a paraphrased study
1 - And when we (Paul, Luke, Timothy and others) had parted from them (the Ephesian believers) we set sail, going by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And then we found a ship going to Phoenicia, 3 and we sailed past Cyprus on the left and sailed to Syria, landing at Tyre, for that’s where the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having looked for and found the disciples there, we stayed for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 But when our days there were ended, we departed and went on our way, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we all prayed 6 and then we said farewell to one another, and we went on board ship, and they returned to their homes. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and went the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven (6:3) and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 And while we were there for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews/Hebrews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, all of us there with Paul urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 And Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?! For I am ready to not only be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said instead, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
15 After all this we went on our way up to Jerusalem, 16 and some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we could lodge. 17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, we were received gladly. 18 On the next day we went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, Paul told them all the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his travels and preaching and teaching. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. Later they said, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Hebrews/Jews of those who have believed. And they are all zealous for the law. 21 They have been told that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children and not to walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do this, therefor that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow, 24 go with them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses, so they may shave their heads (at the conclusion) according to the Jewish vow they have taken. Then all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you. But that you yourself still also live in observance of the law.
25 And as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from the sacrificing to idols, from blood, from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” (All involved in ancient pagan observance.)
~*~
Very Brief Outline of Acts:
Jesus returns to where he was with the Father before his advent/visit (his brief first one).
The Holy Spirit/Presence of God is poured out on the believers who were in Jerusalem on the late Spring holy day of Pentecost. Peter speaks, there are 3000 new believers that day.
The good news message spreads, Peter is invited and goes to a Roman’s house and all believe. The first record of non Hebrew believers (besides likely some on Pentecost).
Persecution breaks out.. jail. stoning. Pharisee Saul leads the persecution, but on his way to Damascus with papers for arrests, Jesus makes himself seen but is so bright Paul falls to the ground and is blinded. After two days he is healed and is a believer, and soon is called Paul. He wrote many (to most) of the New Testament letters, but spent a few years (it seems to me) exclusively listening to the Lord. He established many ‘churches’ in what’s called three missionary journeys, and met and worked with Mark and Luke, and quite a few others. (Luke wrote this Book of Acts.) His fourth journey is to Rome to trial as a prisoner. There’s a shipwreck on the way.. He wrote many of his letters while in prison and under ‘house’ arrest. ..And yes he was executed because of what he taught, as were all the original disciples turned apostles, except for probably John, who in his later years wrote three short letters and the vision and book of Revelation.
🍃
No comments:
Post a Comment