Acts 20 to 23
Common Theme
Paul moves toward Jerusalem with unwavering resolve, trusting God even as opposition intensifies. Across these chapters, God’s sovereign hand directs events so that Paul’s witness continues before both Jews and Gentiles.
Questions
- What stands out about Paul’s courage and clarity when facing hostility?
- How do these chapters shape your understanding of God’s control over difficult circumstances?
God Shot
God shows Himself as the One who protects His servants so His purpose moves forward. He oversees every moment of Paul’s journey, ensuring that no plot or power can derail His plan.
Deeper
Acts 20
After the uproar in Macedonia, Paul encouraged his disciples and departed for Macedonia, then Greece, where he spent three months. A plot against him by the Jews prompted him to return through Macedonia. He was accompanied by several disciples and they sailed to Troas, where Paul spoke until midnight. A young man named Eutychus fell from a window and was presumed dead, but Paul revived him. After staying in Troas for seven days, Paul continued his journey, intending to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. He called the elders of the church from Ephesus to Miletus, reminding them of his humble service and dedication to teaching the gospel. Paul expressed his commitment to his ministry despite knowing that imprisonment awaited him in Jerusalem. He warned the elders about future challenges, including false teachers arising from within their ranks. Paul emphasized the importance of vigilance and care for the church, which was obtained through Christ’s sacrifice. He shared that he had not coveted anyone’s possessions and had worked hard to support himself and others. After his farewell, Paul prayed with the elders, leading to emotional goodbyes as they realized they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship, filled with sorrow.
Acts 21
In this passage, Paul embarks on a journey to Jerusalem, stopping at various locations including Tyre and Caesarea, where he receives warnings from disciples and a prophet named Agabus about the dangers he will face in Jerusalem. Despite their pleas, Paul insists he is prepared to face imprisonment or death for the sake of Jesus. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, he is warmly welcomed by the believers and meets with James and the elders, sharing the successes of his ministry among the Gentiles. However, they express concern about rumors that Paul teaches Jews to abandon the law. To counter this, they suggest he participate in a purification ritual with four men under a vow, which Paul agrees to do.
While in the temple, Paul is recognized by Jews from Asia, who falsely accuse him of defiling the temple by bringing Greeks inside. This incites a violent uproar, leading to his arrest by Roman soldiers. The tribune, confused by the chaos, orders Paul to be taken to the barracks for safety. As he is being led away, Paul requests to speak to the crowd, revealing his identity as a Jew from Tarsus and seeking permission to address them in Hebrew, setting the stage for his defense.
Acts 22
In this passage, Paul addresses a crowd, speaking in Hebrew, and recounts his background as a Jew from Tarsus, educated under Gamaliel. He describes his zealous persecution of Christians, detailing his journey to Damascus to imprison believers. On the way, he experiences a divine encounter with a bright light and hears Jesus asking why he is persecuting Him. Blinded by the light, Paul is led to Damascus, where Ananias restores his sight and tells him he is chosen to witness for Jesus. After returning to Jerusalem, Paul is warned by Jesus to leave quickly due to the rejection he would face. The crowd reacts violently to his mention of being sent to the Gentiles, demanding his removal. The Roman tribune intervenes, intending to examine Paul through flogging. When Paul reveals his Roman citizenship, the tribune is alarmed, realizing he has bound an uncondemned citizen. The next day, the tribune seeks to understand the accusations against Paul by convening the chief priests and council.
Acts 23
In this passage, Paul addresses the council, asserting his good conscience before God. The high priest Ananias orders Paul to be struck, to which Paul responds with a rebuke, unaware that Ananias is the high priest. Recognizing the division between the Sadducees and Pharisees, Paul declares his Pharisaic identity and the basis of his trial concerning the resurrection, leading to a heated dispute among the council members. Fearing for Paul’s safety, the tribune intervenes and takes him to the barracks. That night, the Lord reassures Paul, indicating he will testify in Rome.
The next day, a group of over forty Jews conspires to kill Paul, vowing not to eat or drink until they succeed. They plan to deceive the tribune into bringing Paul to them. However, Paul’s nephew learns of the plot and informs him. Paul then instructs a centurion to take the young man to the tribune, who is warned of the ambush.
To ensure Paul’s safety, the tribune organizes a large escort to transfer him to Governor Felix in Caesarea, writing a letter explaining the situation. Upon arrival, Felix agrees to hear the case when Paul’s accusers arrive, ordering him to be held in Herod’s praetorium.