The Book of Acts – In Jerusalem
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Paul debriefs the church leaders in Jerusalem.
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A BIG mess is brewing and a possible solution.
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The solution doesn’t work, so Paul is arrested.
The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together as a mob. They seized Paul, dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. (Ac 21:30)
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Paul’s defense before the _______ almost results in a second _________.
37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” He replied, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian who started a revolt some time ago and led four thousand men of the Assassins into the wilderness?” (Ac 21:37–38)
Josephus, “... in A.D. 54 an Egyptian led a revolt of four thousand dagger men (sicarii), which the Romans quashed. Hundreds were killed, but the leader escaped.”
Paul said, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” (Ac 21:39)
When the commander had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When they were all silent, Paul addressed them in the Hebrew dialect. (Ac 21:40)
“Gentlemen, brothers, and fathers, listen to my defense, which I am now going to make to you.” (Ac 22:1)
When they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet. (Ac 22:2a)
2b Then he said, 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city and trained at the feet of Gamaliel, according to the strict ways of the law of our fathers. I am just as zealous for God as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, tying up and throwing both men and women into prisons, 5 as also the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. I even received letters from them to the brothers, and I was going to Damascus to bring back those who were there as prisoners to Jerusalem so that they could be punished. (Ac 22:2b–5)
6 “While I was on the way and approaching Damascus, about noon a very bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 “I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 “Those who were with me saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 “I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ “The Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus. There you will be told about everything you have been assigned to do.’ (Ac 22:6–10)
People’s Bible Commentary, “He had asked the question that a converted believer always asks in some form: “What shall I do, Lord?” A person who recognizes and trusts Jesus as Lord wants to know and do his will.”
11 Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took me by the hand and led me into Damascus. 12 “A man named Ananias lived there. He was a devout observer of the law and highly recommended by all the Jews living there. 13 He came to me, and as he stood beside me, he said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ At that very moment I was able to see him. 14 “Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear the sound of his voice. 15 For you will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. 16 Now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ (Ac 22:11–16)
... all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, since [he was] telling them not to circumcise their children or follow [Jewish] customs. (Ac 21:21b)
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Joel 2:32)
... what shall we do? (Ac 2:37)
Peter answered them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Ac 2:38)
he saved us—not by righteous works that we did ourselves, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and the renewal by the Holy Spirit, (Tt 3:5)
to make her holy, by cleansing her with the washing of water in connection with the Word. (Eph 5:26)
And corresponding to that [the flood waters in Noah’s day], baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body but the guarantee of a good conscience before God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Pe 3:21)
Points to Ponder
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What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?
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How does your understanding of baptism give you confidence in your faith and your eternity?
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How would you defend the Scriptural truth about baptism to someone who says, “Nothing happens in baptism. It is simple a command of Jesus that we must follow”?
