ROAD TO ROME

Acts 21:17-23:35

Even before Paul's arrival at Jerusalem it becomes apparent that this is really a trip to Rome.

    The end of the road is in Rome (21:17-28:31).

Though Paul knew arrest was ahead, he went on anyway, confident of God's will.

He witnesses along the way and on his arrival in Rome.

    This is the purpose for which God has called him (cf. Acts 9:15-16).

TESTIMONY TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH 13:1-28:31

    First Missionary Journey 13:1-14:28

    Council at Jerusalem 15:1-35

    Second Missionary Journey 15:36-18:22

    Third Missionary Journey 18:23-21:16

        Revisiting Gentile centers they had visited previously.

            Most significant events:

Persecution continues.

                 Jews reject the gospel; pagan Gentiles accept the gospel.

                 John’s disciples become incorporated into the new people of God.

PAUL'S WITNESS IN JERUSALEM 21:17-23:35

His detention 21:17-36

        Meeting with elders 21:17-26

When Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he first reports to the elders.

What accusations were the Jewish believers presenting against Paul?

                     Was this true?

They are concerned because some of the Jews have heard

                 that he has been encouraging Jews to become Gentiles.

                    What does Paul teach about the law as it is related to Jews?

To prove that the charge is false,

                 Paul identifies with those following Jewish practices.

The custom was a voluntary one.

These men are not legalists.

They are Christians, concerned about a proper walk, who apply the law as a testimony, to demonstrate God's work in their lives.

        Accusation 21:27-29

What accusations did the Jews present against Paul?

When the Jews find Paul in the temple area,

                 they accuse him of speaking against Israel,

                                                                the law     and the temple.

They also accuse him of bringing Greeks into the temple.

                In what ways were these accusations true? In what ways were they false?

The first part of the charge is somewhat true.

He did speak of the setting aside of Israel,

                                               the end of the law,

                                               and the destruction of the temple.

The charge concerning the Greeks is false.

        Arrest 21:30-36

Because of the mob violence and attempt to kill Paul,

                 the military commander goes in to arrest Paul

                 and investigate the charges against him.

His defense 21:37-23:10

Paul is given an opportunity to defend himself before the crowd.

        Testimony to Jews 21:37-22:21

How did Paul defend himself before the Jewish accusations (22:3-23)?

                 What issue provoked the strong Jewish reaction?

As Paul tells the Jews of his past

                     and how God convinced him of the truth concerning Jesus,

                 they listen quietly

                     until he mentions his call to preach to the Gentiles.

        Response by Jews 22:22-23

This is too much for them.

Again they want to kill him.

The issue is not salvation by faith

                     but the commission to go to the Gentiles (21:37-22:23).

        Examination by Romans 22:24-29

The commander doesn't understand the issue,

                 but decides to examine Paul to find out,

        Hearing with the council 22:30-23:10

He calls a private hearing with the Jewish leaders.

What are implications between lines in dialogue about the High Priest (1-5)?

What are the implications of Paul’s tactic with the Sanhedrin (6-10)?

In the hearing, Paul focuses on the issue of the resurrection.

He demonstrates they can't even agree concerning the truth they accept.

How can they persecute him for his convictions?

He isn’t teaching anything that isn't also taught in the Old Testament.

His deliverance 23:11-35

        Revelation of protection 23:11

God reveals Himself to Paul and assures him of His protection

                 to enable him to witness in Rome.

        Plot by Jews 23:12-15

God's protection is demonstrated

                 when the Jewish leaders plot to kill Paul.

The plan is exposed

                 and Paul is taken away by night to Caesarea (23:12-35).

        Provision for protection 23:16-22

        Transfer to Caesarea 23:23-35

What do the accounts of this phase of the trial indicate concerning the accusations against Paul?

LESSONS FOR US TO LEARN

    *  Willingness to avoid a cause of stumbling.

Paul doesn’t want his freedom from Jewish customs to get in the way of his ministry among them.

Neither should we insist on exercising our liberty if it might cause others to stumble.

    *  The extent to which religious people will go to look spiritual, but avoid the truth.

    *  Paul’s willingness to die for the sake of the proclamation of the gospel.

    *  God can handle the plots of the wicked and protect those who are faithful.

                 That isn’t a guarantee that His people will always survive.

But it is a clear demonstration that we can trust Him, when we have to face the frightening threats of His enemies.