Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome

Acts 23:1-11

Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Why?

My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day. This is the mind of Paul to serve the Lord. So we should fulfill our duty to God in all good conscience 

The Pharisees and Sadducees have different viewpoints about the resurrection of the dead and about the spirit and angels. So there was a dispute among them. So the commander ordered the troops to take Paul away from them by force. It is protected Paul won't be hurt.

All of these have the way of the Lord, Paul will go to Rome to testify to the Lord. The difference is not in Paul's way but in God's way, not in normal citizens but in a special position. Solder protected Paul to Rome and prepared food and transportation.

How?

God's way beyond our way, God's mind beyond our mind. And fulfill my duty to God in all good conscience.

Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’

Acts 22:17-30

“When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”

The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”

As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”

The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

“Yes, I am,” he answered.

Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”

“But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains. The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.

Why?

The Jews in Jerusalem could not accept that Gentiles could be the inheritance of the Lord. They thought only Jews were the people of the Lord.

The Jews constrain the love of the Lord in Jews only. But the love of the Lord extends to every sinner. If anyone confesses his sin and turns to the Lord through Jesus Christ be saved.

Salvation comes from Jews but is limited in the Laws of Moses. The Salvation implements the Laws of the Lord.

No one can meet the requirements of the Laws of Moses.

Because Paul is a Roman citizen, so Paul may asked it is legal for them to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty. We are the sons of the Lord, so no one can get rid of the blessing, love, and protection from the Lord.

How?

We have to confess that we are sinners and without the salvation of the Lord through Jesus, no one can stand up before the Lord.

The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth

Acts 22:1-16

Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.

“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.

‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.

A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him.

Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’

Why?

Here write down why Paul has become a servant of the Lord and do all his life and effort to witness the Lord and Jesus Christ. Paul was as zealous for God as any of them in Jerusalem. This is his witness, but it doesn't mean everyone will turn to Paul. 

For I have tested the goodness and witnessed the work of the Lord on me, so I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the grace of the Lord come upon me. So I know how to do and will be a servant of the Lord.

Paul met the Lord and got up, accepted baptized, and washed his sins away as Ananias said. Action is more important than just listening.

How?

Paul can be a good model to follow. I can't do as great a mission as Paul, but if the Lord is with me I can do more like Paul.

When they were all silent, Paul said to them in Aramaic

 Acts 21:27-40

When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place.

The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut.

As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?”

Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.” After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic.

Why?

The Jews stirred up the whole crowd and seized Paul, they misunderstood the truth, and they thought their laws were higher than any other. So they didn't believe Jesus was the Son of the Lord, and they missed salvation. But they didn't know.

The Prophets said about Paul are correct, but Paul did not fear this, Paul devoted his life to the Lord. Paul is the real missionary.

Paul did not worry about what happened but grasped the chance to explain to the crowd what is the truth.

When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic. Paul never gave up on preaching the gospel even after the aroused and his dangerous situation. Paul doesn't care about his life but about the Name of  Jesus Christ.

How?

How can we compare with Paul, Paul is our good example before the Lord and our living style.

Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus

Acts 21:1-26

We landed at Tyre. We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.

We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.

They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come

The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

Why?

The problem in Jerusalem is Jews don't believe in Jesus Christ, but keep the laws of Moses. Jesus did not come to is broke but to implement the laws of Moses. But most Jews only kept the regulation instead of the Love.

When we obey the word of the Lord and easily fall into the regulations, may the Holy Spirit remind me to love others with love and away from sins.

How many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. So many Jews are zealous for the law. They did not know the real Lord and Jesus Christ is the son of the Lord.

How?

Jesus is the Lord, peace and righteousness. May my life come closer to the Lord! Live with love, peace, and joy.

Thanks to the Lord gave me the answer to solve the problem of the WaveShare Barcode scanner module problem today. Solved an unknown problem in my job for a week.

Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

 Acts 20:17-38

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.  I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Why?

Paul worried about delaying his schedule to Jerusalem if he went to Ephesus, so he invited elders of the church Ephesus to Miletus.

Paul knew the prison and hardships were facing him, but Paul didn't care about his life but the mission of the Lord. Paul knew when he came back to Jerusalem, he wouldn't be able to meet them again.

Even the Holy Spirit has warned Paul, but Paul continues to teach them and warn them what will happen after his leaving.

Paul said that both Jews and Greeks must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. So are our people in Taiwan and China.

You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. Paul told them as much as he can to serve people.

Paul went to Jerusalem compelled by the Holy Spirit, even though he did not know what would happen. This is the heart of a God's servant, sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

How?

Commit us to God and to the word of his grace can build us up and give us an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. This is our strength and our foundation in Jesus Christ.

He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people

Acts 20:1-12

When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

Why?

Paul pay much time and effort to encourage disciples and brothers, and sisters in Macedonia, Greece, Asia... For the mission of the Lord, Paul suffers many burdens and dangers of the missionary.

Paul spoke until midnight to encourage them and a young man fell to the ground from the third story and picked up dead. But Paul made him alive. This event comforted people there and his family.

Because Paul works with the Lord he can speak God's word comfort many people and encourage many weak men.

Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate;  After this accident, Paul spoke to the people and broke bread, for Paul kept any chance to teach them, this is the mission of the Lord has given to Paul

How?

Who can compare with Paul, we just follow the way of Paul and Jesus Christ. To be an honest servant of the Lord.

 

gods made by human hands are no gods at all

Acts 19:21-41

About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.

The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there.

The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess....As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

Why?

The silversmith said is true, if all of the world turns to Jesus Christ, they will lose their jobs. But there are many people with hard hearts who won't turn to Jesus Christ, so those crafts are working on their jobs until now. 

Salvation comes upon those the Lord has chosen. 

The assembly is blind and confused about the truth. So a Christian needs to know the word of the Lord and the way of the Lord's delight.

gods made by human hands are no gods at all are true, but many people do not understand.

The city clerk quieted the crowd, not only for himself but also for the people in the city. It was not the reason for this commotion. To come down the crowd needs wisdom and the eyes of most people who are blind.

How?

With wisdom to introduce God's word to those who don't know Jesus Christ.

Paul took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus

Acts 19:1-20

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus,... Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

Why?

John's baptism was a baptism of repentance, baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus may get eternal life.

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so people in Ephesus seized with fear and the name of the Lord was held in high honor.

The word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power in the work of the Holy Spirit and Paul devoted himself as a servant of the Lord with strong faith and did not care about his life to preach the gospel. Paul not only speaks the word of the Lord but also daily discussions in the lecture.

To be a servant of the Lord has to familiarize the word of the Lord, and experience the work of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is not related to salvation. The miracles rescue the souls of men and honor the Lord. It is not for raising our own name or position.

How?

Pray to the Lord and give me the ability to preach the word of the Lord.

Apollos vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

 Acts:18:18-28

Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

Why?

Paul teaches Priscilla and Aquila, and then they teach Apollos the truth of Jesus and baptism. Both are excellent Christians in proving the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

Paul was busy on the trip of missionary around the Mediterranean Sea, to encourage brothers and sisters. He devoted all his life to the Lord.

This is the second missionary trip of Paul. 

How?

Can I be a good servant of the Lord to preach the gospel? I will do my best. 

Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles

 Acts 18:1-17

In Corinth: Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.

Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” 

Why?

Paul made an effort to preach Jesus as the Messiah to Jews. But most Jews refused to believe, even against Paul. They opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them. "Your blood be on your own heads!" How sad these Jews are, they have been the blood burden for many years until now.

The Lord is the master of Paul, under God's protection, Paul can keep on speaking and don't be afraid.

Paul has no crime so the officer did not like to judge the quarrel among Jews. 

For the word of the Lord came upon Paul, so Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. This is a real missionary.

How?

Go step by step on the way of the Lord arranged for me. Don't worry and be humble myself, what I can do is the grace of the Lord on me. Follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit to serve the Lord.

An altar with this inscription: to an unknown god, and this is what I am going to proclaim to you

Acts 17:16-34

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.

Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.

Why?

Paul followed the customs of Athens, there was a god called an unknown god. This unknown god is the Lord. Jesus Christ. Paul explained to them.

The real God who created the world and everything in it, God is not served by human hands but gives all men life and breath and everything else.

Some of them sneered, and some of them became followers of Paul and believed. Two different reactions. Those who become followers of Paul are blessed.

Paul did not reject the religions in Athens but explained to them there is a bigger God that was not made by man's hands.

How?

Do the mission of the Lord, be a good witness before men, let people know that I belong to the Lord, and may my life and image can attract others to come to know my Lord. Our God is the real Lord who created this universal and our lives are created by Him. Real God doesn't live in man-made idols.

 

As a result, many of them believed for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true

Acts 17:1-15

But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea.

Why?

Paul and Silas said the truth "Jesus is the Messiah" They were welcomed by the Gentiles, but they were suffered by Jews.

The Jews shouted: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here." Actually, Paul and Silas did not cause trouble but brought love and peace to this world. Those Jews did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

This is a personal choice among Jesus and other gods. Christians do not force others to make choices but depends on your beliefs. Paul and Silas explained the truth and hope more people know Only Jesus can save us from sins and get eternal life.

The attitude of people in Berea is good, they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scripture every day to see if what Paul said was true.

How?

Tell others to trust Jesus is the way and is the only way to be saved.

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.

 16:16-40

Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”

They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”

The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

Why?

There were differences in the identity of Jews and Roman citizens. Because of the Jews and the spirit left the woman, she lost the spirit to earn money. So she stirred up the crowd there and let the magistrates arrest Paul and Silas.

Even the spirit knows that by believing in the Lord Jesus, you will be saved.

Paul and Silas were not against the law of Rome so they were not afraid. Even though the door of the jail was open, they stayed there and comforted the officers. So the jailer and his household were baptized.

Paul and Silas left jail with honor, this is the honor of the Lord either.

The Jailer knew it was Paul and Silas who were praying and singing so the doors of jail opened. And they get in to ask them "Sir, what must I do to be saved? If they get away from Jail the jailers will be killed, so they originally asked for this, but Paul told them the real salvation of their life.

How?

Work for the Lord is an honor and welcomed by men and the Lord.

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us

Acts 16:1-15

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 

As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

From Troas, we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, 

On the Sabbath, we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 

Why?
On the second trip of missionary, Paul listened to the sound or vision of the Holy Spirit guide his way. So the Gospel was preached to the West side instead of the East Asia area.

Lydia is a woman and she was chosen by the Lord and ready for the coming of Paul, so the members of her household were baptized. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Subdue myself before the Lord and the Holy Spirit, and then I can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.

How to know the vision of the Lord: Relying on the acknowledgment, wisdom, and words of the Lord, after praying and waiting for the vision for one month, if there is no instruction, then we can go on with our plan.  If we have the vision we have to choose one of the targets and give up others. 

How?

To be a good preacher of the Gospel is to listen to the sound or vision of the Holy Spirit. This is why I needed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality

Acts 15:22-41

With them they sent the following letter: 

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.

We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Why?

Sometimes there are disagreements among brothers, but if every one of us obeys the word of the Lord and treats each other with respect. There are good mission teams under the arrangement of the Lord.

Our salvation is not based on circumcise but on believing in Jesus Christ. The grace of the Lord comes upon us, so as the salvation. The reminders are good, abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. 

Judas and Sukas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. no only prophets, every Christian should encourage and strengthen the believers.

How?

Do not do something is easier than doing something. For if we don't care sins may induce us to turn away from the right way. Don't make temptations in our daily life.

We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are

Acts 15:1-21

Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 

The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.

James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. Simon[has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: "After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’—things known from long ago." (Amos 9:11-12)

It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

Why?

There were some Jews who kept the laws of Moses, and everyone had to accept circumcised. But Peter and James explained to them, that this is the choice of the Lord come upon the Gentiles, why have to put on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither our ancestors have not been able to bear.

The Holy Spirit is more important than circumcise, pure our heart is the more basic issue than keeping the ceremony.

Our believer is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, it is not what we have done or who I am.

The essential element is confirmed after this discussion in the first century, which confirms what we believe, and it is the grace of the Lord.

Peter mentioned that Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. Listening and believing are the keys to being a Christian.

How?

Don't make any new law or regulation to restrict the power and glory of the Lord. I am nothing and am a sinner before the Lord.