Life of Paul - Paul's Letter to the Colossians

Life of Paul - Letter to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 61 to 63

Scripture: Colossians

NOTE: Paul wrote all four prison books while in Rome as a prisoner. The letter to the Colossians was sent via Tychicus and Onesimus. 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Colossae

During these two years of house arrest, generally believed to be about 61-63 A.D., Paul writes four letters which have come to be known as the “prison epistles.” Two of them, the letter to the Colossians and the letter to Philemon, are probably written at the same time. The Book of Colossians is closely related to the books of Ephesians and Philemon. Colossians was probably written before Ephesians, with which it shares main ideas and a general outline. Ephesians seems to expand some of the key ideas of Colossians.

Paul wrote this epistle from prison, as he did Philippians and Philemon. Some scholars believe this was during the first imprisonment in Rome. Colossians could then have been written about A.D. 62, not long before Paul’s release. Yet others would place the writing of this letter during an Ephesian imprisonment around A.D. 54 or 55.

Colossae was located on the south bank of the Lycus River near Laodicea and Hierapolis in western Asia Minor, about 100 miles east of Ephesus on the important trade route between Ephesus and the Euphrates Valley. Paul had never visited Colossae, but the gospel had been preached there, as well as in Laodicea and Hierapolis, while he was in Ephesus. Although Paul has never visited Colossae, one of his companions during this time, Epaphras, has been preaching in the towns of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Evidently, Epaphras has informed Paul of the pagan secularism which threatens the church in that region. 

This letter deals primarily with doctrinal heresy that possibly mixed Judaism with some early form of Gnosticism. Jesus was super-human, but not truly God. He was greater than human beings, but not great enough to be the Savior. Those who believe in Christ must go through angels to get to the deeper levels of spirituality. Paul built a positive case for the Christian truth in order to show the Colossians the futility of ideas such as these.

 

In paganism, virtue is not associated with religion. Religious practice is for the purpose of warding off demons and evil ancestors--not for the purpose of being a better person. Paul sees that this notion of religion can influence even Christian worship in which slavish adherence to supposed spiritual standards misses the point of one’s being transformed into the likeness of Christ. To Paul, the Christian life is more than simply giving up bad habits. It is acquiring a newness of mind that comes from setting your heart and mind on Christ Jesus--who, as Paul says, is the image of the invisible God. Only a person with a mind of Christ can truly overcome the sins of the flesh and live according to the spirit. 

Among the most popular religions of the ancient world were the so-called mystery religions. Details of the initiations, rituals, and doctrines of these religions were kept secret from outsiders. Standard elements were purification, fasting, sacrifice, and ceremonial banquets. Early Christianity showed similarities to the mystery religions, including the idea of “mystery” (Colossians 1:25–27).

The significant difference of the Greek vocabulary and style in Colossians from that of other Pauline letters raises a question of whether Paul actually wrote Colossians. Some scholars argue that the theology of the letter and the understanding and organization of the church are more developed than in letters Paul himself wrote. This may indicate that Colossians was written by one of Paul’s associates in the decade following his death (perhaps between A.D. 70–75).

NIV Study Bible Intro: Colossians

https://youtu.be/6HGD1pmgJh0

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/colossians/
https://youtu.be/pXTXlDxQsvc

https://youtu.be/vpmmy9sUqUo

THE "PRISON LETTERS" TO THE COLOSSIANS

The Epistle to the Colossians (61 or 62 A.D.) - Co 1:1-2

• Purpose: To warn against the “Colossian heresy”
• Theme: Christ, The Fullness Of God, and Preeminent, All-Sufficient Savior
• Brief Outline:
• The preeminence of Christ - Colossians 1:1-23
• The apostle of Christ - Colossians 1:24-2:7
• Warnings against the Colossian heresy - Colossians 2:8-23
• The Christian solution - Colossians 3:1-4:6
• Paul’s companions - Colossians 4:7-18

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Other Resources:

Acts 28:17-31 Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard = July 31

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard
Acts 28:17-31

1. As a child, whose visit would you be so excited about that you would wait outside (or by the window) until they arrived? Why? 

2. If in jail, what three items would you want most (a file, saw or key is not permitted)?

#God              #People         #Time #Place            #Obedient faith        #Sin    #Key Idea

Acts 28:17-31 (ESV)

 

Paul in Rome

17After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26“‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’

28Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”^f

30He lived there two whole years at his own expense,^g and welcomed all who came to him, 31proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Hashtags
People
#Paul
#local leaders of the Jews
#brothers, fathers
#the Romans
#the Jews
#Caesar

Places
#Rome
#his rented house.

Topics
#Go to those who may have something against you.
#Tell God’s working and His story is the focus
#Be Hospitality
#Be available
#Use Scripture to tell the truth
#Try to be persuasive without being abrasive
#Go to people open to the gospel.
#Paul’s imprisonment

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• Given the long delay, his shipwreck at sea, and his continuing status as a prisoner. how would Paul feel upon finally arriving in Rome? What must the believers' reunion with Paul have been like (w. 14-15)? 
• Why might Paul take the initiative to call this meeting with the Jewish leaders in Rome (vv. 17-20)? 
• How do Paul's statements in 23:6, 24:21: 26:8 and 28:20 illustrate what he means by being a "prison er for the Lord” (see Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:13-14, Colossians 4:3; Philemon 1)? How does the existence of these "prison epistles" demonstrate the way Paul made the best of his situation? 
• In light of all that Paul has been through, how do you think he felt when he heard the Jews' response in verse 21? How is their attitude different from that of the Jews in Jerusalem? How do you account for this difference? 
• How does Isaiah's "hardening ministry" (vv. 25-28) bridge the gap in perception between those who view Christianity as a narrow Jewish sect (v. 21) and those who view Christianity as a faith for all peoples (v. 28)? How does this thematic bridge relate to 1:8? to 9:15-16? to 26:22-23? 
• What did Paul say the Jews still disagreed about and discussed at great length (see vv. 28–29)?
• Even at the end of his life Paul was preaching and teaching “with all confidence” (v. 31). Do you feel confident when you talk about Jesus? Why or why not?
• Who in your life needs to hear about the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ (see v. 31)? How can you start this conversation?
• Acts 28:31 is similar to other summary verses in Acts (see 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20). What does this ending reveal about Luke's central concern in writing this book? 
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• What bothers your non-Christian friends about the faith? How can you help them overcome those barriers? 
• When limitations are placed upon you by circumstances beyond your control, how do you react? How can you serve the Lord within these limits? 
• How does Acts 28:31 set the stage for the way your life could become a continuation of Acts 28? In what way would you like to contribute an "Acts, chapter 29" to this movement of God during the next two years? 
• Probably within a few years, Paul was killed by the emperor Nero. How would Acts 28:31 serve as a fitting epitaph on Paul's grave? What do you need to build into your life now, so that your faith in Christ will be what people remember about you at death?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

IMPRISONMENT IN ROME

According to the Book of Acts, Paul spent 2 years under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16, 30). Acts is silent, however, regarding what happened to him at the end of that time, in late A.D. 62 or early 63. Some scholars argue that Luke intended the prophecy of Paul’s martyrdom (Acts 20:24, 38) to inform the reader about his fate. Paul’s execution under Nero sometime between the summers of A.D. 62 and 64 would also fit with two developments in Roman history of this period. First, Nero reinstated laws against treason in early 62, and Paul’s execution may have been ordered based on such a charge (though Paul claims innocence of such; see Acts 25:8). Second, Nero married Poppaea in the spring of A.D. 62. Her strong support of the Jews may have negatively influenced the disposition of Paul’s case.

Other scholars have suggested that Paul, after 2 years of imprisonment, was released about A.D. 63. He then carried on further missionary work in Macedonia (see 1 Timothy 1:3) and, according to some early Christian traditions, possibly also in Spain (see Romans 15:28). Many details of the end of Paul’s life are unknown. Apparently, he was subsequently rearrested and imprisoned, and Tertullian describes Paul’s execution by beheading. Eusebius, the church historian, dates Paul’s death in A.D. 67.

Ears That Do Not Hear

God designed each part of our bodies to handle certain tasks. Our eyes are to see with, our feet are to walk with, etc. And even though our parts may be fully functional, they may not be used for their intended purpose, if at all.
In Matthew 11, Jesus discusses John the Baptizer and after stating he was “Elias, which was for to come” tells the people, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matt. 11:14-15). We apparently might have the physical ability to hear yet choose not to listen. Those who remain lost in their sins do so because they reject the truth of God’s word. They choose not to understand the gospel message (Matt. 13:14-15).
Our Heavenly Father tells us what our ears are meant to hear. We are to hear Jesus (Matt.17:5; John 10:27). We are to hear “the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:11). We are to hear “the salvation of God” (Acts 28:28). When we hear these things our faith grows (Rom. 10:17), and have the “power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).
Do not be like those who have functioning ears yet choose not to hear. Take advantage of every opportunity to hear the word of God and have “ears to hear.”
In Christ, Steve Preston

Paul's Life - Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard - July 31

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard (First Roman Captivity)

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 61-63 A.D.

Scripture: 28:10-31

NOTE: 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Rome

#Prison

#PrisonEpistles

As Paul arrives in Rome, Luke does not reveal what happened to Paul’s case. Apparently, it had not yet been decided when Luke finished Acts.  there is no indication that he will appear before any court or government official to press his appeal. Instead, it seems that he is placed under house arrest, being permitted to maintain his living quarters while being guarded by a Roman soldier. Paul is given the freedom to continue preaching from his lodging place. Luke thereafter records that Paul invites the local Jewish leaders to his house to tell them about Jesus and the kingdom of God. Characteristically, some believe while others do not, a result which Paul attributes to the openness of mind with which a person might listen to the good news about Jesus.

There are good reasons for believing that Paul was released since he had been found innocent by all Roman officials up to this point. Ancient tradition tells us that Paul actually went to Spain as he desired (see Rom. 15:24). In his captivity letters, Paul expressed his hope of being released (see Philem. 22) and his confidence that he would be released (Phil. 1:25). Paul’s pastoral epistles contain items that cannot be fitted into the Book of Acts, suggesting that they were written later. For instance, Titus 1:5 implies that Paul ministered on the island of Crete, something that is not reported in the Book of Acts. Paul most likely resumed his missionary travels for a few more years before being rearrested, retried, condemned, and executed as a martyr sometime between A.D. 64 and 67.

A Harmony Of The Life Of Paul

First Roman Captivity

(61-63 A.D.)

INTRODUCTION

• After his fateful voyage, Paul and his companions arrived at Rome...
• Where he was placed under house arrest - Acts 28:16
• Where he waited two years to make his appeal before Caesar - cf. Acts 25:9-12; 28:30
• Yet Paul was not idle during this time - cf. Acts 28:30-31
• He received many visitors
• He was not forbidden to teach those who came to see him
• He likely composed several epistles -- Indeed, it was a fruitful time for Paul

 [At the close of the book of Acts, we are given an indication of what it must have been like during those two years, as we read of...]

 

I. HIS MEETINGS WITH JEWISH LEADERS

A. THE FIRST MEETING...

• Paul called for the leaders of the Jews in Rome - Acts 28:17a
• He explained why he was there, and the reason for his appeal - Acts 28:17b-20
• He had done nothing against the Jews or their customs
• Though Roman officials wanted to let him go, Jews from Jerusalem spoke against it, forcing him to appeal to Caesar
• Yet it was for the hope of Israel he was bound in chains
• The Jewish leaders desire to learn more - Acts 28:21-22
• For they neither received letters nor heard anything evil of Paul
• But they did want to hear what he had to say about this “sect” spoken against everywhere

B. THE SECOND MEETING...

• On an appointed day, they came to his lodging - Acts 28:23a
• They heard him explain and solemnly testify - Acts 28:23b
• Of the kingdom of God and concerning Jesus - cf. Acts 8:12
• From both the Law of Moses and the Prophets - cf. Luke 24:44-47
• Lasting from morning until evening
• Their reaction was mixed; some were persuaded, while others disbelieved - Acts 28:24
• They departed after Paul gave them a solemn warning - Acts 28:25-28
• Of being hard of hearing and closing their eyes - cf. Isaiah 6:9-10
• That the message of God’s salvation has been sent to Gentiles and they will hear it
• They departed and disputed among themselves - Acts 28:29

 

[The closing verses in Acts indicate that similar meetings were repeated time and again during the two years of Paul’s first Roman captivity (Acts 28:30-31). When we turn to Paul’s epistles, we can glean more things about...]

 

II. HIS CIRCUMSTANCES IN ROME

A. PAUL’S COMPANIONS...

• Timothy
• The young disciple Paul had picked up on his second journey - Acts 16:1-3
• Who joined Paul in several salutations in epistles written from Rome - Philemon 1; Colossians 1:1; Philippians 1:1
• Who was sent to Philippi on behalf of Paul - Philippians 2:19-23
• Epaphras
• Whose visit to Paul prompted the writing of Colossians - Colossians 1:3-8
• Who sent his greetings to his beloved brethren at Colosse - Colossians 4:12-13
• Who was described as Paul’s “fellow-prisoner” - Philemon 1:23
• Onesimus and Tychicus
• Onesimus, the runaway slave converted to Jesus Christ, was sent along with the letter to his master Philemon - Philemon 10-21
• Onesimus also accompanied Tychicus who bore the epistle to the Colossians - Colossians 4: 7-9
• Tychicus, who was from Asia (Acts 20:4) was also the bearer of the epistle to the Ephesians - Ephesians 6:21-22
• Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, Jesus (Justus) - Philemon 24
• Marcus, also known as John Mark, Barnabas’ cousin - Colossians 4:10; cf. Acts 12:25; 13:5, 13; 15:37-40
• Aristarchus, Paul’s “fellow-prisoner” - Colossians 4:10; cf. Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2
• Demas, who later forsook Paul - Colossians 4:14; cf. 2 Timothy 4:10
• Luke, the beloved physician who traveled off and on again with Paul, and accompanied him on his voyage to Rome - Colossians 4:14; cf. Acts 16:10-12; 20:6; 21:1-17; 27:1-28:16
• Jesus (also called Justus), a “fellow-worker” with Paul - Colossians 4:11
• Epaphroditus
• Who brought a gift to Paul from the Philippians - Philippians 4:18
• Who became the bearer of the epistle to the Philippians - Philippians 2:25-30 -- His companions undoubtedly were a great source of comfort for Paul and enabled him to do much good while imprisoned in Rome

B. PAUL’S PREACHING...

• Continued preaching despite his chains - Colossians 1:23-29; Ephesians 3:1-9
• Requested prayers for wisdom and boldness to continue preaching - Colossians 4:3-4; Ephesians 6:18-20
• Converted Onesimus, the runaway slave - Philemon 10
• Had opportunities among the palace guard, and apparent success in Caesar’s household - Philippians 1:12-20; 4:22 -- Paul’s success in preaching reinforces the idea that the gospel cannot be bound

C. PAUL’S LETTERS...

• The Epistle to Philemon (61 or 62 AD.) - Philemon 1
• Purpose: To secure forgiveness for Onesimus
• Theme: Restoration Of A Slave Brother
• Brief Outline:
• Greetings - Philemon 1-3
• Thanksgiving and prayer for Philemon - Philemon 4-7
• Plea on behalf of Onesimus - Philemon 8-21
• Concluding remarks - Philemon 22-25
• The epistle to the Colossians (61 or 62 A.D.) - Colossians 1:1-2
• Purpose: To warn against the “Colossian heresy”
• Theme: Christ, The Fullness Of God, And Preeminent, All-Sufficient Savior
• Brief Outline:
• The preeminence of Christ - Colossians 1:1-23
• The apostle of Christ - Colossians 1:24-2:7
• Warnings against the Colossian heresy - Colossians 2:8-23
• The Christian solution - Colossians 3:1-4:6
• Paul’s companions - Colossians 4:7-18
• The Epistle to the Ephesians (61 or 62 A.D.) - Ephesians 1:1
• Purpose: To remind Christians of their spiritual blessings and responsibilities
• Theme: The Believer’s Riches In Christ
• Brief Outline:
• Doctrine: Our riches in Christ - Ephesians 1:1-3:21
• Duty: Our responsibilities in Christ - Ephesians 4:1-6:20
• The Epistle to the Philippians (63 A.D.) - Philippians 1:1
• Purpose: To thank the church for its gift, and encourage faithfulness
• Theme: Rejoice In The Lord!
• Brief Outline:
• The situation in Rome - Philippians 1:1-26
• Exhortation to behavior worthy of the gospel - Philippians 1:27-2:18
• Plans involving Timothy and Epaphroditus - Philippians 2:19-30
• Warnings against Judaism and antinomianism - Philippians 3:1-21
• Exhortations to unity, joy, and peace - Philippians 4:1-9
• Thanksgiving for their generous gift - Philippians 4:10-23 -- The letters of Paul exemplify the power of letter-writing, especially when limited by circumstances

D. PAUL’S LOVE AND CARE FOR THE CHURCHES...

• Evidenced in the epistles he wrote during this time
• Such as Colossians, to a church he had not seen - Colossians 2:1-5
• Such as Ephesians, to a church with whom he had spent much time - Acts 20:17-21
• Such as Philippians, to a church that was dear to his heart - Philippians 1:3-5; 4:1
• Evidenced in the prayers he offered for them
• His prayer for the Colossians - Colossians 1:9-11
• His prayers for the Ephesians - Ephesians 1:15-21; 3:14-19
• His prayer for the Philippians - Philippians 1:9-11 -- Paul’s love and concern for others despite his own circumstances exemplifies the mind of Christ - cf. Philippians 2:4-8

E. PAUL’S FAITH AND JOY IN HIS SUFFERING...

• He rejoiced in his sufferings - Colossians 1:24; Philippians 2:16-18
• He sought to magnify Christ in his sufferings - Philippians 1:20 -- Paul’s imprisonment allowed him to practice what he had been preaching (and practicing ) all along - cf. Romans 5:3-5

F. PAUL’S EXPECTATION OF RELEASE...

• Evidenced by his plans to visit Philemon - Philemon 22
• Expressed in his epistle to the Philippians - Philippians 1:23-27; 2:24

 

CONCLUSION

• Paul fully expected to be released from his imprisonment, as expressed...
• By his plans to visit Philemon - Philemon 22
• In his epistle to the Philippians - Philippians 1:23-27; 2:24
• That he was released and traveled some more is evidenced...
• By references made in such epistles as 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus
• By the testimony of those who came along later: Chrysostom, Jerome, Eusebius, and even Clement of Rome, who lived in the latter part of the first century A.D. 

J. W. McGarvey notes in his commentary on Acts: “No two years of Paul’s life were better filled with earnest labor than these two spent in his Roman prison.” Indeed, we have seen that such was the case, as Paul himself wrote:

Philippians 1:12-14 NLT - And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear.

May we learn from Paul’s example of how “good can come out of ill”, and use whatever circumstances in which we find ourselves to be utilized for the glory of God!

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Acts 28:1-16 Paul on the Island of Malta = July 28

Paul on the Island of Malta
Acts 28:1-16

Whom would you elect "Mr. or Mrs. Hospitality" at work? In your neighborhood? In your church? In your family?

#God                  #People           #Time                #Place              #Obedient faith          #Sin    #Key Idea

Acts 28:1-16 (ESV)

 

Paul on Malta

1After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2The native people^a showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice^b has not allowed him to live.” 5He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10They also honored us greatly,^c and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Paul Arrives at Rome

11After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods^d as a figurehead. 12Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14There we found brothers^e and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

Hashtags 

People
#Paul
#we – Paul and Luke
#native people
#chief man “Pubilus”
#Pubilus’ father
#people on island
#the brothers
#the soldier

Places
#Malta
#Sea = Mediterranean
#Syracuse
#Rhegium
#Puteoli

Topics
#Hospitality
#Viper – May or may not have been poisonous, but the people viewed it that way. Mark 16
#Justice = much like karma
#people’s change of mind.
#apostle power to heal sick people (prayer) laying on of hands too
#generosity of native people.
#sailing determined by the wind.
#Paul’s imprisonment

 

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• In your opinion, why did Luke describe the ship voyage to Rome at such length—longer than Paul’s time in Corinth or Ephesus? What was so important about this episode?
• In light of the fact God wanted Paul to get to Rome, why do you think he allowed all the events of 27:1-28:9 to happen? What stories would the centurion tell his fellow officers once they arrive? 
• Do you see God’s providence working in these events? How?
• Did God miraculously protect Paul from the snakebite? (Acts 28:3–6)
• As Paul neared Rome, who came out to meet him? What was the impact of this greeting on Paul? Explain.
• Describe a time when someone encouraged you in a stressful situation.
• How restricted was Paul? (Acts 28:16)
• How could this set the stage for Paul to write about the way his imprisonment at Rome served to advance the Gospel (see Philippians 1:12-13)? 
• How do you see Acts 1:8 still being carried out? 
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• How has God used a disaster in your life for ministry? What have you learned from this?
• Who can you encourage during the next week?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

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Does it Matter What You Believe?

Back in 2014 Jamie Coots made the news with his death. Jamie died after being bitten by a poisonous snake during a "snake handling church service."  Coots could have received medical treatment, but he refused it based on his religious convictions and died. 

Coots became a celebrity of sorts by appearing in the National Geographic television series, "Snake Salvation."  This television show documented the beliefs and practices of a church in southeast Kentucky that "handles poisonous snakes."

Members of this religious sect believe that Mark 16:17-18 commands them to engage in this practice. However, a more careful study of the Bible will reveal that Jesus wasn't commanding Christians to be involved in a "side show" involving snakes.  He was stating that his followers would be given miraculous abilities that would assist them in confirming the message they preached.  An example of what Jesus was talking about is found in Acts 28:1-6 when the apostle Paul was bitten by a poisonous viper on the Island of Malta.  Instead of dying as the natives surely thought he would, Paul simply shook the snake from his hand, and he was alright.  Furthermore, these miraculous gifts were temporary (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Ephesians 4:8-13) and were never intended to last for all time.

Sadly, Mr. Coots' misguided faith and interpretation of the Bible cost him his life.  While, most of us reading this will not make the same mistake that Mr. Coots did, we may make other mistakes that could be just as harmful to our spiritual health?  If we don't give great care and attention to reading and studying the word of God, we too can be hurt. 

You see, in spite of what you've heard some people say, it does matter what you believe.

Gratuity Not Included: Servers

The natives showed us unusual kindness. . . . Acts 28:2


Ask almost any waiter, waitress, or server and they'll tell you that they dread the Sunday after-church crowd. Perhaps it's undeserved, but many churchgoers have a reputation for being demanding and stingy. Somehow, we have gotten a bad name in the restaurant community, at least on Sundays.

It behooves us to be kind to those who serve us. One of the ways we express our thanksgiving to God is by treating others with gratitude and kindness. Proverbs 19:22 says, "What is desired in a man is kindness."

Those who serve us -- waiters, clerks, tellers, flight attendants, bellhops and skycaps, ushers, babysitters, valets, supermarket baggers, parking attendants, shuttle drivers, and so forth -- often work long hours and receive minimal pay. Yet they bear the brunt of complaints. They often have to put up with arrogant, unkind, irritable clients.

Go out of your way to smile at the guy behind the counter. Be pleasant to the woman on the phone. Tip when appropriate. Be a pleasure to serve. Show unusual kindness. A dash of gratitude can brighten the skies of others and represent Christ in their hearts.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
William Arthur Ward

Blessings Abound: Blessings From Another

When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Acts 28:15

In Acts 28, the apostle Paul grappled with disappointment, fatigue, and a sense of failure. He had hoped to be on his way to Spain as a free man, but he had encountered a series of unfortunate events—hostility, arrest, a near flogging, a prolonged legal battle, a terrifying storm, a shipwreck, a snakebite, and a forced march to Rome where prison awaited him. Imagine even one of those things happening to you!


But as Paul approached the city of Rome, he looked up and saw a delegation of brothers and sisters coming to meet him. At the sight of his friends, his spirits revived. He thanked God and took courage. As we visualize the scene in our minds, we can almost see a smile coming to his face, a grateful whisper on his lips, and a bounce entering his steps.

You and I have people like that in our lives too, but perhaps we don’t thank God enough for them. Take a few moments today to appreciate those who strengthen you and give you courage. Thank God for the blessings that abound and for the people who surround you.

Whoever is happy will make others happy too.
Anne Frank