Acts 21:27-40 Paul is Arrested

Paul is Arrested
Acts 21:27-40

Intro Questions

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

Acts 21:27-40

 

Paul Arrested in the Temple

27When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”

Paul Speaks to the People

37As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language,^e saying:

Hashtags
#Paul
#the Jews
#Men of Israel
#Trophimus
#the tribune
#soldiers and centurions
#four thousand men of the Assassins

Places
#Asia
#the temple
#the barracks
#Tarsus

Topics

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
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Acts 21:17-26 Paul Arrives in Jerusalem

Paul Arrives in Jerusalem
Acts 21:17-26

Intro Questions

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

Acts 21:17-26

 

Paul Visits James

17When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled,d and from sexual immorality.” 26Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.

 

 

Hashtags

#God

#Paul
#Gentiles
#Jews
#brothers
#elders
#many thousands
#Moses
#Four men

Places
#Jerusalem
#temple


Topics
#days of purification

 

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this 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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Paul's Journey to Rome

 

Acts 2:17–28:31. Estimated:  1850 miles, approximately 3–4 years in duration.  Planted no new churches but won several soldiers and visited many brethren.

 

Place	Location	Events
1.  Jerusalem	21:17	Paul is beaten, gives a speech, and is imprisoned
2. Antipatris	23:31	Paul is taken here by soldiers
3. Caesarea	23:33	Imprisoned for 2 yrs. Before Felix, Festus, & Agrippa. Appeal to Caesar.
4. Sidon	27:3	Port. Paul allowed some freedom
5. Cyprus	27:4	Sailed by the island because of contrary winds
6. Myra (Lycia)	27:5	Landed on route to Rome.
7. Cnidus	27:7	Arrived here with difficulty
8. Under Crete	27:7	Contrary wind forced this.
9. Fair Havens	27:8	Harbored. Paul predicted difficulty
10. Clauda	27:16	Small island where they attempted to get the boat under control.
11. In the open sea	27:17– 44	Ship is tossed by the wind. Paul encouraged by God.
12. Malta	28:1	Ship ran aground. Paul preaches and heals on island.
13. Syracuse	28:12	Stayed here 3 days
14. Rhegium & Puteoli	28:13	Ports and stopping places. Stayed with brethren.
15. Market of Appius &             Three Inns	28:15	Brethren came and greeted. Paul took courage and preached.
16. Rome	28:16	Paul spoke to Jews and then turned to Gentiles. In house-arrest for 2 yrs.

Life of Paul - Paul's Arrival & Arrest in Jerusalem = July 10

Paul's Arrival & Arrest in Jerusalem

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 58 A. D.

Scripture: Acts 21:17-22:21

NOTE: 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Jerusalem

    The prophecy of Agabus is soon to be fulfilled. Upon his return to Jerusalem, Paul now finds himself being arrested and attacked by local Jews who have been stirred up by certain men from Asia. Fortunately, however, Paul is rescued by Roman soldiers acting under Claudius Lysias, the local Roman commander. The historical record sets forth Paul's attempt to defend himself before a mob that is demanding his death and indicates a fair reception to his discourse until he mentions being God's messenger to the Gentiles. The angry crowd's reaction to that assertion forces Claudius Lysias to take Paul into protective custody. 

    On the following day, the record reveals that Paul is put on trial before the Sanhedrin Council, in much the same way that Jesus himself had been tried years earlier. By referring to his own heritage as a Pharisee, and to his belief in a resurrection after death, Paul skillfully sets the Pharisees in controversy against the Sadducees, who do not believe in a resurrection. In the debate which ensues, no charges are brought, and Paul is returned to custody. When a plot to kill Paul is uncovered, Paul is secretly taken away by night to Caesarea, where he will later be brought before the governor, Felix. 

    Now, as Luke records Paul's arrival in Jerusalem before his arrest, an effort is made by James and the elders at Jerusalem to calm the anxiety of Jewish Christians, who are uncertain about Paul's teaching. 

Paul’s Arrival & Arrest In Jerusalem

INTRODUCTION

• Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem must have been with some joyful anticipation...
• He had been in a hurry to get there for the Day of Pentecost - Acts 20:16
• He had been delayed right at the last moment, having to wait in Tyre and then Caesarea - Acts 21:3-4,7-10 ...for he was accompanying a contribution for needy Christians in Jerusalem - Romans 15:25-27

• His arrival must have also been with anxious expectations...
• He knew that chains awaited him in Jerusalem - Acts 20:22, 23
• He knew that he would be delivered into the hands of the Gentiles - Acts 21:10-11 ...yet he was willing not only to be bound, but die for the name of Jesus - Acts 20:24; 21:12-14

[With such mixed emotions in his heart, then, we read of...]

PAUL’S ARRIVAL IN JERUSALEM

A. HIS RECEPTION BY THE CHURCH...

• The brethren receive him and his companions gladly - Acts 21:17
• On the next day, he and his companions visit James and the elders - Acts 21:18-21
• He details what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry
• They glorify the Lord when they hear this news
• They tell Paul what thousands of Jewish Christians have heard about him
• That he teaches the Jews among the Gentiles to forsake Moses
• That he teaches them not to circumcise their children, nor to keep the customs
• They counsel Paul in view of these things - Acts 21:22-25
• To be purified along with four men who have taken a vow (likely the Nazarite vow, cf. Numbers 6:1-12)
• To pay their expenses at the completion of the vow
• To thereby reassure Jewish Christians...
• That what they have heard is false
• That Paul himself was willing to keep the Law
• That Gentiles were not required to do so, but to keep the ordinances from the conference in Jerusalem - cf. Acts 15:20,29

B. HIS INVOLVEMENT WITH THE VOW...

• Paul agrees and the next day enters the temple with the four men - Acts 21:26
• Having been purified with them
• To announce the date on which the days of purification would end and offerings would be made for each of them - cf. Numbers 6:13-20
• There are three views concerning Paul’s involvement with this vow
• Paul acted ignorantly, not aware that the Law of Moses was no longer binding
• Unlikely, since Paul preached “the whole counsel of God” - Acts 20:27
• Unlikely, since Paul had already penned Romans, 1st & 2nd Corinthians, and Galatians, which clearly reveal Paul was not ignorant
• Paul acted hypocritically, like Peter did at Antioch - cf. Galatians 2:11-13
• Unlikely, since Paul had endured so much mistreatment already
• Unlikely, since Paul was willing to be bound and die for Christ
• Paul acted consistently, with what he actually taught (which is my view)
• The Law was no longer in force - cf. Romans 7:1-6; Galatians 3:24-25
• Anyone seeking to be justified by the Law was fallen from grace - Galatians 5:4
• Yet a Jewish Christian (like Paul ) could observe the customs of the Law - cf. Acts 18:18; 1 Corinthians 9:20
• A Jewish Christian could observe elements of the Law provided:
• He did not do so seeking justification & salvation, for that comes only through the sacrifice of Christ
• He did not bind it upon others, especially Gentiles who were never under the Law of Moses

[It was this effort to reassure misinformed brethren that led to...]

PAUL’S ARREST IN JERUSALEM

A. HIS ARREST IN THE TEMPLE...

• Prompted by Jews from Asia - Acts 21:27-30
• Who stirred up a mob to seize Paul, accusing him:
• Of the same things the brethren had heard - cf. Acts 21:21
• Of bringing a Gentile into the temple (a false presumption)
• Who dragged Paul out of the temple
• Rescued from death by the Roman commander - Acts 21:31-36
• The news came to the commander as they were seeking to kill Paul
• The crowd stops beating Paul when they see the commander along with soldiers and centurions
• After binding Paul with chains, the commander is unable to determine why people are so upset with Paul
• Paul is commanded to be sent to the barracks

B. HIS ADDRESS TO THE JERUSALEM MOB...

• Permission obtained from the Roman commander - Acts 21:37-40
• Paul seeks to speak with the commander, who is surprised Paul speaks Greek
• Paul identifies himself as a Jew from Tarsus
• With permission, Paul begins to speak to the mob in Hebrew
• Paul’s defense to the Jerusalem mob - Acts 22:1-21
• He reviews his early life - Acts 22:1-5
• His birth in Tarsus, and religious training in Jerusalem
• His persecution of the church
• He relates the circumstances of his conversion - Acts 22:6-16
• Recorded by Luke in Acts 9:1-19
• Recounted again by Paul in Acts 26:12-18
• He refers to a vision on an earlier visit to Jerusalem - Acts 22:17-21
• In which the Lord told him to flee Jerusalem
• In which the Lord told him to go to the Gentiles

C. HIS APPEAL TO HIS ROMAN CITIZENSHIP...

• The enraged mob call for Paul’s death - Acts 22:22-23
• Angry at his mention of the Gentiles
• Tearing their clothes and casting dust into the air
• The Roman commander prepares to scourge Paul - Acts 22:24
• Paul is ordered back into the barracks
• To learn why the people are so angry
• Paul is spared because of his Roman citizenship - Acts 22:25-30
• As he is about to be scourged, Paul tells the centurion he is a Roman
• The commander, learning Paul was born a Roman citizen, is afraid for having put him in bonds
• The next day, Paul is brought to appear before the council, that the commander might learn why Paul was being accused by the Jews

D. HIS ADDRESS TO THE SANHEDRIN COUNCIL...

• Paul claims a clear conscience - Acts 23:1
• This angers Ananias the High Priest, who has Paul struck - Acts 23:2-5
• Seeing the council is divided between Sadducees and Pharisees, Paul identifies himself as a Pharisee - Acts 23:6; cf. Philippians 3:5
• A dispute arises between the Sadducees and the Pharisees, with the latter defending Paul - Acts 23:7-9
• Fearing for Paul’s life, the commander returns him to the barracks - Acts 23:10

E. HIS ESCAPE FROM A PLOT TO KILL HIM...

• The Lord reassures Paul that he will bear witness in Rome - Acts 23:11
• Forty Jews bind themselves under an oath to kill Paul, and a plot is formed with the chief priests and elders - Acts 23:12-15
• Paul’s nephew hears of the plot, and is sent by Paul to the commander - Acts 23:16-22
• The Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, prepares an armed guard and a letter to accompany Paul to Felix the governor - Acts 23:23-30
• Paul safely arrives in Caesarea, and is presented to the governor - Acts 23:31-33

SUMMARY OF PAUL’S TIME IN JERUSALEM

• Paul’s time in Jerusalem must have been disappointing...
• He had been in Jerusalem hardly a week
• He was likely sent away before the Day of Pentecost - cf. Acts 20:16
• But the Lord had given him reason to rejoice, for he was going to Rome! - cf. Acts 23:11
• Something he had wanted to do - cf. Acts 19:21; Romans 1:9-11,15; 15:23-29
• Something he had asked brothers and sisters to pray for - cf. Romans 15:30-32
• 3. The Lord had answered the first part of his request (deliverance from those in Judea who did not believe, Romans 15:31), and would answer the second part (go to Rome, Romans 15:32), though not as soon or in quite the manner Paul might have expected!

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