Spread the News!

                                                                      Sunday School Lesson
                                                                         November 25, 2012

                                 

Lesson:  Acts 28:23-31                                                                                       
Golden Text:  “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it” (Acts 28:28).

I.  INTRODUCTION.The book of Acts is a book of miracles, but it is not until the final chapter that one realizes that the biggest miracle in the book is the spread of the gospel.Acts begins in Jerusalem with about 120 people.Through the leading of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the church and leaders like Peter and Paul, the gospel spread throughout the Roman world (see Romans 10:18).In Acts chapter 28 from which our lesson comes,we find Paul preaching the gospel in Rome.When Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner, he could have chosen to remain silent because things had not worked out as he had envisioned.Instead, he chose to faithfully proclaim the gospel.

II. PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL (Acts 28:23-24). The background for our lesson occurs when Paul and his companions finally arrived in Rome.  When they arrived, the centurion turned over most of the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but he allowed Paul to live by himself with one soldier guarding him (see Acts 28:11-16).  Of course Paul was in Rome to present his legal case to the emperor, but he used it as an opportunity to preach the gospel.  He preached as he normally did, to the Jew first.  After being in Rome for only three days, Paul gathered the most prominent Roman Jews together and told them about his situation (see Acts 28:17-20).  Those Jewish leaders then told Paul that they hadn’t received any letters from Judea concerning him nor had anyone who came to Rome spoke of his situation.  However, they did want to hear more from Paul so they set a day when they would come back to meet with him again (see Acts 28:21-22).

A. Paul’s teaching (Acts 28:23).  Now this verse says “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.”  After the Roman Jewish leaders met earlier with Paul, they agreed to meet with him again.  When the day that they agreed upon arrived “there came many to him into his lodging.”  The term “many” here indicates that more came to this meeting than the one before.  To this group of Jews, Paul “expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.”  In other words, Paul explained to them the Kingdom of God, teaching them about Jesus using the Scriptures: the Law of Moses, (the first five books of the Bible) and also the books of prophecy which were the two major divisions of the Jewish Scriptures.  In other words, Paul used the entire Old Testament to present Jesus.  He began his teaching in the morning and continued until the evening.  Most of these Jews didn’t believe the Messiah had come.  That’s why Paul had to spend time “persuading them concerning Jesus.”  The idea of persuading them does not imply that he succeeded, but that he tried extremely hard to do so.

B.The Jews’ response (Acts 28:24).  As a result of Paul’s teaching we are told “And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.”This time Paul’s teaching didn’t result in violence as it had on other occasions when he spoke.However, the results were mixed:“some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.” This seems to indicate that some of his listeners saw some logic in Paul’s message and tended to agree with him, but had not really come to a conclusion.  But others who “believed not” rejected Paul’s version of Jewish history which centered on Jesus.  They didn’t show the violent hostility to Paul that was shown at Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, or Lystra (see Acts 13:45-50; 14:2, 19), but sadly they couldn’t bring themselves to accept God’s grace and turn away from their legalism.

III. THE APPLICATION OF THE WORD (Acts 28:25-28)

A.  Spiritual dullness of the Jews (Acts 28:25-27).

1. (vs. 25).  This verse then says “And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers.”  At the end of this session, Paul’s visitors, not being able to agree even among themselves decided to leave.  What had been a debate with Paul now turned into a division among these Jews.  It was all caused by the gospel message.  Jesus predicted this would happen when He said that He didn’t come to bring peace but a sword, putting even family members against each other (see Matthew 10:34-38: Luke 12:51-53).  Before everyone left, Paul sadly gave them one last parting word taken from Isaiah’s prophecy. He was really saying, before you leave please hear this “Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers.”  This is how he began his last words to this group which is the meaning of the phrase “after Paul had spoken one word.”  Of course “one word” is plural referring to everything Paul was about to say to his departing visitors.  He was about to repeat the words Isaiah intended for these Jews’ forefathers of long ago.  Paul didn’t hesitate to apply the same message to these spiritual dull Jewish descendents.

2. (vs. 26).  Paul continued to quote Isaiah’s prophecy as God spoke to Isaiah “Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive.”  This passage that Paul began to quote is from Isaiah 6:9-10.  God was instructing Isaiah to tell an unbelieving and disobedient people that “hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive.”  God was saying that even though Israel heard His Word clearly, and saw the spiritual importance of it, they chose not to understand it.  The Apostle Paul was applying this same idea to the Jews who were leaving and not accepting the gospel message he shared with them.

3. (vs. 27).  As Paul continued to quote Isaiah’s prophecy, he said “For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”  In other words, their “heart” or entire inner being is “waxed gross” or has become fat and stupid.  In addition, the Jews’ “ears are dull of hearing” or they don’t listen or pay attention and “their eyes have they closed” meaning that their eyes were shut to seeing how God wanted them to behave.  Paul and Isaiah were both stressing the willfulness of unbelief and disobedience of God’s people.  This is evident in the words “lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”  In their innermost being, the Jews knew that God wanted them to see truth, to understand what they heard, to return to Him, and then to be spiritually healed.  However, they were so persistently hardened against God that they were no longer willing or able to respond properly.

B. Reception by the Gentiles (Acts 28:28).  After demonstrating how the present Jews who were rejecting God’s Word were no different from their forefathers, Paul now declares “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.”  Paul gave these Roman Jews one last declaration that “the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.”  The word “sent” here is in the past tense indicating that the gospel had already gone to the Gentiles.  For about thirty years already, the gospel had been presented to the Gentiles even though it was first offered to the Jews.  But now, according to Paul, the gospel would no longer be given “to the Jew first” (see Romans 1:16) as was his normal method of presenting the gospel.  For sure, individual Jews could still be saved, but the time of dealing with Israel as a separate entity from Gentiles had come to an end throughout the remainder of the church age.The Gentiles would be offered the message of redemption free of any connection with the Jews, and according to the last part of this verse “they will hear it.”  In other words, Gentile hearers would eagerly listen to and accept the gospel for themselves.  Of course, believing Jews are included, but they would be part of “a remnant according to the election of grace” (see Romans 11:5).They will be received into Christ’s body on the same level as Gentiles (see Ephesians 2:13-16). 

IV. SEQUEL TO THE MEETING (Acts 28:29-31)  

A. The sequel for the Jews (Acts 28:29).  Luke now writes “And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.”  When Paul finished giving his last words to these Roman Jews, they left his rented house, but we are told that they “had great reasoning among themselves.”   This verse is almost a repeat of verse 25.  Regarding the message that Paul shared with them about Jesus they even disagreed among themselves, which is the meaning of the phrase “had great reasoning among themselves.”

B. The sequel for the Jews (Acts 28:30-31).

1. (vs. 30).This verse says “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him.”Here we are told at least two things. First, Paul was treated quite leniently by the Roman government.  He was “in his own hired house.”  Paul was allowed to stay in his own rented house and not in a prison.The phrase “and received all that came in unto him” indicates that he could visit freely with anyone who came to see him but he was not able to leave his residence.  Second, Paul was in this situation for two years.Luke probably gave us this information because at this point he was completing his writings of Acts.We must remember that the book of Acts is not about the life of Paul.  It’s about the spread of the gospel and Luke has clearly presented that. 

2. (vs. 31).  Our final verse says that while a prisoner in Rome, Paul was “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”  As noted in the previous verse, the Roman authorities allowed Paul to meet with anyone who came to him and made the most of those opportunities continuing to preach about the kingdom of God and teaching how Jesus Christ is the center of that kingdom.Paul was able to witness “with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”  He took advantage of the freedom he still had as a Roman citizen.  Paul’s commitment to the gospel showed that he practiced what he preached.  In his second letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged him to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season (see II Timothy 4:2).  By committing himself to Christ, Paul was able to turn a series of obstacles into opportunities to spread the faith. Now it’s our turn to do the same.

                         

Conclusion.   Christians are called to demonstrate our faith in Jesus Christ.  Our faith is always going to cost us something.  The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are prepared to pay that price in order to do what Jesus has called us to do.  Every Christian has an obligation to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.  Every day presents new opportunities for us to do this, and we must take advantage of them for our Lord.  It’s easy to get complacent about the gospel and forget about those around us.  The good news is for both Jews and Gentiles.  Jesus died for all of us, and we all need the gospel.  We need to take as many as we can into the kingdom of God with us.

Ministering Through Faith

                                                                  Sunday School Lesson

                                                                     November 18, 2012

                                 

Lesson:  Acts 28:1-10;                                                                                        
Golden Text:  “And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him” (Acts 28:8).

INTRODUCTION.  At sometime or other we all have wondered what God is doing in our lives, especially when we find ourselves in some strange and unknown circumstance.We often ask ourselves questions like“What am I doing here?”or“Why is this happening to me now?”We search for answers from God.In this week’s lesson Paul and his companions found themselves shipwrecked on an unknown island which they later found out was Melita or Malta.On this island where they were shipwrecked, Paul continued to serve others through faith.

II. HOSPITALITY EXTENDED (Acts 28:1-2).   As last week’s lesson ended, Paul and a group of other prisoners were on their way to Rome. During a great storm, the ship was destroyed but everyone on board made it safely to shore.  This week’s lesson takes up at that point.

A. The location (Acts 28:1).  As already noted, the Apostle Paul was a prisoner on his way to Rome to appeal his defense to the Roman emperor when their ship was destroyed by a storm and hit ground.  This verse then says “And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.”  The word “escaped” here means that all those aboard the ship made it safely to shore.  Once they all made it to shore, Luke tells us that “then they knew that the island was called Melita.”  Even though the sailors had probably landed on this island’s main port of Valetta many times, they didn’t recognize the place where their ship ran aground.It was only after they all got ashore that they learned the name of the island was Melita or Malta as it is known today.The island’s name means “refuge.”

B.The reception on the island of Malta (Acts 28:2).  This verse says “And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.”  Luke describes the residents on the island as “barbarous people.”  This can also be translated as “barbarians” as it is in verse 4.  However, the term does not mean a savage people.  It was used by both Greeks and Romans to describe any people who were neither Greek nor Roman and spoke a dialect unknown to them.  The phrase “shewed us no little kindness” was Luke’s way of saying that the island residents showed them extraordinary kindness.  Their kindness included building a fire and welcoming all of the 276 castaways.  The fire was certainly appreciated by the castaways “because of the present rain, and because of the cold.”  Apparently the storm had ceased but it was still raining and cold since it was close to winter (see Acts 27:9-12).  Even though these islanders were pagans, they showed a human kindness that even Christians sometimes lack.

III. A MIRACLE OBSERVED (Acts 28:3-6) 

A.  Paul’s snakebite (Acts 28:3).  Then this verse says “Andthem on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.”  As Paul was continuing to make himself useful, he gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper was driven out of the bundle by the heat from the fire.  The snake “fastened on his hand” indicating that it just didn’t bite Paul, it held on to his hand.  The viper was a poisonous snake and the islanders knew this.Note: God had something special in mind for Paul.Nothing happens to the Christian believer without God’s planning something wonderful, even through the most difficult circumstances.  Paul would soon learn that there was a ministry opportunity awaiting him.

B. The islanders’ interpretation of Paul’s snakebite (Acts 28:4).  Luke then says “And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.”  These islanders, here called “barbarians” were pagans and superstitious so when they saw the snake hanging from Paul’s hand they concluded two things. First, they concluded that “No doubt this man is a murderer.”  Being bitten by the snake convinced them that Paul had to be an evil person, even a murderer.  Second, they concluded that “though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.”  The islanders said that even though Paul escaped from the sea and the shipwreck, he would not escape from the snakebite because “vengeance” or justice would catch up with him and not let him live.  As superstitious pagans who had no sense of the one true God, they believed that when bad things happened it was a sign of disfavor by the gods; and when good things happened it was a sign of the gods’ favor. 

C. The islanders’ change of opinion (Acts 28:5-6). 

1. (vs. 5).  Something amazing happens next. This verse says “And he (Paul) shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.”  Paul shook the snake off his hand into the fire and showed no signs of being harmed by it.  For Paul, surviving this incident was due to divine protection, just as he and his companions were protected during the storm.  Note: God honors the faith of His people by faithfully delivering them from their trials or giving them strength in the midst of their hardships.  God had displayed His power and reassured Paul by preserving him during the storm, and again He was reassuring Paul that He would bring him safely to Rome.  God was demonstrating His power to both the islanders and the castaways in order to create saving faith in them.

2. (vs. 6).  Luke now writes “ Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.”  The islanders watched Paul intently expecting the snake bite to either cause swelling and/or death very quickly.  After watching for a long period of time, we are not told how long, they saw that nothing happened to Paul.  This caused them to re-think their earlier conclusions and change their minds about Paul.  Now the islanders no longer viewed him as a murderer (see vs. 4) but they “said that he was a god.”  Again, being pagans and superstitious, whenever the islanders saw events such as this, they concluded that deity was present.

MIRACLES PERFORMED (Acts 28:7-10)

A. The healing of Publius’ father (Acts 28:7-8).

1. (vs. 7).  This verse introduces us to a new ministry opportunity for Paul.  It says “In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.”  In the same area where all this was happening the “chief man of the island, whose name was Publius” had some “possessions” or property.  The name “Publius” is Latin indicating that he was a Roman.  He was probably the Roman governor of Malta.  Luke said that this leader of the island “received us, and lodged us three days courteously.”   The words “received us” means that Publius welcomed Paul and his companions, who included Luke, the soldiers, the sailors and other prisoners, and provided them with food and hospitality for three days.  Note: The stay with Publius lasted only three days until they all could be lodged at other places, because they would remain on the island for three months (see Acts 28:11).

2. (vs. 8).  Luke then writes “And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.”  While they were staying with Publius, they learned that his father was “sick of a fever and of a bloody flux.”  The term “bloody flux” refers to dysentery. This was an intestinal sickness accompanied by heavy fever.  It may have been what has been called “Malta fever” which is even now common on the island.  It has been traced to a microbe in goat’s milk.  We are told that “Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.”  Earlier the islanders called Paul a god, but his praying made it clear that he depended on a deity himself.  Seeing Paul pray would also remove any ideas that the healing was a result of Paul’s own power.  The laying on of hands was a symbolic act signifying the giving of a divine benefit by God.  In this case the divine benefit was this man’s healing (see Acts 9:17-18).  Note: This healing along with God’s protection of Paul from the snake’s bite was a quick fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that His followers would “take up serpents” and “lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (see Mark 16:18).

B. The healing of others (Acts 28:9).  This verse says “So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed.”  The phrase “So when this was done” refers to the healing of Publius’ father.  After he was healed many others brought their sick to Paul and they were also cured.

C. The islanders’ gratitude (Acts 28:10).  Still referring to the many others who came to be healed, Luke says they “also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.”  The islanders were thrilled with Paul and his companions and gave them many honors.  Luke does not share with us what any of those honors were, but they probably included providing exceptional hospitality to them for the remainder of their stay. Luke closes by saying “when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.”  In other word, the people of Malta gave them all that they would need for the rest of their journey.  This was God’s way of providing for all of them because of one man’s faith, Paul.  What could have been a bleak chapter in Paul’s life became a time of fulfillment for him and blessing for others.  Note: Paul’s three month stay on the island of Malta teaches us that the Lord can use us to impact others even in the midst of our trials.  In fact, spiritual trials strengthen and equip us to grow in faith so that we can demonstrate God’s power.                     

V. Conclusion.  Faithfulness in difficult storms of life often opens the door for ministry to others.  The next time you are wondering what God is doing in your lives, consider that it may be that He is setting the stage for His next miracle.  Paul was always prepared and armed with faith.  He was ready when God wanted to use him.  We too must be ready with prayer and faith for God when He chooses to use us.  Our faithfulness often opens the door for ministry to others in the strangest ways.  And sometimes these opportunities for ministry come when our lives are badly shipwrecked.









                                                          

Weathering the Storm

                                                            Sunday School Lesson
                                                              November 11, 2012

                                 

Lesson:  Acts 27:33-44;                                                                                        
Golden Text:  “And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land” (Acts 27:44).

INTRODUCTION.  It’s easy to trust God when things are going well.However, things don’t always go well for us.We may lose our jobs because of a shift in the economy.Serious illness or injury may even come upon us.Disease and death can take a loved one from us.  When these things happen, does our faith help us survive or overcome?Ever since the time of Job, saints have wrestled with the hard questions that suffering brings.Yet Scripture tells us of many who not only weathered their storms, but also greatly matured in faith through them.In this week’s lesson we will see how Paul came through a literal storm at sea.His remarkable faith in the midst of it is an example for us of how faith can survive in hard times and make us a blessing to all those with whom we associate.

II. ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUSTENANCE (Acts 27:33-37).   After appearing before governor Festus to defend himself against the religious Jewish leaders, Paul realizing that he could not get justice, appealed to the Roman emperor, Caesar.  Our lesson takes place as Paul and other prisoners are headed to Rome via ship. On this portion of the journey, the ship they were on encountered a violent storm.  The storm raged so long and so intensely that all hope for survival vanished (see Acts 27:20).  But Paul encouraged those on the ship that an angel had spoken to him declaring that no lives would be loss but the ship would be destroyed (see Acts 27:22-25). 

A.  Paul’s words of encouragement (Acts 27:33-34). 

1. (vs. 33).  After sailing on the Mediterranean Sea in the midst of the storm for a number of days, Luke writes “And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.”  As dawn was approaching on one of those days, Paul begged everyone to eat since it had been 14 days since anyone had eaten anything. There was food, but no doubt everyone was so concerned about the storm that they couldn’t eat and being in a storm made it almost impossible to prepare food. The angel had told Paul that the ship was going to be destroyed and they would end up on a certain island (see Acts 27:22-26), so Paul knew that they would all need their strength to make it to shore once the ship was destroyed in the storm.  At this point the storm had probably eased up enough to prepare food.  As a result, Paul encouraged all who were on board to eat. 
2. (vs. 34).  He continued to say “Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.”  In the phrase “I pray you to take some meat” Paul was saying “I beg you all to eat some food.”  Then he gives them the reason why this was so important.  He said “for this is for your health.”  The word “health” here can mean salvation, rescue or deliverance.  Paul was telling everyone, the sailors, the soldiers and the prisoners that they would need to eat to gain the strength they would need for going ashore.  Gaining physical strength would be good for their “health” or their rescue.
B. Partaking of Food (Acts 27:35-36). 
1. (vs. 35).  Luke now tells us that “when he (Paul) had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.”   Paul took a leadership role and set an example for his shipmates.  Paul “took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all.”  His desire was to cause everyone to eat, so in front of everyone he took some bread and thanked God for it.  He did this “in the presence of them all” because he wanted everyone to recognize his God as the One who was providing for them. 
2. (vs. 36).  This verse says “Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.”  Paul’s actions had a positive effect on all the others. Seeing him eat bread prompted them to do the same.
C. The number of people on the ship (Acts 27:37).  This verse says “And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.”  Now Luke tells us that the number of “souls” or people on the ship was “two hundred threescore and sixteen.”  In other words, there were 276 people on board.  A “score” is twenty and therefore, threescore is sixty.  The words “we were in all” indicates that Luke, the writer of Acts was also among those on the ship.   

III. PREPARATIONS FOR DISEMBARKING (Acts 27:38-40)

A. Lightening the ship (Acts 27:38).  Luke now writes “And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.”  Once all the individuals on bard the ship had eaten enough to fill them up, they had the strength to carry out a strenuous task: “they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.”  They made the ship lighter by throwing the wheat overboard into the sea.  Remember, this was a grain ship from Egypt and the cargo was wheat destined to be sold in Rome.  However, losing the wheat was irrelevant because the whole ship would eventually be destroyed by the storm. 

B. Heading for shore (Acts 27:39-40).  

1. (vs. 39).  This verse says “And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.”  Now Luke tells us that when daylight came “they knew not the land.”   This means that the sailors looked out at daybreak and didn’t recognize the land that was ahead.  However, they saw a creek with a beach.  They decided to try to “thrust” or run the ship to “shore” or beach, if they could. 
2. (vs. 40).  Luke continues to write “And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.”  After they decided to try to guide the ship to the shore, they cut the ropes to the anchors and “committed” or let them drop into the sea.  Since they were going to try to run the ship up on the shore, the anchors would not be needed.  At the same time they untied the ropes that were holding the “rudders” or oars and dropped them into the water.  The oars would be needed to help guide the ship into the beach area since the anchors were gone.  Ancient ships were guided by two large oars, or paddles on either side of the stern, or the rear part of the ship.  Then they “hoised up” or raised the “mainsail to the wind” and headed to the beach.  Even though there was a short distance to the shore, the sail would be useful in guiding the ship in the wind.
IV. ABANDONMENT OF THE SHIP (Acts 27:41-44)
A. The ship broken up (Acts 27:41).  This verse says “And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.”  As the sailors continued to try to steer the ship, it ran into a “place where two seas met.”  This probably refers to a sandbar, a bar of sand that connected the bay to the ocean.  In that area, the ship hit ground and the front of the ship “stuck fast” or tightly, and couldn’t move.  But the rear of the ship was broken in pieces by the raging waves of the storm.

B. The prisoners spared (Acts 27:42-43a).   

1. (vs. 42).  Luke then tells us that at this point “the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.”  As if the storm wasn’t dangerous enough, the soldiers who were in charge of the prisoners instinctively determined to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 

2. (vs. 43a).  The first part of this verse says “But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose.”  Realizing what the soldiers intended to do, Julius the centurion in charge of Paul and other prisoners (see Acts 27:1), wanting to save Paul, intervened and “kept them (the soldiers) from their purpose” which was to kill the prisoners.  The term “save” here means to bring someone safely through something and that was the centurion’s intention for Paul.  

C. The voyage saved (Acts 27:43b-44). 

1. (vs. 43b).Still referring to the centurion, the second part of verse 43 says “and (the centurion) commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land.”In addition to intervening to save Paul from the soldiers, the centurion commanded everyone who could swim to jump into the sea and swim to land. 

2. (vs. 44).The centurion then said “And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.”  The centurion commanded those who couldn’t swim to go after those who could by clinging to “broken pieces of the ship.”  As a result they all made it safely to land.Note: God’s promise to Paul earlier in Acts 27 was fulfilled in every detail.The ship was lost or destroyed (see Acts 27:22), they were cast upon an island (see Acts 27:26), and all their lives were spared (see Acts 27:22, 34).For sure, God had honored His servant Paul’s faith.It was God’s providence alone that had brought everyone safely through the storm.Paul had good reason to trust God’s promise because the Lord had already committed to bring Paul’s witness to Rome (see Acts 23:11).  

Conclusion. Our lesson this week shows how those who trust God completely can weather storms, both literally and figuratively.Only God knows how many other lives are drawn to Him as we demonstrate faith in the midst of our storms.This lesson challenges us to trust God when we go through the most difficult times in our lives.Yes, the storms of life may severely test our faith, but remember, the Lord is there in the darkness of our storms and the daylight hours will reveal that He has never left us.

Taking a Stand

                                                             Sunday School Lesson
                                                                November 4, 2012

                                 

Lesson:  Acts 26:19-32;                                                                                        
Golden Text:  “But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:25).

INTRODUCTION.Have you ever wondered why God placed you in that particular classroom with that wonderful Christian teacher?What about that church with that particular pastor?God had a special plan in mind for you when He did that.God puts us in different places and positions us to meet different people so that we can influence them for our Lord.  In this week’s lesson,we will see how God placed Paul before kings and governors so that he could share the good news with them.However, Paul knew that following and trusting Jesus comes with a price tag.Genuine faith is costly, and we must be prepared to pay the price if we seek to follow Jesus and share the good news about Him with others.

II. PAUL’S REVIEW OF HIS MINISTRY (Acts 26:19-23).   The background for our lesson takes place after Paul completed his third missionary journey.  He had returned to Jerusalem delivering a financial gift the Gentile churches had collected for the saints at Jerusalem (see Acts 24:17).  While in the temple, he was assaulted by unbelieving Jews, who accused him of bringing Gentiles into the temple (see Acts 21:26-31).  Paul was rescued from this mob by Roman soldiers, and to keep him safe, he was taken to Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea (see Acts 21:36-39; 23:16-35).  While there, Paul defended himself against Jewish charges before Felix, the Roman procurator.  Although the charges were false, Felix kept Paul imprisoned to satisfy the Jews (see Acts 24:10-26).  After two years, Festus succeeded Felix, to whom Paul appealed his case to Caesar realizing that he could not get justice in Judea (see Acts 24:27; 25:1-12).  Festus granted Paul’s request, but before he was taken to Rome, Festus invited Herod Agrippa II, a local king who made a courtesy visit to Festus, to hear Paul’s case as well (see Acts 25:13-21).  The next day king Agrippa, along with his sister Bernice and all the local high ranking officials gathered to hear Paul speak (see Acts 25:23-27).

A.  Paul reviews his early ministry (Acts 26:19-20).  In Acts 26:1, King Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak for himself.  Paul then reviewed his previous life in Judaism and his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus including how the Lord had commissioned him to take the gospel to the Gentiles (see Acts 26:2-18).

1. (vs. 19).  Now in our first verse, Paul said “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.”  In other words, once Paul had seen the risen and ascended Christ, he obediently submitted to Him completely.  At that point Paul became a slave to Christ.

2. (vs. 20).  Paul continued to say “But (I) shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”  Paul was saying that after he had the vision of the risen Lord, he quickly began to share the gospel message that Christ had entrusted to him “first unto them of Damascus.”  These were Jews he preached to in the synagogues before he had to escape Damascus after the Jews threatened to kill him (see Acts 9:19-25).  He then returned and preached “at Jerusalem” arousing opposition, but still he boldly spoke in the synagogues (see Acts 9:26-29).  Paul’s ministry “throughout all the coasts of Judaea” did not happen immediately.  It was part of his outreach to the Jews later on (see Galatians 1:21-22).  Finally, Paul said he then preached “to the Gentiles” which was most of his later ministry (see Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:8).  To all of these groups, Paul preached the same message, “that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”   In other words, Paul’s message was that everyone he preached to should “repent,” or have a complete change of mind about sin and “turn to God.”  The phrase “and do works meet for repentance” means that they should prove that their repentance was genuine by their deeds.Note: In essence, repentance involves a change of mind about sin, followed by turning to God through faith in Christ, resulting in a transformed or changed life.For sure salvation is by grace alone, but saving faith will produce good works (see Ephesians 2:8-10).
B. Paul reviews his encounter with opposition (Acts 26:21).  Paul here says “For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.”  The apostle made it clear that the “causes” or reason the Jews took him in the temple and tried to kill him was because of his obedience to Christ’s commission to preach the gospel.  Even after Paul was rescued by the Romans, the Jews still tried to kill him while he was on his way to an inquiry (see Acts 23:12-22).  Even after he was carried away to Caesarea for his safety after this incident, the Jewish officials conspired to kill him (see Acts 25:1-3).  Paul knew that his obedience to Christ led to his present situation.


C. Paul reviews his perseverance (Acts 26:22-23).
1. (vs. 22).  Paul went on to say to Agrippa “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.”  Paul was able to overcome all the plots against him because he “obtained help of God.”  Even though the Romans rescued him, it was God who worked through them to do it.  God’s help made it possible for Paul to “continue unto this day” meaning that with God’s help he was able to survive attempts against his life and continue to “stand” firm as a witness for the Lord.  Paul was able to continue “witnessing both to small and great.”  In other words, Paul witnessed to all social classes from the lowest to the highest, understanding that everyone has the same spiritual needs and everyone depends on the same single means of salvation (see Romans 3:22-23; Colossians 3:11).  He said he preached “none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.”  This means that Paul preached the same thing that the prophets and Moses had prophesied which is the meaning of “did say should come.”  The entire Old Testament, including the Prophets and even the Law, had pointed to the coming of Christ and what He would do.
2. (vs. 23).  In this verse, Paul was more specific.  He said he preached “That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”  The Old Testament Scriptures predicted “that Christ should suffer” (see Isaiah 53).  The fact that “he (Christ) should be the first that should rise from the dead” reminds us that others will be resurrected later (see I Corinthians 15:20-23).  Paul also preached that Christ would be a “light unto the people” referring to the Jews as well a light “to the Gentiles” or non-Jews, all the nations of the world.   

III. PAUL’S RESPONSE TO FESTUS (Acts 26:24-26)

A. Paul charged with being mad (Acts 26:24).  Now Luke writes “And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.”  So far in his address, Paul was speaking directly to King Agrippa, because he thought Agrippa was familiar with the Jewish religion since he had a Jewish background.  However, Festus, being Roman, thought the ideas Paul had presented regarding Christ were insane. He accused Paul of being insane when he interrupted the apostle and shouted out “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.”   No doubt Festus couldn’t believe that any sane person could believe in a bodily resurrection. In Festus’ mind all of Paul’s learning had made him crazy instead of smarter.

B. Paul answers with soberness (Acts 26:25-26).
1. (vs. 25).  Paul replied to Festus saying “I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.”  The apostle was both polite and frank in responding to Festus as he referred to him as “most noble Festus.”  Paul respected the governor’s position on resurrection but he totally disagreed with his conclusion that Paul was “mad” or crazy.  The apostle firmly stated “I am not mad… but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.”  Paul was saying that everything he had said to those listening was the truth and he said them “in soberness” or with a clear mind.  Paul could not deny his personal experience of seeing the resurrected Jesus on his way to Damascus.  Yes, Jesus had indeed risen from the dead!
2. (vs. 26).  At this point Paul turned to back to Agrippa and said “For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.”  Undoubtedly Paul was expecting support from King Agrippa because he reminded him that he already knew the things of which Paul spoke.  Therefore Paul felt that he could “speak freely.”  In addition, Paul was aware of the king’s knowledge of Jewish beliefs so he said “for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden” from you.  Surely the king was aware of Jesus’ ministry and death, as well as the claims of His followers that He had risen.  There were proofs of Jesus’ resurrection and in just under thirty years, the number of His followers had grown tremendously.  All of this led Paul to remind the king “for this thing was not done in a corner.”  In other words, anyone who lived in Judea in the last thirty years knew all about Jesus and His ministry.
IV. PAUL’S APPEAL TO AGRIPPA (Acts 26:27-29)

A. Agrippa’s reply to Paul (Acts 26:27-28).

1. (vs.27).  Paul then boldly asked the king “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.”  Paul could say that he knew the king believed the prophets because Agrippa was part Jewish and educated in Jewish traditions.  As far as Paul was concerned belief in the prophets and what they said logically led to Christ.  No doubt Paul desired deeply that the king would not only understand his position, but would also follow him in faith.  Truth be told, the Apostle Paul was not defending himself before the King and the governor, he was seeking converts to Christ.

2. (vs. 28).  This verse says “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”  Regardless of what the king believed, he couldn’t reveal it in front of all the people gathered there.  So he said to Paul “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”  At first reading it appears that King Agrippa was admitting that he was on the verge of becoming a Christian, but was not there yet.  Some Bible scholars see the king’s reply as an attempt to make fun of Paul, but the text appears to be a more sincere response.  It’s quite probable that Paul’s remarks were causing King Agrippa to seriously consider all that he was saying.

B. Paul’s heartfelt desire (Acts 26:29).   In response to Agrippa Paul said “I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.”  We can’t be sure of the intent of Agrippa’s remark in the previous verse, but Paul took it seriously as if Agrippa was actually on the verge of becoming saved.  The phrase “I would to God” means “I pray to God.” In essence, Paul was saying “My prayer is that not only you King Agrippa, but everyone present here today was not just “almost” saved, but “altogether” or completely saved.  Paul’s desire was that Agrippa would go beyond mere interest in Christ to complete trust and commitment.  The phrase “all that hear me this day” included the governor Festus, Bernice (Agrippa’s sister) and all the visiting dignitaries (see Acts 25:23-24).  He didn’t see any of these people as political or military leaders; he only saw people for whom Jesus died.  Paul went on to say that he wished his audience was “such as I am, except these bonds.”  The apostle was standing before all these people in chains and his prayer was that they could all be saved like he was and not in chains.Note: This indicates that Paul was realistic about the consequences associated with serving Christ which included being jailed.However, that does not mean he enjoyed it.But what is important is that Paul was more concerned about others being saved than he was about being bound with chains. That should be our testimony as well.

V. PAUL’S INNOCENCE OF THE CHARGES (Acts 26:30-32)

A. The rulers’ exit (Acts 26:30).  Here Luke writes “And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them.”  After hearing Paul’s final words, the group exited the area.  They left the room in order of importance with the king leaving first followed by Festus, then Bernice and finally by the rest of the dignitaries. 

B. The rulers’ judgment (Acts 26:31-32). 

1. (vs. 31).  This verse says “And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.”  The phrase “And when they were gone aside,” appears to refer to King Agrippa and Festus separating themselves from the others.  They were the only ones who needed to make a judgment about Paul.  However, it’s quite possible that all the dignitaries were privy to the conversation.  After hearing all that Paul had spoken the only conclusion they could reach was “This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.”  In other words, it was agreed that Paul was innocent. But would he be set free? The next verse gives us the answer.

2. (vs. 32).  Our final verse says “Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.”  The king said that Paul would have been set free “if he had not appealed unto Caesar.”  Earlier when Festus questioned Paul before Agrippa’s visit (see Acts 24:1,4-5,10), he could find no reason to condemn Paul, but he refused to let him go hoping to receive a bribe from Paul (see Acts 24:26) and he also wanted to please the Jews (see Acts 25:9).  Realizing that he could not get a fair hearing, Paul appealed to a higher authority, Caesar.  Note: In appealing to be heard before Caesar, Paul was exercising a right that every Roman citizen had (see Acts 22:25-29; 25:10-12).  Festus had already granted his request to appeal to Caesar so regardless of what he and King Agrippa decided, Paul’s fate was no longer in their hands.  The appeal had to be carried out and Paul must go to Rome as God had previously shown to him (see Acts 23:11).

VI. Conclusion.  When God called Paul to be His apostle, the Lord said that he would bring the gospel of Jesus Christ before kings (see Acts 9:15).  In this week’s lesson we saw that prophecy fulfilled.  Believers are often intimidated by the idea of sharing the message of the gospel with people, especially those who are in positions of leadership and authority.  But no matter who the audience is, we can have spiritual impact by simply yet courageously sharing how Jesus Christ has transformed our lives.  When the gospel is combined with personal testimony, the results are incredible