In Acts 21–23, Paul concluded his third missionary journey and made his way to Jerusalem despite the caution of his fellow believers and knowing the danger he would face. Once in the city, he underwent a ritual purification in an attempt to unify the believers. Jews from Asia stirred up the crowd and nearly beat him to death but he was saved by the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, and arrested. Paul gave his testimony to the Sanhedrin but they could not bear his talk of going to the Gentiles. He was almost flogged and a plot on his life was discovered. But God assured him he would testify in Rome. Paul was transferred to Governor Felix in Caesarea but the Roman ruler could find no legal charge against him.
Faith
Exploring Acts 18-20: Paul in Corinth and Ephesus
In Acts 18–20, Paul concluded his second missionary journey in Corinth where he met Priscilla and Aquila and stayed 1.5 years. Due to the ongoing opposition of the Jews, Paul pivoted and turned to preaching to Gentiles exclusively. "Some time" later, he set out on his third and final journey spending 2 years in Ephesus. There he did "extraordinary miracles" and confronted idol worship. Even though the townspeople rioted against "the Way," the number of believers increased. Paul then continued throughout Macedonia and Greece to encourage the believers there. This section ends with his farewell address to the Ephesian elders and a tearful goodbye.
Mourning with the Disciples on Holy Saturday
Years ago, after my closest Indonesian friend died, I pondered the disciples and how they must have felt from Friday to Sunday morning after Jesus died. And I put those thoughts in my journal. A version of this as a liturgy—a written prayer—will appear in my upcoming book, "In Every Moment: Recounting God's Goodness in Overseas Life."
Acts 16–17: The Second Missionary Journey
After the Jerusalem Council recorded in Acts 15, Paul sets out again, taking Timothy with him on his second missionary journey (Acts 16–17). "As they traveled from town to town [in Macedonia and Greece], they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey" (16:4). They witnessed the daily growth of the church as they strengthened them in the faith (16:5).
Exploring Acts 13–15: The First Missionary Journey
In Acts 13–14, we journey with Paul and Barnabas (and Mark) on their first missionary journey. We travel to town after town witnessing the signs and wonders God did and the many who believed in the word of God. Opposition arose yet they persevered, strengthening and encouraging the new church. In Acts 15, the church overcame the first major threat to the good news of salvation and reiterated that Gentiles are accepted as believers and do no need to become Jews first.
Exploring Acts 10–12: Christ is Lord of All
In this section of Acts, we see "Christians" realize and accept that the "good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" is for the Gentiles too. The first apostle is martyred (James) and Peter is rescued from prison. Yet "the word of God continued to spread and flourish." Here are my (somewhat) random thoughts from Acts 10–12.
Exploring Acts 7–9: God’s People
I continue my study of the book of Acts with snippets of thoughts and insights. In these chapters we meet Stephen, Philip, Simon, Saul, Ananias, Barnabas, and Dorcas. We see the church continue to grow despite opposition.
Exploring Acts 4–6: Filled With the Spirit
There is so much to see and learn from the action-packed book of Acts, so I'm only sharing snippets of thoughts and insights that stand out to me—things like being filled with the Spirit, courage, prayer, authority, persecution, leadership, and of course more salvation verses.
