Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
arod4God@neo.rr.com FACEBOOK: Roderick Grabski
Session SIXTEEN: Trouble in Jerusalem
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Read / Listen / Discuss ACTS 21:18 – 23:11
a. Discuss initial observations & translation differences.
III. A Wee Bit of Review:
a. Note the parallels between Paul’s experience and Jesus’.
• 21:36; 22:22; 23:2,12
• Jesus and Paul each subjected to 5 trials in which they are asked to give a defense for their actions.
b. Note how Luke portrays the Roman Authorities in favorable light.
IV. To the TEXT - Paul in Jerusalem
a. Paying the Price for Trouble (21:18-26)
• Vs 18 “we/us” section ends until 27:1
• Gladly received initially.
1. Luke doesn’t mention the offering until 24:17
• Jewish believers, zealous for the law, have heard…
• Paul agrees to the proposal. (vv 23-24)
1. See 1st Corinthians 9:19-23
2. Remember Numbers 6:9-20 about Nazirite vows.
3. Remember Acts 15 about what was required of Gentile Christians.
• Old Testament had Ceremonial Laws (Worship), Civil Laws (Daily living), and Moral Law (Commandments given from God)
1. Some of these Christians need to obey, but None of these offer Salvation. Even the Jews had to offer sacrifice in addition to following these Laws.
b. Paul is Arrested (21:27-36)
• See the Temple Inscription (handout)
• Verse 30 is the last mention of the Temple in Acts.
• Roman intervention -we know from Acts 23:26 he is Claudius Lysias.
• After verse 33, Paul is not “free” again in Acts.
c. Paul offers his Defense (21:37-22:22)
• Greek speaking revolutionary? No way!
1. See Josephus (handout) on the matter 3 yrs prior-in AD 54
• Paul addresses the crowd in their native language.
1. He seeks to build rapport and common ground with his testimony.
2. Similar accounts, one by Luke’s description in Acts 9:2ff and another in Paul’s words in 26:12ff.
• Paul had their silent attention until the word “Gentiles” revealed their nationalistic pride and prejudice – a pride that in about 10 years will cause Rome to come in and level the City, along with the Temple. (Luke 21:5)
1. They call for Paul’s death.
d. Paul offers a shocking Defense to the Roman Centurion (22:23-29)
• The “superior” Roman trump card.
• Paul is now somewhat of a “hot potato.”
e. Paul attempts a Defense before the Sanhedrin (22:30-23:10)
• Interesting exchange between Paul and Ananias. (vv. 1-5)
1. Ref. Exodus 22:28 and Deuteronomy 19:15 (Matt. 23:27)
• Perceptive Paul - See handout on Sadducees and Pharisees
f. The Lord appears (23:11)
V. APPLICATION
a. Like Paul, modern Christians should be firm on essentials of the faith and grace-full and loving on the non-essentials
b. Opposition to our beliefs and/or testimony could very well provide an excellent opportunity to share our faith.
c. Who are our Gentiles? Is there any way in the practice of our faith and giving that we exclude some people or program because of our personal opinion (prejudice), rather than be obedient to what the Bible teaches?
VI. Close in Prayer
NEXT SESSION: Paul’s Escape to Caesarea
Read ACTS 23:12 – 24:27 to prepare for class
