Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin

 Romane 3:1-31

What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speakand prevail when you judge.”

But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not! 

What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 

There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 

Why?

There is no one is rightous all os us are sinners, Jews and Gentils are all under the power of sins.

No one will be declared rightous in God;s sight by the works of the law.

The only way to be righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who belive. Trust in Jesus Christ is the only way to be righteousness by God's grace and love.

How?

Thanks to Jesus Christ! Through the faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to be rightousness through salvation of Jesus Christ.

For at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself

 Romans 2

for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his  kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

God “will repay each person according to what they have done.

Everyone who reject the truth and follow evil and there will be wrath and anger, but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

Why?

Paul explaing the real meaning of the judgment and circimsise. Out daily life behavior and our mind is more important than any other ceremomey.

How?

Do the word of the Lord from our heart and keep in mind our heart alway closer to the Lord.

The righteous will live by faith. Hab. 2:4

 Romans 1:1-32

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: I do not want you to be unaware.  brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you,in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[e] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness

 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.

 God gave them over to a depraved mind.

Why?

There are two kind men and two differetn consequence for sinners and righteousness.

Righteouns will live by faith, no matter 

How?

It is difficult may the Lord gives me the faith and strength to live out "The rightous will live by faith"

Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

 Acts 28:1-31

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness.

The chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Three days later, he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them...For this reason, I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.

They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: “‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’

For two whole years, Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Why?

Paul finally walked as the Lord told him, he would proclaim God's word in Rome and bear witness of the Lord.

Some are convinced, but others do not believe. It is the same with this generation; some are convinced, while others are not. This is the choice of the Holy Spirit and the Lord.

How?

Do my best to proclaim the truth of the Lord and give a good witness of the Lord to my staff, and my work everyday.

Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head

 Acts 27:27-44

In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.

Altogether, there were 276 of us on board. When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

Why?

Because Paul had the words of the Lord, he felt comforted and knew the way to be saved in this worst situation, and the centurion knew Paul had God's word, so he kept the safety of Paul and asked others to listen to Paul's instructions, and finally kept all the people on board.

We are usually meet many dangerous or troubles or difficulties, because we have the Lord, don't worry and pray to the Lord, our life is in the hands of the Lord, no matter what results happened, we are the children of the Lord, even we lost our life we may go to the heaven with the Lord better than stay in this world, if God need us to witness God's glory, the Lord will create a new way for us.

How?

Pray to the Lord and give thanks to the Lord even when we are under difficulty. God has his time and his way. Trust in the Lord

Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar;

 Acts 27:1-44

When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.

The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 

Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement.[a] So Paul warned them, “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.

As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure.

On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

Why?

Under a dangerous situation, because the Lord had a word to Paul, and Paul explained to others and encouraged those who were on the same boat. 

These people will be saved because Paul was on this boat, so Paul is their savior. Because the Lord saved Paul, all the people on the ship were saved too.

How?

May I be others' blessing instead of a burden.

Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains

 Acts 26: 1-32

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

“On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Why?

Paul clearly described what he met the Lord, and the words and vision from the Lord came to him. This is his experience; all he did was according to the word from Jesus Christ.

Paul has done what the Lord commanded him to do, to preach gospel to gentiles.

How?

Thank Paul, so we can be Christians today! Paul is our learning sample and model.

No one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar

 Acts 25:1-27

Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.”

Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”

Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.

Festus said:...For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.

Why?

There is evidence that Paul has not committed crimes and should not be charged. But those officials are afraid of Jews, so they would like to send Paul to Caesar, and Paul insists on appealing to Caesar, for to be judged in Jerusalem would be death; it is unworthy.

How?

God's plan with Paul's citizenship rights he can go to Rome to appeal before Caesar.

It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today

 Acts 24:1-27

When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’

Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

Why?

There are many injustices in this world, and in the period of Paul.

People's accusations are intolerable and high pressure on the small group.

We should base our treatment of others on the way and love of the Lord, treating everyone equally and respecting every life.

How?

Respect my staff and my surrounding people with love. 

the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment

 Acts 23:1-15

 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” So he took him to the commander.

Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”

This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.

 He said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.

Why?

Even Paul was under very danger risk, the Lord let his relative heard this message and let Paul save his life through the centurion and commander. Because they found the accusation had to do with questions about Jews' law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.

Sometimes, the real enemies are those closest to us, such as our neighbors or friends.

How?

Be aware that there are enemies around us. We have to take care of ourselves and rely more on the protection of the Lord.

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

 Acts 23:1-15

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!”

When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)

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.”

More than forty men were involved in this plot. They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 

Why?
Because Paul's talk not only proclaimed the true Gospel, but also explained the truth of God's love and God's way. But most priests still insisted on the Law of Moses. 

The truth usually will be attacked by the false prophets, but the Lord showed to Paul and give Paul comfort and showed him the way.

How?

If we walk in the right way, even if many people are against us, the Lord protects us

Only Jesus can give us the real new life with love, peace and joy

 Acts 21:18-40

When they heard this, they praised God. 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. 

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.

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. 

news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”

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(the language of Jews).

Why?

It has come true; the Holy Spirit had spoken that Paul would be chained in Jerusalem.

The Jews misunderstood what he preached and what Paul had done according to the Lord.

But most Jews followed the law of Moses, for Jesus came to let people out of the limitations of the Law.

Jesus gave us a new way and new life to live out the life of Jesus, the love, peace, and joy. The Law is dead, but our new life can extend to eternity.

How?

Jesus is the Lord, because Jews have obeyed the Law for so many years, but they are still living under sin and are dead without hope, until Jesus came. This is the new way to get a new life.

I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

 Acts 21:1-17

We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 

Why?

The Holy Spirit gave sign that there is suffering in Jerusalem, but Paul still wanted to get there, why?

“現在我往耶路撒冷去，心甚迫切，不知道在那裏要遇見甚麼事。但知道聖靈在各城裏向我指證說，有捆鎖與患難等待我。我卻不以性命為念，也不看為寶貴，只要行完我的路程，成就我從主耶穌所領受的職事，證明神恩惠的福音。”（徒二○：22-24）"Now I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. But I know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that bonds and tribulations await me. Yet I do not count my life of any account to myself, but only that I may complete my race and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:22-24) 

Missionary is more important than any other, even lost the life

可見聖靈的預告，並不代表聖靈禁止前行。神交付的使命還是最重要的。或問，到底有甚麼使命任務這麼重要，使保羅為之而冒死﹖研究這個問題，我們發現一個非常感人的答案。原來除了福音之外，保羅一直以救濟貧窮的善舉為其重大的使命。現在讓我們將事情的始末由開始說個清楚。

It can be seen that the Holy Spirit's forewarning does not mean that the Holy Spirit prohibits moving forward. The mission entrusted by God is still the most important. Or ask, what mission is so important that Paul risked his life for it? After studying this question, we found a very touching answer. It turns out that in addition to the gospel, Paul has always regarded the charity of helping the poor as his important mission. Now let us explain the whole story from the beginning.

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.”

When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 

How?

Do what the mission God has given to me, to preach the gospel.

we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

 Acts20:17-38

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.

After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

 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.”

When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly.

Why?

Even the Holy Spirit said Paul would be bound in Jerusalem. But Paul still went on the way to Jerusalem.

How?

Learn the faith of Paul in Jesus Christ and insist the way of the Lord guided him,

The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted

 Acts 20:1-16

But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

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.

Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

Why?

Because the Spirit of the Lord was with Paul, he could say He's alive.

Paul hurried to Jerusalem, even though he knew there was a worse event waiting for him.

Paul did not care about his life, but he worked for the Lord only.

How?
Learn the heart, mind, and way of Paul and preach the Gospel.

Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, he said, “I must visit Rome also

 Acts 19:21-41

After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemi...When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him.

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. If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges.

 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?

Paul and his teaching made the silver dealers and makers afraid that people would turn to worship the Lord and no longer need the idols of silver. So they were furious about Paul and his disciples. They care only about their business.

Paul wanted to explain what the real God is, but under such a situation, his disciples would not let him go; it was dangerous for Paul.

How?

Paul is a great disciple of Jesus; he can make people turn to the Lord. Paul is a real good missionary of Jesus Christ.

The evil spirit answered them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?

 Acts 19:1-20

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.

Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months. 

But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.

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.

One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

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?

The real God and the real Gospel have the power to overcome the evil spirit. 

Even the evil spirits know Jesus and Paul. The power of the Lord overcame the evil spirits.

John preached the baptism of repentance, but Paul preached the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus.

When people received Jesus Christ as their God, all the idols and sorcery scrolls were burned as garbage. This is the real Spiritual work in Ephesus.

How?

 May the same Holy Spirit raise in our city. 

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

 Acts 18

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.”

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.

 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.

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, 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.

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?

To be a good servant of the Lord means not following his own plan or idea but only listening to the will and plan of the Lord. Like Paul, listen to the guidance of the Lord & Holy Spirit.

We welcome those who are learned men, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. Under this background, we should let him know Jesus accurately.

Paul was encouraged by the Lord "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you."

How?

For the time of serving the Lord through Sun Day Church, I need the word of the Lord to speak before brothers and sisters.

 

An unknown god is not the idols but is the Lord

 Acts17:16-34

 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.

where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?

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.

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.” 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 explains that the real God won't need a house or anything supported by human beings. All of this world is created by the Lord. 

What we have to do is repent for our sins and know the real love of the Lord.

When we like to know the truth of life, through the Holy Spirit we may understand the truth and the truth God.

How?

Love everyone around me, but let them know the real God in my life. It is difficult, but we do our best and work with the Lord.

Examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

 Acts 17:1-15

When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said.

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.

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.

Why?

Paul and his companies went to many places. First, they entered a Jewish synagogue, for Jews are there; they are the people of the Lord, but more pressure and jealousy arose among them. It became a pressure for Paul and Silas to preach the Gospel.

Many Greek women and many Greek men believed what Paul preached about Jesus Christ.

The Jews obeyed the words of the Lord, but refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah.

Most of us have the concept in our minds, and we believe I am right. Somehow, there are biases in our minds, for we are sinners.

How?

Humble myself and be careful to listen to the Holy Spirit shine the light on me! and understand what the truth is.

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

 Acts: 16:22-40

The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

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.” 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.

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?

One more time, Paul and Silas experienced the Holy Spirit working through them. Not only were they released, but also the jailer's household was baptized, and they were filled with joy because they had come to believe in God.

Even Paul and Silas suffered pain and were put in jail, but the Lord rescued them at night with an earthquake and opened the door of the Jail.

When we go through tough, worrisome situations and don't feel that God is with us, we can be assured that He's present with all those whom He loves and who love Him. May this knowledge of His certain presence bring us the comfort and hope we need today.

How?

Believe in Jesus and do the work of the Lord, and miracles and joy will come with us.