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Ten chapter Acts and Romans salvation related study
Ten chapter Acts and Romans salvation related bible study
Here is a bible study featuring the conversion of Paul, which shows that Jesus will convert even the worst enemy, one who persecuted the church aggressively before Jesus came to Paul/Saul in Acts chapter 9 powerfully and Paul became the church’s greatest asset. Paul goes on to share the testimony of this in Acts 22 and 26, before being shipped off to Rome (for Jesus wanted Paul to testify to the Romans too, which is in Acts chapter 23 also included and 25 where Paul appeals to Caesar which was his right as a Roman citizen), which is related in Acts 27 and 28. After these seven chapters in acts this study then this concludes with three powerful chapters in Romans which powerfully state our need of a savior and what Jesus did to fill that role and then how we can invite Jesus in our hearts to fill the role of a savior.
To start off this bible study, Acts chapter 9 then goes on to relate the conversion of Paul on the Damascus road in all of its detail, including Ananias praying for Paul to recover his sight and then Jesus telling Paul of some of his ministry. The chapter then shifts to follow Peter and relates a couple of miracles- a miraculous healing and also one raised from the dead
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
(Acts 9:1)
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
(Acts 9:2)
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
(Acts 9:3)
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
(Acts 9:4)
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
(Acts 9:5)
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
(Acts 9:6)
And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
(Acts 9:7)
And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
(Acts 9:8)
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
(Acts 9:9)
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
(Acts 9:10)
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
(Acts 9:11)
And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
(Acts 9:12)
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
(Acts 9:13)
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
(Acts 9:14)
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
(Acts 9:15)
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
(Acts 9:16)
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 9:17)
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
(Acts 9:18)
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
(Acts 9:19)
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
(Acts 9:20)
But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
(Acts 9:21)
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
(Acts 9:22)
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
(Acts 9:23)
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
(Acts 9:24)
Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
(Acts 9:25)
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
(Acts 9:26)
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
(Acts 9:27)
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
(Acts 9:28)
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
(Acts 9:29)
Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
(Acts 9:30)
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
(Acts 9:31)
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
(Acts 9:32)
And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
(Acts 9:33)
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
(Acts 9:34)
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
(Acts 9:35)
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
(Acts 9:36)
And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
(Acts 9:37)
And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
(Acts 9:38)
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
(Acts 9:39)
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
(Acts 9:40)
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
(Acts 9:41)
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
(Acts 9:42)
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
(Acts 9:43)
In Acts chapter 22 then Paul then appeals to the crowd by sharing the testimony of his conversion then shares how Jesus is sending himself to the gentiles making the Jews angry so that they needed to bind him up and then Paul saves himself a scourging by stating that he is a Roman citizen then they set up to examine Paul
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
(Acts 22:1)
(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
(Acts 22:2)
I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
(Acts 22:3)
And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
(Acts 22:4)
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
(Acts 22:5)
And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
(Acts 22:6)
And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
(Acts 22:7)
And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
(Acts 22:8)
And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
(Acts 22:9)
And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
(Acts 22:10)
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
(Acts 22:11)
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
(Acts 22:12)
Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
(Acts 22:13)
And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
(Acts 22:14)
For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
(Acts 22:15)
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
(Acts 22:16)
And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
(Acts 22:17)
And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
(Acts 22:18)
And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
(Acts 22:19)
And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
(Acts 22:20)
And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
(Acts 22:21)
And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
(Acts 22:22)
And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,
(Acts 22:23)
The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
(Acts 22:24)
And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
(Acts 22:25)
When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
(Acts 22:26)
Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
(Acts 22:27)
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
(Acts 22:28)
Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
(Acts 22:29)
On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
(Acts 22:30)
In Acts 23 Paul then appeals to the division between the Pharisees and Sadducees as Paul was Sadducee himself. Jesus tells Paul that he must bear witness of Him at Rome as he had in Jerusalem. Men take an oath to kill Paul but Paul is protected from this plot. In the end there is a pledge of the governor to hear him when Paul’s accusers are come
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
(Acts 23:1)
And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
(Acts 23:2)
Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
(Acts 23:3)
And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?
(Acts 23:4)
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
(Acts 23:5)
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
(Acts 23:6)
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
(Acts 23:7)
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
(Acts 23:8)
And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
(Acts 23:9)
And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
(Acts 23:10)
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
(Acts 23:11)
And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
(Acts 23:12)
And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
(Acts 23:13)
And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
(Acts 23:14)
Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
(Acts 23:15)
And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
(Acts 23:16)
Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.
(Acts 23:17)
So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
(Acts 23:18)
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
(Acts 23:19)
And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
(Acts 23:20)
But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
(Acts 23:21)
So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.
(Acts 23:22)
And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
(Acts 23:23)
And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
(Acts 23:24)
And he wrote a letter after this manner:
(Acts 23:25)
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
(Acts 23:26)
This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
(Acts 23:27)
And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
(Acts 23:28)
Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
(Acts 23:29)
And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
(Acts 23:30)
Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
(Acts 23:31)
On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
(Acts 23:32)
Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
(Acts 23:33)
And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
(Acts 23:34)
I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
(Acts 23:35)
Acts chapter 25 is where, during the continual hearings, that Paul decided to appeal to Caesar and then King Agrippa decides to hear from Paul on all of these things and will, too for he wants to know what to write of when sending Paul to Rome
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
(Acts 25:1)
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
(Acts 25:2)
And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
(Acts 25:3)
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
(Acts 25:4)
Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
(Acts 25:5)
And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
(Acts 25:6)
And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
(Acts 25:7)
While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
(Acts 25:8)
But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
(Acts 25:9)
Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
(Acts 25:10)
For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
(Acts 25:11)
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
(Acts 25:12)
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
(Acts 25:13)
And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
(Acts 25:14)
About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
(Acts 25:15)
To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
(Acts 25:16)
Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
(Acts 25:17)
Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
(Acts 25:18)
But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
(Acts 25:19)
And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
(Acts 25:20)
But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.
(Acts 25:21)
Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
(Acts 25:22)
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
(Acts 25:23)
And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
(Acts 25:24)
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
(Acts 25:25)
Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
(Acts 25:26)
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
(Acts 25:27)
Acts chapter 26 relates Paul’s hearing before Agrippa where Paul then again shares the testimony of his conversion and also some of the various instruction from Jesus and then witnesses some to Agrippa, coming close to converting him. Agrippa then states how Paul might have been freed if he had not appealed to Caesar.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
(Acts 26:1)
I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
(Acts 26:2)
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
(Acts 26:3)
My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
(Acts 26:4)
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
(Acts 26:5)
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
(Acts 26:6)
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
(Acts 26:7)
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
(Acts 26:8)
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
(Acts 26:9)
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
(Acts 26:10)
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
(Acts 26:11)
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
(Acts 26:12)
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
(Acts 26:13)
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
(Acts 26:14)
And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
(Acts 26:15)
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
(Acts 26:16)
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
(Acts26:17)
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
(Acts 26:18)
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
(Acts 26:19)
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
(Acts 26:20)
For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
(Acts 26:21)
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
(Acts 26:22)
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
(Acts 26:23)
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
(Acts 26:24)
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
(Acts 26:25)
For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
(Acts 26:26)
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
(Acts 26:27)
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
(Acts 26:28)
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
(Acts 26:29)
And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
(Acts 26:30)
And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
(Acts 26:31)
Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
(Act 26:32)
Acts chapter 27 then relates Paul’s journey to Rome and what is entailed there, including the discussions and then the storm which causes the ship to be destroyed by being run aground but without any loss of life at all which is God’s mercy for all of them. Eventually they find a place to stay for the winter
And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.
(Acts 27:1)
And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
(Acts 27:2)
And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
(Acts 27:3)
And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
(Acts 27:4)
And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
(Acts 27:5)
And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.
(Acts 27:6)
And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
(Acts 27:7)
And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
(Acts 27:8)
Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
(Acts 27:9)
And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
(Acts 27:10)
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
(Acts 27:11)
And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
(Acts 27:12)
And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
(Acts 27:13)
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
(Acts 27:14)
And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
(Acts 27:15)
And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
(Acts 27:16)
Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.
(Acts 27:17)
And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
(Acts 27:18)
And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
(Act 27:19)
And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
(Acts 27:20)
But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
(Acts 27:21)
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
(Acts 27:22)
For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
(Acts 27:23)
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
(Acts 27:24)
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
(Acts 27:25)
Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
(Acts 27:26)
But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
(Acts 27:27)
And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
(Acts 27:28)
Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
(Acts 27:29)
And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,
(Acts 27:30)
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
(Acts 27:31)
Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
(Acts 27:32)
And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
(Acts 27:33)
Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
(Acts 27:34)
And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
(Acts 27:35)
Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
(Acts 27:36)
And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
(Act 27:37)
And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.
(Acts 27:38)
And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
(Acts 27:39)
And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
(Acts 27:40)
And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
(Acts 27:41)
And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
(Acts 27:42)
But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
(Acts 27:43)
And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
(Acts 27:44)
In Acts 28 they land on Melita where Paul withstands what would be a deadly bite otherwise of a viper then heals people of various conditions, and then is sent off to complete his journey to Rome where he preaches first to the Jews and then when not too well received of the Jews the Gentiles. He would stay in Rome for two years basically under house arrest but freely preaching the gospel to all.
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
(Acts 28:1)
And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
(Acts 28:2)
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
(Acts 28:3)
And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
(Acts 28:4)
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
(Acts 28:5)
Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
(Acts 28:6)
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
(Acts 28:7)
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
(Acts 28:8)
So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
(Acts 28:9)
Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
(Acts 28:10)
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
(Acts 28:11)
And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
(Acts 28:12)
And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
(Acts 28:13)
Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
(Acts 28:14)
And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
(Acts 28:15)
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
(Acts 28:16)
And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
(Acts 28:17)
Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
(Acts 28:18)
But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
(Acts 28:19)
For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
(Acts 28:20)
And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
(Acts 28:21)
But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
(Acts 28:22)
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
(Acts 28:23)
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
(Acts 28:24)
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
(Acts 28:25)
Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
(Acts 28:26)
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
(Acts 28:27)
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
(Acts 28:28)
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
(Acts 28:29)
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
(Acts 28:30)
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
(Acts 28:31)
Romans chapter 3 is the powerful chapter stating how none is right, all do evil, listing the evils done, and all fall short of God’s glory but how Jesus provided the means for all to be redeemed by the free gift of salvation through Him.
(Romans 3:1) What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
(Romans 3:2) Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
(Romans 3:3) For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
(Romans 3:4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
(Romans 3:5) But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
(Romans 3:6) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
(Romans 3:7) For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
(Romans 3:8) And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
(Romans 3:9) What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
(Romans 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Romans 3:11) There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
(Romans 3:12) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
(Romans 3:13) Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
(Romans 3:14) Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
(Romans 3:15) Their feet are swift to shed blood:
(Romans 3:16) Destruction and misery are in their ways:
(Romans 3:17) And the way of peace have they not known:
(Romans 3:18) There is no fear of God before their eyes.
(Romans 3:19) Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
(Romans 3:20) Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
(Romans 3:21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
(Romans 3:22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
(Romans 3:24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
(Romans 3:25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
(Romans 3:26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
(Romans 3:27) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
(Romans 3:28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
(Romans 3:29) Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
(Romans 3:30) Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
(Romans 3:31) Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
In Romans chapter 6 Paul very strongly states we are in no means supposed to live in sin so that grace may about, for we are now dead to sin through the death of Jesus. It then also states the wages of sin is indeed death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus
(Romans 6:1) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
(Romans 6:2) God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
(Romans 6:3) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
(Romans 6:4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(Romans 6:5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
(Romans 6:6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
(Romans 6:7) For he that is dead is freed from sin.
(Romans 6:8) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
(Romans 6:9) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
(Romans 6:10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
(Romans 6:11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 6:12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
(Romans 6:13) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
(Romans 6:14) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
(Romans 6:15) What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
(Romans 6:16) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
(Romans 6:17) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
(Romans 6:18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
(Romans 6:19) I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
(Romans 6:20) For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
(Romans 6:21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
(Romans 6:22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
(Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans chapter 10 is the important how to be saved chapter which states our faith comes by hearing the word of God and that we must confess the Lord Jesus by our mouths and believe God raised Him from the dead in order to be saved.
(Romans 10:1) Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
(Romans 10:2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
(Romans 10:3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
(Romans 10:4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
(Romans 10:5) For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
(Romans 10:6) But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
(Romans 10:7) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
(Romans 10:8) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
(Romans 10:9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
(Romans 10:10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(Romans 10:11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
(Romans 10:12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
(Romans 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Romans 10:14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
(Romans 10:15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(Romans 10:16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
(Romans 10:17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:18) But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
(Romans 10:19) But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
(Romans 10:20) But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
(Romans 10:21) But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
The ten chapters of scripture in this salvation study above are there what Jesus did for us and relate how far God is willing to save someone even a strong former enemy to the church and make him into the church’s greatest asset at that time, which is a powerful demonstration of God’s mercy as related in the seven chapters in Acts above. As it is written God did love the world enough to send His only begotten Son- Jesus to die for our sins on the cross though He was nearly stoned in the gospel of John on two occasions. Jesus makes powerful points in these chapters about how He is indeed the one to take away the sins and also bring everlasting (eternal) Life to all to all those who believe in Him. This was all done so the sins of man, which had separated man from God could be atoned for, which Jesus did by dying o0n the cross, and the love relationship with God then is thus restored. There is nothing like a love relationship with God at all, nothing can even come remotely close to it. I am now including a prayer which you can pray and then invite Jesus in your heart to begin this wonderful relationship to which nothing can compare. Please pray this prayer with me now aloud.
Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived up to this moment and I need Your forgiveness for my sins. I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to repent of and turn from my sins. You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved. Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank You Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank You Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus please transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not at all to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.
Amen.
God bless you and yours
Hi James - I have your 2013 Unsung Hero of the Year Award Certificate that you won at the Awards Show back in February. I just need a mailing address so that I can send it to you. You can send me your address to tincan275@yahoo.com. Thanks for your help.
Rev. Zack Martin Sr.
Hi James - I have your 2013 Unsung Hero of the Year Award Certificate that you won at the Awards Show back in February. I just need a mailing address so that I can send it to you. You can send me your address to tincan275@yahoo.com. Thanks for your help.
Rev. Zack Martin Sr.