Ministry of Paul Acts bible study

 

            Here is an eight chapter bible study which covers the ministry of Paul including his conversion and also his varied missionary trips to Asia minor and Greece with all of their blessings and displays of God’s power but also their many hardships and stories of persecution which befell him through the journey. The following eight chapters in the book of Acts are covered in this bible study: chapter 9 and then chapters 13 through 19. This is intended to challenge all to show what a truly devoted person is willing to go through for Jesus, for Paul in ways suffered more for the gospel’s sake than even Jesus Himself (though He likely wasn’t beaten nearly as severely as Jesus) but this is due to Paul’s repeated suffering.

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)

 

Acts chapter 13 is where Paul gets so named and then the chapter goes on to describe his ministry and it goes on to show how the Jews to a large degree would refuse Paul’s ministry but then Paul would go on to minister to the gentiles, many of whom would get saved as a result but then this filled the Jews with envy and then open the door for persecution from them

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

(Acts 13:1)

 

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

(Acts 13:2)

 

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

(Acts 13:3)

 

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

(Acts 13:4)

 

And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

(Acts 13:5)

 

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

(Acts 13:6)

 

Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

(Acts 13:7)

 

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

(Acts 13:8)

 

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

(Acts 13:9)

 

And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

(Acts 13:10)

 

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

(Acts 13:11)

 

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

(Acts 13:12)

 

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

(Acts 13:13)

 

But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

(Acts 13:14)

 

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

(Acts 13:15)

 

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

(Acts 13:16)

 

The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

(Acts 13:17)

 

And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

(Acts 13:18)

 

And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

(Acts 13:19)

 

And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

(Acts 13:20)

 

And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

(Acts 13:21)

 

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

(Acts 13:22)

 

Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

(Acts 13:23)

 

When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

(Acts 13:24)

 

And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

(Acts 13:25)

 

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

(Acts 13:26)

 

For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

(Acts 13:27)

 

And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

(Acts 13:28)

 

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

(Acts 13:29)

 

But God raised him from the dead:

(Acts 13:30)

 

And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

(Acts 13:31)

 

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

(Acts 13:32)

 

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

(Acts 13:33)

 

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

(Acts 13:34)

 

Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

(Acts 13:35)

 

For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

(Acts 13:36)

 

But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

(Acts 13:37)

 

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

(Acts 13:38)

 

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

(Acts 13:39)

 

Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

(Acts 13:40)

 

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

(Acts 13:41)

 

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

(Acts 13:42)

 

Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

(Acts 13:43)

 

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

(Acts 13:44)

 

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

(Acts 13:45)

 

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

(Acts 13:46)

 

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

(Acts 13:47)

 

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

(Acts 13:48)

 

And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

(Acts 13:49)

 

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

(Acts 13:50)

 

But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

(Acts 13:51)

 

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

(Acts 13:52)

 

Acts chapter 14 goes on to describe Paul’s ministry describing a healing miracle where a guy walks that never has before but also persecution is described where Paul is stoned after being thrown out of  city.

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

(Acts 14:1)         

 

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

(Acts 14:2)

 

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

(Acts 14:3)

 

But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

(Acts 14:4)

 

And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

(Acts 14:5)

 

They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

(Acts 14:6)

 

And there they preached the gospel.

(Acts 14:7)

 

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

(Acts 14:8)

 

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

(Acts 14:9)

 

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

(Acts 14:10)

 

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

(Acts 14:11)

 

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

(Acts 14:12)

 

Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

(Acts 14:13)

 

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

(Acts 14:14)

 

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

(Acts 14:15)

 

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

(Acts 14:16)

 

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

(Acts 14:17)

 

And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

(Acts 14:18)

 

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

(Acts 14:19)

 

Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

(Acts 14:20)

 

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

(Acts 14:21)

 

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

(Acts 14:22)

 

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

(Acts 14:23)

 

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

(Acts 14:24)

 

And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

(Acts 14:25)

 

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

(Acts 14:26)

 

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

(Acts 14:27)

 

And there they abode long time with the disciples.

(Acts 14:28)

 

To continue this study, in Acts chapter 15 they had to deal with a controversy of circumcision versus uncircumcision and this is dealt with by a speech by James, then there is a dispute between Paul and Barnabas as to whether to take John Mark with them or not, and it became so sharp that they split over the issue at hand and go on their own separate ways

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

(Acts 15:1)

 

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

(Acts 15:2)

 

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

(Acts 15:3)

 

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

(Acts 15:4)

 

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

(Acts 15:5)

 

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

(Acts 15:6)

 

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

(Acts 15:7)

 

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

(Acts 15:8)

 

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

(Acts 15:9)

 

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

(Acts 15:10)

 

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

(Acts 15:11)

 

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

(Acts 15:12)

 

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

(Acts 15:13)

 

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

(Acts 15:14)

 

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

(Acts 15:15)

 

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

(Acts 15:16)

 

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

(Acts 15:17)

 

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

(Acts 15:18)

 

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

(Acts 15:19)

 

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

(Acts 15:20)

 

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

(Acts 15:21)

 

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

(Acts 15:22)

 

And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

(Acts 15:23)

 

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

(Acts 15:24)

 

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

(Acts 15:25)

 

Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Acts 15:26)

 

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

(Acts 15:27)

 

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

(Acts 15:28)

 

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

(Acts 15:29)

 

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

(Acts 15:30)

 

Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

(Acts 15:31)

 

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

(Acts 15:32)

 

And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

(Acts 15:33)

 

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

(Acts 15:34)

 

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

(Acts 15:35)

 

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

(Acts 15:36)

 

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

(Acts 15:37)

 

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

(Acts 15:38)

 

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

(Acts 15:39)

 

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

(Acts 15:40)

 

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

(Acts 15:41)

 

In Acts chapter 16, Paul’s journeys continue with someone appearing to him by dream asking him to go to Macedonia which he indeed does do, and there he encounters a woman who had a spirit who would announce them. Paul would then turn and cast the evil spirit out of the woman but end up being beaten and jailed because her handlers made money off the possessed woman which income was now gone. Paul and Silas would then worship while in prison and then there would be a big earthquake which freed their bands and would then be used to lead the jailer and his family to Christ. Paul would then be freed.

Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

(Acts 16:1)

 

Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

(Acts 16:2)

 

Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

(Acts 16:3)

 

And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

(Acts 16:4)

 

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

(Acts 16:5)

 

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

(Acts 16:6)

 

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

(Acts 16:7)

 

And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

(Acts 16:8)

 

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

(Acts 16:9)

 

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

(Acts 16:10)

 

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

(Acts 16:11)

 

And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

(Acts 16:12)

 

And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

(Acts 16:13)

 

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

(Acts 16:14)

 

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

(Acts 16:15)

 

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

(Acts 16:16)

 

The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

(Acts 16:17)

 

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

(Acts 16:18)

 

And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

(Acts 16:19)

 

And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

(Acts 16:20)

 

And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

(Acts 16:21)

 

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

(Acts 16:22)

 

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

(Acts 16:23)

 

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

(Acts 16:24)

 

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

(Acts 16:25)

 

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

(Acts 16:26)

 

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

(Acts 16:27)

 

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

(Acts 16:28)

 

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

(Acts 16:29)

 

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

(Acts 16:30)

 

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

(Acts 16:31)

 

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

(Acts 16:32)

 

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

(Acts 16:33)

 

And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

(Acts 16:34)

 

And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.

(Acts 16:35)

 

And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

(Acts 16:36)

 

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

(Acts 16:37)

 

And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

(Acts 16:38)

 

And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.

(Acts 16:39)

 

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

(Acts 16:40)

 

In chapter 17, Paul continues his missionary journey, preaching the gospel to various people, some, especially the Bereans who researched the matter in scripture, believed, but also the unbelieving Jews(not all Jews as some of those believed too) stirred up persecution and came after Paul forcing him to move on more than once. He would end his journey in this chapter in Athens.

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

(Acts 17:1)

 

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

(Acts 17:2)

 

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

(Acts 17:3)

 

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

(Acts 17:4)

 

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

(Acts 17:5)

 

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

(Acts 17:6)

 

Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

(Acts 17:7)

 

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

(Acts 17:8)

 

And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

(Acts 17:9)

 

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

(Acts 17:10)

 

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

(Acts 17:11)

 

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

(Acts 17:12)

 

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

(Acts 17:13)

 

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

(Acts 17:14)

 

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

(Acts 17:15)

 

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

(Acts 17:16)

 

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

(Acts 17:17)

 

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

(Acts 17:18)

 

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

(Acts 17:19)

 

For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

(Acts 17:20)

 

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

(Acts 17:21)

 

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

(Acts 17:22)

 

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

(Acts 17:23)

 

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

(Acts 17:24)

 

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

(Acts 17:25)

 

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

(Acts 17:26)

 

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

(Acts 17:27)

 

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

(Acts 17:28)

 

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

(Acts 17:29)

 

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

(Acts 17:30)

 

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(Acts 17:31)

 

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

(Acts 17:32)

 

So Paul departed from among them.

(Acts 17:33)

 

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

(Acts 17:34)

 

Acts chapter 18 starts with him going on to Corinth where he would stay for some time, and moved on to Ephesus and other areas. The chapter ends with another, Apollos getting better instruction of how to witness and teach by Aquila and Priscilla.

After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

(Acts 18:1)

 

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome and came unto them.

(Acts 18:2)

 

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

(Acts 18:3)

 

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

(Acts 18:4)

 

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

(Acts 18:5)

 

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

(Acts 18:6)

 

And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

(Acts 18:7)

 

And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

(Acts 18:8)

 

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

(Acts 18:9)

 

For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

(Acts 18:10)

 

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

(Acts 18:11)

 

And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

(Acts 18:12)

 

Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

(Acts 18:13)

 

And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

(Acts 18:14)

 

But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.

(Acts 18:15)

 

And he drave them from the judgment seat.

(Acts 18:16)

 

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

(Acts 18:17)

 

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

(Acts 18:18)

 

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

(Acts 18:19)

 

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

(Acts 18:20)

 

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

(Acts 18:21)

 

And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

(Acts 18:22)

 

And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

(Acts 18:23)

 

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

(Acts 18:24)

 

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

(Acts 18:25)

 

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

(Acts 18:26)

 

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

(Acts 18:27)

 

For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

(Acts 18:28)

 

Acts chapter 19 then goes on with the stories of Paul and first the men baptized in John’s baptism getting baptized in Christ then Paul’s handkerchiefs with the powers of healing and delivernce the sons of Sceva and also other missionary journeys where Paul would preach to various peoples dealing with various situations

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

(Acts 19:1)

 

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

(Acts 19:2)

 

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

(Acts 19:3)

 

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

(Acts 19:4)

 

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

(Acts 19:5)

 

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

(Acts 19:6)

 

And all the men were about twelve.

(Acts 19:7)

 

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

(Acts 19:8)

 

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

(Acts 19:9)

 

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

(Acts 19:10)

 

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

(Acts 19:11)

 

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

(Acts 19:12)

 

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

(Acts 19:13)

 

And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

(Acts 19:14)

 

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

(Acts 19:15)

 

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

(Acts 19:16)

 

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

(Acts 19:17)

 

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

(Acts 19:18)

 

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

(Acts 19:19)

 

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

(Acts 19:20)

 

After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

(Acts 19:21)

 

So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

(Acts 19:22)

 

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

(Acts 19:23)

 

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

(Acts 19:24)

 

Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

(Acts 19:25)

 

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

(Acts 19:26)

 

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

(Acts 19:27)

 

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

(Acts 19:28)

 

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

(Acts 19:29)

 

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

(Acts 19:30)

 

And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

(Acts 19:31)

 

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

(Acts 19:32)

 

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

(Acts 19:33)

 

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

(Acts 19:34)

 

And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

(Acts 19:35)

 

Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

(Acts 19:36)

 

For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

(Acts 19:37)

 

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

(Acts 19:38)

 

But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

(Acts 19:39)

 

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

(Acts 19:40)

 

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

(Acts 19:41)

 

These eight 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