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The book of Daniel opens "in the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah" which is estimated to be ~ BC 605.  Jerusalem and all but the poorest in the land were taken into captivity.  This, a fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the judgment due to God's people who failed to keep Him first.   The chart of kings and prophets can be found here . Bill's timeline chart used in the class is...

Paul's journey to Rome is going to be by sea and takes a number of twists and turns. Luke's amazing account is as intense as any Hollywood blockbust but includes evidence of God's providence and provision.   Supplementary material here.

In our next installment, Felix passes the baton of "the Paul problem" to Festus.  Quickly, we hear that even after two years, the Jews are still in an uproar.  Once again, they try to make a case for Rome to either condemn Paul or hand him over to them. But, Paul has no interest in returning to the "justice" of Jerusalem.  Rather, he appeals to Caesar.    King Agrippa comes on the scene and Festus...

Acts 23 The Plot to Kill Paul, Paul Sent to Felix   Introduction – Great is Thy Faithfulness        Music video with The Gaithers featuring Wes Hampton Reading – Acts 23:6-24:26 Timeline of events from Acts 22-24 Paul’s Speech before the Temple Mob (22:1–21). The Attempted Examination by the Tribune (22:22–29). Paul before the Sanhedrin (22:30–23:11). The Plot to Ambush Paul (23:12–22). Paul Sent...

Acts 22:1-23:11 Introduction The current passages are heavy on historical content and theological messages are subtler. The passage highlights Paul’s continual devotion to sharing the gospel every chance he got. The persecuted church is tracked by Open Doors .  There are Christians who are subject to persecution daily. Open Doors’ World Watch List is found here. John 8:31-47 31So Jesus was saying...

Chapter 20 ends with a warm farewell by Paul to his closest friends and companions. Chapter 21 opens with the journey back to Judea.  Paul wants to get back to Jerusalem.  We find warnings that it's not going to go well there . . .    Paul is determined, his companions hang with him, the pace quickens as the narrative becomes more detailed and Paul's life moves into a decidedly different phase . ....

Thoughts for the New Year – 2018 Introduction      Though it’s only another day, it’s worth considering some things about a fresh year.      This year is worthy of a fresh focus: forgetting the disappointments of the past and leave them with the Lord.      Consider reading through the Bible this year. It helps us understand the things that are happening now. No matter how many times you do it, the...

Acts 20 shows us a Paul who is wrapping up yet another missionary adventure, once again avoids a plot against his life and shows us the heart of a pastor. We see an account that is both humorous and informative regarding a Lucky guy: A defense against false accusations against The Way, a picture of how the early church gathered together, and a reminder of the resurrection's triumph over death! Fin...

After a review of certain sections in Acts 17, today's lesson picks back up in 18:5 and goes through verse 23, wrapping up the account of Paul's Second Missionary Journey.   Class notes are available here.   Background information on the Nazarite vow from GotQuestions.org is found here.

As Paul continues to make his way west, he encounters Jews who are skeptics and Jews who are receptive. He meets resistance and also curiosity. Acts 17 culminates in an opportunity to reveal to the Greeks a God like they've never known (but who wants to be known!)   Supplementary material is here.

In this familiar account of yet another miraculous rescue from jail, we hear the world's best answer to the world's most common question: "How do I get out of this mess?"   Interesting background material is found here .

Paul's missionary journey continues!  Background material is here.

Acts 15: 12-35

After Paul and Barnabas finish up their first missionary journey, they come back to Antioch (in Syria).  While there, they are confronted by a group (unauthorized) from Jerusalem who proclaimed (to those Gentiles that were already saved! Stedman) that circumcision was required to be saved.   This issue so closely parallels the main topic of Galatians that some speculate that Galatians was written...

In this passage we see Paul and Barnabas continue to various cities and towns in the region of Lycia and Galatia, sharing the Gospel as they go. The response varies but, often, there is a polarizing effect: there are believers and there is opposition (usually instigated by the Jews).   After going as far as Derbe, they backtrack, encouraging the believers and helping develop and appoint leaders fo...

After leaving Cyprus, Paul and Barnabus head north to the mainland of Asia Minor. In the port city of Perga they part ways with John Mark. Then, they head further north and into the mountains to reach Antioch in Pisidia -- a crossroads town with a synagogue.   Given the opportunity, Paul tells these Jews and God-fearers the story of Jesus:  He is a greater Moses,  He is a greater David and He is e...

After the death of Herod Agrippa 1, Paul and Barnabas set out on their first missionary journey.  Class notes are here.

Acts 12   Introduction There were a number of Herods Herod the Great did a number of public works projects. And, knowing that the Jews were all about Temple-based worship, he built and expanded the Temple. As long Herod and his descendants were able to keep the Jews in line, Rome allowed them to be in power. Herod was an Edomite, a descendant of Esau Verses 1-5 The Herod in Acts 12 is Herod Agripp...

In this passage we see Peter give his testimony of the conversion of Cornelius and his household to the church in Jerusalem. In so doing he quietens the division in the church that would see believers become Jews before they become Christians.   We also see the power of encouragement as evidenced by Barnabus. He also recognizes the spiritual need of the new believers in Antiochs and encourages Sau...

The concept of Acts 10 being about "Double Vision" is credited to N. T. Wright (see some of his quotes in the supplementary material ). This passage has a lot to say about the conversion of the devout Roman Cornelius.  But, it also has a lot to say about the conversion of Peter; his thinking, his background, his prejudices.

Acts 9:20-43 Introduction      Here is the map referred to during the lesson.      The story of redemption is woven throughout Scripture.      Scripture is the revelation of God’s loving effort to show Himself and redeem us. Verses 18-30 – this description covers about four years Verses 19-22 -- “For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus”      Paul’s prior training made him quickly prepa...

Acts 9: 1-19 The Conversion of Saul   Introduction Saul’s conversion is reported three times in Acts – chapters 9, 22, and 26 Born ~AD 5 in Tarsus in the region of Cilicia. His family moved to Jerusalem at about the age of 5. As a youth, he began his studies at the feet of Gamaliel – the most prominent rabbi of the day. Verse 1-5 Saul requested letters of permission from the high priest to persecu...

The stoning of Stephen ushered in overt persecution of the early church -- beginning with the Christians from a Hellenistic Jew background. Some, like Philip, were driven to Samaria. The Samaritans received the gospel with enthusiasm and joy. They received the gift of the Holy Spirit in a special (i.e. no longer normative) way that served to authenticate the prophecy of Acts 1:8.   Many commentari...