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 TWENTY: The End?
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Read and Discuss ACTS 28:17–31
a. Discuss initial observations & translation differences
• Verses 25, 29, 30, 31
III. Paul Preaches at Rome under “House Arrest”
a. To the Jew first…(vv. 17-23)
• He has done nothing against the Jewish people
• The Romans wanted to set him free.
• The Jews objected so he appealed to Caesar, even though Paul has no charges against his own people.
b. Remember the Edict of Claudius from session 13?
• Edict of Claudius – around 49-50 A.D. "Since the Jews were constantly causing disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome" (Suetonius, Lives of the Caesars, Claudius 5.25.4)
1. The Jews started returning to Rome about 54 A.D.
c. Then to the Greek…(vv. 24-29)
• Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10
• See Matthew 13:10-17
d. Under House Arrest…(vv. 30-31)
• Preaching the Kingdom of God.
• Teaching the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Boldly, Unhindered.
IV. THE MARTYRDOM OF PETER AND PAUL
a. 1 Clement 5 (c. 95 A.D.) in a letter from Rome to Corinth: (italics mine for emphasis)
NO LESS EVILS HAVE ARISEN FROM THE SAME SOURCE IN THE MOST RECENT TIMES. THE MARTYRDOM OF PETER AND PAUL. But not to dwell upon ancient examples, let us come to the most recent spiritual heroes. Let us take the noble examples furnished in our own generation. Through envy and jealousy, the greatest and most righteous pillars [of the Church] have been persecuted and put to death. Let us set before our eyes the illustrious apostles. Peter, through unrighteous envy, endured not one or two, but numerous labours, and when he had finally suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due to him. Owing to envy, Paul also obtained the reward of patient endurance, after being seven times thrown into captivity, compelled to flee, and stoned. After preaching both in the east and west, he gained the illustrious reputation due to his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the extreme limit of the west, and suffered martyrdom under the prefects. Thus was he removed from the world, and went into the holy place, having proved himself a striking example of patience.
V. Paul’s Remaining Epistles
a. See handout from session 10 .
• The “prison” letters: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians
• Released from captivity: 1st Timothy, Titus
• Imprisoned again prior to execution: 2nd Timothy
VI. Briefly Review handout of Key Teachings of Paul
VII. APPLICATION
a. In all circumstances and in all places, God is in control and we are to be faithful witnesses to our Lord Jesus Christ.
b. The church from A.D. 68 to the present represents the 29th chapter of Acts.
VIII. Close in Prayer
The Bible Study will recess until late September (23rd?). Over the summer months, God willing, we will have 3 dinner and movie nights (maybe 4). The first is scheduled for June 17, 2026 at 7pm. Then perhaps July 15th and August 19th. We shall see.
