Salvation bible study including Acts chapters 17 through 22 and Romans

 

Here is a bible study which contains six more chapters of acts, further chronicling Paul’s missionary journeys and the events that took place in them, including some miracles, notably the healing power of the handkerchiefs that Pal had and raising Eutechus from the dead. Also Paul returns and the first of the hearings, during which Paul shares his testimony is there, too. Also included is powerful salvation teaching including a variety of different passages from Paul’s epistle to the Romans.

To start this bible study off, In chapter 17 of Acts, 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)

 

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)

 

I am now concluding this teaching with a large group of verses from Paul’s epistle to the Romans which present the salvation message very powerfully. The teaching is finished by a prayer of salvation to invite Jesus in your heart to begin a relationship with God to which nothing can compare.

 (Romans 11:11)  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

 

(Romans 11:12)  Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

 

(Romans 11:13)  For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

 

(Romans 11:14)  If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

 

(Romans 11:15)  For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

 

(Romans 11:16)  For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

 

(Romans 11:17)  And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

 

(Romans 11:18)  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

 

(Romans 11:19)  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

 

(Romans 11:20)  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

 

(Romans 11:21)  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

 

(Romans 11:22)  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

 

(Romans 11:23)  And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

 

(Romans 11:24)  For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

 

(Romans 11:25)  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

 

(Romans 11:26)  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

 

I am also adding this passage in Romans chapter 1 stating well my own feelings that I am not ashamed of the gospel and want to see the message of salvation shared so people can accept the same by faith so that people can know and be without excuse

(Romans 1:13)  Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

 

(Romans 1:14)  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

 

(Romans 1:15)  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

 

(Romans 1:16)  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

(Romans 1:17)  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

 

(Romans 1:18)  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 

(Romans 1:19)  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

 

(Romans 1:20)  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

I am continuing this  teaching with the passage in Romans 3 which states how nobody does righteously not even one person at all.

 

(Romans 3:9)  What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

 

(Romans 3:10)  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

 

(Romans 3:11)  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

 

(Romans 3:12)  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

 

This next passage, also from Romans chapter 3 later on says while all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory they are then justified through grace and what Jesus did for them at the cross and this is through faith and it excludes boasting

(Romans 3:21)  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

 

(Romans 3:22)  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

 

(Romans 3:23)  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

 

(Romans 3:24)  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

 

(Romans 3:25)  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

 

(Romans 3:26)  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

 

(Romans 3:27)  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

 

(Romans 3:28)  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

 

(Romans 3:29)  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

 

(Romans 3:30)  Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

 

(Romans 3:31)  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

 

The last 4 verses of Romans 4 also state how that righteousness is imputed to us for believing  in Jesus death for us and God who raised Him

(Romans 4:22)  And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

 

(Romans 4:23)  Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

 

(Romans 4:24)  But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

 

(Romans 4:25)  Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

 

This next passage of scripture which contains the last seven verses from Romans chapter 6 speaks of us being freed from sin to live righteous and as servants of God for the wages of sin are death (hell) but God’s gift is eternal life by Jesus

(Romans 6:17)  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

 

(Romans 6:18)  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

 

(Romans 6:19)  I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

 

(Romans 6:20)  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

 

(Romans 6:21)  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

 

(Romans 6:22)  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

 

(Romans 6:23)  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

While we were yet weak and in sin God in love sent Jesus to die for us as stated in this passage in Romans chapter 5 as while one mad us all sinners through disobedience one’s obedience also brought all back to righteousness and also reminds us through the offense one many are sinners but through the obedience of one many more were made righteous

 

(Romans 5:6)  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

 

(Romans 5:7)  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

 

(Romans 5:8)  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

(Romans 5:9)  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

 

(Romans 5:10)  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

 

(Romans 5:11)  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

 

(Romans 5:12)  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned

 

(Romans 5:13)  (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

 

(Romans 5:14)  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

 

 (Romans 5:15)  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

 

(Romans 5:16)  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

 

(Romans 5:17)  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

 

(Romans 5:18)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

 

(Romans 5:19)  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

 

The next passage here from Romans chapter 10 explains that the word is near us, how to be saved by confessing Jesus as Lord by mouth and believing that God raised Him from the dead and of the virtues of those who preach the gospel for faith comes by hearing the word of God.

(Romans 10:8)  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

 

(Romans 10:9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

 

(Romans 10:10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

(Romans 10:11)  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 

(Romans 10:12)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

 

(Romans 10:13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

(Romans 10:14)  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

 

(Romans 10:15)  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

 

(Romans 10:16)  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

 

(Romans 10:17)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

Here in these first five verses of Romans 5 we now have peace with God being reconciled by Jesus justified by our faith

(Romans 5:1)  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

 

(Romans 5:2)  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 

(Romans 5:3)  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

 

(Romans 5:4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

 

(Romans 5:5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

Paul reminds us in the first two verses of Romans 8 that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus

(Romans 8:1)  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

 

(Romans 8:2)  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

(Romans 8:31)  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

 

(Romans 8:32)  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

 

(Romans 8:33)  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

 

(Romans 8:34)  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

 

(Romans 8:35)  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

 

(Romans 8:36)  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

 

(Romans 8:37)  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

 

(Romans 8:38)  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

 

(Romans 8:39)  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Finally in Romans 12 we are now to present our bodies as a living sacrifice and are not to be conformed by the word but transformed by the renewing of our mind. We also are now all part of one body and are encouraged to be diligent in giftings from God and loving to one another and not seeking revenge or retaliate but love our enemies and do good. The whole chapter is included for its powerful encourgements and advice for new believers.

(Romans 12:1)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

(Romans 12:2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

(Romans 12:3)  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

 

(Romans 12:4)  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

 

(Romans 12:5)  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

 

(Romans 12:6)  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

 

(Romans 12:7)  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

 

(Romans 12:8)  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

(Romans 12:9)  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

 

(Romans 12:10)  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

 

(Romans 12:11)  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

 

(Romans 12:12)  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

 

(Romans 12:13)  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

 

(Romans 12:14)  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

 

(Romans 12:15)  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

 

(Romans 12:16)  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

 

(Romans 12:17)  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

 

(Romans 12:18)  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

 

(Romans 12:19)  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

 

(Romans 12:20)  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

 

(Romans 12:21)  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

The passages in this teaching above are there to show our need of a savior. As it is written God did love the world enough to send His only begotten Son- Jesus to die for our sins on the cross though He was nearly stoned in the gospel of John on two occasions. Jesus makes powerful points in these chapters about how He is indeed the one to take away the sins and also bring everlasting (eternal ) Life to all to all those who believe in Him. This was all done so the sins of man, which had separated man from God could be atoned for, which Jesus did by dying o0n the cross, and the love relationship with God then is thus restored. There is nothing like a love relationship with God at all, nothing can even come remotely close to it. I am now including a prayer which you can pray and then invite Jesus in your heart to begin this wonderful relationship to which nothing can compare. Please pray this prayer with me now.

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