6/8/16

God's Knowledge In View Of Genesis 18 & 22: Is It Limited? by Allan Turner


http://allanturner.com/article04.html

God's Knowledge In View Of Genesis 18 & 22: Is It Limited?
by Allan Turner

Psalm 147:5 says that God's understanding is infinite. Infinite in this verse is the Hebrew micpar and means the same thing it does in English. Now, if God's understanding is infinite (having no boundaries or limits), and understanding is predicated on knowledge, then it follows necessarily that God's kno1wledge is also infinite. If not, then why not? Of course, such infinite knowledge would, in fact, be “unsearchable” by finite creatures, and this is exactly what Romans 11:33 says. In other words, God “knows all things” (1 John 3:20). Notice that the Bible does not say God has the capacity to know all things, which He certainly does have; instead, the argument is that God actually “knows all things.” Now, if God knows all things, what is it that He does not know? Remember, the Great Intelligence of the universe is writing to His intelligent creatures. Consequently, not only does He teach us through direct statements and approved examples, but He also expects us to make necessary conclusions. By direct statement, the Bible teaches that God “knows all things” (1 John 3:20), and the necessary conclusion is that there is nothing God does not know—and this includes the thennow, and not yet!
But, some say that this is not true. For example, bro. Ken Green takes the position that there are some things God cannot know, such as the future, contingent, free will choices of men and women. For those interested in pursuing bro. Green's argument, get a copy of the Green-Turner debate on the foreknowledge of God that took place in the Gospel Anchorseveral years ago. On the other hand, there are others who believe that God has the capacity to know all things, but, for reasons known only to Him, chooses not to know somethings. Unlike bro. Green, this group does not take this position primarily for philosophical reasons. Instead, they take this position only because the Bible seems to be saying that there are things God did not know (Genesis 18:21 and 22:12), and, as they are wont to say, the sincere Bible student knows the Bible does not contradict itself.
Yes, the Bible does not contradict itself; therefore, if the Bible teaches that there is not anything God does not know, then passages like Genesis 18 and 22 must be interpreted in light of this truth. In fact, a fundamental rule of hermeneutics (Bible interpretation) says that we must understand Scripture in its normal sense unless a literal interpretation contradicts other clear teaching found in God's Word. This, in my opinion, is the error one makes in thinking these passages negate the all-knowingness of God. (If you disagree with me, I would be very interested to know what you think Psalm 147:5; Romans 11:33; and 1 John 3:20 are saying about God's omniscience.) In their defense, many who take this erroneous position argue that just as God being all-powerful does not mean He has to be doing everything He has the capacity to do, being all-knowing does not mean that God must actually know everything He has the capacity to know. What to many otherwise bright individuals seems like iron-clad logic is, in fact, a non sequitur, an argument that does not logically follow the premise or evidence. Yes, being all-powerful, definitionally, does not mean one has to be engaged in doing all things; but, on the other hand, knowing all things, definitionally, means knowing all things. Being all-powerful infers ability only, while being all-knowing infers not just ability but the actual knowledge itself, which, in this case, is universal in scope. In other words, God is not claiming that He could know all things; He's claiming He does know all things!
It should be clear, then, that those who wrongly believe Genesis 18 and 22 to be teaching that God has chosen not to know some things are trying to explain away, ignore, or impugn, by their literal interpretation of the these passages, the plain teaching of those passages I have cited that teach the all-knowingness of God . Of course, fairness compels me to admit that it is equally possible for one to argue that I am guilty of the same thing I am arguing against. This is why I would like to know how those who disagree with me interpret the passages I have cited in favor of God's all-knowingness. Evidently, they must think these passages mean something other than what they literally say. But, whether one agrees with me or not, the task before us is to harmonize two seemingly contradictory teachings—God knows all things; God does not know some things—and do it in a way that does no damage to the integrity of either set of scriptures.
So, here is how I try to explain the apparent dilemma. In Genesis 18:21, we are dealing with an unusual circumstance. God, who is omnipresent, which means His ontological being is present to all of space equally, has, on occasion, entered space at specific points and become present in it for a specific purpose. The theologians call these “theophanies.” This seems to be the case in Genesis 18:21. In verse 1 of the chapter, it says, “Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day.” In verse 2, it mentions “three men.” Whether these three men are manifestations of the triune nature of God, or whether the other two were angels, is not clear. What seems clear is that this is, in fact, a theophany. In entering the time/space continuum, God, who is infinite ontologically, willingly, and somehow, without ceasing to be who He is, allowed Himself to be subject to the finite. It's mind-boggling, I know, but, nevertheless, this appears to be the clear import of Scripture. Now, let's look at the passage in question with my interpretation of it:
“I, [who have somehow subjected Myself to the time/space continuum] will go down [not from heaven, but down the way geographically] now [not in eternity, but right now at this moment, subject to time and space] and see [i.e., learn experientially in time and space] whether they have done [and, more importantly, continue to do “now”] altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me [in eternity, not limited by time and space]; and if not [i.e., if they are no longer doing what I knew they were doing before I allowed Myself to be subject to time and space], I [God subject to time and space] will know [experientially]” (verse 21).
Notice that I have emphasized the word “now” by putting it in bold letters. This is because I believe this word to be the key to understanding this passage. God, who ontologically knows the past, present, and future, contextualizes His knowing to the “now” of the time/space continuum. Are we really supposed to think that the self-existent, eternal, infinite Spirit who is God did not really know everything that had been happening in Sodom and Gomorrah? 1 John 3:20 makes it absolutely clear that God is greater than our heart (he knows our heart as well as every other heart) and knows all things. No, whatever Genesis 18:21 means must be understood by the context, and the context clearly indicates a theophany. Therefore, the theophany must be taken into consideration when trying to understand this passage. When I debated bro. Green on the foreknowledge of God, he at least admitted that God knew the past and present perfectly. Now, some are wanting me to believe that the all-knowing God does not even know the past and present perfectly. This, of course, is the only conclusion one may come to if this passage is to be understood literally and apart from the “now" context. Consequently, this conclusion is not—and, therefore, cannot be—true.
We now turn our attention to what I consider to be the more difficult passage. In Genesis 22:12, the angel of the Lord says to Abraham, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”  Although the “angel of the LORD” is involved in this episode, the unusual circumstances associated with a theophany are not a part of the context of this passage. Furthermore, as we have already observed, the Bible teaches us that the self-existent, eternal, and infinite Spirit who is God “knows all things.” So, again, citing a fundamental principle of hermeneutics, this passage cannot be interpreted in a way that would negate this truth.
Now, in this connection, it is interesting to note what the self-existent, eternal, infinite Spirit who is God knew about Abraham before He ever “tested” him. In Genesis 18:18-19, the Lord said: “...since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” In other words, God knew that Abraham would pass the “tests,” of faith, which included the one mentioned in this passage. To disregard this information, as well as the truth about God's “all-knowingness,” is to make a serious mistake when trying to understand this passage. Yes, taken literally, the passage does appear to be teaching that God learned something about Abraham that He had not previously known. But, if God really does know all things, and if He therefore knew Abraham would pass all “tests,” then Genesis 22:12 cannot be teaching us what it seems to be teaching.
Although I admit to feeling a little uncomfortable making this kind of statement, nevertheless, I am confident that this is the correct way to think about this passage. One must realize that Paul was not the only inspired writer who wrote things difficult to understand, which, if we are not careful, can be twisted to teach something completely contrary to truth (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). Our responsibility is to be diligent to present ourselves approved to God, as workers who do not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). This is not always easy, but if we work hard at it, then we, too, will pass the “test.”
I think the answer to understanding Genesis 22:12 is found in places like Deuteronomy 29-30, where God promises to give life or death and blessings or cursings, depending upon one's obedience to His Word.  Do what is right and one is blessed; do what is wrong and one is cursed. This is, in fact, a principle taught many places in the Bible. And although we do not expect to hear the voice of the “angel of the Lord” today, nevertheless, this principle is still true: If we serve the Lord faithfully, He will bless us; if we disobey Him, He will curse us.
God is all-knowing. This is what the Bible clearly teaches. Even so, He has agreed to deal with us in the time/space continuum. In the passage cited, you will notice that I have once again emphas ized the word “now.” This is because I believe the key to understanding this passage, like the key to understanding Genesis 18:21, is the “now” context. In the “now” of Abraham's time and space, the voice of  the angel of the Lord could be heard audibly, and God is acknowledging His blessing on or appreciation of Abraham at a very critical timeand place in his “walk of faith.” In fact, the word “know” in this passage is sometimes translated “to recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess, declare, or tell.” So, in harmony with the rest of Scripture, and without doing any violence to the words of this passage, Genesis 22:12 is not teaching that the all-knowing God of the universe did not really know whether Abraham would pass this critical test. He is, instead, acknowledging His appreciation of Abraham's faithfulness to Him. In other words, He is declaring, “Abraham, I have been testing you...and you have passed the test!”

"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty-Eight by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                          Chapter Twenty-Eight

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To review the events on the island of Malta following the shipwreck

2) To observe Paul's arrival at Rome

3) To consider Paul's work in Rome while under house arrest

SUMMARY

It was rainy and cold, as the shipwrecked travelers escaped onto the
island of Malta.  The natives showed kindness by kindling a fire and
welcoming them.  As Paul gathered sticks and laid them on the fire, a
viper bit his hand.  The natives reacted, "No doubt this man is a
murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not
allow to live."  Paul shook off the viper and suffered no harm.  After a
time, the natives thought Paul was a "god" as no harm had come to him.
Publius, a leading citizen of the region, received and entertained the
travelers "courteously" for three days.  Publius'
father was sick with a fever and dysentery.  Paul went in to him and
prayed.  He laid hands on Publius' father and healed him.  Others on the
island with diseases came and were healed.  The islanders honored
them in many ways and provided the necessities for them as they departed
the island.  (1-10)

After three months, an Alexandrian ship (the Twin Brothers) sailed from
Malta - it had wintered there.  They sailed to Syracuse, Rhegium, and
then to Puteoli.  Paul found brethren at Puteoli and stayed with them
seven days.  As they traveled along, brethren heard about them and met
them at Appii Forum and Three Inns.  This gave Paul courage and he
thanked God.  Upon arrival at Rome, the centurion delivered the
prisoners to the captain of the guard.  Paul was permitted to "dwell by
himself with the soldier who guarded him."  (11-16)

After three days, Paul called for the Jewish leaders.  When they came
together, he spoke to them.  Paul noted that he had done nothing against
their people or the customs of their fathers.  He reviewed that
he had been taken prisoner in Jerusalem, and was taken into Roman
custody.  He had been examined and was to be released, but the Jews
spoke against his release; thus he appealed to Caesar.  That was the
reason he had called for and had spoken with the Jewish leaders.  Paul
stated, "...because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
The Jewish leaders responded to Paul.  They indicated they had not
received letters nor heard of any evil spoken of Paul.  They wanted to
hear more from Paul "concerning this sect."  They stated that it had
been "spoken against everywhere."  The Jews met Paul again at his place
of lodging at another arranged time.  He explained and testified of the
kingdom of God, and persuaded them concerning Jesus.  Paul spoke from
both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.  He spoke from morning until
evening.  Some were persuaded and some disbelieved.  Paul completed the
discourse by quoting from Isaiah the prophet.  The quotation indicated
they would hear/see but not understand/ perceive.  The Lord wanted them
to understand and turn so He could heal them.  Paul told them that the
salvation of God had been sent to the Gentiles, and "they will hear it!"
The Jews departed and "had a great dispute among themselves."  Paul was
allowed to rent his own home for two years, as he continued under house
arrest.  Paul received all who came to him.  He preached the kingdom of
God, and taught the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.  He taught
with all confidence, and no one forbade him.  (17-31)

OUTLINE

I. ON THE ISLAND OF MALTA FOLLOWING THE SHIPWRECK (1-10)

   A. THE NATIVES SHOWED KINDNESS TO THE SHIPWRECKED TRAVELERS (1-6)
      1. It was rainy and cold, as the travelers escaped to the island
      2. The natives showed kindness by kindling a fire and welcoming
         them
      3. A viper bit Paul, as he gathered sticks and laid them on the
         fire
         a. The natives reacted, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom,
            though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to
            live."
         b. Paul shook off the viper and suffered no harm
         c. After a time, the natives thought Paul was a "god" as no
            harm had come to him

   B. THE HEALING OF PUBLIUS' FATHER AND OTHERS (7-10)
      1. Publius was a leading citizen of the region
         a. He received and entertained the travelers for three days
      2. Publius' father was sick with a fever and dysentery
         a. Paul went in to him and prayed
         b. Paul laid hands on him and healed him
      3. Others on the island with diseases came and were healed
      4. The islanders honored them in many ways and provided the
         necessities for them as they departed the island

II. PAUL'S ARRIVAL AT ROME (11-16)

   A. THEY SAILED TOWARD ROME (11-13)
      1. After three months, an Alexandrian ship (Twin Brothers) sailed
         from Malta - it had wintered there
      2. They sailed to Syracuse, Rhegium, and then to Puteoli

   B. THEY TRAVELED BY LAND TOWARD ROME (14-15)
      1. Paul found brethren at Puteoli and stayed with them seven days
      2. As they traveled along, brethren heard about them and met them
         a. They met at Appii Forum and Three Inns
         b. This gave Paul courage and he thanked God

   C. THEY ARRIVED AT ROME (16)
      1. The centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the
         guard at Rome
      2. Paul was permitted to "dwell by himself with the soldier who
         guarded him"

III. PAUL'S WORK IN ROME WHILE UNDER HOUSE ARREST (17-31)

   A. AFTER THREE DAYS, PAUL CALLED FOR THE JEWISH LEADERS (17-22)
      1. When they came together, Paul spoke to the Jewish leaders
         a. He noted that he had done nothing against their people or
            the customs of their fathers
         b. He reviewed that he had been taken prisoner in Jerusalem and
            taken into Roman custody
         c. He had been examined and was to be released, but the Jews
            spoke against his release; thus he appealed to Caesar
         d. That was the reason he called for and spoke with them
         e. He stated, "...because for the hope of Israel I am bound
            with this chain"
      2. The Jewish leaders responded to Paul
         a. They indicated they had not received letters nor heard of
            any evil spoken of Paul
         b. They wanted to hear more from Paul "concerning this sect"
         c. They noted that it had been "spoken against everywhere"

   B. PAUL SPOKE TO THE JEWISH LEADERS AGAIN (23-29)
      1. The Jews met Paul again at his place of lodging
      2. He explained and testified of the kingdom of God and persuaded
         them concerning Jesus
         a. He spoke from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets
         b. He spoke from morning until evening
         c. Some were persuaded and some disbelieved
      3. Paul completed the discourse by quoting from Isaiah
         a. The quotation indicated they would hear/see but not
            understand/perceive
         b. The Lord wanted them to understand and turn so He could heal
            them
         c. Paul told them that the salvation of God had been sent to
            the Gentiles, and "they will hear it"
         d. The Jews departed and "had a great dispute among themselves"

   C. PAUL CONTINUED FOR TWO YEARS UNDER HOUSE ARREST (30-31)
      1. Paul was allowed to rent his own home for two years
      2. Paul received all who came to him
         a. He preached the kingdom of God
         b. He taught the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ
      3. He taught with all confidence, and no one forbade him

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - On the island of Malta following the shipwreck (1-10)
   - Paul's arrival at Rome (11-16)
   - Paul's work in Rome while under house arrest (17-31)

2) What was the name of the island they escaped the shipwreck onto? (1)
   - Malta (1)

3) How did the natives treat the shipwrecked travelers? (2)
   - They showed unusual kindness (2)
   - They kindled a fire and welcomed them (2)

4) What happened to Paul while laying sticks on the fire? (3)
   - A viper came out and bit him on the hand (3)

5) What did the natives say to one another? (4)
   - "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the
     sea, yet justice does not allow to live." (4)

6) What did Paul do to the creature?  What was Paul's outcome? (5)
   - Paul shook the viper from his hand (5)
   - He "suffered no harm" (5)

7) Seeing that Paul suffered no harm, what did the natives think of him?
   (6)
   - They changed their minds about him; thought he was a "god" (6)

8) Who was Publius?  What did he do for the travelers? (7)
   - He was a leading citizen of the island of Malta (7)
   - He "courteously" received and entertained them for 3 days (7)

9) What was wrong with Publius' father?  What did Paul do? (8-9)
   - He was sick with a fever and dysentery (8)
   - Paul went in to him, prayed, laid hands on him and healed him (8)
   - Others with diseases also came and were healed (9)

10) How long did they remain on Malta? Why was a ship there? (11)
   - Three months (11)
   - The Alexandrian ship had wintered there (11)

11) Name three places they sailed to as they continued to Rome. (12-13)
   - Syracuse (12)
   - Rhegium and Puteoli (13)

12) Name places Paul met with brethren along the way in Italy. How did
    this affect Paul?  (13-15)
   - Puteoli for seven days (13-14)
   - Appii Forum and Three Inns (15)
   - "When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage." (15)

13) At Rome, who was Paul delivered to?  What was he permitted to do?
    (16)
   - The prisoners were delivered to the captain of the guard (16)
   - He was permitted to "dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded
     him" (16)

14) Why did Paul call the Jewish leaders together? (17-20)
   - "to see you and speak with you, because of the hope of Israel I am
     bound with this chain" (20)

15) Had the Jewish leaders heard a report on Paul? Had they heard about
    this "sect?" (21-22)
   - No, they had not heard any "evil" spoken of Paul (21)
   - Yes, and they wanted to hear more about this "sect;" it had been
     "spoken against everywhere" (22)

16) What did Paul speak to them about at the next meeting? (23)
   - "he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God,
     persuading them concerning Jesus" (23)

17) How did they react to Paul's teaching? (24)
   - Some were persuaded and some disbelieved (24)

18) What prophet did Paul quote when the Jews disagreed among
    themselves? (25-27)
   - He quoted from Isaiah the prophet - Isa. 6:9-10 (25)

19) To whom had the salvation of God been sent? (28)
   - To the Gentiles, and "they will hear it!" (28)

20) How long was Paul there? What did he continue to do? (30-31)
   - "Paul dwelt two years in his own rented house" (30)
   - He preached the kingdom of God, and taught things concerning the
     Lord Jesus Christ "with all confidence" (31)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty-Seven by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                          Chapter Twenty-Seven

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To observe how Paul's trip to Rome began

2) To notice how Paul warned of a disaster and was ignored

3) To examine how the tempestuous sea became disastrous for the ship

4) To contemplate how all were saved in the shipwreck at Malta

SUMMARY

When it was decided that the prisoners should sail to Italy, Julius, a
centurion of the Augustan Regiment, took custody.  They boarded a ship
of Adramyttium to sail along the Asian coast.  Aristarchus, a Macedonian
of Thessalonica, accompanied Paul.  When the ship arrived at Sidon,
Julius treated Paul kindly.  He was allowed to go to his friends and
receive care.  They then sailed near Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia, and
arrived at Myra.  There, the centurion found an Alexandrian ship headed
to Italy.  They boarded this ship and departed.  They sailed slowly for
many days, as the wind made it difficult to sail.  They continued to
sail with difficulty near Cnidus and Crete off Salmone.  Next, they
arrived at Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.  (1-8)

A great amount of time had passed, and sailing became dangerous.  Paul
advised, "I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much
loss..." The centurion ignored Paul, and rather listened to the helmsman
and ship-owner, who considered the harbor "not suitable to winter in."
The majority wanted to sail on to Phoenix, a harbor of Crete.  (9-12)

The south wind began to blow softly.  Supposing this favorable, they put
out to sea.  They sailed close to Crete.  Shortly after sailing, a
"tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon."  The ship was driven
south of an island called Clauda.  The sailors secured the ship with
cables/ropes by passing them underneath the hull.  The following day,
they lightened the ship.  The third day, they threw the ship's tackle
overboard.  After several days in the storm, all hope was given up.
They had not eaten for many days.  Paul reminded them that he had
recommended to not sail from Crete.  Paul then assured them there would
be no loss of life; only the ship would be lost.  This message came from
an angel of God.  Paul affirmed his faith/trust in God that this surely
would come to pass.  Paul further revealed that the ship would run
aground.  After fourteen nights, the sailors sensed they were near land.
They took soundings and determined they were nearing land.  It was dark.
They dropped four anchors to avoid running aground and prayed for
daylight.  The sailors lowered the skiff to appear that they were
putting out more anchors; however, they intended to leave the ship.
Paul told the centurion and soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the
ship, you cannot be saved."  The soldiers cut the ropes to the skiff and
let it fall away.  As the day dawned, Paul encouraged them to eat.  It
had been fourteen days since they had eaten.  Paul indicated they needed
food for nourishment and survival.  He reminded them they all would be
safe.  Paul then took bread, gave thanks to God, and began to eat before
them.  They were all encouraged by Paul and ate as well.  After they had
eaten enough, they threw the wheat into the sea to lighten the ship.
There were two hundred seventy-six people aboard the ship.  (13-38)

At daylight, they saw a bay with a beach, though they did not recognize
the land.  They desired to drive the ship onto the beach.  They let the
anchors go into the sea, hoisted the main sail, and headed for the
beach.  The ship ran aground "where two seas met" and the "prow stuck
fast" - the ship was immovable.  The waves violently began to break up
the ship.  The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to keep any from
escaping.  The centurion stopped the soldiers' plan.  He wanted to save
Paul.  The centurion commanded all who could swim to jump overboard and
swim for shore.  The rest floated on boards or parts of the ship.  They
all escaped safely to the island.  (39-44)

OUTLINE

I. TRIP TO ROME BEGAN (1-8)

   A. SAILED A SHIP OF ADRAMYTTIUM (1-5)
      1. It was decided that the prisoners should sail to Italy
      2. Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment, took custody
      3. They boarded a ship of Adramyttium to sail along the Asian
         coast
      4. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, accompanied Paul
      5. At Sidon, Julius treated Paul kindly
         a. Paul was allowed to go to his friends and receive care
      6. They sailed near Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia, and arrived at
         Myra

   B. SAILED A SHIP OF ALEXANDRIA (6-8)
      1. At Myra, the centurion found an Alexandrian ship headed to
         Italy
      2. They boarded this ship and departed
         a. They sailed slowly for many days
         b. The wind made it difficult to sail
      3. They continued to sail with difficulty near Cnidus, Crete off
         Salmone
      4. They arrived at Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea

II. PAUL WARNED OF DISASTER (9-12)

   A. SAILING BECAME DANGEROUS; PAUL WARNED OF DISASTER (9-10)
      1. Much time had passed, and sailing became dangerous
      2. Paul advised, "I perceive that this voyage will end with
         disaster and much loss..."

   B. THE CENTURION IGNORED PAUL'S WARNING (11-12)
      1. The centurion listened to the helmsman and ship-owner rather
         than Paul
      2. They considered the harbor "not suitable to winter in"
      3. The majority wanted to sail on to Phoenix, a harbor of Crete

III. THE TEMPESTUOUS SEA (13-38)

   A. A FAVORABLE WIND BLEW (13)
      1. The south wind blew softly
      2. Supposing this favorable, they put out to sea
      3. They sailed close to Crete

   B. THE TEMPEST BEGAN (14-20)
      1. Shortly after sailing, a "tempestuous head wind arose, called
         Euroclydon"
      2. The ship was driven south of an island called Clauda
      3. The sailors secured the ship with cables/ropes, passing them
         underneath
      4. The following day, they lightened the ship
      5. The third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard
      6. After several days in the storm, all hope was given up

   C. PAUL ASSURED THE MEN OF SURVIVAL (21-26)
      1. They had not eaten for many days
      2. Paul reminded them:  he had recommended to not sail from Crete
      3. Paul then assured them there would be no loss of life; only the
         ship would be lost - the message came from an angel of God
      4. Paul affirmed his trust in God to the men by saying, "for I
         believe God that it will be just as it was told me"
      5. Paul further revealed that the ship would run aground

   D. THE CREW ATTEMPTED TO ABANDON THE SHIP (27-32)
      1. After fourteen nights, the sailors sensed they were near land
      2. They took soundings and determined they were nearing land
      3. It was dark; they dropped four anchors to avoid running aground
         and prayed for daylight
      4. The sailors lowered the skiff to appear they were putting out
         more anchors; but they intended to leave the ship
      5. Paul told the centurion and soldiers, "Unless these men stay in
         the ship, you cannot be saved."
      6. The soldiers cut the ropes to the skiff and let it fall away

   E. THE TEMPEST BEGAN (33-38)
      1. As the day dawned, Paul encouraged them to eat; it had been
         fourteen days since they had eaten
      2. Paul indicated they needed food for nourishment and survival
      3. He reminded them they all would be safe
      4. Paul took bread, gave thanks to God, and began to eat before
         them
      5. They were all encouraged by Paul and ate as well
      6. After they had eaten enough, they threw out the wheat to
         lighten the ship
      7. There were two hundred seventy-six people aboard the ship

IV. SHIPWRECKED AT MALTA (39-44)

   A. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE SHIP ONTO THE BEACH (39-41)
      1. At daylight, they saw a bay with a beach
      2. They desired to drive the ship onto the beach
      3. They let the anchors go into the sea, hoisted the main sail and
         headed for the beach
      4. The ship ran aground "where two seas met" and the "prow stuck
         fast" - the ship was immovable
      5. The waves violently began to break up the ship

   B. THEY SWAM AND/OR FLOATED TO SHORE; ALL WERE SAVED (42-44)
      1. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to keep any from
         escaping
      2. The centurion stopped the soldiers' plan
         a. He wanted to save Paul
      3. The centurion commanded all who could swim to jump overboard
         and swim for shore
         a. The rest floated on boards or parts of the ship
      4. They all escaped safely to the island

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - Paul's trip to Rome began (1-8)
   - Paul warned of a disaster and was ignored (9-12)
   - The tempestuous sea became disastrous for the ship (13-38)
   - All were saved in the shipwreck at Malta (39-44)

2) Where were they to sail? (1)
   - Italy (1)

3) To whom were the prisoners, including Paul, delivered? (1)
   - Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment (1)

4) Who was also sailing with Paul? (2)
   - Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica (2)
   - Luke was travelling along as well -- "we" and "us" (2)

5) How did the centurion treat Paul at Sidon? (3)
   - He treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends and
     receive care (3)

6) Why did they sail under the shelter of Cyprus? (4)
   - The winds were contrary (4)

7) Where did the centurion find the Alexandrian ship? (5-6)
   - Myra, a city of Lycia (6)

8) What caused the ship to sail slowly for many days? (7)
   - The wind did not permit them to proceed (7)

9) What was the name of the port near the city of Lasea? (8)
   - Fair Havens (8)

10) Now that the Fast was over, what was the condition for sailing? (9)
   - Sailing conditions were dangerous at that time of year (9)

11) Did the centurion heed Paul's warning? Who did he listen to? (11)
   - No, he was "more persuaded" by others (11)
   - The helmsman and the owner of the ship (11)

12) What did the majority advise to do? (12)
   - To set sail for Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, and winter there (12)

13) What did the sailors use to undergird the ship?  Why? (17)
   - They used cables/ropes (17)
   - They afraid of running aground (17)

14) On the third day, what did they throw overboard? (18-19)
   - The ship's tackle (19)

15) What did the angel say to Paul? (23-24)
   - "Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and
     indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you." (24)

16) What did Paul tell them must happen? (26)
   - The ship must run aground on a certain island (26)

17) When the sailors sensed they were nearing land, what did they
    attempt to do? (27-30)
   - They let the skiff down under pretense of letting out more anchors
     (30)

18) What did Paul tell the centurion? What did the soldiers do? (31-32)
   - "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." (31)
   - The soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall (32)

19) As Paul tried to convince them to eat, what did he assure them would
    not happen? (33-34)
   - "...not a hair will fall from the head of any of you" (34)

20) What did Paul do in the presence of all of them? (35)
   - He took bread, gave thanks to God, and began to eat (35)

21) How many people were on the ship? (37)
   - Two hundred seventy-six (37)

22) What did they do after they had all eaten enough? (38)
   - They lightened the ship and threw the wheat into the sea (38)

23) When it became day, what did they see? (39)
   - They say a bay with a beach (39)

24) As they attempted to run the ship onto the beach, what happened?
    (40-41)
   - They ran the ship aground where the two seas met; the ship was
     immovable and began to break up from the violent waves (41)

25) What did the soldiers plan to do to the prisoners? (42)
   - They planned to kill the prisoners, so none could escape (42)

26) Did the centurion go along with the plan? What did he do? Why? (43)
   - He did not go along with the soldiers' plan (43)
   - He commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard and
     get to land (43)
   - He wanted to save Paul (43)

27) How did the rest get to shore? How many escaped safely to land? (44)
   - They floated on boards and parts of the ship to land (44)
   - They all escaped safely to land (44)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty-Six by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                           Chapter Twenty-Six

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To consider Paul's defense before King Agrippa

2) To review Paul's question on belief of the prophets to Agrippa

3) To observe King Agrippa, Festus, and others in deliberation on Paul

SUMMARY

Paul went before King Agrippa and made his defense.  In the beginning,
Paul reviewed his life as a Jew - before his conversion.  King Agrippa
gave Paul permission to speak for himself.  Paul began by acknowledging
that Agrippa was an "expert" in the Jewish customs and questions
concerning the Jews.  Paul told of his former life as a Jew/Pharisee.
Paul had spent his early life in Jerusalem - all the Jews knew this.  He
was a member of the strictest sect, the Pharisees.  Paul noted that he
was being judged for the "hope of the promise made by God to our
fathers."  Paul reiterated that this was the core of the accusation -
this "hope."  Paul asked Agrippa, "Why should it be thought incredible
by you that God raises the dead?"  Paul then stated that he originally
thought he should act contrary to Jesus.  He cast Christians into
prison, voted for their deaths, punished them, compelled them to
blaspheme; he even persecuted them to foreign cities.  Paul then told of
the Lord's appearance on the road to Damascus.  While Paul was engaged
in persecuting Christians, he journeyed toward Damascus.  At midday, a
bright light shone on him and his companions.  They all fell to the
ground.  The Lord spoke to Paul in the Hebrew language.  The Lord
identified Himself as Jesus.  The Lord told Paul of the purpose of His
appearing:  to make him a minister and witness of the things he had seen
and of the things that would be revealed to him.  Paul was sent by the
Lord to the Gentiles, to open their eyes - that they may receive
forgiveness of sins.  Paul told Agrippa that he had to be obedient to
the heavenly vision.  He declared the Gospel in Damascus, Jerusalem,
Judea, and then to the Gentiles.  Paul told the Gentiles to "repent,
turn to God, and do works befitting repentance."  He said for these
things the Jews seized him at the temple and tried to kill him.  He
recognized that God had helped him to that very time.  Paul only
preached those things which the prophets and Moses had said would come
to pass:  that Christ would suffer; that Christ would be the first to
rise from the dead; and, that He would proclaim light to the Jews and
Gentiles.  Festus then interrupted Paul.  He interjected at Paul's
defense with a loud voice.  He said, "Paul, you are beside yourself!
Much learning is driving you mad!"  Paul replied, "I am not mad, most
noble Festus, but speak words of truth and reason."  He pointed out that
Agrippa knew of these things.  Paul further noted that none of these
things had been "done in a corner."  (1-26)

Paul asked King Agrippa if he believed the prophets.  He had a brief
dialogue with Agrippa about his belief.  He addressed King Agrippa, "do
you believe the prophets?  I know that you do believe."  Agrippa
replied, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."  Paul responded
that he would, for not only Agrippa, but for all who heard him to become
Christians.  Of course, Paul did not desire for any to be in bonds, as
he was.  (27-29)

King Agrippa, Festus, and the others then deliberated about Paul.  No
charges were found against him.  They said, "This man is doing nothing
deserving of death or chains."  Agrippa pointed out that Paul might have
been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.  (30-32)

OUTLINE

I. PAUL MADE HIS DEFENSE BEFORE KING AGRIPPA (1-26)

   A. PAUL AS A JEW - BEFORE HIS CONVERSION (1-11)
      1. King Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak for himself
      2. Paul began by acknowledging that Agrippa was "expert" in the
         Jewish customs and questions about the Jews
      3. Paul told of his former life as a Jew/Pharisee
         a. Paul had spent his early life in Jerusalem - all Jews knew
            this
         b. He was a member of the strictest sect, the Pharisees
         c. Paul noted that he was being judged for the "hope of the
            promise made by God to our fathers"
         d. Paul reiterated that this was the accusation - this "hope"
         e. Paul asked Agrippa, "Why should it be thought incredible by
            you that God raises the dead?"
         f. Paul originally thought he should act contrary to Jesus
         g. Paul cast Christians in prison, voted for their deaths,
            punished them, compelled them to blaspheme; he even
            persecuted them to foreign cities

   B. PAUL TOLD OF THE LORD'S APPEARANCE ON THE DAMASCUS ROAD (12-18)
      1. While Paul was engaged in persecuting Christians, he journeyed
         on the road to Damascus
         a. At midday a bright light shone on him and his companions
         b. They all fell to the ground
         c. The Lord then spoke to Paul in the Hebrew language
         d. The Lord identified Himself as Jesus
         e. The Lord told Paul of the purpose of appearing:  to make him
            a minister and witness of the things he had seen and of the
            things that would be revealed to him
         f. Paul was sent by the Lord to the Gentiles, to open their
            eyes - that they may receive forgiveness of sins

   C. PAUL PROCLAIMED THE LIGHT TO THOSE IN DARKNESS (19-23)
      1. Paul told Agrippa that he had to be obedient to the heavenly
         vision
         a. He declared the Gospel in Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea, and
            then to the Gentiles
         b. Paul told the Gentiles to "repent, turn to God, and do works
            befitting repentance"
      2. Paul said for these things the Jews seized him at the temple
         and tried to kill him
         a. Paul recognized that God had helped him to that time
      3. Paul only preached those things which the prophets and Moses
         had said would come to pass
         a. That Christ would suffer
         b. That Christ would be the first to rise from the dead
         c. That Christ would proclaim light to the Jews and Gentiles

   D. FESTUS INTERRUPTED PAUL (24-26)
      1. Festus interjected at Paul's defense with a loud voice
         a. He said, "Paul, you are beside yourself!  Much learning is
            driving you mad!"
      2. Paul replied to Festus
         a. He said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak words
            of truth and reason."
         b. Paul pointed out that Agrippa knew of these things
         c. Paul further noted that none of these things had been "done
            in a corner"

II. PAUL ASKED AGRIPPA IF HE BELIEVED THE PROPHETS (27-29)

   A. PAUL HAD A DIALOGUE WITH KING AGRIPPA ABOUT HIS BELIEF (27-29)
      1. Paul addressed Agrippa, "do you believe the prophets?  I know
         that you do believe."
      2. Agrippa replied, "You almost persuade me to become a
         Christian."
      3. Paul responded that he would for not only Agrippa, but for all
         who heard him to become Christians
         a. Of course, Paul did not desire for any to be in bonds, as he
            was

III. KING AGRIPPA, FESTUS, AND OTHERS DELIBERATE ABOUT PAUL (30-32)

   A. NO CHARGES WERE FOUND AGAINST PAUL (30-32)
      1. Agrippa, Festus and the others went aside to deliberate
         a. They said, "This man is doing nothing deserving of death or
            chains."
      2. Agrippa pointed out that Paul might have been set free if he
         had not appealed to Caesar

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - To consider Paul's defense before King Agrippa (1-26)
   - To review Paul's question on belief of the prophets to Agrippa
     (27-29)
   - To observe King Agrippa, Festus, and others in deliberation on Paul
     (30-32)

2) What did Paul indicate that King Agrippa was "expert" in? (3)
   - All customs and questions which have to do with the Jews (3)

3) In what city did Paul state that from his youth he spent with his own
   nation? (4)
   - Jerusalem (4)

4) What sect had Paul been a part?  What word did he use to describe it?
   (5)
   - Pharisees (5)
   - "strictest" (5)

 5) What did Paul say he was being judged for? (6)
   - "for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers" (6)

6) [Fill in the blank] "Why should it be thought ___________ by you that
   God raises the dead?" (8)

7) List some of the things that Paul did "contrary to the name of
   Jesus." (9-12)
   - Shut up saints in prison (10)
   - Cast his vote against them for death (10)
   - Punished Christians (11)
   - Compelled them to blaspheme (11)
   - Persecuted Christians even to foreign cities (11)

8) What did Paul see on the road to Damascus? What time of day? How
   bright was it? (12-13)
   - Paul saw a light from heaven (13)
   - At midday (13)
   - Brighter than the sun (13)

9) After falling to the ground, what language did the Lord speak to
   Paul? (14)
   - Hebrew (14)

10) What did the voice ask Paul? (14)
   - "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (14)

11) Who did the voice say he was? (15)
   - "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." (15)

12) Why did the Lord appear to Paul? (16)
   - "to make you a minister and witness both of the things which you
     have seen and of the things which I will reveal to you" (16)

13) To whom (what people) was Paul sent? (17)
   - Gentiles (17)

14) What was Paul to do for these people?  For what purpose? (18)
   - To open their eyes (18)
   - To turn them from darkness to light (18)
   - To turn them from the power of Satan to God (18)
   - "that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among
     those who are sanctified by faith in Me" (18)

15) What did Paul declare that they should do? (19-20)
   - They should repent (20)
   - They should turn to God (20)
   - They should do works befitting repentance (20)

16) Because of his obedience to that heavenly vision, what did the Jews
    do to Paul? (21)
   - They seized Paul in the temple (21)
   - They tried to kill Paul (21)

17) How was Paul able to stand before Agrippa that day? (22)
   - Through the help of God (22)

18) What 3 things did Paul say in accordance with the prophets and
    Moses? (22-23)
   - Christ would suffer (23)
   - Christ would be the first to rise from the dead (23)
   - Christ would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the
     Gentiles (23)

19) What did Festus say to Paul at this point? (24)
   - "Paul, you are beside yourself!  Much learning is driving you mad!"
     (24)

20) How did Paul respond to Festus? (25)
   - "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak words of truth and
     reason." (25)

21) Where were all of these things NOT done? (26)
   - "not done in a corner" (26)

22) What did Paul ask King Agrippa? (27)
   - "do you believe the prophets?" (27)

23) What did King Agrippa say in response to Paul? (28)
   - "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." (28)

24) What did Agrippa, Festus and the others say among themselves? (31)
   - "This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains." (31)

25) What did Agrippa then say to Festus? (32)
   - "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to
     Caesar." (32)
 


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty-Five by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                          Chapter Twenty-Five

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To consider the circumstances in which Paul appealed to Caesar

2) To observe Paul before King Agrippa

SUMMARY

Shortly after Festus arrived in Caesarea, he went to Jerusalem.  The
high priest and chief men informed Festus of Paul.  They petitioned him,
asking Festus a favor, to bring Paul back to Jerusalem.  The Jews
planned an ambush to kill Paul along the road as he traveled.  Festus
indicated that he would shortly be traveling back to Caesarea, and
invited those Jews in authority to travel there as well.  They could
accuse Paul there.  After remaining in Jerusalem about ten days, Festus
returned to Caesarea.  He called Paul before the judgment seat the next
day.  The Jews attended and laid serious complaints against Paul;
however, they could not prove them.  Paul answered, "Neither against the
law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I
offended in anything at all."  Festus then asked Paul if he would go to
Jerusalem with him.  He suggested that he would judge Paul there.  This
was recommended to Paul because Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor.
Paul responded that he stood at Caesar's judgment seat, "where I ought
to be judged."  He told Festus he had done no wrong to the Jews, "as you
very well know."  Paul was willing to die, if he had committed anything
worthy of death.  But, he had no guilt of the things for which the Jews
accused him.  Paul was not going to be delivered to the Jews - he was a
Roman citizen.  Paul then appealed to Caesar.  Festus replied, "You have
appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!"  (1-12)

A few days later, King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet
Festus as the new governor, replacing Felix.  Festus laid Paul's case
before Agrippa.  He noted that Felix had left Paul a prisoner with his
case not resolved.  He recalled that the chief priests and elders of the
Jews informed him about Paul during his recent visit to Jerusalem.
Festus recounted to Agrippa that he had told the Jews that it was not
Roman custom to deliver the accused for "destruction" without the
accused having the opportunity to answer the charges face to face.  Upon
Festus' return to Caesarea, he had Paul come before the judgment seat.
He discovered nothing wrong in Paul, other than there were some
questions about "their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had
died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive."  Festus asked Paul to go to
Jerusalem, since he was "uncertain" about these matters.  At that point,
Festus noted that Paul appealed to Caesar.  After Festus' explanation of
Paul's case, Agrippa requested to hear Paul himself.  Festus said to
Agrippa, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."  Paul was brought before King
Agrippa the next day, following much pomp upon the entry of Agrippa and
Bernice into the auditorium with the commanders and other prominent men
of the city.  Festus explained the situation to Agrippa and the others.
He reported that the Jews claimed Paul was not "fit to live any longer."
However, Festus stated that he found Paul had committed nothing
deserving death.  He noted that Paul had appealed to Caesar, and he was
going to send him.  Festus indicated that he had nothing to write to
Caesar about Paul.  He hoped that after Agrippa's examination of Paul,
he may have something to write.  He thought it was unreasonable to send
an appeal to Caesar without specifying the charges.  (13-27)

OUTLINE

I. PAUL APPEALED TO CAESAR (1-12)

   A. THE JEWS PETITIONED FESTUS TO RETURN PAUL TO JERUSALEM (1-5)
      1. Shortly after Festus arrived, he went to Jerusalem
      2. The high priest and chief men informed Festus of Paul
      3. They petitioned him, asking a favor, to bring Paul back to
         Jerusalem
         a. The Jews planned an ambush to kill Paul along the road
      4. Festus invited those Jews in authority to travel to Caesarea
         with him
         a. They could accuse Paul there

   B. PAUL STOOD BEFORE FESTUS IN CAESAREA (6-9)
      1. After remaining in Jerusalem about ten days, Festus returned to
         Caesarea
         a. He called Paul before the judgment seat the next day
      2. The Jews laid serious complaints against Paul
         a. They could not prove them
         b. Paul answered, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor
            against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in
            anything at all."
      3. Festus asked Paul if he would go to Jerusalem with him
         a. Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor
         b. Festus suggested that he would judge Paul there

   C. PAUL APPEALED TO CAESAR AND AVOIDED A RETURN TO JERUSALEM (10-12)
      1. Paul stated that he stood at Caesar's judgment seat, "where I
         ought to be judged"
         a. He said he had done no wrong to the Jews, "as you [Festus]
            very well know"
      2. Paul was willing to die, if he had committed anything worthy of
         death
         a. He had no guilt of the things the Jews accused him
         b. He was not going to be delivered to the Jews - he was a
            Roman citizen, and he then appealed to Caesar
      3. Festus stated, "You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you
         shall go!"

II. PAUL'S CASE WAS HEARD BY KING AGRIPPA (13-27)

   A. FESTUS PRESENTED PAUL'S CASE TO KING AGRIPPA (13-22)
      1. A few days later, King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to
         greet Festus
      2. Festus laid Paul's case before Agrippa
         a. He noted that Felix had left Paul a prisoner
         b. The chief priests and elders of the Jews informed Festus
            about Paul
         c. He told the Jews that it was not Roman custom to deliver the
            accused for "destruction" without the accused having the
            opportunity to answer the charges
         d. Festus had Paul come before the judgment seat
         e. Festus discovered nothing wrong, other than there were some
            questions about "their own religion and about a certain
            Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive"
         f. He asked Paul to go to Jerusalem, since he was "uncertain"
            about these matters
         g. Then Paul appealed to Caesar
      3. Agrippa requested to hear Paul himself
         a. Festus said to Agrippa, "Tomorrow you shall hear him"

   B. PAUL STOOD BEFORE AGRIPPA AND BERNICE (23-27)
      1. Paul was brought before King Agrippa the next day, following
         much pomp upon the entry of Agrippa and Bernice
      2. Festus explained the situation to Agrippa and the men gathered
         a. Festus reported that the Jews claimed Paul was not "fit to
            live any longer"
         b. Festus stated he found that Paul had committed nothing
            deserving death
         c. He noted that Paul had appealed to Caesar, and he was going
            to send him
         d. Festus indicated that he had nothing to write to Caesar
            about Paul
         e. He hoped that after Agrippa's examination of Paul, he may
            have something to write, for he thought it unreasonable to
            send an appeal to Caesar without specifying the charges

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - Paul appealed to Caesar (1-12)
   - Paul's case was heard by King Agrippa (13-27)

2) After arriving in the province, how many days was it before Festus
   went from Caesarea to Jerusalem? (1)
   - Three days (1)

3) Of what did the high priest and chief men inform Festus? (2-3)
   - Informed him against Paul and petitioned him (2)
   - They asked a favor for Festus to send Paul to Jerusalem (3)

4) What was the real plan of the Jews for Paul? (3)
   - They were laying an ambush to kill him on the road (3)

5) How did Festus respond to the Jews' request?  (4-5)
   - Paul would be kept in Caesarea; he was going there shortly (4)
   - The Jews with authority were to go to Caesarea to accuse him (5)

6) When did Paul come before the judgment seat of Festus? (6)
   - Festus returned to Caesarea after about 10 days in Jerusalem (6)
   - He called Paul to the judgment seat the next day (6)

7) The Jews laid many serious complaints on Paul.  Were they able to
   prove them? (7)
   - They were not able to prove any of them (7)

8) List the three things Paul had not offended against. (8)
   - He had not offended against the law of the Jews, nor against the
     temple, nor against Caesar (8)

9) Why did Festus ask Paul to go to Jerusalem? (9)
   - He wanted to do the Jews a favor (9)

10) Where did Paul believe he should be judged? (10)
   - Where he was - at Caesar's judgment seat (Caesarea) (10)

11) Did Paul recognize that Festus found no wrong in him? (10)
   - Yes, he stated that to Festus; "as you very well know" (10)

12) What was Paul trying to avoid by appealing to Caesar?  (11)
   - None of their accusations had been proven; therefore, he did not
     want to go back to Jerusalem before the Sanhedrin (11)

13) How did Paul have the right to appeal to Caesar?  (11)
   - Paul was a Roman citizen (11; cf. Acts 22:25-28)

14) How did Festus respond to the appeal? (12)
   - He conferred with the council and then said, "You have appealed to
     Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!" (12)

15) Why had Agrippa and Bernice come to Caesarea? (13)
   - To greet Festus (13)
   - He was the new governor, replacing Felix (cf. Acts 24:27)

16) What did Festus tell Agrippa about, after they had been there many
    days? (14-15)
   - He told them about Paul's case (14)
   - He told them how the Jews had informed him about Paul (15)

17) How did Festus describe his response to the Jew's request? (16)
   - It was not the Roman's custom to delivery any man to destruction
     with allowing the accused to answer his accusers face to face (16)

18) What questions was Festus uncertain about? (18-20)
   - Questions "about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who
     had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive." (19-20)

19) What was Agrippa's response to Festus? (22)
   - "I also would like to hear the man myself" (22)

20) While before Agrippa, what did Festus state that the Jews cried out
    about Paul in Jerusalem? (24)
   - He was "not fit to live any longer" (24)

21) What was Festus' finding in Paul's case? (25)
   - He had committed nothing deserving of death (25)

22) What was Festus' dilemma in which he found himself? How was he
    hoping Agrippa could help? What did he find unreasonable? (26-27)
   - Paul appealed to Caesar, but no charges were against him (26)
   - He hoped to have something to write based on Agrippa's examination
     of Paul (26)
   - It was unreasonable to send Paul to Caesar without charges (27)


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty-Four by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                          Chapter Twenty-Four

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To review the accusation of the Jews presented by Tertullus

2) To consider Paul's defense before Felix

3) To observe Felix's delay in rendering judgment of Paul

SUMMARY

The chief priest, elders and Tertullus, an orator, came from Jerusalem
to Caesarea to make accusations and to provide evidence against Paul.
Tertullus was an eloquent spokesman.  He began by giving Felix great
praise.  He said, "We enjoy great peace.  Prosperity is being brought to
this nation by your foresight.  We accept it...with all thankfulness."
Next, he levied the charges against Paul.  They found Paul to be a
"plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the
world."  They found him to be a "ringleader of the sect of the
Nazarenes" and he "tried to profane the temple."  Tertullus reviewed the
events at the temple.  The Jews had seized Paul.  They wanted to judge
him according to their law; however, the Roman commander, Lysias, took
Paul "with great violence" from them.  Lysias took Paul to Felix and
commanded the Jews to bring their accusations against Paul before him.
The attending Jews agreed with Tertullus.  (1-9)

Paul was then given opportunity to provide his defense before Felix.
Paul indicated that he was happy to speak for himself.  He recognized
Felix to have been a judge of the nation for many years.  Paul reviewed
the events as his defense to the Jewish accusations.  He had gone up to
Jerusalem to worship about twelve days prior.  The Jews did not find
Paul disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the
synagogue or in the city.  Paul stated that they could not prove these
accusations.  He confessed that he worshipped God "according to the Way"
- which they call a "sect."  He believed all the things written in the
Law and Prophets.  Paul stated that he had "hope in God," just as they
do, "that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and
the unjust."  As a result, he strove to have a "conscience without
offense toward God and men."  Paul had returned to Jerusalem after many
years to bring alms and offerings to his nation.  This was the time when
some Jews from Asia (who had not come before Felix), found Paul
"purified in the temple," and "neither with a mob nor with tumult."  If
they had an accusation against Paul, they should have come before Felix
at this time.  Paul asked those Jews present if they had found any
wrongdoing in him, when he stood before the Sanhedrin council.  The only
statement that Paul thought they may have objected to was what he had
cried out among them, "Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am
being judged by you this day." (10-21)

Given that Felix had a "more accurate knowledge of the Way," he
adjourned the proceedings.  He stated that he would make a decision on
the case when Lysias the commander came to Caesarea.  Paul was held by
the centurion, but was given liberties - his friends were allowed to
visit him and provide for him.  Later, Felix and his wife, Drusilla,
called for Paul.  Drusilla was Jewish.  They heard Paul "concerning
faith in Christ."  Paul reasoned before them about "righteous,
self-control, and the judgment to come."  This caused Felix to become
afraid.  He sent Paul away; he indicated he would call for him at a more
"convenient time."  Felix hoped for a bribe from Paul to release him.
Felix sent for him often.  After two years, Porcius Festus succeeded
Felix as governor.  Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, so
he "left Paul bound."  (22-27)

OUTLINE

I. THE ACCUSERS ARRIVED AND ACCUSATIONS WERE MADE (1-9)

   A. THE CHIEF PRIEST, ELDERS AND TERTULLUS ARRIVED IN CAESAREA (1)
      1. They came to provide evidence against Paul
      2. Tertullus was brought as an orator
      3. He was an eloquent spokesman

   B. TERTULLUS PRESENTED THE ACCUSATIONS (2-9)
      1. Tertullus began by giving great praise to Felix
         a. "We enjoy great peace"
         b. "Prosperity is being brought to this nation by your
            foresight"
         c. "We accept it...with all thankfulness"
      2. The charges were then levied against Paul
         a. They found Paul to be a "plague, a creator of dissension
            among all the Jews throughout the world"
         b. They found him to be a "ringleader of the sect of the
            Nazarenes"
         c. He "tried to profane the temple"
      3. Tertullus stated that the Roman commander, Lysias, took Paul
         with "great violence" from them
         a. The Jews had seized Paul
         b. They wanted to judge him according to their law
         c. The commander had taken Paul and had commanded them to
            appear before Felix to make their accusations
      4. The attending Jews agreed with Tertullus' accusations

II. PAUL GAVE HIS DEFENSE BEFORE FELIX (10-21)

   A. FELIX INDICATED FOR PAUL TO SPEAK (10)
      1. Paul stated that he would defend himself
      2. He recognized Felix to have been a judge of the nation for many
         years

   B. PAUL REVIEWED THE EVENTS AS HIS DEFENSE (11-21)
      1. Paul had gone up to Jerusalem to worship about twelve days
         prior
      2. They did not find Paul disputing with anyone nor inciting the
         crowd, either in the synagogue or in the city
      3. Paul stated that they could not prove these accusations
      4. He confessed that he worshipped God "according to the Way" -
         which they call a "sect"
      5. He believed all the things written in the Law and Prophets
      6. Paul stated that he had "hope in God," just as they do, "that
         there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and
         the unjust"
         a. As a result, he strove to have a "conscience without offense
            toward God and men"
      7. Paul had returned to Jerusalem after many years to bring alms
         and offerings to his nation
         a. This was the time when some Jews from Asia (who had not come
            before Felix), found Paul "purified in the temple," and
            "neither with a mob nor with tumult"
         b. If they had an accusation against Paul, they should have
            come before Felix at this time
      8. Paul asked those Jews present if there had been found any
         wrongdoing in him while before the Sanhedrin council
         a. The only statement that Paul thought they may have objected
            to was what he had cried out among them, "Concerning the
            resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day."

III. FELIX DELAYED JUDGMENT OF PAUL (22-27)

   A. FELIX ADJOURNED THE PROCEEDINGS AND HELD PAUL (22-23)
      1. Given that Felix had a "more accurate knowledge of the Way," he
         adjourned the proceedings
      2. He stated that he would make a decision on the case when Lysias
         the commander came to Caesarea
      3. Paul was held by the centurion
         a. Paul was given liberties
         b. His friends were allowed to visit him and provide for him

   B. FELIX HEARD PAUL MORE TIMES (24-26)
      1. Felix and his wife, Drusilla, called for Paul
         a. Drusilla was Jewish
         b. They heard Paul "concerning faith in Christ"
      2. Paul reasoned before them about "righteous, self-control, and
         the judgment to come"
         a. Felix was afraid
         b. He sent Paul away; he indicated he would call for him at a
            more "convenient time"
      3. Felix hoped for a bribe from Paul to release him
         a. Felix sent for him often

   C. FESTUS SUCCEEDED FELIX (27)
      1. After two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor
      2. Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, so he "left Paul bound"

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - The accusers arrived and the accusations were made (1-9)
   - Paul gave his defense before Felix (10-21)
   - Felix delayed the judgment of Paul (22-27)

2) How long was Paul held waiting for his accusers? (1)
   - Five days (1)

3) Who was Tertullus and what role did he play? (1-2)
   - Tertullus had travelled with the high priest and elders (1)
   - He was an orator; he presented the accusations before Felix (1-2)

4) How was Paul described in the charges by Tertullus? (4-6)
   - A plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews worldwide, and
     a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (5)
   - He tried to profane the temple (6)

5) How did the Jews want to handle this, according to Tertullus?  (6)
   - They wanted to judge him according to their law (6)

6) Why were the Jews not able to carry out their plan? (7)
   - Commander Lysias came by and took Paul with great violence (7)

7) What did Lysias command them to do? (8)
   - He commanded Paul's accusers to come before Felix (8)

8) How did the Jews react to Tertullus presentation? (9)
   - They assented, and maintained that those things were so (9)

9) How many days prior had Paul's situation occurred in Jerusalem? (11)
   - Twelve days earlier (11)

10) How did Paul answer their accusations? (12-13)
   - He had not been found in the temple disputing with anyone, nor was
     he found inciting the crowd (12)
   - Nor had they found him doing these things in synagogues or in the
     city (12)
   - Paul stated that they could not prove these accusations (13)

11) According to what did Paul say he worshipped God?  What did the Jews
    call this? (14)
   - According to the Way (14)
   - The Jews called it a sect; Tertullus specifically called it the
     sect of the Nazarenes (14; 5)

12) What did Paul say he had a hope in God to happen?  (15)
   - That there would be a resurrection of the dead (15)

13) Who did Paul say would be resurrected?  (15)
   - The dead - both the just and the unjust (15)

14) Because of the resurrection, what did Paul always strive to do? (16)
   - To have a conscience without offense toward God and men (16)

15) How did the Jews from Asia find Paul in the temple? (17-18)
   - They found Paul purified in the temple (18)
   - He was neither with a mob nor with a tumult (18)

16) Where did Paul say those Jews from Asia ought to have been if they
   had anything against him? (19)
   - They ought to have been there before Felix (19)

17) What statement did Paul cry out while before the Sanhedrin council
    in Jerusalem? (21)
   - "Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you
     this day." (21)

18) Felix adjourned the proceedings.  When did he say he would decide
    the case? (22)
   - When Lysias the commander comes down (22)

19) When Felix commanded the centurion to keep Paul, what did he allow?
    (23)
   - The centurion was to all him liberty, and to allow his friends to
     visit him and provide for him (23)

20) Why did Felix and Drusilla send for Paul? (24)
   - They wanted to hear him concerning the faith in Christ (24)

21) What did Paul reason about before Felix and Drusilla? (25)
   - He reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to
     come (25)

22) How did Felix respond to Paul? (25)
   - He became afraid, and said "Go away for now, when I have a more
     convenient time, I will call for you." (25)

23) What did Felix hope Paul would do? (26)
   - He hoped Paul would bring money to release him (26)

24) Who succeeded Felix after two years? (27)
   - Porcius Festus succeeded Felix (27)

25) How did Felix leave Paul?  Why? (27)
   - Felix left Paul bound (27)
   - He did this as a favor to the Jews (27)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"Chapter Twenty-Three by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"Chapter Twenty-Three

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To consider the events of Paul before the Sanhedrin

2) To review the plot by the Jews for Paul's life

3) To examine Paul's transport to Caesarea to appear before Governor
   Felix

SUMMARY

When Paul was before the Sanhedrin council, he stated that he had lived
in "all good conscience before God."  Ananias, the high priest,
commanded that he be struck on the mouth.  Paul responded, not knowing
that he was the high priest, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!
For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to
be struck contrary to the law?"  Those standing nearby asked Paul if he
would "revile" the high priest.  Paul then quoted the scriptures, "You
shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people."  Paul recognized that
there were Sadducees and Pharisees present in the Sanhedrin.  He made it
known that he was a Pharisee, and that he was being judged concerning
"the hope and resurrection of the dead."  This caused a dissension among
the Sanhedrin, as the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection and
the Pharisees did believe in the resurrection.  The
scribes of the Pharisees spoke out that they found nothing evil in Paul.
The Roman commander became afraid that harm would come to Paul, so he
ordered the soldiers to take Paul back to the barracks.  (1-10)

The following night, the Lord appeared and spoke to Paul.  He was to be
the Lord's witness at Rome, as he had testified for Him in Jerusalem.
Some Jews then planned to kill Paul.  More than forty Jews banded
together and took an oath to kill him before they ate or drank anything.
The plotting Jews went to the chief priests and elders to present their
plan.  They requested that the chief priests and elders would contact
the commander, and have Paul appear before the council again for further
inquiry.  The forty or more Jews would lie in wait to kill him along the
way.  Paul's nephew heard of the ambush plot.  He went to Paul in the
barracks and told him what he heard.  Paul had his nephew taken to the
commander.  The commander took him aside and heard the plot.  The
commander told the young man to tell no one that they had spoken about
the plot.  Paul's nephew then departed from the commander.  (11-22)

Next, Paul was to be sent to Felix at Caesarea by night.  The commander
had two centurions prepare the men to take Paul.  200 Soldiers, 70
horsemen, and 200 spearmen were readied.  They were to take Paul to
Caesarea at the third hour of the night.  Paul was to go before governor
Felix.  The commander wrote a letter to Felix to accompany Paul.  The
commander, Claudius Lysias, addressed the letter to "the most excellent
governor Felix."  The letter summarized the situation with Paul.  The
Jews had seized Paul and were about to kill him.  Troops were sent to
rescue Paul.  In an attempt to learn of the Jews' accusation of Paul, he
took him before the Sanhedrin council.  He only learned that Paul was
accused "concerning questions of the law," but nothing deserving death
or imprisonment.  The commander learned of a plot to ambush and kill
Paul.  Due to this discovery, he sent Paul to Felix and ordered his
accusers to appear before Felix to state their charges against him.  The
letter gave Felix the background.  The soldiers, horsemen, and spearmen
took Paul by night to Antipatris.  The next day, the horsemen continued,
and took Paul to Caesarea, while the soldiers and spearmen returned.
They presented Paul and the letter to Felix.  The governor inquired
where Paul was from and understood that he was from Cilicia.  He agreed
to hear Paul when his accusers arrived.  Felix had Paul held in Herod's
Praetorium.  (23-35)

OUTLINE

I. PAUL BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN COUNCIL (1-10)

   A. THE HIGH PRIEST ANANIAS COMMANDED FOR PAUL TO BE STRUCK ON THE
      MOUTH (1-3)
      1. Paul stated he had lived in "all good conscience before God"
      2. Ananias commanded that Paul be struck on the mouth
      3. Paul responded, not knowing that Ananias was high priest
         a. Paul said, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!"
         b. Paul noted that he had commanded him to be struck contrary
            to the law

   B. PAUL DID NOT RECOGNIZE ANANIAS AS HIGH PRIEST (4-5)
      1. When Paul spoke to Ananias, those standing near asked, "Do you
         revile God's high priest?"
      2. Paul did not know Ananias was the high priest
         a. Paul quoted scripture in response
         b. "You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people"

   C. THE SANHEDRIN WAS DIVIDED (6-10)
      1. Paul recognized that there were Sadducees and Pharisees present
         in the Sanhedrin
      2. Paul made it known that he was a Pharisee and was being judged
         concerning "the hope and resurrection of the dead"
         a. This caused a dissension among the Sanhedrin
         b. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection; the
            Pharisees did believe in the resurrection
         c. The scribes of the Pharisees spoke out that they found
            nothing evil in Paul
      3. The Roman commander became afraid that harm would come to Paul
      4. The commander ordered the soldiers to take Paul back to the
         barracks

II. THE JEWISH PLOT AGAINST PAUL'S LIFE (11-22)

   A. THE LORD SPOKE TO PAUL (11)
      1. The Lord appeared and spoke to Paul the following night
      2. Paul was to be the Lord's witness at Rome

   B. THE JEWS PLANNED TO KILL PAUL (12-15)
      1. More than forty Jews banded together and took an oath to kill
         Paul before they ate or drank anything
      2. The plotting Jews went to the chief priests and elders to
         present their plan
         a. The chief priests and elders were to contact the commander
         b. They wanted Paul to be called before the council again for
            further inquiry
         c. The forty Jews would lie in wait to kill him along the way

   C. THE PLOT WAS DISCOVERED (16-22)
      1. Paul's nephew heard of the ambush plot
      2. He went to Paul in the barracks and told him what he had heard
      3. Paul had his nephew taken to the commander
         a. The commander took him aside and heard the plot
         b. The commander told the young man to tell no one that they
            had spoken about the plot
         c. Paul's nephew departed from the commander

III. PAUL WAS SENT TO FELIX AT CAESAREA BY NIGHT (23-35)

   A. THE COMMANDER HAD TWO CENTURIONS PREPARE TO TAKE PAUL (23-24)
      1. 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen were prepared
      2. They were to take Paul to Caesarea at the third hour of the
         night
      3. Paul was to go before governor Felix

   B. THE COMMANDER WROTE A LETTER TO FELIX (25-30)
      1. Claudius Lysias was the Roman commander's name
      2. The letter was address to "the most excellent governor Felix"
      3. The letter summarized the situation with Paul
         a. The Jews had seized Paul and were about to kill him
         b. Troops were sent to rescue Paul
         c. To learn of the Jews' accusation, the commander took Paul
            before the Sanhedrin
         d. He only learned that Paul was accused "concerning questions
            of the law," but nothing deserving death or imprisonment
         e. The commander learned of a plot to ambush and kill Paul
         f. Due to this, he sent Paul to Felix and ordered his accusers
            to appear before Felix to state their charges against him

   C. PAUL WAS TAKEN TO CAESAREA AND PRESENTED TO FELIX (31-35)
      1. The soldiers, horsemen, and spearmen took Paul by night to
         Antipatris
      2. The next day, the horsemen continued, and took Paul to
         Caesarea, while the soldiers and spearmen returned
      3. They presented Paul and the letter to Felix
         a. Felix inquired where Paul was from and understood that he
            was from Cilicia
         b. He agreed to hear Paul when his accusers arrived
         c. He had Paul held in Herod's Praetorium

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - Paul before the Sanhedrin (1-10)
   - The Jewish plot against Paul's life (11-22)
   - Paul was sent to Felix at Caesarea by night (23-35)

2) How did Paul begin his address to the Sanhedrin? (1)
   - "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God
     until this day." (1)

3) How did the high priest Ananias respond? (2)
   - He commanded him to be struck on the mouth (2)

4) Why did Paul take issue with that action? (3)
   - They were supposedly judging him according to the law, but they
     were acting contrary to the law by striking him (3)

5) Did Paul know that Ananias was the high priest?  (4-5)
   - No (5)

6) What did Paul recognize (or "perceive") about the council? (6)
   - He recognized that one part was Sadducees and the other Pharisees
     (6)

7) What was the noted difference between the Sadducees and Pharisees?
   (7-8)
   - Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, nor angels or
     spirits (8)
   - Pharisees believed in the resurrection, and angels and spirits (8)

8) For what did Paul say he was being judged? (6)
   - "concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead" (6)

9) Who said, "We find no evil in this man?" What was their
   recommendation? (9)
   - The scribes of the Pharisees' party (9)
   - "let us not fight against God" (9)

10) Why did the commander order that Paul be taken to the barracks? (10)
   - He was afraid he would be "pulled to pieces" (10)

11) Who appeared to Paul the following night?  What did He say? (11)
   - The Lord (11)
   - "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in
     Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome." (11)

12) What did some of the Jews band together to do?  What was their oath?
    About how many banded together?  (12-13)
   - They banded together to kill Paul (12)
   - Not to eat or drink until they killed Paul (12)
   - More than forty Jews (13)

13) Describe the plot to kill Paul. (14-15)
   - The plotting Jews wanted the Sanhedrin council to call back before
     them for "further inquiries" (15)
   - They planned to ambush (kill) Paul before he arrived (15)

14) Who heard about the ambush?  Who did he go tell?  What did he do
    next? (16-22)
   - Paul's sister's son (Paul's nephew) heard about the ambush (16)
   - He went to the barracks and told Paul (16)
   - Paul had him taken to the commander (17)
   - The commander took him aside privately, and Paul's nephew described
     what he had heard about the ambush (19-21)
   - The commander let him go, and told the young man to tell no one
     that he had discussed this with him (22)

15) What did the commander do after learning of the plot? (23-30)
   - He told two centurions to prepare men to go to Caesarea (23)
   - 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen (23)
   - They were to take Paul to Felix by night (23-24)
   - He wrote a letter to Felix, summarizing Paul's situation (25-30)

16) What question did Felix ask upon receiving Paul and the letter?
    (33-34)
   - He asked what province Paul was from (34)
   - He learned that he was from Cilicia (34)

17) When did Felix agree to hear Paul's case? (35)
   - When his accusers arrived (35)

18) Where was Paul kept, while waiting for the accusers? (35)
   - Herod's Praetorium (35)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty-Two by Mark Copeland



                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty-Two

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To explore Paul's address to the Jerusalem mob

2) To understand how Paul used his Roman citizenship to avoid scourging

3) To observe Paul taken before the Sanhedrin council

SUMMARY

Paul addressed the crowd as "brethren and fathers" in Hebrew.  The mob
became very quiet when they heard that.  Paul began his defense by
providing his background:  He was a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia; he
was brought up in Jerusalem at the "feet of Gamaliel;" he was taught
"according to the strictness of our father's law;" and he was zealous
toward God, just like them.  Paul added that he had persecuted the Way
to the death.  He bound and delivered men and women to prison.  He acted
under the high priest's and elders' authority.  Paul called upon their
witness for himself.  He had received letters from them to travel to
Damascus to bring those of the Way back to Jerusalem for punishment.
Paul then described the Lord's appearance to him on the road to
Damascus.  At about noon, a bright light shined around Paul.  He fell to
the ground.  The Lord asked him why he was persecuting Him.  The
Lord identified Himself as Jesus of Nazareth.  Paul asked, "What shall I
do, Lord?"  The Lord told him to go into Damascus and he would be told
what to do.  He was led by the hand into Damascus by his
companions, because he could not see.  Paul then described his obedience
to the gospel when taught by Ananias.  Ananias came to Paul.  He
restored his sight.  Ananias told Paul that he had been chosen to
"know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth."
Paul was to be "His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard."
Ananias told Paul what to do to be forgiven of his sins.  He
asked Paul, "Why are you waiting?  Arise and be baptized, and wash away
your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."  Next, Paul described how
the Lord had sent him to the Gentiles.  Paul returned to Jerusalem.  He
was praying in the temple, and was in a trance.  The Lord appeared to
him and told him to quickly depart from Jerusalem for the Jews would
"not receive your testimony concerning Me."  Paul attempted to explain
to the Lord that he could make the Jews understand.  He responded that
the Jews knew of his persecution of those of the Way.  He added that he
had even consented to the death of Stephen, holding the killer's
clothes.  The Lord told Paul of His plans for him.  Paul was to depart.
He was sent far away to the Gentiles.  (1-21)

The Jews listened until the Gentiles were mentioned.  When the Jews
heard that he was sent to the Gentiles, they raised their voices, "...he
is not fit to live!"  They tore their clothes and threw dust in the
air.  At this point, the Romans prepared to examine Paul under
scourging.  The Roman commander ordered that Paul be brought into the
barracks.  The commander wanted to know why they shouted so against
Paul.  He ordered that Paul should be examined under scourging.  The
soldiers bound Paul with thongs.  Paul asked the centurion standing
nearby, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and
uncondemned?"  The centurion told this to the commander.  The commander
asked Paul if he was a Roman citizen, and Paul affirmed that he was.
The commander then indicated that he had purchased his citizenship at a
great price; however, Paul noted that he was a Roman by birth.  The
soldiers were frightened by this.  They were afraid because they had
bound a Roman citizen, and they were about to scourge him.  (22-29)

The commander still wanted to know why he was accused by the Jews.  The
next day, Paul was released from his bonds.  The chief priests and the
council were commanded to appear, and Paul was brought before them.
(30)

OUTLINE

I. PAUL ADDRESSED THE MOB (1-21)

   A. PAUL BEGAN HIS DEFENSE (1-2)
      1. Paul addressed the crowd as "brethren and fathers"
      2. The mob became very quiet when they heard him speak in Hebrew

   B. PAUL DESCRIBED HIMSELF AS SIMILAR TO THEM (3-5)
      1. Paul's description of himself included:
         a. He was a Jew
         b. Born in Tarsus of Cilicia
         c. Brought up in Jerusalem at the "feet of Gamaliel"
         d. Taught in the "strictness of our father's law"
         e. Zealous toward God - like them
      2. Paul persecuted the Way to the death
         a. He bound and delivered men and women to prison
         b. He acted under the high priest's and elders' authority and
            witness
         c. He had received letters to go to Damascus to bring those of
            the Way to Jerusalem for punishment

   C. PAUL DESCRIBED THE LORD'S APPEARANCE ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS
      (6-11)
      1. At about noon, on the road to Damascus, a bright light shined
         around Paul
         a. He fell to the ground
         b. He heard Jesus ask him why he was persecuting Him
         c. The Lord identified Himself as Jesus of Nazareth
      2. Paul asked the Lord what he should do
         a. Paul's traveling companions saw the light but did not hear
            the voice (or understand it)
         b. Paul asked, "What shall I do, Lord?"
         c. The Lord told Paul to go into Damascus and he would be told
            what to do
         d. He was led by the hand into Damascus by his companions,
            because he could not see

   D. PAUL DESCRIBED HIS OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL WHEN TAUGHT BY ANANIAS
      (12-16)
      1. Ananias came to Paul
         a. He restored Paul's sight
         b. Ananias told Paul that he had been chosen to "know His will,
            and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth"
         c. Paul was to be "His witness to all men of what you have seen
            and heard"
      2. Ananias told Paul what to do to be forgiven of his sins
         a. He asked Paul, "Why are you waiting?"
         b. "Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on
            the name of the Lord"

   E. PAUL DESCRIBED THE LORD SENDING HIM TO THE GENTILES (17-21)
      1. The Lord spoke to Paul
         a. Paul returned to Jerusalem; he was praying in the temple
         b. He was in a trance and the Lord appeared to him
         c. The Lord told him to quickly depart from Jerusalem for the
            Jews would "not receive your testimony concerning Me"
      2. Paul attempted to explain to the Lord that he could make the
         Jews understand
         a. Paul responded that the Jews knew of his persecution of
            those of the Way
         b. He added that he had even consented to the death of Stephen,
            holding the killer's clothes
      3. The Lord told Paul of His plans for him
         a. Paul was to depart
         b. He was sent far away to the Gentiles

II. PAUL CLAIMED HIS ROMAN CITIZENSHIP (22-29)

   A. THE JEWS LISTENED UNTIL THE GENTILES WERE MENTIONED (22-23)
      1. When the Jews heard that he was sent to the Gentiles, they
         raised their voices, "...he is not fit to live!"
      2. They tore their clothes and threw dust in the air

   B. ROMANS PREPARED TO EXAMINE PAUL UNDER SCOURGING (24)
      1. The Roman commander ordered that Paul be brought into the
         barracks
      2. The commander wanted to know why they shouted against Paul
      3. He ordered that Paul should be examined under scourging

   C. PAUL NOTIFIED THE ROMANS OF HIS ROMAN CITIZENSHIP (25-29)
      1. The soldiers bound Paul
      2. Paul asked the centurion, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a
         man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?"
      3. The centurion told this to the commander
      4. The commander verified Paul's Roman citizenship
         a. He asked Paul if he was a Roman citizen, and Paul affirmed
         b. The commander indicated that he had purchased his
            citizenship, but Paul noted that he was a Roman by birth
      5. The soldiers were frightened by this - his citizenship
         a. They were afraid because they had bound a Roman citizen
         b. They were afraid because they were about to scourge a Roman
            citizen

III. PAUL TAKEN BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN COUNCIL (30)

   A. THE COMMANDER SOUGHT FOR THE JEW'S ACCUSATION (30)
      1. The commander wanted to know why he was accused by the Jews
      2. Paul was released from his bonds
      3. The chief priests and the council were commanded to appear
      4. The commander brought Paul before them (Sanhedrin)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - Paul addressed the Jerusalem mob (1-21)
   - Paul claimed Roman citizenship (22-29)
   - Paul was taken before the Sanhedrin council (30)

2) When Paul addressed the mob, what caused them to become quiet? (1-2)
   - He spoke to them in the Hebrew language (2)

3) List the information that Paul used to describe himself? (3-5)
   - He was a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia (3)
   - Brought up in Jerusalem at the feet of Gamaliel (3)
   - Was taught according to the "strictness of our fathers' law" (3)
   - He was zealous toward God, like them (3)
   - He persecuted the Way to death, binding and delivering men and
     women to prison (4)
   - High priest and elders bear him witness (5)
   - He received letters from them to bring Christians to Jerusalem to
     be punished (5)

4) What was the question that Paul heard on the road to Damascus? (6-7)
   - "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (7)

5) How did the Lord answer Paul's question, "Who are You, Lord?" (8)
   - "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting." (8)

6) When Paul asked, "What shall I do, Lord?" what was the answer? (10)
   - "Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things
     which are appointed for you to do" (10)

7) Why was Paul led by the hand into Damascus? (11)
   - Paul could not see because of the "glory of that light" (11)

8) Why did Paul have the Damascus road encounter? (14-15)
   - That he should know His will, see the Just One, and hear His voice
     (14)
   - He was to be His witness to all men of what he had seen and heard
     (15)

9) At this point, did Paul still have his sins?  What did he need to do
   to have them forgiven ("washed away")? (16)
   - Yes, he still needed to "wash away your sins" (16)
   - He had to be baptized (immersed) to "wash away your sins" (16)

10) While in a trance in the temple, what did the Lord say to him?
    (17-18)
   - "Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not
     receive your testimony concerning Me" (18)

11) At what word did the Jewish mob stop listening to Paul? (21-22)
   - "...I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (21-22)

12) Why did the commander want to bind and scourge Paul? (24)
   - So that he might know why they shouted so against him (24)

13) What did Paul ask the centurion, as they were binding him? (25)
   - Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and
     uncondemned? (25)

14) What was the reaction to Paul's question? (26-29)
   - The centurion told the commander that Paul was a Roman (26)
   - The commander confirmed that he was a Roman by birth (27-28)
   - The soldiers became afraid - they had bound and were about to
     scourge a Roman citizen (29)

15) Who was Paul set before next and why?  Was he still bound? (30)
   - Chief priests and all their council - Sanhedrin (30)
   - To know for certain why Paul was accused by the Jews (30)
   - Paul's bonds had been released (30)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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