Paul’s trials and persecutions bible study in Acts

 

            In these 9 chapters of Acts, chapters 20 through 28 show the end of Paul’s missionary journey and Paul’s return from his missionary travels and faced many hearings and persecution from Jews who wanted to kill him. Eventually these would see Paul appeal to Caesar and see his journey to Rome where he would witness for Jesus, largely initially under house arrest though he would eventually be martyred for the gospel’s sake in Rome. Paul’s story is a challenge to modern believers, and shows what one sometimes can be required to go through to spread the gospel.

To start this bible study, in Acts chapter 20, there are more stories of Paul’s ministry including the one that saw one Euticus being raised from the dead after falling during a sermon by Paul. Paul’s journeys are also related in this chapter.

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

(Acts 20:1)

 

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

(Acts 20:2)

 

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

(Acts 20:3)

 

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

(Acts 20:4)

 

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

(Acts 20:5)

 

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

(Acts 20:6)

 

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

(Acts 20:7)

 

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

(Acts 20:8)

 

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

(Acts 20:9)

 

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

(Acts 20:10)

 

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

(Acts 20:11)

 

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

(Acts 20:12)

 

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

(Acts 20:13)

 

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

(Acts 20:14)

 

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

(Acts 20:15)

 

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

(Acts 20:16)

 

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

(Acts 20:17)

 

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

(Acts 20:18)

 

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

(Acts 20:19)

 

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

(Acts 20:20)

 

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Acts 20:21)

 

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

(Acts 20:22)

 

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

(Acts 20:23)

 

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

(Acts 20:24)

 

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

(Acts 20:25)

 

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

(Acts 20:26)

 

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

(Acts 20:27)

 

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

(Acts 20:28)

 

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

(Acts 20:29)

 

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

(Acts 20:30)

 

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

(Acts 20:31)

 

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

(Acts 20:32)

 

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

(Acts 20:33)

 

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

(Acts 20:34)

 

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

(Acts 20:35)

 

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

(Acts 20:36)

 

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

(Acts 20:37)

 

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

(Acts 20:38)

 

In Acts chapter 21 Paul returns to Jerusalem despite the protests of many saying how he will be arrested and given to the gentiles but this does not stop Paul who says he is ready to die a martyr. He would indeed be arrested, nearly killed and then Paul then gets to speak before the people of Jerusalem

And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

(Acts 21:1)

 

And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

(Acts 21:2)

 

Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

(Acts 21:3)

 

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

(Acts 21:4)

 

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

(Acts 21:5)

 

And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

(Acts 21:6)

 

And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

(Acts 21:7)

 

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

(Acts 21:8)

 

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

(Acts 21:9)

 

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

(Acts 21:10)

 

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

(Acts 21:11)

 

And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

(Acts 21:12)

 

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

(Acts 21:13)

 

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

(Acts 21:14)

 

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

(Acts 21:15)

 

There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

(Acts 21:16)

 

And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

(Acts 21:17)

 

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

(Acts 21:18)

 

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

(Acts 21:19)

 

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

(Acts 21:20)

 

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

(Acts 21:21)

 

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

(Acts 21:22)

 

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

(Acts 21:23)

 

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

(Acts 21:24)

 

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

(Acts 21:25)

 

Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

(Acts 21:26)

 

And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

(Acts 21:27)

 

Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

(Acts 21:28)

 

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

(Acts 21:29)

 

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

(Acts 21:30)

 

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

(Acts 21:31)

 

Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

(Acts 21:32)

 

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

(Acts 21:33)

 

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

(Acts 21:34)

 

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

(Acts 21:35)

 

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

(Acts 21:36)

 

And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

(Acts 21:37)

 

Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

(Acts 21:38)

 

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

(Acts 21:39)

 

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

(Acts 21:40)

 

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)

 

In Acts 24 Paul then has this hearing which is largely inconclusive and so Paul is largely kept in prison for a long time(kept bound) as the different people change around and all

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

(Acts 24:1)

 

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

(Acts 24:2)

 

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

(Acts 24:3)

 

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

(Acts 24:4)

 

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

(Acts 24:5)

 

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

(Acts 24:6)

 

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

(Acts 24:7)

 

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

(Acts 24:8)

 

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

(Acts 24:9)

 

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

(Acts 24:10)

 

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

(Acts 24:11)

 

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

(Acts 24:12)

 

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

(Acts 24:13)

 

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

(Acts 24:14)

 

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

(Acts 24:15)

 

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

(Acts 24:16)

 

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

(Acts 24:17)

 

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

(Acts 24:18)

 

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

(Acts 24:19)

 

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

(Acts 24:20)

 

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

(Acts 24:21)

 

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

(Acts 24:22)

 

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

(Acts 24:23)

 

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

(Acts 24:24)

 

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

(Acts 24:25)

 

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

(Acts 24:26)

 

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

(Acts 24:27)

 

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)

 

These nine chapters of the book of acts powerfully relate the early history of the church, including its start, and its continuous growth in that period, the miracles involved in it founding and growth, but also the persecution involved all throughout , including the later persecution of Paul in a variety of ways with hearings, beatings and more. It also relates of Paul’s conversion, which he shares more than once, when he goes from being a persecutor to one who is being persecuted, and would suffer a lot for the church and the sake of Jesus. Jesus died for you and me to atone for all of mankind’s sins, atoning for them and then allowing for the love relationship between God and man to be resumed again. There is nothing comparable to a love relationship between God and man- nothing even comes remotely close. I am now including a prayer of salvation which will invite Jesus to come into your heart and begin this wonderful love relationship with God with forgiveness of sins, to which nothing can compare at all. Please pray this following prayer with me:

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; I need your forgiveness. 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 turn from my sin. 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 transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.

Amen.                               

 

God bless you and yours