Third Evangelistic Journey: 18:23 Galatia and Phrygia 18:24-19:41 Ephesus 20:1-5 Macedonia 20:6-12 Troas 20:13-38 Miletus 21:1-6 Tyre 21:7-14 Caesarea.

Third Evangelistic Journey:

18:23 Galatia and Phrygia

18:24-19:41 Ephesus

20:1-5 Macedonia

20:6-12 Troas

20:13-38 Miletus

21:1-6 Tyre

21:7-14 Caesarea

IntroductionIntroduction

• Paul has really completed his third missionary journey.

• With the help of the apostles of the Gentile churches he has brought their gifts for the poor

among the Jewish saints in Judea.• He acts on the advice of James the Lord’s brother

to disprove the accusations of the Jews that he is a traitor to his nation.

• However, he is attacked by them, then rescued and protected by the Romans in their barracks. But he

also gets to tell his story to the crowd.

• Paul has really completed his third missionary journey.

• With the help of the apostles of the Gentile churches he has brought their gifts for the poor

among the Jewish saints in Judea.• He acts on the advice of James the Lord’s brother

to disprove the accusations of the Jews that he is a traitor to his nation.

• However, he is attacked by them, then rescued and protected by the Romans in their barracks. But he

also gets to tell his story to the crowd.

• Acts 21:1-3

• 21:1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We

found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the

south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to

unload its cargo.

• Acts 21:1-3

• 21:1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We

found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the

south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to

unload its cargo.

• Paul and his traveling companions had to “tear themselves away” from the Ephesian elders.

Because of his unselfish love and kindness to the people of Ephesus, especially to the Christians

there, they all had great love and respect for Paul.• His words to them that they would never see his

face again in this life was to them much like suffering a death in one’s own family.

• Was this the “love they had at the first” from which they had fallen, according to Jesus in His letter to

the Ephesian church in 96 AD?

• Paul and his traveling companions had to “tear themselves away” from the Ephesian elders.

Because of his unselfish love and kindness to the people of Ephesus, especially to the Christians

there, they all had great love and respect for Paul.• His words to them that they would never see his

face again in this life was to them much like suffering a death in one’s own family.

• Was this the “love they had at the first” from which they had fallen, according to Jesus in His letter to

the Ephesian church in 96 AD?

RHODES

• Rhodes was the city that had one of the seven wonders of the world, the Colossus

of Rhodes.

• This was a statue that was over 100 feet tall and had one foot on one side of the

entrance to the harbor and one foot on the other such that ships would sail under it. By Paul’s time an earthquake had toppled

it but the remains would have still been visible.

• Acts 21:4-6• 4 Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit

they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples

and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach

we knelt to pray. 6 After saying good-by to each other, we went aboard the ship, and

they returned home.

• Acts 21:4-6• 4 Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit

they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples

and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach

we knelt to pray. 6 After saying good-by to each other, we went aboard the ship, and

they returned home.

Remains of Ancient Tyre

• All ships that were not warships were primarily cargo ships that would carry passengers as they

had room.• The ship that carried Paul and his company was

bound for Tyre in Phoenicia north of Palestine.• Paul and his party were welcomed by the Christians

of Tyre who provided housing and the necessities for the seven days they visited there.

• One or more of their prophets warned Paul about what would happen to him if he went to Jerusalem.

• All ships that were not warships were primarily cargo ships that would carry passengers as they

had room.• The ship that carried Paul and his company was

bound for Tyre in Phoenicia north of Palestine.• Paul and his party were welcomed by the Christians

of Tyre who provided housing and the necessities for the seven days they visited there.

• One or more of their prophets warned Paul about what would happen to him if he went to Jerusalem.

More Remains of Ancient Tyre

New Testament Prayer

Different postures in Prayer in NTDifferent postures in Prayer in NT• On Knees - Acts 16:13On Knees - Acts 16:13

• Holding up hands - 1Tim 2:8Holding up hands - 1Tim 2:8• Fallen on Face - Matt 26:39Fallen on Face - Matt 26:39

• Pray in closet - Matt 6:6Pray in closet - Matt 6:6• Looking toward heaven - John 17:1Looking toward heaven - John 17:1

• With feet in stocks - Acts 16:25With feet in stocks - Acts 16:25• Women covered heads - 1Cor 11:5Women covered heads - 1Cor 11:5• Men uncovered heads - 1Cor 11:4Men uncovered heads - 1Cor 11:4

The Proper Way to Pray

““The proper way for a man to pray,”The proper way for a man to pray,”

Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,

““And the only proper attitudeAnd the only proper attitude

Is down upon his knees,”Is down upon his knees,”

““No, I should say the way to pray,”No, I should say the way to pray,”

Said Reverend Dr. Wise,Said Reverend Dr. Wise,

“ “Is standing straight withIs standing straight with

outstretched arms,outstretched arms,

And rapt and upturned eyes”And rapt and upturned eyes”

“ “Oh, No! No! No!” said Elder Slow.Oh, No! No! No!” said Elder Slow.

“ “Such posture is too proud.Such posture is too proud.

A man should pray with A man should pray with

eyes fast closedeyes fast closed

and head contritely bowed.”and head contritely bowed.”

““I think his hands should beI think his hands should be

austerely clasped in frontausterely clasped in front

With both thumbs pointing With both thumbs pointing

toward the ground”toward the ground”

Said Reverend Dr. Blount.Said Reverend Dr. Blount.

““Last year I fell in Hodgkins wellLast year I fell in Hodgkins well

Head first,” said Cyrus Brown.Head first,” said Cyrus Brown.

““With both my heels a-sticking’ upWith both my heels a-sticking’ up

And my head a pointin’ down.And my head a pointin’ down.

““And I made a prayerAnd I made a prayer

right then and thereright then and there

Best prayer I ever saidBest prayer I ever said

The prayin’est prayer I ever prayedThe prayin’est prayer I ever prayed

A-standin’ on my head!”A-standin’ on my head!”

- Author unknown- Author unknown

• When Paul and his entourage went down to the beach to board the ship for Ptolemais, the Christian families of Tyre accompanied him. There they had a

group prayer, then said their goodbyes.• Paul and his group went aboard the ship and went

south to Ptolemais which is still in Phoenicia. There they spent a day with the disciples of Ptolemais.

From there they went on to Caesarea. The text does not say whether they traveled from Ptolemais to

Caesarea by ship or on land.

• When Paul and his entourage went down to the beach to board the ship for Ptolemais, the Christian families of Tyre accompanied him. There they had a

group prayer, then said their goodbyes.• Paul and his group went aboard the ship and went

south to Ptolemais which is still in Phoenicia. There they spent a day with the disciples of Ptolemais.

From there they went on to Caesarea. The text does not say whether they traveled from Ptolemais to

Caesarea by ship or on land.

Ruins of Ancient Ptolemais

• Acts 21:7-9

• 7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. 8

Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of

Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who

prophesied.

• Acts 21:7-9

• 7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. 8

Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of

Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who

prophesied.

Remains of Caesarea

• At Caesarea, the Roman capital and principal seaport of the Land of Israel, Paul and his fellow

travelers stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven deacons that had originally been appointed to take care of the Jewish widows who spoke Greek (Acts 6).

• Philip’s two notable evangelistic successes were the conversions of the Samaritans and the

Ethiopian Treasurer (Acts 8). Philip had four unmarried daughters who had the prophetic gift.

• At Caesarea, the Roman capital and principal seaport of the Land of Israel, Paul and his fellow

travelers stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven deacons that had originally been appointed to take care of the Jewish widows who spoke Greek (Acts 6).

• Philip’s two notable evangelistic successes were the conversions of the Samaritans and the

Ethiopian Treasurer (Acts 8). Philip had four unmarried daughters who had the prophetic gift.

Philip’s House at Caesarea

• In Bible history there had been several women who had the prophetic gift.

• Miriam (“Mary” in Hebrew), the sister of Moses and Aaron had this gift (Exodus 15:20 & 21). We don’t

know if she was married.• Deborah (means “honeybee” in Hebrew), wife of Lappidoth, who presided over the nation of Israel in

the time of the judges had the gift (Judges 4).• Huldah, wife of Shallum prophesied in the days of

King Josiah (2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34).

• In Bible history there had been several women who had the prophetic gift.

• Miriam (“Mary” in Hebrew), the sister of Moses and Aaron had this gift (Exodus 15:20 & 21). We don’t

know if she was married.• Deborah (means “honeybee” in Hebrew), wife of Lappidoth, who presided over the nation of Israel in

the time of the judges had the gift (Judges 4).• Huldah, wife of Shallum prophesied in the days of

King Josiah (2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34).

• The Gospel of Luke tells about Anna, an eighty-four year old widow, a prophetess, who spent all her

days in the temple fasting and praying (Luke 2:36-38).

• After the birth of Jesus she was telling everyone who came up to the temple about him.

• Remember that Joel had prophesied that as a result of the Holy Spirit being poured out in the last days the sons and daughters of the Israelites would prophesy (Joel 2:28). Peter said this was fulfilled on

the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2).

• The Gospel of Luke tells about Anna, an eighty-four year old widow, a prophetess, who spent all her

days in the temple fasting and praying (Luke 2:36-38).

• After the birth of Jesus she was telling everyone who came up to the temple about him.

• Remember that Joel had prophesied that as a result of the Holy Spirit being poured out in the last days the sons and daughters of the Israelites would prophesy (Joel 2:28). Peter said this was fulfilled on

the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2).

• As we have seen from Acts 8, the Holy Spirit poured out on the Apostles was transferred to others by the

laying on of their hands.• In order for the four daughters of Philip to have the

gift of prophecy, the hands of an Apostle had to be laid upon them.

• Women who prophesied were not speaking their own words but the words of God in ways that did not violate the teaching of scripture that women

were to be subordinate to their husbands and not speak in the worship assembly (1 Corinthians

14:33-35).

• As we have seen from Acts 8, the Holy Spirit poured out on the Apostles was transferred to others by the

laying on of their hands.• In order for the four daughters of Philip to have the

gift of prophecy, the hands of an Apostle had to be laid upon them.

• Women who prophesied were not speaking their own words but the words of God in ways that did not violate the teaching of scripture that women

were to be subordinate to their husbands and not speak in the worship assembly (1 Corinthians

14:33-35).

1Cor 11:51 Cor 11:5; “And every woman who 1 Cor 11:5; “And every woman who praysprays or or prophesiesprophesies with her head uncovered with her head uncovered

dishonours her head - . . .”dishonours her head - . . .”

1 Tim 2:12; “I do not permit a woman to 1 Tim 2:12; “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she teach or to have authority over a man; she

must be silent.” (NIV)must be silent.” (NIV)

1 Cor 14:34; “women should remain silent in 1 Cor 14:34; “women should remain silent in the congregations. They are not allowed to the congregations. They are not allowed to

speak, . . .”speak, . . .”

Priscilla taught Apollos privately with Acquila in

Acts 18:26

It is believed by many that the above text applies to the Breaking of Bread service of

the congregation

Women were encouraged to teach other women but even in this role their head must be covered as a reminder that above all is God and of how easy it is for man to sin 1

Cor 11:1ff

Priscilla taught Apollos privately with Acquila in Acts 18:26

• Acts 21:10-11• 10 After we had been there a number of days, a

prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The

Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and

will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" • You might remember Agabus from Acts 11 and his

prophecy of the great famine.

• Acts 21:10-11• 10 After we had been there a number of days, a

prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The

Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and

will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" • You might remember Agabus from Acts 11 and his

prophecy of the great famine.

• Agabus illustrated his prophecy of Paul’s imprisonment by using Paul’s belt to tie his own

hands and saying it was like what would happen to the owner of the belt, that is, to Paul, when he

went to Jerusalem.• As we will see in the next scripture section,

everyone there tried to dissuade Paul from going up to Jerusalem. But they could not.

• Evidently Paul knew it would be the only way he could get to Rome to preach the gospel there.

• He was willing to face this danger in order to complete his mission.

• Agabus illustrated his prophecy of Paul’s imprisonment by using Paul’s belt to tie his own

hands and saying it was like what would happen to the owner of the belt, that is, to Paul, when he

went to Jerusalem.• As we will see in the next scripture section,

everyone there tried to dissuade Paul from going up to Jerusalem. But they could not.

• Evidently Paul knew it would be the only way he could get to Rome to preach the gospel there.

• He was willing to face this danger in order to complete his mission.

• Acts 21:12-14• 12 When we heard this, we and the people there

pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and

breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name

of the Lord Jesus." 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's

will be done."

• Acts 21:12-14• 12 When we heard this, we and the people there

pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and

breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name

of the Lord Jesus." 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's

will be done."

Paul’s Beautiful Response:

1)He asked why they were weeping and breaking his heart.

2)He said that he was not only ready to be bound, but also to DIE in Jerusalem for the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ

(cf. 20:24; Phil. 1:20-24)!

• The prophecies had said nothing about Paul dying in Jerusalem. Though he was willing to lay his life on

the line for Christ, • I think he thought he would become a prisoner in

Jerusalem but not die there, although he did not know for sure.

• God told people what He thought they needed to know and no more.

• We do know from the later history that he was not killed in Jerusalem but was sent as a prisoner to

Rome.

• The prophecies had said nothing about Paul dying in Jerusalem. Though he was willing to lay his life on

the line for Christ, • I think he thought he would become a prisoner in

Jerusalem but not die there, although he did not know for sure.

• God told people what He thought they needed to know and no more.

• We do know from the later history that he was not killed in Jerusalem but was sent as a prisoner to

Rome.

• Acts 21:15-16• 15 After this, we got ready and went up to

Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was

a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

• Paul and his company stayed at the house of Mnason in Jerusalem. He was from Cyprus, where

Barnabas was from, and was one of the early disciples.

• When and how he was converted is not revealed.

• Acts 21:15-16• 15 After this, we got ready and went up to

Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was

a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

• Paul and his company stayed at the house of Mnason in Jerusalem. He was from Cyprus, where

Barnabas was from, and was one of the early disciples.

• When and how he was converted is not revealed.

• Acts 21:17-19• 17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers

received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the

elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among

the Gentiles through his ministry. • This James was the half brother of Jesus and the

brother of Jude who wrote the New Testament book called by his name.

• Acts 21:17-19• 17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers

received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the

elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among

the Gentiles through his ministry. • This James was the half brother of Jesus and the

brother of Jude who wrote the New Testament book called by his name.

• Paul gave to James, the elders and whoever else was there, a full report of all God had accomplish

through him since the last time they had seen him.• They were happy for all God had done among the

Gentiles through Paul.• But as we shall see, they warned him about the

Jews, even the believing Jews, and how they felt about him. They considered him a traitor to their

nation.• Then James gives Paul good advice which he

follows.

• Paul gave to James, the elders and whoever else was there, a full report of all God had accomplish

through him since the last time they had seen him.• They were happy for all God had done among the

Gentiles through Paul.• But as we shall see, they warned him about the

Jews, even the believing Jews, and how they felt about him. They considered him a traitor to their

nation.• Then James gives Paul good advice which he

follows.

• Acts 21:20-22• 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then

they said to Paul: "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of

them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or

live according to our customs.

• Acts 21:20-22• 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then

they said to Paul: "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of

them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or

live according to our customs.

They Heard Paul Taught Three Things:

1)That the Jews should forsake Moses.

2)That they should not circumcise their children

3)That they should not walk according to the customs.

• We must remember that the laws of Moses were not just religious laws but also civil laws for the nation of

Israel.• Many of the believing Jews believed they should

continue to circumcise their male children and observe all the Jewish festivals and other customs

of their culture. • Paul believed Jews could continue to observe these

things too although he believed they had nothing to do with salvation or one’s relationship with God.

• Had he himself not observed the law of the Nazirite oath?

• We must remember that the laws of Moses were not just religious laws but also civil laws for the nation of

Israel.• Many of the believing Jews believed they should

continue to circumcise their male children and observe all the Jewish festivals and other customs

of their culture. • Paul believed Jews could continue to observe these

things too although he believed they had nothing to do with salvation or one’s relationship with God.

• Had he himself not observed the law of the Nazirite oath?

Acts 15-16 Acts 15 -16“Some men came down from Judea to Acts 15 -16“Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: Antioch and were teaching the brothers:

"Unless you are circumcised, according to the "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp

dispute and debate with them.” (NIV)dispute and debate with them.” (NIV)

““To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having not having the law I became like one not having

the law . . .” (NIV) 1 Cor 9:19-22; the law . . .” (NIV) 1 Cor 9:19-22;

• Paul took a firm stand that Gentiles were not required to observe the Jewish law and were not

required to be circumcised (Galatians 2:1-5).• He had refused to allow Titus, whose father and

mother were both Greeks, to be circumcised. But he did have Timothy circumcised because his

mother was a Jew, though his father was a Greek (Acts 16:1-3).

• For a Jew, circumcision has nothing to do with salvation but it is something that makes a Jew culturally a Jew in the thinking of the Jewish

community.

• Paul took a firm stand that Gentiles were not required to observe the Jewish law and were not

required to be circumcised (Galatians 2:1-5).• He had refused to allow Titus, whose father and

mother were both Greeks, to be circumcised. But he did have Timothy circumcised because his

mother was a Jew, though his father was a Greek (Acts 16:1-3).

• For a Jew, circumcision has nothing to do with salvation but it is something that makes a Jew culturally a Jew in the thinking of the Jewish

community.

Numbers 6:9Numbers 6:19 “After the Nazirite has “After the Nazirite has shaved off the hair of his dedication, the shaved off the hair of his dedication, the

priest is to place in his hands a boiled priest is to place in his hands a boiled shoulder of the ram . . .” (NIV)shoulder of the ram . . .” (NIV)

Numbers 6:9 “If someone dies suddenly “If someone dies suddenly in his presence, thus defiling the hair he in his presence, thus defiling the hair he

has dedicated, he must shave his head on has dedicated, he must shave his head on the day of his cleansing--the seventh day.” the day of his cleansing--the seventh day.”

(NIV) (NIV)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What cultural things do we do What cultural things do we do in religion today because it is in religion today because it is

expected of us rather than expected of us rather than commanded of us?commanded of us?

How much should we consider How much should we consider culture in keeping peace culture in keeping peace among believers and in among believers and in reaching out to the lost?reaching out to the lost?

• Acts 21:22-25• 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear

that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a

vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everybody will know there is no truth in these reports about

you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.

• Acts 21:22-25• 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear

that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a

vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everybody will know there is no truth in these reports about

you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.

Nazirite

• James suggested that Paul go with the four Jewish men, who, like him, were completing

the period of their Nazirite vows and were offering the sacrifices for their purification.

• The reason for this is that this would help him to blend in and not be noticed so much. But we know it did not work. Paul was recognized

and a riot ensued.

• The accusations were false because Paul never taught Jews not to circumcise their

sons.

• James suggested that Paul go with the four Jewish men, who, like him, were completing

the period of their Nazirite vows and were offering the sacrifices for their purification.

• The reason for this is that this would help him to blend in and not be noticed so much. But we know it did not work. Paul was recognized

and a riot ensued.

• The accusations were false because Paul never taught Jews not to circumcise their

sons.

• Acts 21:25• 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written

to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual

immorality." • This had been the decision the Apostles and elders

had made under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the Jerusalem conference as recorded in Acts 15.

• Acts 21:25• 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written

to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual

immorality." • This had been the decision the Apostles and elders

had made under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the Jerusalem conference as recorded in Acts 15.

The Gentile is on the right.

• Acts 21:26• 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified

himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would

be made for each of them. • The day after Paul talked to James and the elders he went to the temple to give to the priest the notice

of the date when the seven days of purification would end and when the offering could be made.

• Acts 21:26• 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified

himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would

be made for each of them. • The day after Paul talked to James and the elders he went to the temple to give to the priest the notice

of the date when the seven days of purification would end and when the offering could be made.

• The purification ritual required that Paul and the four men come to the temple to burn their hair in the fire on the altar of burnt offering and offer the sacrifices prescribed for the Nazirite (Numbers 6).

• It was on one of the seven days of the purification ritual that some Jews from the province of Asia

recognized him and told the crowd.• This started an uproar and the crowd tried to kill

him.• But as we will see, he is rescued by a Roman

officer.

• The purification ritual required that Paul and the four men come to the temple to burn their hair in the fire on the altar of burnt offering and offer the sacrifices prescribed for the Nazirite (Numbers 6).

• It was on one of the seven days of the purification ritual that some Jews from the province of Asia

recognized him and told the crowd.• This started an uproar and the crowd tried to kill

him.• But as we will see, he is rescued by a Roman

officer.

• Acts 21:27-29• 27 When the seven days were nearly over, some

Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and

seized him, 28 shouting, "Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere

against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the

temple area and defiled this holy place."

• Acts 21:27-29• 27 When the seven days were nearly over, some

Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and

seized him, 28 shouting, "Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere

against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the

temple area and defiled this holy place."

• Acts 21:28-29• besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple

area and defiled this holy place." 29(They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the

city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area.)

• None of the accusations made by the mob were true. But these kinds of false accusations are easily made by people whose only desire is to harm their

enemies by whatever means they can

• Acts 21:28-29• besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple

area and defiled this holy place." 29(They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the

city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area.)

• None of the accusations made by the mob were true. But these kinds of false accusations are easily made by people whose only desire is to harm their

enemies by whatever means they can

• Lying about the prophets, Jesus, the Apostles and other Christian leaders has never been a problem

for the persecutors of God’s leaders.• Paul would never have dared bring Gentiles into the

temple area. That would have brought certain death to them.

• A warning inscription that had been posted in this area has been found by archeologists, threatening death to any Gentile who would cross the line into

the holy precincts of the temple.

• Lying about the prophets, Jesus, the Apostles and other Christian leaders has never been a problem

for the persecutors of God’s leaders.• Paul would never have dared bring Gentiles into the

temple area. That would have brought certain death to them.

• A warning inscription that had been posted in this area has been found by archeologists, threatening death to any Gentile who would cross the line into

the holy precincts of the temple.

Warning to Gentiles not to enter the Court of Israel

• The translation of this sign is as follows:

• NO FOREIGNERIS TO GO BEYOND THE BALUSTRADE

AND THE PLAZA OF THE TEMPLE ZONE.WHOEVER IS CAUGHT DOING SOWILL HAVE HIMSELF TO BLAME

FOR HIS DEATHWHICH WILL FOLLOW.

• The translation of this sign is as follows:

• NO FOREIGNERIS TO GO BEYOND THE BALUSTRADE

AND THE PLAZA OF THE TEMPLE ZONE.WHOEVER IS CAUGHT DOING SOWILL HAVE HIMSELF TO BLAME

FOR HIS DEATHWHICH WILL FOLLOW.

• Acts 21:30-31• 30 The whole city was aroused, and the people

came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and

immediately the gates were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, news reached the

commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.

• Acts 21:30-31• 30 The whole city was aroused, and the people

came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and

immediately the gates were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, news reached the

commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.

• This mob uproar was similar to what had happened in Ephesus. Most of the people involved in the

uproar didn’t know what was going on. They just wanted to be part of the excitement.

• Jesus had said these people were like sheep without a shepherd. The whole flock of sheep will run to follow any sheep that looks as if he knows

where he is going.• When they find out the sheep did not know where to

go, they would wait for the next such indication, then they would be off and running again. Our

generation is no different.

• This mob uproar was similar to what had happened in Ephesus. Most of the people involved in the

uproar didn’t know what was going on. They just wanted to be part of the excitement.

• Jesus had said these people were like sheep without a shepherd. The whole flock of sheep will run to follow any sheep that looks as if he knows

where he is going.• When they find out the sheep did not know where to

go, they would wait for the next such indication, then they would be off and running again. Our

generation is no different.

• Acts 21:32-34• 32 He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw

the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

• 33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had

done. 34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander

could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.

• Acts 21:32-34• 32 He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw

the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

• 33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had

done. 34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander

could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.

• Acts 21:35-38• Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob

was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. 36 The crowd that followed kept

shouting, "Away with him!" • 37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into

the barracks, he asked the commander, "May I say something to you?"

• "Do you speak Greek?" he replied. 38 "Aren't you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led

four thousand terrorists out into the desert some time ago?"

• Acts 21:35-38• Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob

was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. 36 The crowd that followed kept

shouting, "Away with him!" • 37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into

the barracks, he asked the commander, "May I say something to you?"

• "Do you speak Greek?" he replied. 38 "Aren't you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led

four thousand terrorists out into the desert some time ago?"

• This Egyptian was probably a Jew from Alexandria or some other city in Egypt.

• Josephus, the Jewish historian, tells of such a person. In his Antiquities of the Jews,

book 20, chapter 8, section 6 and in Wars of the Jews, book 2, chapter 13, section 5.

• According to Josephus he came to Jerusalem and led a rebellion against the Romans in the

city. But Felix, the governor sent the army against him. Many of his followers were killed

and captured but he escaped.

• This Egyptian was probably a Jew from Alexandria or some other city in Egypt.

• Josephus, the Jewish historian, tells of such a person. In his Antiquities of the Jews,

book 20, chapter 8, section 6 and in Wars of the Jews, book 2, chapter 13, section 5.

• According to Josephus he came to Jerusalem and led a rebellion against the Romans in the

city. But Felix, the governor sent the army against him. Many of his followers were killed

and captured but he escaped.

Jewish Historian Flavius Josephus

• Acts 21:39-22:1• 39 Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in

Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people."

• 40 Having received the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and

motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic:

• Paul had spoken to the commander in Greek. Now he speaks to the crowd in Hebrew (Aramaic).

• Acts 21:39-22:1• 39 Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in

Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people."

• 40 Having received the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and

motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic:

• Paul had spoken to the commander in Greek. Now he speaks to the crowd in Hebrew (Aramaic).

ConclusionConclusion

• Thus is fulfilled the prophecies of Agabus and others. Paul begins his period of imprisonment

that will lead to his voyage to Rome and his appearance in the Court of Caesar, exercising

the right of appeal that belonged to every Roman citizen.

• If it were not for the fact that Paul was a Roman citizen and under the protection of

Rome, he would be dead now.• Jesus did not have the civil rights that Paul

had.

• Thus is fulfilled the prophecies of Agabus and others. Paul begins his period of imprisonment

that will lead to his voyage to Rome and his appearance in the Court of Caesar, exercising

the right of appeal that belonged to every Roman citizen.

• If it were not for the fact that Paul was a Roman citizen and under the protection of

Rome, he would be dead now.• Jesus did not have the civil rights that Paul

had.

It is an Urgent BusinessIt is an Urgent Business

by Ellis Jones

Do you know someone who has lost his way?

You know what might happen to him some day/

Once you too were wand’ring in sin.

Perhaps someone led YOU back to God again.

by Ellis Jones

Do you know someone who has lost his way?

You know what might happen to him some day/

Once you too were wand’ring in sin.

Perhaps someone led YOU back to God again.

Don’t let the opportunity go by.

For our fate is sealed the moment we die.

Each day your time grows shorter and shorter.

Each day your heart grows harder and harder.

Don’t let the opportunity go by.

For our fate is sealed the moment we die.

Each day your time grows shorter and shorter.

Each day your heart grows harder and harder.

The gospel has power to change men’s hearts.

Teach them now before the Spirit departs.

Do not hesitate to teach a lost soul.

To take others with you should be your goal.

The gospel has power to change men’s hearts.

Teach them now before the Spirit departs.

Do not hesitate to teach a lost soul.

To take others with you should be your goal.

You know what you did to come to your Lord.

The gospel is simple; you know each word.

Tell what you did; it will have great power.

This is the time – the minute, the hour.

You know what you did to come to your Lord.

The gospel is simple; you know each word.

Tell what you did; it will have great power.

This is the time – the minute, the hour.