of the in Ephesus and asked them to come meet with him.
they arrived, he said to them, “All of you know how I’ve lived and conducted myself while I was with you. From the first day I set foot in western Turkey operated in God’s miracle with great humility and served with many tears. I’ve endured numerous ordeals because of the plots of the Jews. know how I’ve taught you in public meetings and in your homes, and that I’ve not held anything back from you that would help you grow. urged both Jews and non-Jews to turn from sin to God and to have faith in our Lord Jesus. now I am captive to the Holy to go to Jerusalem, without really knowing what will happen to me there. I know that the Holy Spirit warns in town after town, saying, ‘Chains and afflictions are prepared for you.’
whether I live or die is not important, for I don’t esteem my life as It’s more important for me to fulfill my destiny and to finish the ministry my Lord Jesus has assigned to me, which is to faithfully preach the wonderful news of God’s grace. been a part of your lives and shared with you many times the message of God’s kingdom realm. But now I leave you, and you will not see my face again. any of you should be lost, I will not be blamed, for my conscience is clean, I’ve taught you everything I could about God’s eternal plan and I’ve held nothing back. guard your hearts. Be true over all the flock and feed them well. Remember, it was the Holy Spirit who appointed you to guard and the churches that belong to Jesus, the Anointed which he purchased and established by his own blood.
know that after I leave, imposters who have no loyalty to the will come among you like savage wolves. some from among your very own ranks will rise up, twisting the to seduce people into following them instead of Jesus. be alert and discerning. Remember that for three years, night and day, I’ve never stopped warning each of you, pouring out my heart to you with tears.
so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his which is all that you need to become All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy
haven’t been after your money or any of your all know that I’ve worked with my hands to meet my own needs and the needs of those who’ve served with me. left you an example of how you should serve and take care of those who are For we must always cherish the words of our Lord Jesus, who taught, ‘Giving brings a far greater blessing than receiving.’
Paul finished speaking, he knelt down and prayed with them. they all cried with great weeping as one after another hugged Paul and kissed him. broke their hearts the most were his words “You will not see my face again.”
Then they tearfully accompanied Paul back to the ship.
a 20:1 As translated from the Aramaic.
b 20:4 Sopater, or Sosipater, is mentioned in Rom. 16:21 as one of Paul’s relatives. His name means “his father’s savior.”
c 20:4 Or “son of fiery red flames.” This phrase is not found in the Aramaic.
d 20:4 See the third footnote on 19:29.
e 20:4 Secundus means “fortunate.”
f 20:4 Many believe this is the same Gaius mentioned in 19:29. See the second footnote on 19:29.
g 20:4 The Aramaic is “Timothy of Lystra.” See introductions to 1 and 2 Timothy .
h 20:4 It is likely that Tychicus was a native of Ephesus since he carried the letter Paul wrote to them as well as the letter to Colossae. See Eph. 6:21 ; Col. 4:7 . He is also mentioned in 2 Tim. 4:12 and Titus 3:12 . His name means “child of fortune.”
i 20:4 Trophimus was not a Jew. He is mentioned in Acts 21:29 . His name means “nutritious.”
j 20:5 Notice “us,” which implies Luke has now rejoined the missionary team.
k 20:6 Or “the Days of Unleavened Bread.” This holiday was observed during the week immediately following Passover and was wrapped into the Passover celebration.
l 20:6 This is when the events took place mentioned by Paul in 2 Cor 2:12– 13 .
m 20:7 The Aramaic is “breaking pieces of the Eucharist.”
n 20:8 It is possible that these flickering lights refer to angelic activity in the upper chamber.
o 20:9 Or “a preteen named Eutychus,” which means “fortunate” or “lucky.”
p 20:9 There is no doubt that “Lucky” died because of his fall. The Greek word nekros can only mean that he was lifeless. This boy becomes a picture of some believers today who, because they view themselves as “well off,” sit carelessly where they shouldn’t, growing drowsy, falling asleep, and enduring a disastrous fall. But God has grace and power to raise even the foolish ones back to life.
q 20:10 Or “His soul is in him.” Paul raised him from the dead.
r 20:11 The Aramaic adds “by land” (on foot).
s 20:12 The Greek is “comforted,” while the Aramaic is “overjoyed.” This translation merges both concepts.
t 20:13 A coastal city in far western Turkey. Assos means “approaching.”
u 20:14 A city on the Greek island of Lesbos.
v 20:15 A Greek island in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey.
w 20:15 A Greek island in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey.
x 20:15 As translated from the Aramaic and some Greek manuscripts. Most Greek manuscripts do not have this clause.
y 20:15 An ancient seaport of far western Turkey.
z 20:16 Or “waste any time in the province of Asia [Minor].”
aa 20:17 These elders would be equivalent to pastors, leaders of the church.
ab 20:19 As translated in the Aramaic, which is literally “I’ve performed God’s miracles.” The Greek is “I’ve served the Lord.”
ac 20:19 Some manuscripts add, “for more than three years.” See also 1 Thess. 2:10– 12 .
ad 20:22 Or “shackled by the Holy Spirit.”
ae 20:23 This warning from the Holy Spirit could have come through prophecies, dreams, visions, or the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking within him.
af 20:24 Or “I do not consider my life worth a single word.” That is, Paul viewed his life as not worth mentioning. We don’t need to see our lives as precious in our own eyes, for they are precious in the eyes of our Lord Jesus, and that must be enough.
ag 20:28 Or “pastors.”
ah 20:28 The Greek uses the word overseers or guardians . This is the sacred duty of his leaders in the church.
ai 20:28 As translated from some Greek and Aramaic texts. Jesus is implied, for the Aramaic is simply “the Anointed One.” Some Greek manuscripts and the Western Pesh*tta read “the church of God.”
aj 20:29 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “they won’t spare the flock.”
ak 20:30 Or “speaking crooked things.”
al 20:32 The Aramaic is “the manifestation of grace.”
am 20:32 Or “to build you up,” a Greek word taken from the root word for “architect.”
an 20:32 Or “sanctified”; that is, those who are devoted to holiness.
ao 20:33 Or “silver, gold, or fine apparel.”
ap 20:35 Or “minister to the sick.”
aq 20:35 The Aramaic is an idiom that speaks of extravagant generosity. “Blessed are those who try to give more than they’ve been given.”
Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem
we tore ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed a direct course for the island of Kos, and on the next day to the island of and from there to we found a ship that was crossing over to so we went aboard and sailed away. we sighted Cyprus and sailed south of it, we docked at in Syria, where the ship unloaded its cargo.
we went ashore we found a number of believers and stayed with them for a week. They prophesied to Paul warning him by the Holy Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem. it was time for us to leave and be on our way, everyone—men, women, and children—accompanied us out of the city down to the beach. After we all knelt in the sand and prayed together, kissed one said our good-byes, and boarded the ship, while the believers went back to their homes.
Tyre we on to the town of Akko and greeted the believers there with We stayed with them for a day. we went on to Caesarea and stayed for several in the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven and father of four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
our stay of several days, a prophet from Judea, came to visit us. a prophetic he took Paul’s belt and tied his own hands and feet with it as he prophesied, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘The one who owns this belt will be tied up in this same way by the Jews and they will hand him over to those who are not Jews.’
we heard this, both we and the believers of Caesarea begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. Paul replied, “Why do you cry and break my heart with your tears? Don’t you know that I’m prepared not only to be imprisoned but to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the wonder of the name of our Lord Jesus?”
we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said nothing more except “May the will of the Lord be done.”
Paul Arrives in Jerusalem
we packed our bags and set off for Jerusalem, some of the believers from Caesarea accompanying us. They brought us to a where they introduced us to Mnason, a Cypriot, one of the original and he offered us hospitality.
we finally arrived in Jerusalem, the believers welcomed us with delight. next day Paul and our team had a meeting with and all the elders of the Jerusalem church. greeting everyone, Paul explained in detail what God had accomplished through his ministry among the non-Jewish people.
they heard Paul’s report, they praised God. And they said to him, “You should know, brother, that there are many tens of thousands of Jews who have also embraced the faith and are passionately keeping the law of Moses. they’ve heard a rumor that you’ve been instructing the Jews everywhere to abandon by telling them they don’t need to circumcise their children or keep our Jewish customs. will certainly hear that you’ve come to Jerusalem. So what is the proper way to proceed? urge you to follow our suggestion. We have four men here who have taken a vow and are ready to have their heads shaved. go with them to the temple and sponsor them in their purification and pay all their required expenses. Then everyone will know that the rumors they’ve heard are false. They’ll see that you are one who lives according to the law of Moses. in reference to the non-Jewish believers, we’ve sent them a letter with our decision, stating that they should avoid eating meat that has been offered to an idol, or eating blood or any animal that has been strangled, and to avoid sexual
Paul Arrested in Jerusalem
next day, Paul took the four men to the temple and ceremonially purified himself along with them. He publicly gave notice of the date when their vows would end and when sacrifices would be offered for each of them.
the seven-day was almost over, a number of Jews from western who had seen him in the temple courts stirred up the whole crowd against him. Seizing him, shouted, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everywhere what is contrary to our nation, our law, and this temple. And not only that, but now he brings these non-Jewish men with him into the inner courts of our temple! They have made this sacred place ritually unclean.” Trophimus, an Ephesian, had been seen previously with him, and they assumed that he entered the inner courts with Paul.)
ignited a huge riot in the city as all the people came together to seize Paul and drag him out of the temple courts, closing the gates behind him. as they were about to kill Paul, the news reached the commander of the Roman that the entire city was in an uproar. immediately ran out to the crowd with a large number of his officers and soldiers. When the crowd saw them coming, they stopped beating Paul. commander arrested him and ordered that he be bound with two chains. He then asked, “Who is he and what has he done wrong?”
in the crowd shouted one thing and others something else, just adding to the confusion. Since the commander was unable to get to the truth because of the disturbance, he ordered that Paul be brought back to their headquarters. they reached the steps leading up to the they had to protect Paul and carry him up because of the violent mob following them, everyone was screaming out, “Away with this man! Kill him!”
Paul was being led to the entrance of the compound, he said to the commander in Greek, “May I have a word with you?”
The commander replied, “So you know Greek, do you that Egyptian fanatic who started a rebellion some time ago and led four thousand out into the wilderness?”
answered, “I am, in fact, a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a well-known city of southern Turkey where I was born. I beg you, sir, please give me a moment to speak to these people.”
the commander gave his permission, Paul stood on the steps and gestured with his hands for the people to listen. When the crowd quieted down, Paul addressed them in and said:
a 21:1 Both Kos and Rhodes are Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.
b 21:1 A city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
c 21:2 Or “Phoenicia,” a Greek term for coastal Lebanon and Syria.
d 21:3 Tyre was a city in Phoenicia. They would have sailed four or five days from Patara to reach Tyre.
e 21:6 As translated from the Aramaic idiom “one to one” (kissed).
f 21:7 The text can mean either “continued our journey” or “completed our journey.” If they completed their journey by boat to Akko, they would have gone by land to Caesarea. Akko, or Ptolemais, was named after the Egyptian ruler Ptolemy II Philadelphus in 261 BC ( Epistulae Aristeas 115; 1 Macc. 5:15). See also Judg. 1:31.
g 21:7 As translated from the Aramaic.
h 21:8 This information is supplied from v. 10.
i 21:8 See Acts 6:1– 7 . An evangelist is simply “a preacher of the good news” or in Aramaic, “a preacher of the hope.” Philip is described as both an evangelist and a deacon (servant). Every minister must become a servant.
j 21:10 See Acts 11:28 .
k 21:11 Or “gentiles”; i.e., the Romans.
l 21:16 Implied in the text and found in a few Greek manuscripts.
m 21:16 That is, one of the first converts. He may have been one of the original converts at Pentecost or one of the first disciples converted by Paul and Barnabas. Mnason means “remembering.”
n 21:18 That is, Jacob (James) the brother of our Lord Jesus, not the apostle Jacob who was martyred.
o 21:21 Or “apostasy from [the law of] Moses.”
p 21:24 This could have been the completion of a Nazarite vow (Num. 6:1–12) or a reference to the Jewish custom of when a Jew returned from a trip to a foreign (pagan) land, he would purify himself of the defilement of being with unbelievers (Mishnah Oholoth 2:3).
q 21:25 It seems strange that Jacob makes no mention of the offering that Paul brought for the poor saints in Jerusalem, which was the reason for leaving his missionary work to come to Jerusalem. Instead, Jacob wants to ensure the purity of Paul’s message. There is at least a hint that Paul’s ministry was not always well received in Judea. See Rom. 15:30– 31 .
r 21:27 This could also mean “the Sabbath.”
s 21:27 Or “Asia (Minor).” They were possibly in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost.
t 21:31 The Roman commander was in charge of about six hundred soldiers.
u 21:35 This was the Antonia Fortress (or Tower) built by Herod the Great in 19 BC.
v 21:37 The commander was surprised that Paul could speak some Greek, for the people living in Israel at that time did not speak Greek. Paul, an educated Jew from Turkey, spoke to the commander in the common language of the Roman Empire.
w 21:38 The Greek word used here is Sicarii , a sect of Jewish nationalists who were violently hostile to Roman rule. They got their name from the small dagger known as a sicarii.
x 21:40 Or “Hebrew.” The Hebrew language had been replaced with Aramaic during the Babylonian captivity. For more than a thousand years the Aramaic language remained the language of the Jewish people. Note that Paul did not address the Jewish people in Greek.
Paul’s Defense
and gentlemen, fellow believers and listen to me as I offer my when everyone realized he was speaking to them in their Judean Aramaic the crowd became all the more attentive.)
Paul said, “I am a Jewish man who was born in Tarsus, a city of However, I grew up in this city and was properly trained in the Mosaic law and tutored by Rabbi Gamaliel according to our ancestral customs. I’ve been extremely passionate in my desire to please God, just as all of you are today. hunted down and killed the followers of this Way. I have seized them and thrown them into prison, both men and women. of this can be verified by the high priest and the Supreme Council of Elders. For they even wrote letters to our fellow Jews of Damascus, authorizing me to arrest them and bring them back to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished.
I was on the road approaching Damascus, about noon, a brilliant heavenly light suddenly appeared, flashing all around me. I fell to the ground I heard a voice say, ‘Saul, Saul . . . why are you persecuting me?’
answered, ‘Who are you, my Lord?’
“He said to me, ‘I am Jesus, the I am the one you are persecuting.’
who were with me saw the brilliant light, but they didn’t hear the voice of the one who spoke to
I asked, ‘Lord, what am I to do?’
“And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about all that you are destined to do.’
of the dazzling glory of the light, I couldn’t see—I was left blind. So they had to lead me by the hand the rest of the way into Damascus.
Jewish man living there named Ananias came to see me. He was a godly man who lived according to the law of Moses and was highly esteemed by the Jewish community. stood beside me and said, ‘Saul! My brother, Saul—open your eyes and see again!’ At that very instant I opened my eyes and I could see! he said to me, ‘The God of our ancestors has destined to know his plan and for you to see the Holy and to hear his voice. you will be his to every race of people and will share with them everything that you’ve seen and heard. now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins as you call upon his name.’
I returned to Jerusalem. And while I was praying in the temple, I entered another saw him. He said to me, ‘Hurry and depart from Jerusalem quickly, for the people here will not receive the truths you share about me.’
‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they all know that I’m the one who went into our Jewish meetings to find those who believe in you and had them and imprisoned. the blood of your Stephen was shed, I stood nearby in full approval of what was happening. I even guarded the cloaks of those who stoned him to
he said to me, ‘Go at once, for I am sending you to preach to the non-Jewish nations.’
crowd listened attentively to Paul up to this point. But when they heard this, all at once they erupted with loud shouts, saying, “Get rid of this man! Kill him! He doesn’t deserve to live!”
The Roman Commander Interrogates Paul
the crowd was screaming and yelling, removing their outer garments, and throwing handfuls of dust in the air in protest, commander had Paul brought back into the compound. He ordered that he be whipped with a lash and interrogated to find out what he said that so infuriated the crowd.
the soldiers stretched Paul out with ropes, he said to the captain, who was standing nearby, “Is it legal for you to torture a Roman citizen like this, without a proper trial?”
the officer heard this, he immediately went to his commander and reported it, saying, “This man is a Roman citizen. What should we do now?”
commander came to Paul and asked him, “Tell me the truth, are you a Roman citizen?”
“Yes I am,” he replied.
commander said, “I had to purchase my citizenship with a great sum of money.”
Paul replied, “I was born as a citizen!”
of the soldiers who were about to whip Paul backed away, because they were afraid of the consequences for tying up and holding a Roman citizen against his will.
next day the commander ordered that the high priest and the supreme Jewish be convened, because he wanted to find out exactly why the Jews were accusing Paul. So he had him untied and brought out to stand before them all.
a 22:1 Or “fathers” (or “parents”).
b 22:1 The Aramaic is literally “Listen to my soul’s outburst.”
c 22:2 Or “Hebrew.” Throughout the Middle East, Assyria, and Babylon, Aramaic was the lingua franca, the language of the people of that day. Greek and Latin were also spoken but were not as prevalent as Aramaic.
d 22:3 Or “Cilicia,” which was known as Asia Minor.
e 22:8 Or “Jesus the Nazarene.” The word Nazarene means “the branch” or “Scion.” The Aramaic word implies the title of an heir of a powerful family, or one who is victorious (“Jesus, the Victorious”). Believers are now grafted-in branches of his family tree, victorious ones in Christ.
f 22:9 Some Greek manuscripts add “and they were afraid.”
g 22:14 The Aramaic is “raised you up.”
h 22:14 Or “the Righteous One” or “the Just One.”
i 22:15 Or “martyr.”
j 22:17 Or “fell into a trance.” The Greek word for trance ( ekstasis , from which we get the word ecstasy ) literally means “to be taken to another place” (state or realm). (See Strong’s Concordance , Gr. 1611.) He was actually taken into another realm as a trance came over him.
k 22:19 Or “beat with a whip” (flogged).
l 22:20 Or “martyr.”
m 22:21 The Aramaic is “the far-away nations.” See also Rom. 11:13 .
n 22:30 Or “Sanhedrin,” a council of seventy of the elders of Israel.
Paul before the Supreme Council
fixed his eyes on the members of the council and said, “My brothers, up to this day I have lived my life before God with a perfectly clear
that moment, the high priest ordered those standing near Paul to strike him in the mouth.
responded, “God is going to strike you, you corrupt For you sit there judging me according to the law, yet you broke the law when you ordered me to be struck.”
standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare insult the high priest of God?”
answered, “I had no idea, brothers, that he was the high For the Scriptures say, ‘Do not curse the ruler of your people.’
then Paul realized that part of the council were Sadducees, who deny the resurrection of the and others were of the separated ones. So he shouted, “My fellow Jews, I am a separated and the son of a separated one. That’s why I’m on trial here. It’s because of the hope I have that the dead will rise to live
he said this, a heated argument started among them, dividing the council between the Sadducees and the separated ones. knew that the Sadducees teach there is no resurrection and do not believe in angels or spirits, but the separated ones believe in them all. sparked an even greater uproar among them.
Finally, some of the separated ones who were religious stood up and protested strongly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man. It could be that the has spoken to him or an angel came to him.”
the shouting match became intense, the commander, fearing they would tear Paul to pieces, intervened and ordered his soldiers to go in to their meeting and seize him and take him back to their headquarters.
night our Lord appeared to Paul and stood before him and “Receive miracle For just as you have spoken for me in Jerusalem, you will also speak for me in
The Plot to Kill Paul
next day, more than forty Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an to have no food or water until they had killed Paul. went to the high priest and the elders to divulge their plans and said to them, “We have united in a solemn oath not to eat or drink until Paul is dead. we urge you to have the commander bring him to you as though you were to determine his case with a more thorough inquiry. And we will kill him before he even gets here!”
Paul’s nephew, his sister’s son, overheard their plot to kill him, he came to the headquarters and informed him of their plans. called for one of the and said, “Take this to the commander, for he has something important to report to him.”
captain took him to the commander and informed him, “Paul the prisoner asked me to bring this boy to you because he has something important for you to know.”
commander took him by the arm and led him aside in private and asked him, “What do you have to tell me?”
replied, “The Jews have plotted to kill Paul. Tomorrow they will ask you to bring him again to the supreme council under the pretense of wanting to question him further. believe them, because they have forty men lying in wait to ambush Paul. These men have sworn an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They’re all waiting for you to agree to their request so they can carry out their
commander dismissed Paul’s nephew after directing him, “Tell no one that you’ve reported these things to me.” he summoned two of his captains and said to them, “I want you to take Paul by horseback to Caesarea tonight at nine o’clock. Dispatch two hundred infantrymen, seventy horsem*n, and another two hundred spearmen to provide security and deliver him safely to Governor Felix.” sent with them a letter that read:
Claudias Lysias, to His Excellency, Governor
Dear Governor,
rescued this man, who was seized by the Jews as they were about to put him to death. I intervened with my troops because I understand that he is a Roman citizen. was determined to learn exactly what charge they were accusing him of, so I brought him to stand before the Jewish supreme council. discovered that he was being accused with reference to violating controversial issues about their law, but I found no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. I was informed of an imminent plot to kill him, I sent him to you at once, and I have ordered his accusers to also come before you and state their charges against him.
Sincerely,
Claudius Lysias
soldiers carried out their orders and escorted Paul during the night until they reached the city of next day the horse-men continued on with Paul and the rest of the soldiers were dismissed to return to their headquarters.
their arrival in Caesarea, they presented the letter to the governor and brought Paul before him. reading the letter, he asked Paul what province he was from.
Paul answered, “Southeast
governor said, “I will give you a full hearing when your accusers arrive here also.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
a 23:1 The Aramaic is “I have been blessed by God in every way unto this day” or “I have been guided by God unto this day.”
b 23:2 It is ironic that one Ananias was God’s instrument to bring healing and sight to Paul in Damascus, but here it is a different Ananias.
c 23:3 Or “white-washed wall” (or “hypocrite”). See Ezek. 13:10–16; Matt. 23:27– 28 .
d 23:5 It was common for priests and rabbis to wear common clothes except on holy occasions. This could be why Paul did not recognize him as the high priest. There was also uncertainty as to who the high priest was, as Paul had been away from Jerusalem for years.
e 23:5 See Ex. 22:28.
f 23:6 This clause is borrowed from v. 8 and inserted here for the sake of clarity of the English narrative. Of the three major sects of Judaism of that day (Pharisees, Essenes, and Sadducees), the Sadducees were a small but influential group that philosophically denied the supernatural (including the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits) and gravitated instead toward political control of the people.
g 23:6 Or “Pharisee,” which means “separated one.” They were strict keepers of the law and believed in angels and the resurrection.
h 23:6 Or “the hope and the resurrection from the dead.” This is most likely a hendiadys. The Aramaic is “I have faith in the [miracle] of the resurrection from the dead.”
i 23:9 Or “scribes” (experts in the law).
j 23:9 The Spirit referred to was obviously sent from God (the Holy Spirit).
k 23:11 The Lord Jesus works with his apostolic servants and appeared to them throughout church history to encourage and give them direction for the expansion of God’s kingdom realm. See also Mark 16:15 ; Acts 18:9– 10 ; 22:17– 18 ; 27:23– 24 ; 2 Cor. 12:1 .
l 23:11 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “Have courage.”
m 23:11 The Aramaic is “You are destined to speak for me in Rome also.”
n 23:12–13 Or “with a curse.” That is, they pronounced a curse upon themselves, calling down heaven’s punishment if they did not murder Paul. One wonders what happened to them when their plot failed.
o 23:17 Or “centurions.” See also v. 18.
p 23:17 The Aramaic is “preteen boy.” The Greek is “young man.”
q 23:26 This was Antonius Felix, the governor of Caesarea who had jurisdiction over Israel and parts of Syria. He was known as a corrupt and cruel tyrant. However, he was married to a Jewish woman and was well acquainted with Jewish laws and traditions. It was important that Paul, a Roman citizen, be tried by Roman authorities.
r 23:31 This was over halfway from Jerusalem to Caesarea.
s 23:34 Or “Cilicia.”
Paul’s Trial before Felix
days later, Ananias the high priest arrived in Caesarea, accompanied by some Jewish elders and Tertullus, their prosecuting They were brought before the governor to present formal charges against Paul. Paul was summoned, Tertullus accused him, saying, Excellency Felix, under the shadow of your wise we Jews have experienced a long period of peace. Because of your wise foresight, many reforms are coming to pass in our nation because of you, Most Honorable Felix. We deeply appreciate this and thank you very much.
that I won’t weary you with a lengthy presentation, I beg you to hear our brief summary, with your customary graciousness. we have found this man to be a contagious a seditious man who continually stirs up riots among the Jews all over the world. He has become a ringleader of the sect known as the has even attempted to desecrate our temple, which is why we had him arrested. We sought to judge him according to our law, Commander Lysias came with great force, snatched him away from our hands, and sent him here to you. has ordered his accusers to come to you so that you could interrogate him and ascertain for yourself that all these charges we are bringing against him are
the Jews present joined in the verbal attack, saying, “Yes, it’s true!”
Paul’s Defense before Felix
governor motioned that it was Paul’s turn to speak, so he began to answer the accusations.
“Because I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly respond in my defense. can easily verify that about twelve days ago, I went to Jerusalem to worship. one found me arguing with anyone or causing trouble among the people in the synagogues or in the temple or anywhere in the city. are completely unable to prove these accusations they make against me.
I do confess this to you: I worship the God of our Jewish ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. For I believe everything that is written in the Law and the Prophets. my hope is in God, the same hope that even my accusers have embraced, the hope of a resurrection from the dead of both the righteous and the unrighteous. why I seek with all my heart to have a clean conscience toward God and toward others.
being away from Jerusalem for several years, I returned to bring to my people gifts for the was in the temple, ritually purified and presenting my offering to God, when they seized me. I had no noisy crowd around me, and I wasn’t causing trouble or making any kind of disturbance whatsoever. was a group of Jews from western who were being unruly; they are the ones who should be here now to bring their charges if they have anything against me. at least these men standing before you should clearly state what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the Jewish supreme council, it’s the one thing I passionately spoke out when I stood among them. I am on trial today only because of my belief in the resurrection of the dead.”
who was well acquainted with the facts about the Way, concluded the hearing with these words: “I will decide your case after Commander Lysias arrives.” then ordered the captain to keep Paul in protective custody, but to give him a measure of freedom, he allowed any of his friends to visit him and help take care of his needs.
Paul Speaks to Felix and Drusilla
days later, Felix came back with his wife, who was Jewish. They sent for Paul and listened as he shared with them about faith in Jesus, the Anointed One. Paul spoke about true righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became terrified and said, “Leave me for now. I’ll send for you later when it’s more
expected to receive a bribe from Paul for his release, so for that reason he would send for Paul from time to time to converse with him.
years later, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Before he left office he decided to leave Paul in prison as a political favor to the Jews.
a 24:1 Or “an orator” or “a public speaker.” He was a professional advocate representing the high priest and Jewish elders. Tertullus means “triple-hardened.”
b 24:3 As translated from the Aramaic, “under your shade” (or “shadow”) or “tent.”
c 24:5 As translated literally from the Greek. The Aramaic is “He is an assassin.”
d 24:5 The word Nazarene means “the branch” or “Scion.” The Aramaic word implies the title of an heir of a powerful family, or one who is victorious (“Jesus, the Victorious”). Believers are now grafted-in branches of his family tree, victorious ones in Christ (Nazarenes). Many modern-day Arabic speakers still use the term Nazarenes when speaking of believers in Jesus.
e 24:8 Verse 7 and parts of vv. 6 and 8 are missing in most reliable Greek manuscripts. They are a part of the Aramaic text and included here.
f 24:17 The Aramaic is “For many years I brought to my people gifts for the poor.”
g 24:19 Or “Asia” (Minor).
h 24:24 Drusilla was the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I and sister of Agrippa II. As a Jewess, she was likely the source of Felix’s understanding of the Way.
i 24:25 The Aramaic can be translated “When my conscience is clear I will call for you.”
Paul Appeals to Caesar
days after Festus assumed his duties in Caesarea, he made the journey to authorities and prominent leaders among the Jews brought formal charges against Paul before Festus. came asking him for a favor—that he would transfer Paul from Caesarea to Jerusalem—all the while plotting to ambush and kill Paul along the way.
responded to their request by informing them that he planned to return to Caesarea shortly. told them, “Your leaders can come with me to Caesarea. If this man has broken any laws, you can bring charges against him there.”
Festus had stayed in Jerusalem no more than eight to ten days, he left for Caesarea. The day after he arrived, he convened the court and took his seat on the bench as judge over the proceedings. After he ordered Paul brought into the courtroom, Jewish leaders who came from Jerusalem encircled him and leveled against him many serious charges, which they were unable to substantiate.
his defense, Paul said by the Holy “I have done nothing I’ve committed no offense against Jewish law, or against the temple, or against Caesar.”
because he wanted to curry favor with the Jews, asked Paul, “Are you willing to go with me to Jerusalem and be tried for these charges?”
replied, “I am standing here before Caesar’s tribunal. This is where I should be tried. As you well know, I have done no harm to the Jews. I have committed a crime worthy of death, I won’t seek to escape the death penalty. But if none of their charges are true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
conferring with the members of his council, Festus replied, “Since you have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you will go!”
Festus and King Agrippa
days later, King Agrippa and arrived at Caesarea for a visit with Festus. their stay of many days, Festus explained Paul’s situation to the king to get his opinion on the matter, saying, “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. I was in Jerusalem, the leading priests and Jewish elders pressed charges against him and demanded that I issue a guilty verdict against him. explained to them that it is not our Roman custom to condemn any man before he has an opportunity to face his accusers and present his defense. they returned here with me. I didn’t postpone the trial, but convened the court the very next day and ordered the man to be brought before me. listened to their accusations against him, but they were not what I expected to hear, for he had committed no crime. their issues centered around disagreements with him over their religion, and about a dead man named Jesus, who Paul claimed was alive. I was perplexed about how to proceed, I asked him if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to stand trial on these charges. Paul appealed his case to the emperor for a decision, I ordered him to be held in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”
Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to listen to this man myself.”
“Tomorrow,” he replied, “you will have that opportunity.”
Paul before King Agrippa
next day King Agrippa and Bernice entered the audience hall with much pomp and pageantry. Accompanying them were the senior military officers and prominent citizens. Festus ordered that Paul be brought before them all.
Festus said, “King Agrippa, and esteemed guests, here is the man whom the entire Jewish community, both here and in Jerusalem, has asked me to condemn to death. They have screamed and shouted at me, demanding that I end his life. upon investigation I couldn’t find one thing that he has done to deserve the death penalty. When he appealed to His Majesty the emperor, I determined to send him. I have nothing concrete to write to His Majesty, so I have now brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa. After this preliminary hearing I should have something to write, it seems absurd to me to send a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.”
a 25:1 This was a journey of about sixty-five miles (over one hundred kilometers).
b 25:8 As translated from the Aramaic.
c 25:8 Or “I have not sinned in anything.”
d 25:13 Bernice, a Jewess, was the sister of King Agrippa and the older sister of Drusilla, wife of Felix ( Acts 24:24 ).
Paul’s Defense before King Agrippa
Agrippa said to Paul, “You may now state your case.” Paul motioned with his hand for silence, then began his
Agrippa, I consider myself highly favored to stand before you today and answer the charges made against me by the Jews. you, more than anyone else, are very familiar with the customs and controversies among the Jewish people, I now ask for your patience as I state my
the Jews know how I have been raised as a young man, living among my own people from the beginning and in Jerusalem. my accusers are willing to testify, they must admit that they’ve known me all along as a Pharisee, a member of the most strict and orthodox sect within now, here I am on trial because I believe in the of God’s promises made to our ancestors. is the promise the twelve tribes of our people hope to see fulfilled as they sincerely strive to serve God with prayers night and
“So, Your Highness, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. how should you judge this Why is it that any of you think it unbelievable that God raises the dead? used to think that I should do all that was in my power to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. that’s exactly what I did in Jerusalem, for I not only imprisoned many of the holy believers by the authority of the chief priests, I also cast my vote against them, sentencing them to death. punished them often in every Jewish meeting hall and attempted to force them to blaspheme. I boiled with rage against them, hunting them down in distant foreign cities to persecute them.
that purpose I went to Damascus, with the authority granted to me by the chief priests. traveling on the road at noon, Your Highness, I saw a light brighter than the sun flashing from heaven all around me and those who were with me. all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice speaking to me in Aramaic, saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are only hurting yourself when you resist your
asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’
“And the Lord replied, ‘I am the one you are persecuting. up and stand to your feet, for I have appeared to you to reveal your destiny and to commission you as my You will be a witness to what you have seen and to the things I will reveal whenever I appear to will rescue you from the persecution of your own people and from the hostility of the other nations that I will send you to. you will open their eyes to their true condition, so that they may turn from darkness to the and from the of Satan to the power of God. By placing their faith in me they will receive the total of sins and be made holy, taking hold of the inheritance that I give to my
you see, King Agrippa, I have not been disobedient to what was revealed to me from heaven. it was in Damascus that I first declared the truth. And then I went to Jerusalem and throughout our and even to other nations, telling people everywhere that they must repent and turn to God and demonstrate it with a changed why the Jews seized me when I was in the temple and tried to murder me.
in spite of all this, I have experienced the supernatural help of God up to this very moment. So I’m standing here saying the same thing that I’ve shared with everyone, from the least to the greatest. For I teach nothing but what and the prophets have said was destined to happen: that our Messiah had to suffer and die and be the first to rise from the to release the bright light of truth both to our people and to the non-Jewish
interrupted Paul’s blurting out, “You’re out of your mind! All this great learning of yours is driving you
replied, “No, Your Excellency Festus, I am not crazy. I speak the words of truth and Agrippa, I know I can speak frankly and freely with you, for you understand these matters well, and none of these things have escaped your notice. After all, it’s not like it was a secret! you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you do.”
responded, “In such a short time you are nearly persuading me to become a Christian.”
replied, “I pray to God that both you and those here listening to me would one day become the same as I am, except, of course, without these chains.”
king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others got up. they were leaving the chamber, they commented to one another, “This man has done nothing that deserves death or even imprisonment.”
Agrippa said to Festus, “If he hadn’t appealed to Caesar, he could have been released.”
a 26:1 An alternate reading of the Aramaic is “The [Holy] Spirit issued from his mouth.”
b 26:3 An alternate reading of the Aramaic is “I beg you to allow the Spirit to flow so that you can hear me.”
c 26:5 The Aramaic is “I have lived by the elite knowledge of the Pharisees.”
d 26:6 The Aramaic can also be translated “good news.”
e 26:7 As translated from the Aramaic.
f 26:8 As translated from the Aramaic.
g 26:14 Or “Why are you hurting yourself by kicking against the ox-goads?”
h 26:15 The Aramaic is “Jesus, the Victorious.” See Acts 22:8 and footnote.
i 26:16 The Greek word hyp ē ret ē s is also used for John Mark as the “assistant” to Barnabas in Acts 13:5 .
j 26:16 As translated from the Aramaic, which is literally “a witness that you have seen me and are going to see me again.” The Greek is “to what shall yet appear before your eyes” or “to the things in which I will appear to you.” Both Greek and Aramaic are somewhat combined in the translation of this verse. Jesus promised future appearances to Paul.
k 26:18 See Isa. 35:5; 42:6–7, 16.
l 26:18 Or “authority” or “dominion.”
m 26:18 Or “cancellation of sins.”
n 26:20 Or “Judea.”
o 26:20 Or “with fruits in keeping with repentance.”
p 26:23 The Aramaic is “to inaugurate [or ‘be the origin of’] the resurrection from the dead.”
q 26:23 See Luke 2:32 .
r 26:24 The Aramaic can be translated “As the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul, Festus interrupted.”
s 26:24 Or “So much Scripture has made you senseless!”
t 26:25 Or “words of sober truth.”
Paul Sails to Italy
it was decided that were to sail for Italy, Festus handed over Paul and a number of other prisoners to the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a member of the imperial guard. went on board a ship from the port of that was planning to stop at various ports along the coast of south-western We put out to sea and were accompanied by from Thessalonica in Macedonia.
next day we docked at and Julius, being considerate of Paul, allowed him to disembark and be refreshed by his friends living there. there we put out to sea, but because the were against us, we sailed under the lee of sailing across the open sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we docked at the port of Myra in Lycia. we were there, the commanding officer found an Egyptian ship from Alexandria that was bound for Italy, and he put us on board.
made little headway for several days, and with difficulty we made it to The strong winds kept us from holding our course, so from there we sailed along the lee of opposite Cape Salome. the coast, we struggled on to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. remained there a long time, until we passed the day of the Jewish
Paul advised the frightened sailors that they should not put out to sea in such dangerous saying, I can see that our voyage would be disastrous for us and bring great loss, not only to our ship and cargo but also to our own lives. We should remain
the officer in charge was persuaded more by the ship’s helmsman and than he was by Paul. the majority decided to put out to sea, since Fair Haven was an exposed harbor and not suitable to winter in. They had hoped to somehow reach the Cretan port of which was a more suitable port because it was facing
a gentle south breeze began to blow, they assumed they could make it, so they pulled up anchor and sailed close to Crete. it wasn’t long before the weather abruptly worsened and a storm of hurricane force called the tore across the island and blew us out to sea. sailors weren’t able to turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it be driven by the gale
we passed to the lee of a small island called we were barely able to get the ship’s lifeboat under control, the crew hoisted the dinghy aboard. The sailors used ropes and cables to undergird the fearing they would run aground on the shoals of They lowered the drag anchor to slow its speed and let the ship be driven along.
next day, because of being battered severely by the storm, the sailors jettisoned the cargo, by the third day they even threw the ship’s tackle and rigging overboard. many days of seeing neither the sun nor the stars, and with the violent storm continuing to rage against us, all hope of ever getting through it alive was abandoned.
being without food for a long time, Paul stepped before them all and said, “Men, you should have me and avoided all of this pain and suffering by not leaving Crete. listen to me. Don’t be depressed, for no one will perish—only the ship will be lost. God’s angel visited me last night, the angel of my God, the God I passionately serve. He came and stood in front of me said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You are destined to stand trial before Caesar. And because of God’s favor on you, he has given you the lives of everyone who is sailing with you.’ men, keep up your courage! I know that God will protect you, just as he told me he would. we must run aground on some island to be
the fourteenth night of being tossed about the Adriatic Sea, about midnight, the sailors sensed we were approaching land. they took soundings and discovered that the water was about 120 feet After sailing a short distance, they again took soundings and found it was only ninety feet we would be dashed against a rocky coast, they dropped four anchors from the stern and waited for morning to come.
sailors pretended to go down to drop anchors from the bow when in fact they wanted to lower the lifeboat into the sea and escape, abandoning ship. said to the Roman officer and his soldiers, “Unless you all stay together onboard the ship, you have no chance of surviving.” the moment they heard this, the soldiers cut the ropes of the dinghy and let it fall away.
before daybreak, Paul urged everyone to eat. He said, “Today makes two full weeks that you’ve been in fearful peril and hunger, unable to eat a thing. eat and be nourished. For you’ll all come through this ordeal without a
Paul took bread and gave thanks to in front of them, broke it and began to eat. were 276 people who ate until they were filled, and were strengthened and they were satisfied, they threw the grain into the sea to lighten the ship.
Paul Is Shipwrecked
daylight came, the sailors didn’t recognize the land, but they noticed a cove with a sandy beach, so they decided to run the ship ashore. cut away the anchors, leaving them in the sea, untied the ropes holding the rudders, and hoisted the foresail to the breeze to head for the beach. they drifted into the rocky shoals between two depths of the sea, causing the ship to flounder still a distance from shore. The bow was stuck fast, jammed on the rocks, while the stern was being smashed by the pounding of the surf.
soldiers wanted to kill all the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. the Roman officer was determined to bring Paul safely through, so he foiled their attempts. He commanded the prisoners and crew who could swim to jump overboard and swim rest all managed to survive by clinging to planks and broken pieces of the ship, so that everyone scrambled to the shore uninjured.
a 27:1 It is likely that Luke rejoined Paul here and sailed with him to Rome.
b 27:2 Adramyttium (modern-day Edrimit, Turkey) was a seaport in the Roman colony of Mysia. Adramyttium means “I will abide in death.”
c 27:2 Or “the coast of the province of Asia” (Minor).
d 27:2 Aristarchus means “the best leader.”
e 27:3 A Phoenician city now in modern-day Lebanon.
f 27:4 The Aramaic can be translated “the spirits were against us.”
g 27:4 That is, east and north of the island.
h 27:7 Or “Cnidus,” an ancient port city on the Gulf of Gökova on the coast of Turkey.
i 27:7 The Aramaic is “we circled Crete.”
j 27:9 This was possibly the Day of Atonement, when every Jew fasts.
k 27:9 As translated from the Aramaic. This was the season the Romans called mare clausum , the closed sea, when the Mediterranean was not navigable.
l 27:10 This was clearly prophetic revelation given to the apostle Paul.
m 27:11 Or “ship’s owner.”
n 27:12 Or “Phoenix.”
o 27:12 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “looking toward Lips and Choros.” Lips was the Greek term for the “winds from the southwest,” and Choros the word for “winds from the northwest.”
p 27:14 The Aramaic is “Euroclydon’s typhoon.”
q 27:15 The Aramaic is “we surrendered to its power.”
r 27:16 Or “Gaudos.”
s 27:17 The Aramaic is “They tied down the lifeboat on the ship, lest it fall into the sea.”
t 27:17 This was a shallow region full of reefs and sandbars off the coast of Libya between Benghazi and Tripoli.
u 27:21 The Greek word peitharkheo means “to obey one who is in authority.” Paul was the true captain of the ship and carried the weight of authority.
v 27:28 Or “twenty fathoms.”
w 27:28 Or “fifteen fathoms.”
x 27:34 Or “Not one hair of your heads will perish.”
y 27:35 The Aramaic is “glorified God.”
z 27:36–37 Paul served communion on board the ship and fed every passenger and crew member. (Did God multiply the bread?) The language used is vividly eucharistic. There is a variation among many Greek manuscripts as to the total of those who were fed. Some have as few as sixty-nine or seventy. The majority of reliable manuscripts in Greek and Aramaic have 276.
aa 27:43 As translated from the Aramaic.
Paul on the Island of Malta
we had safely reached land, we discovered that the island we were on was Malta. people who lived there showed us extraordinary kindness, for they welcomed us around the fire they had built because it was cold and rainy.
Paul had gathered an armful of brushwood and was setting it on the fire, a venomous snake was driven out by the heat and latched onto Paul’s hand with its fangs. the islanders saw the snake dangling from Paul’s hand, they said to one another, “No doubt about it, this guy is a murderer. Even though he escaped death at sea, has now caught up with him!”
Paul shook the snake off, flung it into the fire, and suffered no harm at all. watched him, expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. After observing him for a long time and seeing that nothing unusual happened, they changed their minds and said, “He must be a god!”
Roman governor of the island, named Publius, had his estate nearby. He graciously welcomed us as his houseguests and showed us hospitality for the three days that we stayed with him. father lay sick in bed, suffering from fits of high fever and dysentery. So Paul went into his room, and after praying, placed his hands on him. He was instantly healed. the people of the island heard about this miracle, they brought all the sick to Paul, and they were also islanders honored us and when we were preparing to set sail again, they gave us all the supplies we needed for our journey.
Paul Reaches Rome
three months we put out to sea on an Egyptian ship from Alexandria that had wintered at the island. The ship had carved on its prow as its emblem the “Heavenly
we landed at we stayed there for three days. there we set sail for the Italian city of Rhegium. The day after we landed, a south wind sprang up that enabled us to reach in two days. we found some believers, who begged us to stay with them for a week. Afterward, we made our way to Rome.
the believers were alerted we were coming, they came out to meet us at the Forum of Appius while we were still a great distance from Another group met us at the Three When Paul saw the believers, his heart was greatly encouraged and he thanked God.
we finally entered Rome, Paul was turned over to the authorities and was allowed to live where he pleased, with one soldier assigned to guard him.
Paul Speaks to Prominent Jews of Rome
three days Paul called together all the prominent members of the Jewish community of When they had all assembled, Paul said to them, “My fellow Jews, while I was in Jerusalem, I was handed over as a prisoner of the Romans for prosecution, even though I had done nothing against any of our people or our Jewish customs. hearing my case, the Roman authorities wanted to release me since they found nothing that deserved a death sentence. the Jews objected to this, I felt it necessary, with no malice against to appeal to Caesar. then, is the reason I’ve asked to speak with you, so that I could explain these things. It is only because I believe in the Hope of Israel that I am in chains before you.”
replied, “We haven’t received any letters from the Jews of Judea, nor has anyone come to us with a bad report about you. we are anxious to hear you present your views regarding this Christian sect we’ve been hearing about, for people everywhere are speaking against it.”
they set a time to meet with Paul. On that day an even greater crowd gathered where he was staying. From morning until evening Paul taught them, opening up the truths of God’s kingdom. With convincing arguments from both the Law and the Prophets, he tried to persuade them about were converted, but others refused to believe. They argued back and forth, unable to agree among themselves. They were about to leave when Paul made one last statement to them: “The Holy Spirit stated it well when he spoke to your ancestors through the prophet
send you to this people to say to them, “You will keep but not understanding. You will keep staring at truth but not perceiving it. your hearts are hard and insensitive to me—you must be hard of hearing! For you’ve closed your eyes so that you won’t be troubled by the truth, and you’ve covered your ears so that you won’t have to listen and be pierced by what I say. For then you would have to respond and repent, so that I could heal your hearts.” ’
listen well. This wonderful salvation given by God is now being presented to the non-Jewish nations, and they will believe and receive
lived two more years in Rome, in his own rented quarters, welcoming all who came to visit. continued to proclaim to all the truths of God’s kingdom realm, teaching them about the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, speaking triumphantly and without any
a 28:4 The implication in the Greek text is that they were referring to a “goddess of justice,” perhaps a local deity.
b 28:9 Although Paul was technically a prisoner, he was the one setting everyone free. No doubt he preached the gospel with signs and wonders, leaving the island healed in more ways than one.
c 28:10 Or “They honored us with many honors.”
d 28:11 These were the twin sons of Zeus, Castor and Pollux. The Aramaic is “flying the flag of Gemini.” This was a widespread cult in Egypt in that era.
e 28:12 This was the city on the eastern coast of Sicily.
f 28:13 This was on the western coast of Italy, with a road leading to Rome, about 145 miles to the north.
g 28:15 The Forum of Appius was about forty-three miles away from Rome.
h 28:15 Three Taverns was about thirty-three miles from Rome.
i 28:17 Some believe there could have been as many as fifty thousand Jews living in Rome at the time of Paul’s visit.
j 28:19 Or “not that I had any feud against my own nation.”
k 28:23 That is, about the purpose of Jesus’ coming, which would include his life, ministry, death for our sins, and glorious resurrection.
l 28:25 The Aramaic can be translated “The Holy Spirit spoke beautifully through the mouth of Isaiah the prophet.”
m 28:25 See Isa. 6:9–10.
n 28:26 Or “listening.”
o 28:28 Verse 29 is not included in the oldest and most reliable Greek manuscript, and it is omitted from almost every modern translation, including the Aramaic. Verse 29, if included, would read “After hearing this, the Jews left with a heated argument among themselves.”
p 28:31 Tradition says that Paul was eventually released from house arrest and traveled to Spain. But the inspired account ends here, with Paul ministering to all who came to him. This completes the Acts of the Holy Spirit as recorded by Luke. Although the book of Acts is finished, the acts of God continue to be accomplished through his apostolic company of sur-rendered lovers. Every believer has the same Holy Spirit and can do the works of Jesus on the earth today.
