Life of Paul - Paul's Two-Year Time in Caesarea = July 17

Paul's Two-Year Time in Caesarea

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 58-60 A. D.

Scripture: 23:23--24:27

NOTE: 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Caesarea

Imprisonment In Caesarea

• Following his arrest in Jerusalem, Paul was given an armed escort to Caesarea...
• In response to a plot by some Jews to kill him - Acts 23:12-24
• Accompanied by a letter from the Roman commander (Claudius Lysias) in Jerusalem, to the Roman governor Felix - Acts 23:25-33
• Paul begins a two-year imprisonment.
• Upon reading the letter, and learning that Paul was from Cilicia, Felix...
• Promised to grant Paul an audience when his accusers had come - Acts 23:34-35
• Commanded Paul to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium - Acts 23:35

[Thus begins the next phase of Paul’s life, in which he spent two years of imprisonment in Caesarea. It would prove to be a time of prophetic fulfillment (cf. Acts 9:15), for Paul would have the opportunity to preach Jesus to two Roman governors and a Jewish king...]

PAUL BEFORE FELIX 

ACCUSATIONS AGAINST PAUL... 

• Made by Ananias the high priest, elders, and an orator named Tertullus - Acts 24:1 
• Tertullus’ speech 
• Opening statements, complimenting Felix - Acts 24:2-4 
• Charges against Paul - Acts 24:5-6 
• A plague 
• A creator of dissension among Jews throughout the world 
• A ringleader of the sect of Nazarenes 
• Tried to profane the temple - cf. Acts 21:27-29 
• They wanted to judge him by Jewish law, but Lysias prevented them - Acts 24:6-8 
• Closing statement, calling upon Felix to examine Paul himself - Acts 24:8 
• Supporting testimony by the Jews present - Acts 24:9 

PAUL’S DEFENSE... 

• Permitted to speak, Paul gladly responds - Acts 24:10 
• Paul’s defending arguments, part one - Acts 24:11-13 
• It has only been twelve days since Paul arrived in Jerusalem to worship 
• He had not disputed with anyone, nor incited crowds, either in the temple, synagogues, or in the city 
• His accusers cannot prove their charges against him (see part two) 
• Paul’s affirmation of his faith and hope - Acts 24:14-16 
• He worships God according to the Way they call a sect 
• He believes all things written in the Law and the Prophets 
• He has hope in God regarding the resurrection of the dead - cf. Acts 23:6 
• He always strove to have a good conscience before God and men - cf. Acts 23:1 
• Paul’s defending arguments, part two - Acts 24:17-21 
• He came to Jerusalem to bring alms and offerings for his nation - cf. Romans 15:25-27 
• He was found purified in the temple by Jews from Asia, but neither with a multitude nor with tumult - cf. Acts 21:26-27 
• Those Jews from Asia should be the ones making accusations against him 
• The Jews from Jerusalem could find only one thing wrong with him: 
• His statement before the Sanhedrin council - cf. Acts 23:6-9 
• I.e., his belief in the resurrection of the dead, which divided the council 

FELIX’S PROCRASTINATION... 

• He suspends judgment until Lysias can come - Acts 24:22 
• Paul is allowed limited freedom, along with visitors - Acts 24:23 
• Paul before Felix and Drusilla - Acts 24:24-25 
• Drusilla, his wife who was Jewish 
• Youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I, and sister of Bernice - Acts 25:13 
• Married to King Azia of Emesa, who had agreed to be circumcised 
• Atomos, a magician from Cyprus, helped Felix win Drusilla away from her husband 
• Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come (because of their adulterous marriage?) 
• Felix, fearful, sends Paul away for a more convenient time 
• Felix, hoping Paul would pay for his release, talks with him often - Acts 24:26 

[After two years (58-60 A.D.), Felix is replaced by Porcius Festus. Wanting to please the Jews, Felix leaves Paul bound (Acts 24:27). This sets the stage for...] 

PAUL BEFORE FESTUS 

PAUL’S TRIAL ARRANGED... 

• Three days after arriving in Caesarea, Festus goes to Jerusalem - Acts 25:1 
• He is petitioned by the high priest and other chief men - Acts 25:2-3 
• To send Paul to Jerusalem 
• Whom they hope to kill on the way 
• Festus arranges for the trial at Caesarea - Acts 25:4-6 
• Determining that Paul should be kept there 
• Festus himself would be going there, which he does after ten days 
• Paul’s accusers were invited to come and present their charges 
• Paul is brought before Festus and the judgment seat 

THE TRIAL AND PAUL’S APPEAL... 

• The Jews from Jerusalem make charges they cannot prove - Acts 25:7 
• Paul denies any offense against the Law, the temple, or Caesar - Acts 25:8; cf. 21:28 
• Trying to please the Jews, Festus asks if Paul is willing to go to Jerusalem and be judged there - Acts 25:9 
• Paul appeals to Caesar, which Festus grants - Acts 25:10-12 

[As a Roman citizen, Paul exercised his right to appeal his case before Caesar. Before Festus sends Paul to Rome, the governor takes advantage of an opportunity to have Paul examined by one known for his understanding of Jewish law, King Agrippa II...] 

PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA 

FESTUS’ CONFERENCE WITH AGRIPPA... 

• King Agrippa II and Bernice visit Festus - Acts 25:13 
• Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa I, who beheaded James - Acts 12:1-2,20-23 
• Bernice was sister to Drusilla, but also to Agrippa II 
• She was first married to a person named Marcus 
• She then married her uncle Herod, king of Chalis 
• Upon his death she married Polemon, king of Pontus and Cilicia, who had to agree to be circumcised 
• She soon left him and began an incestuous relationship with Agrippa II 
• She later became mistress to Titus, Caesar of Rome 
• Festus describes Paul’s case to Agrippa - Acts 25:14-21 
• Felix left Paul a prisoner 
• Jews from Jerusalem wanted a judgment against Paul 
• Roman law required that Paul face his accusers 
• In the trial, it became apparent that the questions involved Judaism and whether Jesus was alive 
• Paul appealed to Caesar rather than be judged in Jerusalem 
• Agrippa desires to hear Paul, to which Festus consents - Acts 25:22 

PAUL’S DEFENSE BEFORE AGRIPPA... 

• Paul brought before Agrippa, Bernice, Festus, and prominent men of the city - Acts 25:23 
• Festus’ introductory remarks - Acts 25:24-27 
• Paul has been accused of being worthy of death 
• Festus had not found him worthy of death 
• Since Paul has appealed to Caesar, Festus will send him 
• But he has nothing sure to write Caesar, and solicits Agrippa’s examination 
• Paul’s defense - Acts 26:1-23 
• Paul’s introductory remarks, grateful to speak before Agrippa - Acts 26:1-3 
• Paul reviews his early life - Acts 26:4-11 
• His youth in Jerusalem, which all knew 
• His religious convictions as a Pharisee, to which they could attest 
• His hope in the resurrection of the dead, a promise all Jews should hope to attain 
• 4) His persecution against the name of Jesus and His disciples 
• Paul recounts his vision on the road to Damascus - Acts 26:12-18 
• The light from heaven, the voice of Jesus 
• The commission was given to Paul 
• To be a witness of what he has seen and heard 
• To turn Gentiles from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God 
• To offer them forgiveness, and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Jesus 
• Paul’s concluding remarks - Acts 26:19-23 
• He was not disobedient to the vision 
• He proclaimed repentance to those in Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea, and then the Gentiles 
• For this, Jews seized him in the temple and sought to kill him 
• Yet with God’s help he simply testifies what Moses and the prophets said would happen 
• That Christ would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead 
• That He proclaim light to both Jews and Gentiles 
• Reaction to Paul’s defense - Acts 26:24-29 
• Festus believes Paul to be mad 
• Paul claims to speak words of truth and reason, of things Agrippa knows well 
• Paul challenges Agrippa 
• To believe the prophets 
• To become a Christian 
• Agrippa’s conclusion - Acts 26:30-32 
• The king, governor, Bernice, and others go aside to discuss the matter 
• They all conclude Paul has done nothing worthy of death 
• Agrippa tells Festus that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar 

CONCLUSION 

• After three trials and two years of imprisonment in Caesarea, Paul is headed for Rome... 
• As the Lord revealed in a vision - Acts 23:11 
• As Paul wanted to do for some time - cf. Acts 19:21; Romans 1:9-11,15; 15:23-29 
• It may not have been as Paul anticipated, but circumstances gave him the opportunity... 
• To bear witnesses to two governors, a king, two immoral women, and many others 
• To eventually bear witness before the Caesar of Rome 

All this happened, in keeping with the will of God, and courtesy of the Roman government, with all expenses paid! 

As with Joseph in Egypt, Paul’s life is a wonderful illustration of God’s providence. Indeed, Paul could have easily said to his enemies what Joseph told his brothers: 

"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20) 

May Paul’s life, along with Joseph’s, encourage us to trust in the wonderful providence of God! 

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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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Acts Quick Links - Reflections = Week 01 - Monday

Here Are the Quick Links to Each Chapter in Acts

• Acts 1
• The Promise of the Holy Spirit
• The Ascension
• Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
• Acts 2
• The Coming of the Holy Spirit
• Peter's Sermon at Pentecost
• The Fellowship of the Believers
• Acts 3
• The Lame Beggar Healed
• Peter Speaks in Solomon's Portico
• Acts 4
• Peter and John Before the Council
• The Believers Pray for Boldness
• They Had Everything in Common
• Acts 5
• Ananias and Sapphira
• Many Signs and Wonders Done
• The Apostles Arrested and Freed
• Acts 6
• Seven Chosen to Serve
• Stephen Is Seized
• Acts 7
• Stephen's Speech
• The Stoning of Stephen
• Acts 8
• Saul Ravages the Church
• Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria
• Simon the Magician Believes
• Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
• Acts 9
• The Conversion of Saul
• Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues
• Saul Escapes from Damascus
• Saul in Jerusalem
• The Healing of Aeneas
• Dorcas Restored to Life
• Acts 10
• Peter and Cornelius
• Peter's Vision
• Gentiles Hear the Good News
• The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
• Acts 11
• Peter Reports to the Church
• The Church in Antioch
• Acts 12
• James was Killed and Peter Imprisoned
• Peter Is Rescued
• The Death of Herod
• Acts 13
• Barnabas and Saul Sent Off
• Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus
• Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia
• Acts 14
• Paul and Barnabas at Iconium
• Paul and Barnabas at Lystra
• Paul Stoned at Lystra
• Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria
• Acts 15
• The Jerusalem Council
• The Council's Letter to Gentile Believers
• Paul and Barnabas Separate
• Acts 16
• Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
• The Macedonian Call
• The Conversion of Lydia
• Paul and Silas in Prison
• The Philippian Jailer Converted
• Acts 17
• Paul and Silas in Thessalonica
• Paul and Silas in Berea
• Paul in Athens
• Paul Addresses the Areopagus
• Acts 18
• Paul in Corinth
• Paul Returns to Antioch
• Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus
• Acts 19
• Paul in Ephesus
• The Sons of Sceva
• A Riot at Ephesus
• Acts 20
• Paul in Macedonia and Greece
• Eutychus Raised from the Dead
• Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders
• Acts 21
• Paul Goes to Jerusalem
• Paul Visits James
• Paul Arrested in the Temple
• Paul Speaks to the People
• Acts 22
• Paul Speaks to the People
• Paul and the Roman Tribune
• Paul Before the Council
• Acts 23
• Paul Before the Council
• A Plot to Kill Paul
• Paul Sent to Felix the Governor
• Acts 24
• Paul Before Felix at Caesarea
• Paul Kept in Custody
• Acts 25
• Paul Appeals to Caesar
• Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice
• Acts 26
• Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
• Paul Tells of His Conversion
• Acts 27
• Paul Sails for Rome
• The Storm at Sea
• The Shipwreck
• Acts 28
• Paul on Malta
• Paul Arrives at Rome
• Paul in Rome

Galatians 1:11-24 = February 22

Paul’s Gospel Derived Not From Men, But From God,             1:11-24

Synopsis:         The gospel Paul preached was not invented by men.  Men did not teach Paul the gospel; he received it through the revelation of Jesus Christ.  Before Paul became a Christian, he was a zealous Jew who persecuted the church of God. When Paul obeyed the gospel, he did not go immediately to Jerusalem to seek men’s advice, he went to Arabia and then returned to Damascus. Three years after his conversion Paul went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter for fifteen days.  He saw none of the other apostles at that time except James, the Lord’s brother.  Leaving Jerusalem Paul went to Syria and Cilicia.  He remained unknown by sight to the churches of Christ in Judea.  The Christians in Judea glorified God for the change they saw in Paul.

11         For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me that it is not after man.

Paul explained why the gospel was unique and must not be changed.  The gospel Paul preached did not originate with men.  Men did not invent the gospel by their own wisdom.  Paul will tell them how he received the gospel.

12         For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul did not receive the gospel from men.  He was not taught the gospel by men.  He received it as a direct revelation from Jesus Christ exactly as the other apostles had received it (Galatians 1:15, 16; I Corinthians 9:1; 15:8).  Paul related certain parts of his life to prove this. 

13         For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and made havoc of it:

Paul seeks to show from his past life that he had not originated the gospel of Christ.  Before he became a Christian, Paul opposed the church.  He was a dedicated Jew.  He believed the church was contrary to the will of God and was the enemy of God.  Paul tried to destroy the church. The church originated in the mind of God and was God’s church.  Paul was wrong and worked against God instead of for him.  Paul was wrong, but honest.  Paul did not originate the gospel; God did.

14         and I advanced in the Jews' religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Paul related what he did to the church (Acts 9:1). Paul revealed his motivation for persecuting the church.  He was a zealous advocate of Judaism. He had advanced in Judaism far beyond his age.  Paul was especially zealous of the traditions of the fathers.  My fathers refer to the Pharisees.  Paul was a Pharisee. It was from the Pharisees’ point of view that Paul viewed the law and Christianity.

15         But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace,

God had set Paul apart for the work he was to do even from his birth.  The same was said of Isaiah (Isaiah 49:1), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5) and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15).  When Paul was at the height of persecuting the church, Christ appeared unto him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9, 22 and 26).  He was told to go into the city and there it would be told him what he must do (Acts 9:6).  Paul told Herod Agrippa, “I did not disobey the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19).  Luke records Paul obeyed the gospel when Ananias told him what to do (Acts 22:16-17).

16         to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood:

God revealed Christ to Paul so he could preach Jesus to the Gentiles.  It was necessary for Paul to be an eyewitness of the resurrected Jesus to be an apostle.  Paul was an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ (Acts 9:5; 22:8; 26:15). Paul was to preach to the Gentiles.  When Paul received this call, he did not go to Jerusalem to confer with the apostles because Jesus revealed the gospel to him directly.

17         neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus.

After Paul obeyed the gospel, he did not go up to Jerusalem to confer with the apostles to get them to accept him, or to learn from them. Rather Paul went away into Arabia and then returned to Damascus.  In Damascus, he preached Jesus was the Son of God in the synagogues (Acts 9:19-20).  He did not receive the gospel he preached from men. He received the gospel directly from Jesus Christ.  He did not say how long he was in Arabia.

18         Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and tarried with him fifteen days.

Three years after his conversion Paul went up to Jerusalem to get to know Peter. He stayed with Peter fifteen days.  Whether the three years was three full years or one full year and part of two other years, one cannot tell.  The Jews counted time as a part for the whole.  If Paul was converted in A.D. 34, it was probably A.D. 37 when he went to Jerusalem. It was three years after his baptism that Paul went to Jerusalem (Acts 9:20).  Paul did not go to Jerusalem to get the gospel he preached, as he was already preaching it with power.

19         But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.

While in Jerusalem, Paul saw only Peter. He saw no other apostle.  It is not known if the apostles were absent or why he did not see them.  The only other person of importance Paul saw was James, the Lord’s brother.  Paul does not say James was an apostle.  Certainly, James was not one of the twelve.  He was an important person in the early church (Acts 12:17; 15:13-29; 21:18; Galatians 2:9, 12).  James had not been a believer in Jesus during the earthly ministry of Jesus (John 7:5).  He became a believer after Jesus arose from the dead (I Corinthians 15:7; Acts 1:14).

20         Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

Paul solemnly affirmed that what he had written was true.

21         Then I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

Luke recorded that Paul left Jerusalem because there was a plot on his life. He went to Caesarea and then to Tarsus, the chief city of Cilicia (Acts 9:30; 22:17-21).  Where he went in Syria and Cilicia is not known.  Paul did not receive his gospel from men.  After three years, he went to Jerusalem, but he did not stay long enough to receive the gospel.  After he left Jerusalem, he was not associated with the apostles while preaching in Syria and Cilicia.

22         And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ:

Since Paul spent just fifteen days in Jerusalem and then went to Syria and Cilicia, he was unknown to the Christians in Judea.  The idea of “churches” meaning “denominations” finds no warrant in the Scripture.  There was one church in the first century; however, there were many congregations of the one church in Judea at this time.  Paul was referring to the churches of Christ in Judea.

23         but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc;

Paul was unknown by face to the churches in Judea, but they knew him by reputation.

24         and they glorified God in me.

The Christians in Judea glorified God that the great persecutor of the church had been converted to Christ and is now a preacher of the gospel.  The Christians accepted Paul as a Christian and a gospel preacher because he was preaching the gospel and living the Christian life.

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Galatians 2:1-10 =February 23

Never Give In

Paul’s Apostleship Recognized In Jerusalem,                        2:1-10

Synopsis:         Fourteen years after the first Jerusalem visit, Paul went to Jerusalem and took Barnabas and Titus with him. He met privately with the leaders of the church. He told them what he had been preaching.  The apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship.  Titus, who was a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised.  There was no yielding to those who would pervert the gospel.  It was agreed Paul should go to the Gentiles with the gospel.  They urged Paul to remember the poor, which he readily agreed to do.

Situation
The non-Jewish Galatians had put their faith in Christ, but were subsequently being told that they must adhere to Jewish laws to insure God’s approval. Paul has admonished the Galatians for turning away from the truth of the gospel. The truth they originally embraced, and then rejected, came from his lips! So Paul pointed out in chapter 1 that he got this truth from God Himself, not from human authorities.  To underscore the authority of his message, Paul describes his contacts with those in the early church recognized as authorities. (LCS, 37)

Central Idea
Paul steadfastly defends the freedoms found in Christ by establishing the authority for the gospel he preaches and his calling as an apostle. When confronted by false teachers, Paul did not give in.

What We Learn About James, Peter, and John in Galatians
Peter, an apostle in Jerusalem, and James, the Lord’s brother, met Paul three years after Paul’s conversion (1:18-19). Peter is the preacher and apostle to the Jews (2:7-8). James, Peter, and John are pillars of the church (2:9). Peter came to Antioch and erroneously withdrew from Gentile Christians; his hypocrisy drew others into error with him (3:11-13). Peter was confronted by Paul on his hypocritical view (3:14f.).

Introduction(s)
WBC (61) – In his account of his [second] visit to Jerusalem after becoming a Christian, Paul lays emphasis on the following points (1) that there are no gaps in his narration of visits to Jerusalem, contrary to what the Judaizers of Galatia might have claimed; (2) that it was not until fourteen years after his conversion that he met with the body of apostles and leaders at Jerusalem, which hardly supports any claim for his dependence on them; (3) that his going to Jerusalem was in response to a divine revelation, not at the request of the Jerusalem apostles or to submit himself to them; (4) that the Jerusalem apostles accepted the validity of his Gentile mission, viewing it as parallel to their own Jewish mission; and (5) that the Jerusalem apostles asked only that the needs and circumstances of the Jerusalem church be kept in mind in any outreach to Gentiles. As Paul saw it, the “false brothers” of Jerusalem and the Judaizers of Galatia had the same agenda and a similar program, and so his addressees could learn from how he handled the former as to how they ought to respond to the latter. In both cases, however, their assertions were invalid. For though there were, indeed, differences between Paul and the Jerusalem apostles, principally as to the logistics of their respective missions, they were at one in the essentials of the gospel. 

NICNT (104) – The events of Paul’s second post-conversion visit to Jerusalem, like the events of his life both before and after his call by God, substantiate his claim that he received both his gospel and his apostleship directly from the risen Lord. If the earlier set of events supports this by showing that there was never a time when he was in a position to have derived his gospel and apostolic commission from the Jerusalem leaders, the events of the second visit support it by showing the full recognition given by those leaders to the gospel and apostolic office which already were his prior to the meeting of the two... A third major support will be furnished by the Antioch incident (2:11-21). 

NBC – There is good reason to believe that Paul is responding to a charge from the Judaizers that may have gone something like this: ‘Paul at one point in his ministry was required to attend a meeting in Jerusalem, submit in private to the Three (James, Peter and John), and agree to obey their instructions, as is proven by his willingness to collect funds for the Christians in Judea.’ If so, Paul may be dealing with this incident, not because he feels some obligation to record every contact he had with the Jerusalem apostles …, but rather because his opponents had brought it up and misused it. In other words, Paul needs to set the record straight. 

Inspiration

Christians … need to understand that there can be differences among true believers, and that such differences—particularly when involving differing understandings of redemptive logistics or differences of culture—need not tear us apart. Indeed, where there exists a basic agreement in the essentials of the gospel, Gal 2:1–10 sets before us a prototype of mutual recognition and concern for one another, despite our differences. It teaches us, in fact, something of how to distinguish between things that really matter and things of lesser importance…, where to stand firm and where to concede, and even when to defy people and pressures and when to shake hands and reciprocate with expressions of mutual concern. (WBC, 62)

Text Notes, Applications, and Questions

1          Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas taking Titus also with me.

Paul has already shown that his apostleship came from Jesus, not men; he proved his apostleship was fully endorsed by the other apostles.  

Fourteen years (1) 

The “fourteen years” here probably refers to his previous visit to Jerusalem, about three years after his conversion; if the Council met around A.D. 48, Paul’s conversion may have occurred around A.D. 31, within perhaps a year of Jesus’ resurrection. (BBC, 522)
It is possible, though not certain, that Paul here means fourteen years after his first visit; but he could mean fourteen years after his conversion. Either way represents a considerable lapse of time. … There is no question about the gospel that he preaches being fully developed. (TNTC, 99)

Paul referred to the trip to Jerusalem fourteen years after he was converted.  This was the same trip that was described in Acts 15.  Paul did not say he went up the second time to Jerusalem. He said I went up again.  This expression allowed the second visit which was recorded in Acts 11:30.  The purpose of the second visit was to take help to the needy saints in Jerusalem.  The purpose of the third visit was to settle the problem of circumcision and the binding of the law of Moses on the Gentile converts (Acts 15).  The visit Paul described here agreed with Acts 15 both in purpose and in the chronology of Paul’s life.  Paul took Barnabas with him (Acts 15:2).  This trip to Jerusalem was after the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. They returned to Antioch to report to the church at the close of the first missionary journey.  Paul took Titus to Jerusalem as the statement “and certain others of them” in Acts 15:2 allows.  For some reason Titus was never mentioned in Acts though other references show he was with Paul at various times (II Corinthians 2:13; 7:6, 13, 14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; II Timothy 4:10; Titus 1:4).  Titus was a Greek.  He had no Jewish blood.  Titus was a test case as to whether circumcision would be bound upon him and all Gentiles.  Paul had the gospel by revelation from Jesus; however, it was important for the cause of Christ for the church to know the apostles were in full agreement on this point.

2          And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.

Acts 15:2 states the church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem. In addition, Paul received a revelation from the Lord to go up to Jerusalem. This revelation was not recorded in Acts 15.  How this revelation was made to Paul was not given; however, Paul brought the revelation from Jesus to their attention to show it was the Lord’s will for him to go to Jerusalem at this time.  When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he met with the leaders of the church and the apostles.  Paul presented the gospel he had been preaching (Acts 15:4, 12). Paul preached salvation was given to all men through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Anyone who believed and obeyed the gospel would be saved.  It was not necessary to be circumcised or to obey the law of Moses.  Them who were of repute referred to Peter, James and John. Paul was not putting down the leaders of the church in Jerusalem.  He used the language of those who opposed him and were accustomed to quote them in this way.  Paul compared what he preached with what the apostles preached.  Both Paul and the apostles had received their revelation from the Lord.  There was only one truth, one gospel (Ephesians 4:5).  They were in full agreement.  All men need to learn this lesson today.

3          But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

Paul took Titus with him as a test case.  Titus was a Gentile.  Paul believed Titus should not be circumcised.  To demand circumcision for Titus would be to bind the law of Moses to the gospel and thus pervert the gospel. The apostles and elders agreed with Paul.  The law had been "nailed" to the cross. The law of Moses is not binding in the Christian age (Colossians 2:14-17).  One must believe and obey the gospel to be saved.  One does not have to keep the law of Moses in addition to the gospel to be saved.  The law must not be bound upon Christians.

4          and that because of the false brethren privately brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

The only ones who attempted to have Titus circumcised were the Judaizing teachers whom Paul referred to as false brethren because they had added to the gospel.  It was the purpose of the Judaizing teachers to bind the law of Moses on Christians and thus make an unbearable bondage (Acts 15:10).

5          to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Paul did not yield to the pressure of the Judaizing teachers at any time during his stay in Jerusalem. If Paul had yielded, he would have compromised the truth.  Paul wanted the truth of the gospel to remain in its purity.  The gospel must remain pure to be effective.  The same principle is true today. 

6          But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter of me: God accepteth not man’s person) - they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me:

The leaders of the church in Jerusalem did not give Paul any new truth or seek to impose any thing else on him. The elders and apostles were in full agreement with the gospel that he preached. Paul referred to those who were reputed to be somewhat.  Peter, James and John did not make this claim; however, the Judaizing teachers used this language to put Paul down. Paul did not accept their insinuations.

7          but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been invested with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision

When Paul related what he and Barnabas had been preaching to the Gentiles and the signs which God performed (Acts 15:4, 12), the leaders and the church in Jerusalem realized that Paul was an apostle commissioned to take the gospel to the Gentiles just as Peter was commissioned to take the gospel to the Jews.  Paul and the other apostles stood on equal ground with the same gospel. 

8          (for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles):

There was one God, one Lord and one gospel (Ephesians 4-6).  God was working through both Peter and Paul to reach both the Jews and the Gentiles.

9          and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision;

When Peter, James and John realized God was working through Paul in the same way he was working through them with exactly the same gospel, they gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. "Clasped right hands" was the sign of friendship and trust.  It was a sign of mutual agreement and acknowledgment that was a staggering blow to the Judaizers and a vote of confidence for Paul.  The leaders of the church in Jerusalem recognized Paul was preaching the same gospel they preached.  That Paul would preach to the Gentiles was a matter of priority, not of exclusiveness.  Paul still went to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16).  Peter, James and John preached to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews.

10         only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.

The leaders and the church in Jerusalem and Paul were agreed and united. They urged Paul to continue to remember the poor.  Paul had brought a contribution to the poor on his second visit to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30).  Paul was eager to remember the poor. This epistle was written on the second missionary journey. Paul remembered the poor by collecting a contribution to take to the poor saints in Jerusalem on the third missionary journey (Romans 15:26, 27; Acts 24:16; II Corinthians 8 and 9).  The teachings of Jesus emphasized helping the poor (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:36; Luke 21:1-4; John 13:29; Galatians 6:2).  II Corinthians 8:9 is a great passage on this virtue.

Life of Paul - The Third Missionary Journey (Part 1)

Third Missionary Journey

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 54--58 A. D.

Scripture: Acts 18:23--21:26

NOTE: 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Missionary Journey

PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY TRIP

TIME, 54–58 A. D. 4 YEARS

Introduction:

1. Between the first and second journeys of Paul, there was an interval of about two years...
• In which Paul spent “a long time” in Antioch - Acts 14:28
• During this a visit to Jerusalem became necessary - Acts 15:1-2
2. Between the second and third journeys, Paul did not remain long in Antioch...
• He did spend “some time” there - Acts 18:22-23 Luke does not indicate how long Paul stays in Antioch after returning from his second missionary journey. But it is probably not long before Paul is once again preparing for an extended evangelistic tour. 
• But he soon departed, perhaps anxious to fulfill a promise made to the Ephesians on his second journey - cf. Acts 18:19-21
• He begins his third journey by passing north and west through Galatia and Phrygia. It is clear that Paul continues to be concerned about the spiritual growth of those whom he had converted several years earlier.
• Paul then travels on through Asia to its capital, Ephesus, and thereby fulfills a desire he first felt on a second tour, when he was directed by the Holy Spirit to Macedonia instead. It appears that Paul relishes the opportunity to be in this important city because he stays there for approximately 3 years. A special significance during this time are letters that Paul writes to the church in Corinth - a church which has developed some serious problems since Paul last visited with them.

[As with his second journey, he starts with...]

I. THE REGIONS OF ASIA MINOR (54-57 A.D.)

A. IN GALATIA AND PHRYGIA...

1.   Strengthening the disciples - Acts 18:23

2.   This would be Paul’s third time in the region

o    He visited this area on his first journey - Acts 14:6-20

o    He returned on his second journey - Acts 16:6

 

B. IN EPHESUS...

1.   Where Paul had briefly stopped on his second journey - Acts 18:19-21

2.   Where Aquila and Priscilla had stayed, and converted Apollos - Acts 18:24-28

3.   Where Paul converted twelve disciples of John the Baptist - Acts 19:1-7

4.   Where Paul stayed for about three years (54-57 A.D.)

o    Teaching for three months in the synagogue - Acts 19:8

o    Teaching daily for two years in the school of Tyrannus - Acts 19:9-10

o    Working unusual miracles - Acts 19:11-20

o    Note the great success Paul had - Acts 19:10,20

5.   During this period of time, several things may have happened...

o    Paul made a short visit to Corinth, his second - cf. 2 Corinthians 12:14; 13:1

§  His first visit was during the second journey - Acts 18:1

§  His third visit was later on the third journey - Acts 20:1-3

§  The book of Acts is silent about his second visit, but most place it sometime during his extended stay at Ephesus

o    Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians (now lost), alluded to in 1 Corinthians 5:9.   

6.   Paul makes plans to leave Ephesus - Acts 19:21-22

o    Sending Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, with Timothy -- eventually going to Corinth - 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10-11

o    Though he himself stayed “for a time”, during which he writes First Corinthians (spring of 57 A.D.) - 1 Corinthians 16:5-8

§  Purpose: To correct sinful practices and refute false doctrine

§  Theme: Walk together in unity, love, and truth

§  Brief Outline:

1.   Factions in the church - 1 Corinthians 1:1-4:21

2.   Sexual immorality in the church - 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

3.   Lawsuits among brethren - 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

4.   Moral defilements - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

5.   Marriage and celibacy - 1 Corinthians 7:1-40

6.   Meats sacrificed to idols - 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1

7.   Women praying and prophesying unveiled - 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

8.   The Lord’s supper - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

9.   Spiritual gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40

10. Resurrection from the dead - 1 Corinthians 15:1-58

11.  Collection for the saints - 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

12. Concluding remarks, instructions, benediction - 1 Corinthians 16:5-24

7.   Paul sends Titus and “a brother” to Corinth - cf. 2 Corinthians 12:17-18

o    To bring Paul word as to how the Corinthians received the first letter?

o    To encourage the Corinthians concerning the collection? - 2 Corinthians 8:6a

o    Whose delayed return would later give Paul concern - 2 Corinthians 2:12-13

o    But who would eventually bring Paul good news - 2 Corinthians 7:5-7,13-16

8.   The Diana incident - Acts 19:23-41

o    A great commotion brought on by Demetrius and the silversmiths

o    In which a mob takes two of Paul’s travel companions, Gaius and Aristarchus

o    Barely controlled by the city’s town clerk

9.   Additional details about Paul’s stay in Ephesus

o    Sosthenes was there, joining Paul in writing to the Corinthians - 1 Corinthians 1:1

o    Paul had been visited by Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus - 1 Corinthians 16:17

o    Aquila and Priscilla hosted the church in their house, and sent greetings to those in Corinth - Acts 18:2,19,26; 1 Corinthians 16:19

o    Paul’s sufferings while at Ephesus

§  As related to the Ephesian elders in Miletus - Acts 20:17-19

§  As mentioned in letters to the Corinthians - 1 Corinthians 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

o    Paul’s preaching while at Ephesus - Acts 20:21-21,25-27,31

o    Paul’s manual labor while at Ephesus - Acts 20:33-35; 1 Corinthians 4:11,12

 C. IN TROAS...

1. The turmoil over Paul provides an opportune time to leave Ephesus - Acts 20:1
2. With plans already made (Acts 19:21), Paul heads toward Macedonia - Acts 20:1
3. At Troas, he finds an open door to preach the gospel - 2 Corinthians 2:12
4. But not finding Titus, he continues on toward Macedonia - 2 Corinthians 2:13

[With anxiety over the condition of the church at Corinth, Paul once again travels to...

 

II. THE REGIONS OF MACEDONIA AND GREECE (57-58 A.D.)

A. IN MACEDONIA...

1. Paul finds Titus, who brings comforting news from Corinth - 2 Corinthians 7:5-7,13-16
2. Paul preaches throughout Macedonia- Acts 20:1-2
• He had preached in Macedonia on his second journey - Acts 16:11-17:15
• Establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea
• On this trip he appears to have ventured to Illyricum - cf. Romans 15:19
3. The brethren give generously for the relief of the church in Jerusalem - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
4. Timothy rejoins Paul and joins Paul in writing Second Corinthians (fall of 57 A.D.) - 2 Corinthians 1:1
• Purpose: To vindicate Paul’s apostleship and manner of life
• Theme: Open your heart to us, we have wronged no one
•  Brief Outline:
• Paul explains his ministry of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 1:1-7:16
• The collection for the saints in Jerusalem - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
• Paul defends his apostolic authority - 2 Corinthians 10:1-13:14
5. Titus and “two brethren” are sent to Corinth - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
• Likely taking Second Corinthians
• To assist the Corinthians concerning the collection - 2 Corinthians 8:6-8; 9:1-5

B. IN ACHAIA (GREECE)...

1.  Paul spent three months - Acts 20:2-3
2. It included his third visit to Corinth - 2 Corinthians 12:14
• A visit he hoped would not be sorrowful - 2 Corinthians 2:1
• A visit he hoped would not be embarrassing for them - 2 Corinthians 9:3-4
• A visit he hoped would not require stern judgment - 2 Corinthians 12:20-21; 13:1-3
3. Paul wrote Romans (spring of 58 A.D.) - Romans 16:23; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Timothy 4:20
• Purpose: To set straight the design and nature of the gospel
• Theme: The gospel is God’s power of salvation
• Brief Outline:
• Justification by faith in Christ - Romans 1:1-11:36
• The transformed life - Romans 12:1-16:27
4. Paul’s companions while in Corinth
• Phoebe, servant of the church in nearby Cenchrea - Romans 16:1-2
• Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, Paul’s countrymen - Romans 16:21
• Tertius, writer for Paul - Romans 16:22
• Gaius, host of Paul and the church - Romans 16:23
• Erastus, treasurer of the city, and Quartus, a brother - Romans 16:23
5. Paul’s plans for when he leaves Corinth
• To visit Rome and eventually Spain - Romans 1:8-13; 15:22-24
• But first he must go to Jerusalem with the contribution for the needy saints - Romans 15:25-29

1.  [After just three months, then, Paul prepares to leave Corinth and head straight toward Syria on his way to Jerusalem. But circumstances demand a change in the itinerary...]

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