Acts Missionaries summary

CHAPTERS 13-14 SUMMARY The Church at Antioch is talked about first in Chapter 13, as we see it is the first Gentile Church – and it is also the first church to send off missionaries to distant places. They sent off two of the best leaders, Barnabas and Saul (now to be called Paul). They were committed to doing God’s work. Therefore, Barnabas and Paul took John Mark with them, who assisted them. They all sailed for Cyprus and immediately began preaching in the Synagogues. After this, they went west for Paphos, preaching the Gospel all around. Their preaching even resulted in the ruler of the Island to believe, even if the magician in the land persuaded him otherwise.

Then, they arrive at Perga, and John Mark left the other two and returned to Jerusalem. Paul saw failure in John Mark on this situation. However, from Perga, Paul and Barnabas went north to Galatia, and visited Antioch – some call this Pisidian Antioch, because it isn’t the same one as Antioch, Syria. They preached in the Synagogue, and the preaching was similar to Peter and Stephen’s. He outlined the history of Israel, and then showed them about the promised Savior who had come in the person of Jesus Christ. Even though the Jews in Jerusalem rejected and killed Jesus, God raised Him from the dead to show people that He truly was The Messiah, Son of David. Those who repented and believed on Him would be forgiven. That next week, almost the entire population locally in Pisidian Antioch came to the Synagogue to hear them preach. The Jews boiled in anger about this and feared that the missionaries were taking their Gentile converts by offering them an easier religion – one promising Salvation through faith with no regard for Jewish Law. Paul and Barnabas, however, stated that it was God’s Plan for Israel to carry out His Message of Salvation to the Gentiles. If the Jews didn’t accept Salvation, then they couldn’t preach it to the Gentiles or do God’s Will. Therefore, Paul and Barnabas turned from the Jews, and then offered Salvation to the Gentiles directly. Angering the Jews even more, they were driven away from the city. The converts, however, spread the Gospel through the nation and kept going with the work.

As we move on to chapter 14, we see Paul and Barnabas go to Iconium, where they did similar things as in Antioch. It was a similar situation, that once salvation grew/conversion grew, the Jewish people became angry and drove them away from the city. As they moved on, they healed a crippled man in Lystra, and people thought they were two of the Greek gods – therefore, the people prepared an offering for them. After doing some work in Lystra, the Jewish people stirred up trouble, and Paul was almost killed. Then, they move to Derbe, where another Church was founded. They returned to cities where they were once persecuted, but they wanted to strengthen the churches, and therefore, they appointed elders. After a short time in Perga, they returned to the Church that sent them out. They gave thanks to God for the work He’d done through them for the Gentiles.

CHAPTER 15 • Judaisers cause problems in the Church ◦ They stated that unless a person is circumcised after the manner of Moses, they could not be saved. ▪ Moses: A man called by God long ago, who was to do God’s Will in bring the people out of Egypt, and was the writer of the Pentateuch. ◦ The trouble they caused spread through the Church. ◦ They discussed the problem at Jerusalem. ▪ The Church at Antioch appointed Paul, Barnabas, and other leaders to go to Jerusalem as representatives. • Paul: A man who helped persecute the Jews, before a blinding experience with God – with God instructing him to carry out His Will to preach and do missionary work. • Barnabas: A man that was called “The Son of Encouragement,” who was so generous, and quickly became quite a missionary with a strong will to work for the things of God. ▪ They were excited along the way to talk about the Gentile conversion. ▪ As soon as the meeting began, the Judaisers started their accusations. ▪ After lengthy debate, Peter strongly opposed them, and defended the Gentiles. ◦ Peter: This same hot-blooded man went on journeys with Jesus and did many works for the Lord. He continues in his pursuit to spread Jesus all around, and is willing to put his life on the line at all costs. ▪ Jesus: The Son of God, sent to do His Will on the earth, before He ascended back to the Father at His Right Hand. He was accused of heresy, belittled, rejected, and crucified – and yet, He rose again. • He claimed they (the Gentiles) should not have to keep the Jewish Law. • The way of Salvation and entrance to the Church was by faith alone, and this was true for both Jews and Gentiles. ▪ James agreed with Peter, Paul, and Barnabas. ◦ James: This James is not the same that was martyred a few chapters ago. This is James, the Lord’s Brother, who had accompanied Jesus on his journey to Capernaum. This is the James that is the author of the book of James. • He added info on what he had witnessed with them and with Jesus. • James stated that the Gentiles should not have to be under Jewish Law. • Jews continued to see things different, though. • James considered that the Gentile Christians would improve relations if they were careful not to do things that Jews wouldn’t allow. ▪ After acknowledging James, they took back with them two men from the Jerusalem Church, Judas and Silas, to create distinction between Jewish and Gentile groups. ▪ When the group arrived in Antioch, they were glad on the outcome of the meeting. ◦ Paul and Barnabas need a partner ▪ They disagreed over Mark, and therefore, they split into teams. ◦ John Mark: A man who had assisted Paul and Barnabas on a journey, but dropped out and went back to Jerusalem. Paul calls him unreliable and decides not to work with him. This is the same man who is the author of the book of Mark. • Barnabas going to Cyprus with Mark. • Paul going to Cilicia with Silas. ◦ Silas: He was a man who had much wisdom and ability that Paul saw great potential in him to help, while they go into Gentile areas. CHAPTER 16 • Journey continues ◦ After arriving in Lystra, Paul and Silas were joined by Timothy. ▪ Paul: already mentioned. ▪ Silas: already mentioned. ▪ Timothy: A young man who was considered by the elders of the Galatian Church as well suited for this journey. He was half-Jewish, and Paul thought he should be circumcised. He was made an example of the Jews. ◦ They passed through the Galatian areas, where the Missionaries delivered copies of the Jerusalem letter to the Churches. ◦ They left Galatia and went to a certain area in Asia, where God didn’t allow them to preach. ◦ After that, they went north towards Bithynia, but God prevented them there, too. ◦ They traveled to Macedonia. ▪ When they had left Troas, they added Luke to go with them. • Luke: A man who was a doctor and historic writer. He traveled with Paul quite a bit, and wrote the books of Luke and Acts. ◦ They went to Philippi from Troas, where there were only a few Jews. ▪ There was a group there who prayed. The Missionaries joined them. ▪ A slave girl there who had an evil spirit and was a fortune teller was discovered. • She was probably converted, which probably prevented her ability. ◦ When she couldn’t be used for money, they attacked the missionaries and rioted. ▪ Paul and Silas were arrested, flogged, and thrown into prison without a trial. ▪ In prison, they talked about Christ. The jailer was saved. • Christ: already mentioned. ▪ Paul and Silas were released a bit later. CHAPTER 17 • Journey goes on       ◦ From Philippi, they moved to Thessalonica leaving Luke behind. ▪ Luke: already mentioned. ▪ Their preaching in the Synagogue yielded good results. ▪ The Jews caused uproar in the house of Jason where Paul had been staying. • Paul: already mentioned. • Jason: A man not well known, just someone who Paul stayed with. The attackers accused him of helping a group of Jewish rebels. ◦ More Jewish opposition occurred in Berea. Paul departed quickly, leaving Silas and Timothy behind. ▪ Silas: already mentioned. ▪ Timothy: already mentioned. ◦ Paul travels to Athens, where he sends a message to them to rejoin him soon. ▪ Paul sent them back to Macedonia. • Timothy went to Thessalonica, Silas to Philippi, it seems. ▪ Philosophers heard Paul preaching, and invited him to talk about his religion in a council of Philosophers. • He frequently talked about Jesus and the Resurrection close to each other, so the Philosophers thought he was talking on two gods, Jesus and Anastasis. ◦ Anastasis: A Greek word used as a link between Jesus and the Resurrection. ◦ Jesus: already mentioned. • Many different schools of thought were discussed in this meeting. • Paul announced that he would explain God, who is the creator and controller of the universe. ◦ He also mentions more info on Jesus. • Many believed in what Paul was talking about, but some didn’t think Jesus’ resurrection was worth considering. CHAPTER 18 • Onward to Corinth ◦ Paul planted a Church there. ▪ Paul: already mentioned. ◦ He met a Jewish married couple, Aquila and Priscilla. ▪ Aquila and Priscilla: tent makers, like Paul, who became lifelong friends of him. ▪ They, along with the other Jews, were forced to leave Rome at the command of the Emperor. ▪ They likely went with Paul to the Synagogue where he preached. • Paul writes to the Thessalonians ◦ Silas and Timothy had returned from Macedonia, bringing gifts for Paul. ▪ Silas: already mentioned. ▪ Timothy: already mentioned. ◦ Paul was glad on the good news from Timothy on what happened in Thessalonica, that Paul wrote them. ◦ Some had criticized Paul for leaving new believers in Thessalonica to face anti-Christian troubles. ◦ He instructed them in their behaviors, especially being more Christlike. ▪ He also cleared up issues about Jesus’ return so they would understand better. ▪ He had to send an additional letter clearing up worries over his first letter to them on Christ’s return. • They were afraid when he said suddenly that it meant “immediately.” He wanted to handle their fears on that. • Eighteen months in Corinth ◦ Paul was having issues with Jews. ▪ They forced him from the Synagogue. ▪ He then went to preach in the house of Titius Justus. • Titus Justus: A Gentile, God-fearing man who lived next door. ▪ Crispus believed. • Crispus: ruler of the Synagogue. ▪ Sosthenes believed later. • Sosthenes: new ruler of the Synagogue later. ▪ Paul kept preaching, even if they opposed him. ▪ Church growth continued. ▪ The local people decided to beat up one of the Jewish leaders because of their anger toward the Jews. • Antioch return ◦ Paul wanted to return home. ◦ He stopped at Cenchreae, and fulfilled a vow that he took upon himself. ◦ He sailed to Ephesus where he stayed shortly. ▪ He may have started a Church here at this time, but it’s unclear. ◦ He left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus. ◦ He continued to try to get to Antioch. • He visited Churches in Galatia again. ◦ He learned of a Jew named Apollos. ▪ Apollos: he had detailed knowledge as a teacher of the OT references to the Messiah. He lacked knowledge of certain teachings, where Aquila and Priscilla helped him understand. ◦ He returned to Corinth, helping the Church there. ▪ The Corinthian Church, however, divided into factions. ▪ People made favorites of teachers, so Paul dealt with it. CHAPTER 19 • Arriving in Ephesus ◦ He met a group of twelve people who had repented and been baptized. ▪ They were baptized in John the Baptist ways. ▪ Paul corrected them to use Jesus’ way of doing so. ▪ After that, they received the Holy Ghost. ◦ After Paul preached for a few months, the Jews forced him out. ▪ Paul: already mentioned. ◦ Healing ministry also continued. ◦ Sorcery, magic, and other superstitions were widespread in Ephesus. ▪ God’s Power was at work nonetheless, and people turned to Him. ◦ Paul aimed to go to Rome, so he could establish Christianity better. ▪ First, he wanted to go to Jerusalem. ▪ He wanted to bring the Jewish and Gentile churches together. ▪ He sends two fellow workers to Macedonia to promote the project. ◦ Paul had preached in Ephesus for three years. ◦ Angry at the loss of income, the silversmiths stirred up the people against Paul. ▪ With this, a riot broke out. ▪ People who did not worship Artemis were in danger. ▪ The Jews tried to protect themselves by saying they weren’t associated with Christians. • The mob didn’t care. ▪ The city’s chief official defended Paul and warned the people about the riot. CHAPTER 20 • Traveling to Macedonia ◦ Paul traveled to Macedonia to meet up with Titus, and to write 2 Corinthians. ▪ Paul: already mentioned. ▪ Titus: a young preacher, who was regarded by Paul, and was eventually appointed to run a church. ◦ Returning to Macedonia and Troas ▪ He heard of a Jewish plot to kill him as he was setting sail. ▪ He changed routes to go to Macedonia. Luke rejoined. • Luke: already mentioned. ▪ He sailed then to Troas, joining the representatives of the Gentile Churches. • These representatives or assistants were to go with Paul to Jerusalem. • Paul had a final meeting with Christians in Troas, when a young man falls out of the window to his death. ◦ Paul went and restored this man to life. • Paul travels to Assos ◦ He rejoins the group and sails to Miletus. ◦ He called for the elders of the Ephesian church to meet with him, so he could give them final encouragement and warning. ◦ Paul’s enemies in Asia were trying to turn Christians against him. CHAPTER 21 • Paul goes to Patara, where they changed ships and sailed to Phoenicia. ◦ Paul: already mentioned. ◦ The group fellowshipped with the Christians at Tyre, Ptolemais, and Caesarea. • Paul finally reaches Jerusalem. ◦ He stayed with Mnason. ▪ Mnason: A Jewish Christian from Cyprus and early member of the Jerusalem Church. He was fully agreeing of the work of Paul. ◦ Jerusalem rejects the Gospel. ▪ Many Christians were found in Jerusalem to be back in legalistic ways. ▪ The elders gladly received the offering from the Gentile Churches. ▪ The Jews didn’t care about Paul’s teachings. • James and his friends suggested that Paul should prove to them that he was as religious as a Jew was. ◦ James: already mentioned. ▪ The crowd attacks Paul • A riot broke out; the mob seized Paul and tried to kill him. • The Roman troops swiftly prevented Paul’s death through riot control. ◦ Lysias didn’t know Paul or what he had done to make the Jews angry. ▪ Lysias: the military commander of the Roman troops. ▪ Paul addresses the mob • Silencing the mob, Paul spoke unto them. CHAPTER 22 • Paul continues speaking to the crowd ◦ Paul: already mentioned. ◦ He spoke about his Jewish upbringing, persecution of Christians, and Jesus calling him to do His Work. ◦ He then spoke of his Gentile mission, which sparked further uproar. ◦ The Roman commander wanted to know the truth, which might be through flogging. ▪ Paul told the soldiers that he was a Roman citizen. • They untied him after hearing this. ▪ He was brought before the Sanhedrin to examine him. CHAPTER 23 • He tricks the Sanhedrin ◦ He originally is God’s Apostle to the Gentiles. ◦ He actually addresses himself as a Jewish Pharisee. ◦ He was condemned of his Pharisaic belief in the resurrection. ◦ In an uproar that had followed, the Roman soldiers saved Paul again from death. ◦ The Lord was still with Paul and would bring him to Rome. ▪ Paul: already mentioned. ◦ The Jews asked Lysias to send Paul for another trial. ▪ They wanted to attack and kill Paul on the way. Lysias found out, though. • Lysias sends Paul to Caesarea to protect him from death. ▪ Lysias: already mentioned. ◦ Paul did not give up his fight against the Jews. CHAPTER 24 • Paul imprisoned in Caesarea for two years ◦ Paul: already mentioned. ◦ Three accusations were made against Paul. ▪ First, he created uprisings among the Jews. ▪ Second, he was a leader of the Nazarenes. ▪ Third, he defiled the Temple in Jerusalem. ◦ He denied those accusations, saying no one could prove it. ◦ Felix saw that Paul was not guilty, for the only thing they had against him was that he believed in the Resurrection. ▪ Felix: the one who conducted the trial upon Paul. He was a fair judge, it seems. ▪ He found out more about Paul’s beliefs. ▪ Then, he offered a bribe that Paul could pay, but Paul refused. ▪ Instead of accepting the bribe, he remained in prison until the next governor comes who could re-see the case. CHAPTER 25 • The New Governor arrives in Palestine. ◦ Festus: the new governor of Palestine. ◦ The Jews accused Paul quickly. ▪ Paul: already mentioned. ◦ A trial was conducted before Festus. ▪ He didn’t know much about the whole situation. ▪ He saw no point in imprisoning Paul further. ▪ Paul was released then. ▪ He told Paul to go to Jerusalem to have the case dealt with there before the Sanhedrin. ▪ Festus said he would judge there. ▪ Paul was angry at such injustice, because Felix and Festus did not find him guilty. • Felix: already mentioned. ▪ He turned to the final court of appeal, to Caesar himself. • Caesar: This was a common name given to Roman emperors, which was after the order of Julius Caesar. ◦ Here, the Caesar seems to be Nero. • Paul before Caesar ◦ Caesar had good knowledge of the Jewish religion. CHAPTER 26 • Paul’s innocence ◦ Paul: already mentioned. ◦ Paul stated he believed in the Resurrection. ◦ He also stated about the forgiveness of sins to all who believed. ◦ He said that he could understand the Jews’ feelings, due to his persecution of Christians in the past. ◦ God forgave all, though. ◦ Herod Agrippa II had visited. He was there in the trial. ▪ Herod Agrippa II: The son of Herod Agrippa I, and was Rome’s appointed ruler over certain aeas in the north. He knew Jewish affairs well. ▪ He understood what Paul was saying and where he was coming from. ▪ Paul appealed to him for support. ▪ The Christians then, no longer appeared unlawful or rebellious. ◦ They did not find any guilt in Paul, and an expert on Jewish affairs declared him innocent, as well. CHAPTER 27 • Traveling to Rome ◦ Festus arranged for a centurion and a unit of Roman soldiers to take Paul and other prisoners to Rome. ▪ Festus: already mentioned. ▪ Paul: already mentioned. ▪ Two Christians went with Paul – Luke and a church leader of Thessalonica. • Luke: already mentioned. ▪ At the port of Fair Havens, Paul advised them not to sail further because of wintry conditions. • However, they moved forward rejecting his advice. • A fierce storm soon emerges, and it was certain the ship would sink. • Paul believed otherwise that they’d be saved, and Paul would reach Rome. • Paul instructed them further to save lives. • He guided them in survival and stopped the soldiers from killing the prisoners when the ship broke. • Everyone was saved and arrived on land. CHAPTER 28 • Continuing to Rome ◦ The island they landed on was Malta. ▪ The locals were helpful and kind to them. ▪ Paul, legally a prisoner, spent time with the island’s chief. • Paul: already mentioned. ▪ Paul and Luke attended to the medical needs that everyone had. • Luke: already mentioned. ▪ Three months after landing on Malta, the winter was over and sailing should begin again. ▪ Paul and everyone else boarded and sailed for Puteoli (in Italy). • From there, they went to Rome, meeting Christians along the way. ◦ Arriving in Rome ▪ Paul was continually guarded by a Roman soldier. ▪ He invited the Jewish leaders in Rome to come see him. • He talked about the events that brought him there. • He pointed out he did nothing wrong in Jewish Law. • He had no accusation against the Jewish people. • He made an appeal to Caesar to prove his innocence – which was successful. • The Jewish leaders told him they heard no reports about “Paul.” ◦ They stated that people everywhere were turning against Christians. ◦ Paul felt that maybe the Jerusalem Jews thought they’d achieve their goal by pushing Paul out. ▪ They may not have told Rome of the trouble. ▪ Paul then preaches his message to the Jews first. • He told them about the OT that the Gospel he preached was fulfillment of the religion of Israel. • Jews rejected his message, however. ▪ He then preaches to the Gentiles successfully. ▪ He dwelt two whole years in his own hired house. • He received all in hospitality that came to him. • He preached the Kingdom of God and taught on Jesus Christ. ◦ He did this with great confidence, and no man forbade it.