November 12, 2025
All About Paul!
Acts 21-22
Arnie Knecht
Big Book Idea
The Holy Spirit comes, and the Church is born; thus, the gospel shall go from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth!
Key Verse | Acts 22:14-16
"And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'"
Acts 21-22
Chapter 21
Paul Goes to Jerusalem
1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 1 21:1 Some manuscripts add and Myra 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers 2 21:7 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 17 and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews 3 21:11 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
Paul Visits James
17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, 4 21:25 Some manuscripts omit and from what has been strangled and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.
Paul Arrested in the Temple
27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”
Paul Speaks to the People
37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, 5 21:40 Or the Hebrew dialect (probably Aramaic) saying:
Chapter 22
1 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”
2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, 6 22:2 Or the Hebrew dialect (probably Aramaic) they became even more quiet. And he said:
3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel 7 22:3 Or city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand 8 22:9 Or hear with understanding the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
17 When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
Paul and the Roman Tribune
22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, 9 22:25 Or when they had tied him up with leather strips Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.
Paul Before the Council
30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
Footnotes
[1] 21:1 Some manuscripts add and Myra[2] 21:7 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 17
[3] 21:11 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time
[4] 21:25 Some manuscripts omit and from what has been strangled
[5] 21:40 Or the Hebrew dialect (probably Aramaic)
[6] 22:2 Or the Hebrew dialect (probably Aramaic)
[7] 22:3 Or city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated
[8] 22:9 Or hear with understanding
[9] 22:25 Or when they had tied him up with leather strips
Table of Contents
Introduction to Acts
Timeline
Author and Date
Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Both were written by Luke, a physician who traveled with the apostle Paul. Acts ends with Paul under house arrest, awaiting trial before Caesar, c. A.D. 62. Many scholars assume Acts was written then because it does not record Paul’s defense, release, and further gospel preaching.
Theme
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to declare the gospel among both Jews and Gentiles. In doing so they establish the church. The church is the fulfillment of God’s promises from the beginning of time.
Purpose
Luke’s purpose for writing his Gospel (see Luke 1:3–4) applies to Acts as well: to give an “orderly” account of the early church after Christ’s resurrection. Dedicating the two-volume work to Theophilus, Luke wanted him to have “certainty” about what he had been taught.
Key Themes
Acts tells of the witness of the early church to the truth of the gospel—a theme first introduced in 1:8:
- The witness is worldwide—Judea, Samaria, the “end of the earth” (1:8).
- The witness includes all kinds of people (chs. 2–5; 10:1–11:18; 14:8–18; 16:11–15, 25–34; 17:22–31).
- God guides the church’s witness (4:5–22; 23:12–22; 24:1–23; 27:21–26).
- Faithful witnesses must be prepared to suffer and even die because of their testimony to Christ (5:41–42; 7:54–60).
- The Holy Spirit empowers the witness (1:8; 2:1–13; 8:17; 13:2–12; 19:6).
- Effective witness demands unity in the church (2:42–47; 4:32–37; 5:12–14).
- Jesus’ resurrection is a key part of the witness (1:22; 2:22–36; 17:30–31).
- Acceptance of the message depends both on human response and on God’s sovereign will (2:47; 11:18; 13:48).
- The witness to the gospel calls for a response (26:27–29). It requires repenting of one’s sins in the name of Christ. This brings forgiveness of sins (e.g., 2:38).
- Witnesses must always maintain integrity before the world (18:12–15; 23:29; 25:18; 26:31–32).
- Christian witnesses continue the ministry that Christ “began” (1:1).
- Faithful witness can bring great results (4:4; 13:48–49; 17:4; 28:30–31).
Outline
- Preparation for Witness (1:1–2:13)
- The Witness in Jerusalem (2:14–5:42)
- The Witness beyond Jerusalem (6:1–12:25)
- The Witness in Cyprus and Southern Galatia (13:1–14:28)
- The Jerusalem Council (15:1–35)
- The Witness in Greece (15:36–18:22)
- The Witness in Ephesus (18:23–21:16)
- The Arrest in Jerusalem (21:17–23:35)
- The Witness in Caesarea (24:1–26:32)
- The Witness in Rome (27:1–28:31)
The Setting of Acts
Fact: Who wrote Luke?
Who wrote Luke? Luke wrote both this Gospel account and Acts. He probably traveled with Paul and participated in his ministry (see Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24). Luke was also a physician (Col. 4:14).
Fact: The speeches in Acts
The speeches in Acts are an important part of Luke’s historical account. They make up nearly a third of the book. Ten of these are extended speeches: three by Peter, one by Stephen, and six by Paul.
Fact: Ananias
Ananias. There are three different men named Ananias in the book of Acts (see 5:1; 9:10; 24:1). The Ananias who was apparently the first believer to welcome Paul after his conversion is a positive example of obedience to the Lord (9:10–19).
Fact: What is “the Way?”
What is “the Way?” In Acts, “the Way” appears six times (9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). People who belonged to the Way were followers of Christ. It means the way of salvation (16:17) and/or the true way of life in relation to God (see 18:25–26).
Fact: What happens next?
What happens next? Acts ends with Paul serving Christ from within a Roman prison. During this time, he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. According to the church historian Eusebius, Paul was released, then arrested a second time, and eventually martyred in Rome.
Fact: Visions
The apostle Paul received special visions from God (see Acts 22:17–21; 2 Cor. 12:1–7; Gal. 2:2). In his first vision, he saw the Lord Jesus (Acts 9:1–7). One of the mysteries God later revealed in a vision was that the gospel was for both Jews and Gentiles (Eph. 3:6).
Fact: Gamaliel
Gamaliel was considered the greatest Jewish teacher of his day. Known for his humane interpretations of the law, he intervened on behalf of Peter and the apostles (5:33–39). As a young man, the apostle Paul learned the Law of Moses from Gamaliel (22:3), and he was apparently a very good student (see Gal. 1:14).
Fact: A famous hometown
A famous hometown. Paul said that his hometown of Tarsus (9:11) was “no obscure city” (21:39). It had been known for years as a center of learning and in Paul’s day was the capital city of the Roman province of Cilicia. One of its claims to fame was as the site of the first meeting between Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
Fact: The island of Rhodes
The island of Rhodes, which Paul visited toward the end of his third missionary journey (21:1), was famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This statue, standing nearly 110 feet (34 m) high, was built in about 300 B.C. to commemorate Rhodes’s victory over the neighboring island of Cyprus. It stood for only 56 years before being toppled by an earthquake.
Fact: Born in Tarsus
Paul says that he was born in Tarsus but was brought up in this city, referring to Jerusalem (22:3). In Tarsus, Paul would have spoken Greek. As a Jew, he was also fluent in Aramaic. Growing up in Jerusalem, Paul learned from Gamaliel, the greatest Jewish scholar of his day. The Lord used Paul’s unique background to reach the Gentiles of the Roman Empire with the good news about the Jewish Messiah who was also the Savior of all people, Jews and Gentiles alike.
The Setting of 1 Timothy
c. A.D. 62–64
Paul likely wrote 1 Timothy during a fourth missionary journey not recorded in the book of Acts. Writing from an unknown location, Paul wrote to Timothy at Ephesus to instruct him on how to lead the church there. Ephesus was a wealthy and highly influential port city in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its temple of Artemis (Diana).
The Setting of 2 Timothy
c. A.D. 64–67
Paul probably wrote 2 Timothy during a second imprisonment in Rome following a fourth missionary journey that is not recorded in Acts. Expecting that death would come soon, Paul wrote this “farewell” letter to Timothy, who was at Ephesus, urging him to stand firm and asking him to come for one final visit.
The Setting of Titus
c. A.D. 62–64
Paul likely wrote Titus during a fourth missionary journey not recorded in the book of Acts. Writing from an unknown location, he instructed Titus in how to lead the churches on the island of Crete. The churches there had apparently been founded by Paul.
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:22–21:17)
c. A.D. 52–57
Paul’s third missionary journey traversed much the same ground as his second (see map). Passing through Galatia and Phrygia, he proceeded directly to the great port city of Ephesus. After three years of preaching and teaching there, Paul traveled again through Macedonia and Achaia, strengthening the believers, and then finished with a visit to Jerusalem.
New Testament Timeline
The following chart provides a detailed New Testament timeline. Most of the dates can be determined precisely by correlating biblical events with extensive historical documents and archaeological evidence. Dates with an asterisk denote approximate or alternative dates. The extensive external confirmation of New Testament dates and events encourages great confidence in the truth and historicity of both the Old and New Testaments.
| 5 B.C.* | Jesus is born in Bethlehem. |
| 4 B.C. | Jesus’ family flees to Egypt to escape from Herod’s plan to kill Jesus (Matt. 2:13–18); Herod dies; Judas (of Sepphoris) and others rebel, requiring the Syrian Governor Varus to intervene throughout Palestine; Sepphoris, a city four miles from Nazareth, is destroyed by Roman soldiers; Judea, Samaria, and Idumea are given to Herod’s son, Archelaus; Galilee and Perea are given to his son Antipas; Jesus’ family, after returning from Egypt, resides in Nazareth (Matt. 2:19–23), a small village in southern Galilee. |
| A.D. 6 | Archelaus is exiled for incompetence; Judea becomes a Roman province; Judas the Galilean (of Gamla) leads a revolt against the tax census; the governor of Syria, Quirinius (A.D. 6–7), appoints Annas high priest (6–15). |
| 8* | Jesus (age 12) interacts with the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–50). |
| 8*–28/30 | Jesus works as a carpenter in Nazareth (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) and probably in neighboring villages and Sepphoris, which was being rebuilt. |
| 28–29* | John the Baptist begins his ministry around the Jordan River (John 1:19). |
| 28–30* | Jesus begins his ministry in Judea, but soon focuses his efforts in Galilee. In Jerusalem, Pharisees (like Gamaliel) train disciples (like Paul) in their tradition. They send a delegation to Galilee, but the delegation rejects Jesus’ teaching. In Alexandria, Philo (20 B.C.–A.D. 50) attempts to unify Greek philosophy with Hebrew Scripture. |
| 33 (or 30) | Jesus returns to Judea, is crucified, and resurrected. James the brother of Jesus becomes a believer after witnessing the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 12:17). Jesus ascends to the Father’s right hand (Acts 1). Jesus’ first followers receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and begin to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2). |
| 33/34* | Paul witnesses the resurrected Lord on the way to Damascus and is commissioned as an apostle to the nations (Acts 9; Gal. 1:15–16). |
| 34–37 | Paul ministers in Damascus and Arabia (Acts 9:19–22; 26:20; Gal. 1:16–18). |
| 36 | Pilate loses his position for incompetence. |
| 36/37* | Paul meets with Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18). |
| 37–45 | Paul ministers in Syria, Tarsus, and Cilicia (Acts 9:30; Gal. 1:21). |
| 38* | Peter witnesses to Cornelius (Acts 10). |
| 39 | Antipas is exiled. |
| 40–45* | James writes his letter to believers outside Palestine (see James 1:1). |
| 41–44 | Agrippa, Herod the Great’s grandson, rules Palestine; he kills James the brother of John (Acts 12:2) and imprisons Peter (Acts 12:3). |
| 42–44 | Paul receives his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). |
| 44 | Peter leaves Jerusalem; Agrippa is killed by an “angel of the Lord” (Acts 12:23). |
| 44–46 | Theudas persuades many Jews to sell their possessions and follow him into the wilderness where he claimed he would miraculously divide the Jordan River; Roman procurator Fadus dispatches his cavalry and beheads the would-be messiah. |
| 44–47* | Paul’s Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10). |
| 46–47 | Paul’s First Missionary Journey (with Barnabas) from Antioch to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra (Acts 13:4–14:26). |
| 46–48 | Roman procurator Tiberius Alexander crucifies two sons (Jacob and Simon) of Judas the Galilean. |
| 48* | Paul writes Galatians, perhaps from Antioch (see Acts 14:26–28). |
| 48–49* | Paul and Peter return to Jerusalem for the Apostolic Council, which, with the assistance of James, frees Gentile believers from the requirement of circumcision in opposition to Pharisaic believers (Acts 15:1–29); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30) but split over a dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36–40). |
| 48/49–51* | Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (with Silas) from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, southern Galatia, Macedonia, notably Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea; and then on to Achaia, notably Athens and Corinth (Acts 15:36–18:22). |
| 49 | Claudius expels Jews from Rome because of conflicts about Jesus (Acts 18:2); Paul befriends two refugees, Priscilla and Aquila, in Corinth (Acts 18:2–3). |
| 49–51* | Paul writes 1–2 Thessalonians from Corinth (Acts 18:1, 11; also compare Acts 18:5 with 1 Thess. 1:8). |
| 51 | Paul appears before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12–17). |
| 50–54* | Peter comes to Rome. |
| 52–57* | Paul’s Third Missionary Journey from Antioch to Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece (Acts 18:23–21:17). |
| 52–55 | Paul ministers in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20). |
| 53–55* | Mark writes his Gospel, containing Peter’s memories of Jesus; perhaps within a decade, Matthew publishes his Gospel, which relies on Mark and other sources. Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (Acts 19:10). |
| 54 | Claudius dies (edict exiling Jews repealed); Priscilla and Aquila return to Rome and host a church in their home (see Rom. 16:3–5). |
| 54–68 | Nero reigns. |
| 55–56* | Paul writes 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (Acts 20:1, 3; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 8:1; 9:2, 4; see 1 Cor. 16:5). |
| 57* | Paul winters in Corinth and writes Romans (Acts 20:3; see Rom. 16:1–2; also see Rom. 16:23 with 1 Cor. 1:14); travels to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1–16), visits with James the brother of Jesus (Acts 21:17–26), and is arrested (Acts 21:27–36; 22:22–29). |
| 57–59 | Paul is imprisoned and transferred to Caesarea (Acts 23:23–24, 33–34). |
| 60 | Paul begins voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1–2); he is shipwrecked for three months on the island of Malta (Acts 27:39–28:10). |
| 60–70* | Letter to the Hebrews is written. |
| 62 | James the brother of the Lord is executed by the Sadducean high priest Ananus. |
| 62–63* | Peter writes his first letter (1 Peter) from Rome (1 Pet. 5:13). |
| 62* | Paul arrives in Rome and remains under house arrest (Acts 28:16–31); he writes Ephesians (see verses for Colossians), Philippians (Phil. 1:7, 13, 17; 4:22), Colossians (Col. 4:3, 10, 18; see Acts 27:2 with Col. 4:10), Philemon (see Philem. 23 with Col. 1:7; Philem. 2 with Col. 4:17; Philem. 24 with Col. 4:10; also see Col. 4:9). Luke, Paul’s physician and companion (see Col. 4:14), writes Luke and Acts. |
| 62–64 | Paul is released, extends his mission (probably reaching Spain), writes 1 Timothy from Macedonia (see 1 Tim. 1:3) and Titus from Nicopolis (Titus 3:12); he is rearrested in Rome (2 Tim. 1:16–17). |
| 63–64 | Work on the temple complex is completed. |
| 64 (July 19) | Fire in Rome; Nero blames and kills many Christians. |
| 64–67* | Peter writes his second letter ( 2 Peter). Jude writes his letter. Paul writes 2 Timothy (see 2 Tim. 4:6–8). Paul and Peter are martyred in Rome. |
| 66 | First Jewish-Roman War begins with a riot between Greeks and Jews at Caesarea; Roman procurator Gesius Florus (A.D. 64–66) is murdered and a Roman garrison wiped out; Menahem, son or grandson of Judas the Galilean, murders the high priest Ananias and seizes control of the temple; Nero dispatches Vespasian with three legions. |
| 67* | Romans destroy the Qumran community, who beforehand hid the so-called Dead Sea Scrolls in nearby caves; the church in Jerusalem flees to Pella (Matt. 24:15–16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20–22); John migrates to Ephesus with Mary, Jesus’ mother. |
| 68 | Nero commits suicide; year of the three emperors. |
| 69 | Rebellion quelled in Galilee and Samaria; Vespasian summoned back to Rome to become emperor. |
| 70 (Aug. 30) | Titus, Vespasian’s son, after a five-month siege of Jerusalem, destroys the temple after desecrating it; the temple’s menorah, Torah, and veil are removed and later put on display in a victory parade in Rome; the influence of the Sadducees ends; the Pharisee Johanan ben Zakkai escapes and convinces the Romans to allow him and others to settle in Jamnia, where they found a school. |
| 73 (May 2)* | Before Roman general Silva breaches the fortress atop Masada following a two-year siege, 936 Jewish rebels commit suicide. |
| 75 | Titus has an affair with the Jewish princess Berenice, sister of Agrippa II (Acts 25:13, 23), whom he later abandons because of the scandal. |
| 77 | Pliny the Elder writes Natural History. |
| 77–78 | Josephus publishes Jewish War in Rome. |
| 79 | Pompeii and Herculaneum are destroyed by eruption of Vesuvius; Pliny the Elder dies attempting to investigate. |
| 81 | The Arch of Titus, celebrating his destruction of the temple, is erected in Rome. |
| 81–96 | Domitian, Titus’s brother, persecutes Christians among the Roman nobility, including his own relatives Clemens and Domitilla. |
| 85–95* | John writes his letters (1–3 John), probably in Ephesus. |
| 89–95* | John writes his Gospel, probably in Ephesus. |
| 93–94 | Josephus publishes Jewish Antiquities in Rome. |
| 94 | Domitian exiles philosophers from Rome. |
| 95* | Amidst persecution, Clement, a leader in the Roman church, writes his Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) appealing for peace between the young men and elders. |
| 95–96* | Exiled by Domitian to Patmos, John writes Revelation (Rev. 1:9). |
| 96–98 | Nerva, the first of five “good” emperors, ends official persecution. |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
Parallels in the Ministries of Jesus, Peter, and Paul in Luke–Acts
Luke shows Peter and Paul continuing the ministry of Jesus in the book of Acts. Representative examples are cited on the chart below.
| Type of Ministry | Jesus | Peter | Paul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preaching that the OT is fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah | Luke 4; 24 | Acts 2; 3 | Acts 13; 17 |
| Casting out unclean spirits | Luke 4:31–37 | Acts 5:16 | Acts 16:16–18 |
| Healing the lame | Luke 6:6–11 | Acts 3:1–10 | Acts 14:8–10 |
| Raising the dead | Luke 7:11–17 | Acts 9:36–43 | Acts 20:7–12 |
| Healing by a touch, a shadow, or cloths | Luke 8:42–48 | Acts 5:15 | Acts 19:11–12 |
God’s Sovereignty in Salvation as Seen in Acts
| God ordained the cross | God calls, adds, and appoints many to eternal life | God gives faith and repentance; God cleanses and opens hearts |
|---|---|---|
|
2:23 “Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God”
3:18 “what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled” 4:27–28 “there were gathered together . . . Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, to do whatever your hand . . . had predestined to take place” |
2:39 “the promise is to . . . everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself ”
2:41 “there were added that day about three thousand souls” 2:47 “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” 5:14 “believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” 11:24 “a great many people were added to the Lord” 13:48 “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” |
3:16 “the faith that is through Jesus”
5:31 “God exalted him . . . to give repentance to Israel” 11:18 “to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” 15:8–9 “God . . . having cleansed their hearts by faith” 16:14 “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” 18:27 “those who through grace had believed” |
Major Sermons in Acts
| Speaker | Text | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Peter | 2:14–36 | Jews in Jerusalem |
| 3:11–26 | Jews in Jerusalem | |
| 10:34–43 | Cornelius’s household | |
| Stephen | 7:1–53 | Jews in Jerusalem |
| Paul | 13:16–47 | Jews in Pisidian Antioch |
| 17:22–31 | Greeks in Athens | |
| 20:18–35 | Church elders in Ephesus | |
| 22:1–21 | Jews in Jerusalem | |
| 24:10–21 | Felix and his court | |
| 26:1–29 | Agrippa and his court |
Major Events in the Life of the Apostle Paul
| A.D. 5–10? | Born in Tarsus, an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin and a Roman citizen (Acts 22:3, 28; Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5); raised in either Jerusalem (Acts 22:3?) or Tarsus |
| 15–20? | Trained as a Pharisee by Gamaliel I (Acts 22:3; 26:5; Gal. 1:14; Phil. 3:5–6) |
| 30/33? | Death, resurrection of Christ |
| 31–34 | Present at Stephen’s stoning; persecuted Christians (Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:4a; 26:9–11; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:6) |
| 33/34* | Converted, called, and commissioned on the way to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–11; 26:12–18; Gal. 1:15–16) |
| 33/34–36/37 | Stays in Damascus a short time (Acts 9:19b); leaves for Arabia (2 Cor. 11:32; Gal. 1:17); returns to Damascus (Gal. 1:17; Acts 9:20–22?); escapes through city wall to avoid arrest (Acts 9:23–24; 2 Cor. 11:32–33) |
| 36/37* | Meets with Peter, sees James, in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18) Hellenists seek to kill him; flees to Tarsus (Acts 9:28–30; Gal. 1:21) |
| 37–45 | Ministers in Syria/Cilicia (2 Cor. 11:22–27?) |
| 44–47* | Ministers with Barnabas in Antioch (Acts 11:25–26) Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10) |
| 46–47 | First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:4–14:26): 1.5 years? |
| 48* | With Barnabas, spends “no little time” in Antioch (Acts 14:28; Gal. 2:11–14); writes Galatians |
| 48–49* | Returns to Jerusalem for the apostolic council (Acts 15); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30–33), but dispute over John Mark causes them to part ways (Acts 15:36–41) |
| 48/49–51* | Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22): 2.5 years? |
| 49 | Paul and Silas travel to southern Galatia through Asia Minor, on to Macedonia (Philippi [1 Thess. 2:2]); Thessalonica [1 Thess. 2:2; Phil. 4:15–16]; and Berea [Acts 17:10–15]), and then to Achaia (Athens [1 Thess. 3:1] and Corinth [2 Cor. 11:7–9]) |
| 49–51* | Spends 1.5 years in Corinth (Acts 18:11); appears before Gallio (Acts 18:12–17); writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians |
| 51 | Returns to Jerusalem? (Acts 18:22) |
| 52–57* | Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23–21:17): 5 years? |
| 52 | Travels to Antioch, spends “some time”; travels through Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23) |
| 52–55 | Arrives in Ephesus (Acts 19:1; 1 Cor. 16:8); ministers for three years (Acts 20:31) and writes 1 Corinthians; makes brief, “painful visit” to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:1), then returns to Ephesus and writes “severe letter” (now lost) to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:3–4; 7:8–16) |
| 55–56* | Travels north to Macedonia, meets Titus (Acts 20:1; 2 Cor. 2:12–13); writes 2 Corinthians |
| 57* | Winters in Corinth (Acts 20:2–3; 2 Cor. 9:4), writes to the Romans from Corinth; travels to Jerusalem; is arrested (Acts 21:27–36) |
| 57–59 | Transferred as prisoner to Caesarea, stays for two years (Acts 24:27) |
| 60* | Voyage to Rome; shipwrecked, spends three months on Malta (Acts 28:11); finally arrives in Rome |
| 62* | Under house-arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31), writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon |
| 62–67 | Released from house-arrest in Rome, travels to Spain (?), writes 1 Timothy (from Macedonia?) and Titus (from Nicopolis); is rearrested, writes 2 Timothy from Rome, is martyred |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
Paul Collects an Offering for Judea
| Activity | Text | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The church in Antioch sends Barnabas and Paul to Judea with relief funds. | Acts 11:29–30; 12:25 | c. A.D. 44–47 |
| James, Cephas, and John encourage Paul to remember the poor, which he is eager to do. | Gal. 2:10 | c. 44–47 |
| Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Ephesus. | 1 Cor. 16:1–4 (see note on Acts 20:4) | c. 53–55 |
| Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Macedonia. | 2 Corinthians 8–9 | c. 55–56 |
| Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Achaia. | Rom. 15:25–33 (see note on Acts 20:3) | Spring of 57 |
| Paul is arrested when he arrives in Jerusalem to deliver the gift. | Acts 24:17 (see Acts 21:17–33) | Pentecost, 57 |
Itinerary of Paul’s Third Journey
| City/Island | Province/Region | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Antioch | Syria | 18:22 |
| Galatia | 18:23 | |
| Asia (region of Phrygia) | 18:23 | |
| Ephesus | Asia | 19:1–40 |
| Macedonia | 20:1–2 | |
| Corinth? | Achaia | 20:2–3 |
| Macedonia | 20:3 | |
| Philippi | Macedonia | 20:6 |
| Troas | Asia | 20:6–12 |
| Assos | Asia | 20:13–14 |
| Mitylene | Asia | 20:14 |
| Chios/Samos | Asia | 20:15 |
| Miletus | Asia | 20:15–38 |
| Cos | Asia | 21:1 |
| Rhodes | Rhodes | 21:1 |
| Patara | Lycia | 21:1 |
| Tyre | Syria | 21:3–6 |
| Ptolemais | Syria | 21:7 |
| Caesarea | Palestine | 21:8–14 |
| Jerusalem | Palestine | 21:15–17 |
Spectrum of Early Beliefs about How Christians Should Relate to the Law of Moses
| Identity | Beliefs | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Gentile (professing) Christians | The law has absolutely no claim on their lives. (Presupposed in Rom. 6:1, 16.) | |
| Jewish and Gentile Christians | Christians are not under the law covenant even though they are certainly not free from God’s demands. Kosher food laws could be observed and circumcision practiced as pastoral wisdom dictated. (Compare 1 Cor. 9:19–23.) | Paul |
| Jewish Christians | They understood and accepted Paul’s position, but their personal “comfort zone” was to be observant Jews, at least most of the time. Circumcision and kosher food laws are not necessary for salvation or maturity, and they shouldn’t be imposed on Gentile believers. | |
| Jewish Christians | Jewish Christians should observe the traditions of the Mosaic code, even if it was acceptable for Gentile believers not to see themselves as under its stipulations. | Certain men from James? (Gal. 2:12a) |
| Jewish Christians | Jewish Christians should observe the Mosaic code, and Gentile believers can come to Christ through faith alone. However, the really spiritual should want to obey the Mosaic law code (even if it wasn’t strictly necessary for salvation). | |
| Jewish (professing) Christians | The new covenant was a renewal of the old covenant; Jesus is the Messiah, but his life, death, and resurrection restored God’s people to faithfulness to the Mosaic covenant. Therefore, if Gentiles want to come to the Messiah, they must first become Jews (and be circumcised, observe kosher and Sabbath laws, etc.). (Compare Acts 15:1–35; Titus 1:10.) | “Judaizers” |
| Devout, non-Christian Jews | Christians are mistaken about the identity of Jesus, and the Jewish boundaries should not be opened to the Gentiles. (Compare Acts 21:27–23:11.) | The circumcised (Rom. 4:12a) |
Luke
Luke was a doctor (Col. 4:14) and a faithful companion of Paul, accompanying him on several journeys. He was with Paul throughout his two-year imprisonments in both Caesarea and Rome. He is the author of the Gospel bearing his name and the book of Acts, where he records his travels with Paul. Little else is known about Luke. Most scholars believe that he was a Gentile. This is based in part on the fact that Paul does not include Luke among the “men of the circumcision” who were his fellow workers (Col. 4:10–11). How Luke came to know Christ is not revealed, though his thorough acquaintance with the OT suggests that he may have been a “God-fearer” like Cornelius before becoming a Christian. (Acts 21:1–8)
Philip
Along with Stephen, Philip was one of the seven men chosen to help the apostles minister to the early church. Referred to as “Philip the evangelist” (21:8), he began his ministry in Samaria, where he proclaimed Christ boldly and with power. Like the apostles, Philip had received the Holy Spirit’s power to cast out demons and to heal the sick. The Bible says that as a result of Philip’s ministry in Samaria “there was much joy in that city” (8:8). God later led Philip toward Gaza, where he explained the gospel to an Ethiopian royal official. After baptizing the man, Philip was immediately carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a new area of ministry. (Acts 8:5–8)
Acts 21:1 Paul’s ship was probably a “coasting vessel,” which traveled close to shore. Each of the places mentioned probably represents a day’s journey and the stopping place for the night. Cos and Rhodes are both islands with port cities of the same name. Paul and his companions boarded a sturdier vessel at Patara for the 400-mile (644-km) open-sea voyage to Tyre. Patara was the main port city in Lycia.
Acts 21:4 through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. The narrative as a whole clearly shows that Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem (see 19:21; 20:22–24; 21:14). It is unclear why the prophets said the opposite. See 21:10–14. Paul explains elsewhere that prophecies must be tested (see notes on 1 Cor. 14:29; 1 Thess. 5:20–21).
Philip
Along with Stephen, Philip was one of the seven men chosen to help the apostles minister to the early church. Referred to as “Philip the evangelist” (21:8), he began his ministry in Samaria, where he proclaimed Christ boldly and with power. Like the apostles, Philip had received the Holy Spirit’s power to cast out demons and to heal the sick. The Bible says that as a result of Philip’s ministry in Samaria “there was much joy in that city” (8:8). God later led Philip toward Gaza, where he explained the gospel to an Ethiopian royal official. After baptizing the man, Philip was immediately carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a new area of ministry. (Acts 8:5–8)
Acts 21:8–9 Caesarea. A major port near Jerusalem. four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. The gift of prophecy was promised to women as well as men in Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28–29), which was fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:17–18).
Acts 21:10–11 Agabus had earlier predicted a famine (11:28). Old Testament prophets often acted out their prophecies (e.g., Isa. 8:1–4; Jer. 13:1–11).
Acts 21:15 From Caesarea to Jerusalem was about 62 miles (100 km) by road. Paul probably arrived there in the spring of A.D. 57.
Acts 18:23–21:16 The Witness in Ephesus. This section reports Paul’s third missionary journey (c. A.D. 52–57). It took place primarily in Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia. Ephesus was a major commercial center and home of the famous temple of the goddess Artemis.
Major Events in the Life of the Apostle Paul
| A.D. 5–10? | Born in Tarsus, an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin and a Roman citizen (Acts 22:3, 28; Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5); raised in either Jerusalem (Acts 22:3?) or Tarsus |
| 15–20? | Trained as a Pharisee by Gamaliel I (Acts 22:3; 26:5; Gal. 1:14; Phil. 3:5–6) |
| 30/33? | Death, resurrection of Christ |
| 31–34 | Present at Stephen’s stoning; persecuted Christians (Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:4a; 26:9–11; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:6) |
| 33/34* | Converted, called, and commissioned on the way to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–11; 26:12–18; Gal. 1:15–16) |
| 33/34–36/37 | Stays in Damascus a short time (Acts 9:19b); leaves for Arabia (2 Cor. 11:32; Gal. 1:17); returns to Damascus (Gal. 1:17; Acts 9:20–22?); escapes through city wall to avoid arrest (Acts 9:23–24; 2 Cor. 11:32–33) |
| 36/37* | Meets with Peter, sees James, in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18) Hellenists seek to kill him; flees to Tarsus (Acts 9:28–30; Gal. 1:21) |
| 37–45 | Ministers in Syria/Cilicia (2 Cor. 11:22–27?) |
| 44–47* | Ministers with Barnabas in Antioch (Acts 11:25–26) Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10) |
| 46–47 | First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:4–14:26): 1.5 years? |
| 48* | With Barnabas, spends “no little time” in Antioch (Acts 14:28; Gal. 2:11–14); writes Galatians |
| 48–49* | Returns to Jerusalem for the apostolic council (Acts 15); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30–33), but dispute over John Mark causes them to part ways (Acts 15:36–41) |
| 48/49–51* | Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22): 2.5 years? |
| 49 | Paul and Silas travel to southern Galatia through Asia Minor, on to Macedonia (Philippi [1 Thess. 2:2]); Thessalonica [1 Thess. 2:2; Phil. 4:15–16]; and Berea [Acts 17:10–15]), and then to Achaia (Athens [1 Thess. 3:1] and Corinth [2 Cor. 11:7–9]) |
| 49–51* | Spends 1.5 years in Corinth (Acts 18:11); appears before Gallio (Acts 18:12–17); writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians |
| 51 | Returns to Jerusalem? (Acts 18:22) |
| 52–57* | Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23–21:17): 5 years? |
| 52 | Travels to Antioch, spends “some time”; travels through Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23) |
| 52–55 | Arrives in Ephesus (Acts 19:1; 1 Cor. 16:8); ministers for three years (Acts 20:31) and writes 1 Corinthians; makes brief, “painful visit” to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:1), then returns to Ephesus and writes “severe letter” (now lost) to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:3–4; 7:8–16) |
| 55–56* | Travels north to Macedonia, meets Titus (Acts 20:1; 2 Cor. 2:12–13); writes 2 Corinthians |
| 57* | Winters in Corinth (Acts 20:2–3; 2 Cor. 9:4), writes to the Romans from Corinth; travels to Jerusalem; is arrested (Acts 21:27–36) |
| 57–59 | Transferred as prisoner to Caesarea, stays for two years (Acts 24:27) |
| 60* | Voyage to Rome; shipwrecked, spends three months on Malta (Acts 28:11); finally arrives in Rome |
| 62* | Under house-arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31), writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon |
| 62–67 | Released from house-arrest in Rome, travels to Spain (?), writes 1 Timothy (from Macedonia?) and Titus (from Nicopolis); is rearrested, writes 2 Timothy from Rome, is martyred |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
Itinerary of Paul’s Third Journey
| City/Island | Province/Region | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Antioch | Syria | 18:22 |
| Galatia | 18:23 | |
| Asia (region of Phrygia) | 18:23 | |
| Ephesus | Asia | 19:1–40 |
| Macedonia | 20:1–2 | |
| Corinth? | Achaia | 20:2–3 |
| Macedonia | 20:3 | |
| Philippi | Macedonia | 20:6 |
| Troas | Asia | 20:6–12 |
| Assos | Asia | 20:13–14 |
| Mitylene | Asia | 20:14 |
| Chios/Samos | Asia | 20:15 |
| Miletus | Asia | 20:15–38 |
| Cos | Asia | 21:1 |
| Rhodes | Rhodes | 21:1 |
| Patara | Lycia | 21:1 |
| Tyre | Syria | 21:3–6 |
| Ptolemais | Syria | 21:7 |
| Caesarea | Palestine | 21:8–14 |
| Jerusalem | Palestine | 21:15–17 |
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:22–21:17)
c. A.D. 52–57
Paul’s third missionary journey traversed much the same ground as his second (see map). Passing through Galatia and Phrygia, he proceeded directly to the great port city of Ephesus. After three years of preaching and teaching there, Paul traveled again through Macedonia and Achaia, strengthening the believers, and then finished with a visit to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:18 all the elders were present. Apparently the church at Jerusalem was now led primarily by these “elders” (see note on 12:17).
Acts 21:21 not to circumcise. Circumcision is singled out because it was considered the main sign of God’s covenant with the Jews. The rumor was false. Paul did not object to Jewish believers voluntarily following OT ceremonial laws (see 16:3; 1 Cor. 7:18–19).
Acts 21:23 under a vow. Those under a Nazirite vow stayed away from strong drink and avoided things that would defile them (such as contact with a dead body). They did not cut their hair (Num. 6:1–21). When the time of the vow was over (often 30 days), they would cut their hair and present an offering in the temple.
Acts 21:25 as for the Gentiles. The Jerusalem elders reminded Paul of the requirements for Gentile Christians agreed upon in the Jerusalem council (15:28–29). This was to avoid giving unnecessary offense to either Jewish believers or unbelievers. They were not asking Paul’s Gentile converts to keep Jewish laws beyond those basic requirements (see Gal. 2:11–12; 4:10).
Acts 21:17–26 When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, the Christians rejoiced over the success of his Gentile mission. They also expressed concern over rumors that he was teaching Jews to abandon their traditional laws and customs. To disprove the rumors, they asked Paul to participate publicly in a Nazirite vow (see Num. 6:1–21; see also note on Acts 21:23).
Acts 21:26 he purified himself. See note on v. 27. Paul voluntarily went along with the suggestion from James and the elders. Paul’s willingness to take the vow (vv. 20–24) is an example of his desire to become “all things to all people” (1 Cor. 9:22) in order to advance the gospel.
Acts 21:27 Paul had to go through purification rituals for seven days (see v. 26). Jews often did so when returning from Gentile territory. The Jews from Asia were probably from Ephesus (see v. 29) and knew Paul from his three years in their city.
Acts 21:28 defiled this holy place. The Jews from Asia (v. 27) wrongly charged Paul with defiling the temple by taking a Gentile (“Trophimus the Ephesian,” v. 29) beyond the stone barrier that divided the outer courtyard (Court of the Gentiles) from the inner sanctuary. This area was off-limits to Gentiles, under penalty of death.
Acts 21:30 The shutting of the gates was probably to prevent further defiling of the sanctuary.
Acts 21:31–32 A Roman tribune was the commander of a cohort. This consisted of up to a thousand soldiers, under the command of several centurions (see note on 10:1). at once. Roman soldiers were housed in the Herodian fortress known as the Tower of Antonia on the northwest corner of the temple wall. Its high tower provided a full view of the temple area. It had two flights of stairs leading down into the temple grounds, so that soldiers could respond to an unruly crowd almost immediately.
Acts 21:33 Bound with two chains probably means bound with a soldier on each side.
Paul Collects an Offering for Judea
| Activity | Text | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The church in Antioch sends Barnabas and Paul to Judea with relief funds. | Acts 11:29–30; 12:25 | c. A.D. 44–47 |
| James, Cephas, and John encourage Paul to remember the poor, which he is eager to do. | Gal. 2:10 | c. 44–47 |
| Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Ephesus. | 1 Cor. 16:1–4 (see note on Acts 20:4) | c. 53–55 |
| Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Macedonia. | 2 Corinthians 8–9 | c. 55–56 |
| Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Achaia. | Rom. 15:25–33 (see note on Acts 20:3) | Spring of 57 |
| Paul is arrested when he arrives in Jerusalem to deliver the gift. | Acts 24:17 (see Acts 21:17–33) | Pentecost, 57 |
Major Events in the Life of the Apostle Paul
| A.D. 5–10? | Born in Tarsus, an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin and a Roman citizen (Acts 22:3, 28; Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5); raised in either Jerusalem (Acts 22:3?) or Tarsus |
| 15–20? | Trained as a Pharisee by Gamaliel I (Acts 22:3; 26:5; Gal. 1:14; Phil. 3:5–6) |
| 30/33? | Death, resurrection of Christ |
| 31–34 | Present at Stephen’s stoning; persecuted Christians (Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:4a; 26:9–11; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:6) |
| 33/34* | Converted, called, and commissioned on the way to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–11; 26:12–18; Gal. 1:15–16) |
| 33/34–36/37 | Stays in Damascus a short time (Acts 9:19b); leaves for Arabia (2 Cor. 11:32; Gal. 1:17); returns to Damascus (Gal. 1:17; Acts 9:20–22?); escapes through city wall to avoid arrest (Acts 9:23–24; 2 Cor. 11:32–33) |
| 36/37* | Meets with Peter, sees James, in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18) Hellenists seek to kill him; flees to Tarsus (Acts 9:28–30; Gal. 1:21) |
| 37–45 | Ministers in Syria/Cilicia (2 Cor. 11:22–27?) |
| 44–47* | Ministers with Barnabas in Antioch (Acts 11:25–26) Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10) |
| 46–47 | First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:4–14:26): 1.5 years? |
| 48* | With Barnabas, spends “no little time” in Antioch (Acts 14:28; Gal. 2:11–14); writes Galatians |
| 48–49* | Returns to Jerusalem for the apostolic council (Acts 15); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30–33), but dispute over John Mark causes them to part ways (Acts 15:36–41) |
| 48/49–51* | Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22): 2.5 years? |
| 49 | Paul and Silas travel to southern Galatia through Asia Minor, on to Macedonia (Philippi [1 Thess. 2:2]); Thessalonica [1 Thess. 2:2; Phil. 4:15–16]; and Berea [Acts 17:10–15]), and then to Achaia (Athens [1 Thess. 3:1] and Corinth [2 Cor. 11:7–9]) |
| 49–51* | Spends 1.5 years in Corinth (Acts 18:11); appears before Gallio (Acts 18:12–17); writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians |
| 51 | Returns to Jerusalem? (Acts 18:22) |
| 52–57* | Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23–21:17): 5 years? |
| 52 | Travels to Antioch, spends “some time”; travels through Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23) |
| 52–55 | Arrives in Ephesus (Acts 19:1; 1 Cor. 16:8); ministers for three years (Acts 20:31) and writes 1 Corinthians; makes brief, “painful visit” to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:1), then returns to Ephesus and writes “severe letter” (now lost) to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:3–4; 7:8–16) |
| 55–56* | Travels north to Macedonia, meets Titus (Acts 20:1; 2 Cor. 2:12–13); writes 2 Corinthians |
| 57* | Winters in Corinth (Acts 20:2–3; 2 Cor. 9:4), writes to the Romans from Corinth; travels to Jerusalem; is arrested (Acts 21:27–36) |
| 57–59 | Transferred as prisoner to Caesarea, stays for two years (Acts 24:27) |
| 60* | Voyage to Rome; shipwrecked, spends three months on Malta (Acts 28:11); finally arrives in Rome |
| 62* | Under house-arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31), writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon |
| 62–67 | Released from house-arrest in Rome, travels to Spain (?), writes 1 Timothy (from Macedonia?) and Titus (from Nicopolis); is rearrested, writes 2 Timothy from Rome, is martyred |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
Acts 21:38 Jewish historian Josephus mentions the revolt led by an Egyptian Jew. The Roman governor Felix had stopped it. The Egyptian fled, and his movement scattered. Josephus also wrote of the Assassins, or “dagger men,” who terrorized Roman sympathizers by stabbing them amid large crowds. The tribune must have thought the Egyptian had returned to stir up another revolt.
Acts 21:39 Tarsus in Cilicia. See note on 9:30.
Fact: A famous hometown
A famous hometown. Paul said that his hometown of Tarsus (9:11) was “no obscure city” (21:39). It had been known for years as a center of learning and in Paul’s day was the capital city of the Roman province of Cilicia. One of its claims to fame was as the site of the first meeting between Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
Fact: The island of Rhodes
The island of Rhodes, which Paul visited toward the end of his third missionary journey (21:1), was famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This statue, standing nearly 110 feet (34 m) high, was built in about 300 B.C. to commemorate Rhodes’s victory over the neighboring island of Cyprus. It stood for only 56 years before being toppled by an earthquake.
Acts 22:3 Brought up in this city most likely means that Paul’s parents moved to Jerusalem when he was very young (see 23:16). It could also mean that Paul came to Jerusalem as a young man for his rabbinic training under Gamaliel. (On Gamaliel, see note on 5:34.)
Fact: Gamaliel
Gamaliel was considered the greatest Jewish teacher of his day. Known for his humane interpretations of the law, he intervened on behalf of Peter and the apostles (5:33–39). As a young man, the apostle Paul learned the Law of Moses from Gamaliel (22:3), and he was apparently a very good student (see Gal. 1:14).
Acts 22:4 On Paul’s persecution of the Christians, see 8:3 and 9:1. this Way. See note on 9:1–2.
Acts 22:12–14 For his Jewish hearers, Paul stressed the faithfulness of Ananias.
Acts 22:16 be baptized and wash away your sins. Baptism is an outward symbol of the cleansing from sin that occurs when someone trusts in Jesus (see 1 Pet. 3:21). Faith in Christ leads to cleansing, and baptism is a picture of this. As Heb. 10:19–22 shows, the believer’s sins are “washed away” through faith in “the blood of Jesus,” with the result that the believer is “sprinkled clean” and “washed with pure water.”
Acts 22:17 in the temple, I fell into a trance. This must have happened during Paul’s visit to Jerusalem after his conversion (9:26). For the Jewish audience, it placed Paul’s experience “on holy ground,” in the temple, much like Isaiah’s call (Isa. 6:1–13).
Acts 22:18 him. That is, the Lord Jesus (see v. 19).
Acts 21:40–22:21 Paul’s address to the Jewish crowd sought to establish what he had come to the temple to prove in the first place—his faithfulness to his Jewish heritage.
Fact: Visions
The apostle Paul received special visions from God (see Acts 22:17–21; 2 Cor. 12:1–7; Gal. 2:2). In his first vision, he saw the Lord Jesus (Acts 9:1–7). One of the mysteries God later revealed in a vision was that the gospel was for both Jews and Gentiles (Eph. 3:6).
Acts 22:25 Roman law forbade beating a Roman citizen without a hearing or a formal sentence (uncondemned).
Acts 22:28 I bought this citizenship. Persons who were not born Roman citizens but became citizens later usually took the name of their sponsor. That the tribune’s name was Claudius Lysias (23:26) may indicate he purchased his citizenship through the sponsorship of the emperor Claudius. Being a citizen by birth had especially high status.
Major Events in the Life of the Apostle Paul
| A.D. 5–10? | Born in Tarsus, an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin and a Roman citizen (Acts 22:3, 28; Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5); raised in either Jerusalem (Acts 22:3?) or Tarsus |
| 15–20? | Trained as a Pharisee by Gamaliel I (Acts 22:3; 26:5; Gal. 1:14; Phil. 3:5–6) |
| 30/33? | Death, resurrection of Christ |
| 31–34 | Present at Stephen’s stoning; persecuted Christians (Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:4a; 26:9–11; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:6) |
| 33/34* | Converted, called, and commissioned on the way to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–11; 26:12–18; Gal. 1:15–16) |
| 33/34–36/37 | Stays in Damascus a short time (Acts 9:19b); leaves for Arabia (2 Cor. 11:32; Gal. 1:17); returns to Damascus (Gal. 1:17; Acts 9:20–22?); escapes through city wall to avoid arrest (Acts 9:23–24; 2 Cor. 11:32–33) |
| 36/37* | Meets with Peter, sees James, in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18) Hellenists seek to kill him; flees to Tarsus (Acts 9:28–30; Gal. 1:21) |
| 37–45 | Ministers in Syria/Cilicia (2 Cor. 11:22–27?) |
| 44–47* | Ministers with Barnabas in Antioch (Acts 11:25–26) Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10) |
| 46–47 | First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:4–14:26): 1.5 years? |
| 48* | With Barnabas, spends “no little time” in Antioch (Acts 14:28; Gal. 2:11–14); writes Galatians |
| 48–49* | Returns to Jerusalem for the apostolic council (Acts 15); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30–33), but dispute over John Mark causes them to part ways (Acts 15:36–41) |
| 48/49–51* | Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22): 2.5 years? |
| 49 | Paul and Silas travel to southern Galatia through Asia Minor, on to Macedonia (Philippi [1 Thess. 2:2]); Thessalonica [1 Thess. 2:2; Phil. 4:15–16]; and Berea [Acts 17:10–15]), and then to Achaia (Athens [1 Thess. 3:1] and Corinth [2 Cor. 11:7–9]) |
| 49–51* | Spends 1.5 years in Corinth (Acts 18:11); appears before Gallio (Acts 18:12–17); writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians |
| 51 | Returns to Jerusalem? (Acts 18:22) |
| 52–57* | Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23–21:17): 5 years? |
| 52 | Travels to Antioch, spends “some time”; travels through Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23) |
| 52–55 | Arrives in Ephesus (Acts 19:1; 1 Cor. 16:8); ministers for three years (Acts 20:31) and writes 1 Corinthians; makes brief, “painful visit” to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:1), then returns to Ephesus and writes “severe letter” (now lost) to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:3–4; 7:8–16) |
| 55–56* | Travels north to Macedonia, meets Titus (Acts 20:1; 2 Cor. 2:12–13); writes 2 Corinthians |
| 57* | Winters in Corinth (Acts 20:2–3; 2 Cor. 9:4), writes to the Romans from Corinth; travels to Jerusalem; is arrested (Acts 21:27–36) |
| 57–59 | Transferred as prisoner to Caesarea, stays for two years (Acts 24:27) |
| 60* | Voyage to Rome; shipwrecked, spends three months on Malta (Acts 28:11); finally arrives in Rome |
| 62* | Under house-arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31), writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon |
| 62–67 | Released from house-arrest in Rome, travels to Spain (?), writes 1 Timothy (from Macedonia?) and Titus (from Nicopolis); is rearrested, writes 2 Timothy from Rome, is martyred |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
Acts 22:30 unbound him. Since v. 29 implies Paul was already unbound, the tribune’s unbinding him here may mean he took him out of confinement.
Fact: Born in Tarsus
Paul says that he was born in Tarsus but was brought up in this city, referring to Jerusalem (22:3). In Tarsus, Paul would have spoken Greek. As a Jew, he was also fluent in Aramaic. Growing up in Jerusalem, Paul learned from Gamaliel, the greatest Jewish scholar of his day. The Lord used Paul’s unique background to reach the Gentiles of the Roman Empire with the good news about the Jewish Messiah who was also the Savior of all people, Jews and Gentiles alike.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Acts 21-22
A.W. Tozer lists three characteristics of those who are totally surrendered to Christ and his purposes:
1. They are facing only one direction;
2. They can never turn back, and
3. They no longer have plans of their own.
Such a characterization is aptly descriptive of the single-minded, unrelentingly committed, and fully surrendered life of the apostle Paul.
In today's passage, we see a faithful prophet graphically acting out a foreboding depiction of the peril that awaits Paul should he fulfill his anticipated visit to Jerusalem. Fearing the worst, Paul's companions tearfully plead with him to reconsider the trip. Undeterred, and even defiant, Paul responds with a signature declaration of his life and ministry: "I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 21:13)
To Paul, the prophesied hardship would only be one more entry on a résumé of personal afflictions that already included beatings, scourgings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, betrayals, stonings, and assorted deprivations. All of these were suffered willingly for the name of Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). For even the most consecrated of Christ's servants, the cumulative weight of these persistent, often near-deadly oppressions could easily bring crushing discouragement. For Paul, however, these tribulations were considered light momentary affliction, gladly endured for the glory of his Savior (2 Corinthians 4:17).
As we read in the biblical text, Paul, in fact, did almost die in Jerusalem. He was assaulted by the Jews over unfounded rumors and false accusations. Rescued from the enraged mob by, of all people, a garrison of Roman soldiers, Paul then dauntlessly returned to face his enemies, that the gospel of God's grace might have its hearing!
Paul lived for the gospel because he knew he owed his life to the gospel. His supernatural courage and boldness were the products of a firmly settled, unwavering, Spirit-informed conviction that all of God's promises are true, and that "the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18b)
This month's memory verse
"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.” (NIV)
– Romans 3:22b-24
Discussion Questions
1. Virtually all professed Christians confess a belief in God. The pivotal question is, "Do we believe the God we believe in?" Are we convinced that his promises are trustworthy? How do our lives reflect the eternal perspective so pervasively manifested in Paul's extraordinary life? (Hebrews 10:23; Colossians 3:1-4)
2. Paul was willing to be all things to all people for the sake of the gospel. He freely gave liberty on the nonessentials, but was uncompromising on a gospel that is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, informed by Scripture alone, for God's glory alone. How is this principle demonstrated in your manner of relating to others? (1 Corinthians 9:22-23; Romans 14:13)
3. Paul's testimony was the story of his life prior to Jesus, his encounter with Jesus, and the transforming effect of that encounter on his new life. Do you have an orderly constructed, concise presentation of your story? How can you share it at every opportunity? (John 9:25; Psalm 107:2)
4. Do you have a solid biblical understanding of the gospel of salvation? If someone asks you, "Why do I need a Savior?," how can you clearly talk to them about our sin that separates us from our Creator, the very source of life himself; our need for a righteousness greater than we could ever produce; and of God's provision of that righteousness in Jesus? His righteousness is credited to us when we trust by faith in his perfect life, substitutionary death, and resurrection from the grave (Romans 3:20-25; 2 Corinthians 5:21).