Council, Conspiracy, and Paul kept in Custody!

November 13, 2025

Council, Conspiracy, and Paul kept in Custody!

Acts 23-24

Pam Rittenberry

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!

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day."

Chapter 23

1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God's high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” 10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

A Plot to Kill Paul

12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” 19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” 22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”

Paul Sent to Felix the Governor

23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.^{1

23:23
That is, 9 p.m.} 24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:

26 “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. 28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. 29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. 30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. 33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.

Chapter 24

Paul Before Felix at Caesarea

1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain^{2

24:4
Or weary} you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.^{3

24:6
Some manuscripts add and we would have judged him according to our law. 7But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8commanding his accusers to come before you.} 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

Paul Kept in Custody

22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Footnotes

[1] 23:23 That is, 9 p.m.
[2] 24:4 Or weary
[3] 24:6 Some manuscripts add and we would have judged him according to our law. 7But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8commanding his accusers to come before you.

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

c. A.D. 30–60

The book of Acts records the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, thus fulfilling the risen Christ’s words to his apostles in Acts 1:8.

The Global Message of Acts

Acts and Redemptive History

The book of Acts begins in Jerusalem, the capital city of the Jews, but ends in Rome, the capital city of the Gentiles. It begins with the ministry of Peter, apostle to the Jews, but ends with the ministry of Paul, apostle to the Gentiles (see Gal. 2:7–8; 1 Tim. 2:7). The direction of Acts is one of ever-expanding global reach.

Acts 1:8 sums up the global significance of the book of Acts: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Reversing the Curse of Babel

In Genesis 11 the pride of mankind led to the building of the tower of Babel. But God brought low mankind’s arrogance. He scattered the human race throughout the earth and gave different languages to different people groups, preventing a second attempt at a unified monument to human pride like Babel.

In Acts 2, the curse of Babel is reversed. Instead of one language becoming many, many languages become one. As travelers from distant lands descend on Jerusalem at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit falls on the disciples and they speak in tongues, “and at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:6). With the pouring out of the Spirit right after Christ’s ascension, God was beginning to undo the effects of sin. Indeed, Peter said that Pentecost was the beginning of the “last days” predicted by Joel (Acts 2:16–21). The gospel’s global reach is thus beautifully depicted in the events of Acts 2.

To the End of the Earth

The rest of Acts then describes the ongoing spread of the gospel outward from Jerusalem. This is in fulfillment of the ancient promises to Abraham (soon after Babel) that in him all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:1–3). The first seven chapters of Acts show the gospel spreading in Jerusalem. Chapters 8–9 describe its spread to the surrounding regions. Chapters 10–28 show the gospel going to the end of the earth, to Rome itself. In this way Acts 1:8 becomes an outline of the whole book of Acts.

Even the final verse of Acts records the unstoppable spread of the gospel: Paul was “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (28:31).

The end of the Bible completes the global explosion of the gospel that begins in Acts. In Revelation 5 John sees twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb and sing,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll

    and to open its seals,

for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God

    from every tribe and language and people and nation,

and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

    and they shall reign on the earth.” (Rev. 5:9–10; compare 7:9)

Universal Themes in Acts

The global reach of the gospel. In Acts God calls his people, led by the apostles, to be witnesses of Jesus “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In chapter 2, Luke makes a deliberate point of recording the various nations represented at Pentecost in Jerusalem—“Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Lybia belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians” (2:9–11). This is a remarkably comprehensive list of nations that covers virtually the entire Roman Empire and thus the whole known world of the time. Acts shows us God’s determination to bring his blessings to every corner of the cosmos.

The welcome of all kinds of people into the family of God. Not only does the gospel reach to all the corners of the earth in Acts, it also reaches to all kinds of people—an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26–40), a Roman centurion (10:1–48), lame men (3:1–10; 14:8–10), a merchant woman (16:11–15), a Philippian jailer (16:25–34), members of the religious elite in Athens (17:34), and magicians and sorcerers (19:18–19). In his great grace, God welcomes all kinds of people into his family.

The sovereignty of God in all things. As much as any book in the Bible, Acts lifts up the sovereign rule of God over everything in both life and salvation. This sovereignty extends to every square inch of the globe and is a deep comfort for Christians everywhere. Acts shows us God’s sovereignty in appointing men and women to eternal life (Acts 2:39, 41, 47; 5:14; 11:24; 13:48), in granting faith and repentance (3:16; 5:31; 11:18; 15:8–9; 16:14; 18:27), and even in the cruel cross of Christ (2:23–24; 3:18; 4:27–28). All things, even acts of great evil, are ultimately governed by the wise hand of God, yet never in such a way that he himself could be accused of wrongdoing (see James 1:13–14, 17).

The Global Message of Acts for Today

Word and deed. Throughout Acts, ministry involves both word and deed, both speaking and doing, both preaching and serving. Miraculous acts of healing, for example, were “signs and wonders” that pointed to the life-changing power of the gospel. In Acts 14:3, we are told that Paul and Barnabas were “speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” Christians sometimes emphasize either word or deed to the neglect of the other. The New Testament teaches us to make God’s Word our first priority in ministry (1 Cor. 1:22–23), yet the gospel must be clothed in love and good deeds, lest we “unsay” with our actions what we say with our lips (1 John 3:18).

Christian generosity with one another. The church is called to be kind and generous to all those made in God’s image. Yet believers are to show special kindness to one another (Gal. 6:10). We see this beautifully in Acts, as believers share possessions in common with one another in a bold sacrifice of love (Acts 2:42–47; 4:32–37). As Christ poured his life out in self-giving compassion for us when we were in need, so we give of ourselves to others who are in need.

The power of the Holy Spirit. The worldwide mission of the church began only when the Holy Spirit came upon God’s people (Acts 1:8; compare Luke 24:49). In a day when the Spirit is often the most neglected person of the Trinity, especially in the Christian West, the global church must learn from Acts to treasure the Spirit and his presence and power. Acts declares to the church today that it is by the power of the Spirit that the gospel will go forth to the end of the earth. This is humbling to human pride, yet it is also our great hope. Evangelistic effectiveness does not depend ultimately on human cleverness and sophisticated strategies. Global fruitfulness comes as weak Christians depend on the Spirit and look to him for strength.

Luke Fact #1: Who wrote Luke?

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).

Acts Fact #1: Acts

Fact: Acts

Acts is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Its main purpose is to record a selective history of the early church after Christ’s resurrection and ascension. Both books are dedicated to a man named Theophilus (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1) and written by Luke.

Acts Fact #6: The speeches in Acts

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.

Acts Fact #9: Ananias

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).

Acts Fact #23: What is “the Way?”

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).

Acts Fact #26: What happens next?

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.

Acts Fact #22: Felix

Fact: Felix

Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, was the first freed slave to ever hold the position of governor (23:26). Coming from the house of Antonia, the mother of Emperor Claudius, Felix and his brother Pallas each attained high positions within the Roman government.

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.

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

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)

Study Notes

Acts 23:3 Paul, like Jesus, used the metaphor of whitewash for hypocrisy (see Matt. 23:27). Ananias was a particularly bad high priest. For the illegal nature of Ananias’s action, see Lev. 19:15.

Study Notes

Acts 23:5 I did not know. Paul possibly did not recognize the high priest because he had not been to Jerusalem for many years. He also may have had poor eyesight (see Gal. 4:12–16).

Study Notes

See chart See chart

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)

Study Notes

Acts 23:14 The chief priests and elders were the dominant forces on the Sanhedrin. Most were Sadducees, the group most opposed to Paul.

Study Notes

Acts 23:16 the son of Paul’s sister. Nothing is known of Paul’s family. They possibly moved to Jerusalem when Paul was young (see note on 22:3). he . . . entered the barracks. As a Roman citizen Paul was probably given generous visitation privileges.

Study Notes

Acts 23:18 The military showed great respect to their Roman prisoner. Note the quick response of both the centurion and the tribune (Lysias) to Paul and his nephew.

Study Notes

Acts 23:21 By rabbinic law, if a vow became impossible to fulfill, those under it were released from its terms.

Study Notes

Acts 23:23–24 Lysias sends approximately half the Roman soldiers in Jerusalem to protect Paul.

Acts 23:24 Felix was governor of Judea A.D. 52–59. He was a weak leader (see 24:24–27).

Study Notes

Acts 23:25–26 Lysias’s letter follows standard Greek form: sender (Lysias), to recipient (Felix), followed by greetings.

Study Notes

Acts 23:27 Lysias had no charges to list. All complaints against Paul had to do with “their [Jewish] law” (v. 29) and not Roman law. Throughout the rest of Acts, all the Roman officials testify to Paul’s innocence of any charges against him.

Study Notes

Acts 23:31 Antipatris was 35 of the 62 miles (56 of the 100 km) by road from Jerusalem to Caesarea (v. 33). This was a difficult but not impossible distance for soldiers to march in the cool of the night. Only the 70 “horsemen” (v. 32) continued to Caesarea.

Study Notes

Acts 21:17–23:35 The Arrest in Jerusalem. While fulfilling a vow at the temple, Paul was attacked by a Jewish mob and rescued by the Romans. He defended himself before the Jewish crowd and the Sanhedrin. Then a plot against his life prompted the Roman tribune to send him to the governor in Caesarea.

Acts 23:34–35 At this time Judea and Cilicia were both part of the Roman province of Syria. Since Felix administered a portion of that province and Paul’s home was within it, he determined that Paul’s case was within his jurisdiction.

Acts 23:35 Herod’s praetorium served as the Roman governor’s quarters.

Acts Fact #22: Felix

Fact: Felix

Study Notes

Acts 24:1 The spokesman . . . Tertullus may have been a Gentile, a professional lawyer.

Study Notes

Acts 24:2 Tertullus began with flattering words designed to secure the governor’s goodwill. we enjoy much peace. This was not true: Felix had the least peaceful term of any Roman administrator up until his time. The Jews hated him. He was better known for taking bribes than helping the Jews.

Study Notes

Acts 24:5 Tertullus accused Paul of three crimes: stirring up riots, being a Christian ringleader, and profaning “the temple” (v. 6). To a Roman, the first charge would have been the most serious. It amounted to treason. Paul admitted to the second charge (v. 14). He denied the first and third charges (vv. 12–13).

Study Notes

Acts 24:10 Paul’s opening words are brief and honest when compared to Tertullus’s flattery (see note on v. 2).

Study Notes

Acts 24:11–12 Paul denied starting any riots. Twelve days was not enough time to gather a following.

Study Notes

Acts 24:14 Paul proceeded to show how as a Christian he was also a faithful Jew. He accepted the Law and the Prophets and lived his life in light of the resurrection and judgment of “the just and the unjust” (vv. 15, 25).

Study Notes

See chart See chart

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

Study Notes

Acts 24:18–19 Paul began to relate the events of his being captured in the temple (21:27–36). He stopped when he realized his real accusers—the Jews from Asia—were not present. Roman law called for a “face-to-face” confrontation between the accusers and the accused.

Study Notes

Acts 24:20–21 when I stood before the council. Ananias and the elders were members of the Sanhedrin. Thus they could testify to Paul’s earlier hearing before them (23:1–10). The key issue both then and here was the resurrection—not just the general possibility of resurrection but the historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection.

See chart See chart

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

Study Notes

Acts 24:22–23 Felix had an accurate knowledge of the Way (see note on 9:1–2), which may have come from his Jewish wife (see 24:24). but have some liberty. Paul’s “free custody” may have been due to his being a Roman citizen.

Study Notes

Acts 24:24 Drusilla was the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I and the sister of Agrippa II (who will appear in the next chapter). Her marriage to Felix was something of a scandal because Felix had caused her divorce from her first husband.

Study Notes

Acts 24:26 money. . . . sent for him often. Roman law prohibited officials from taking bribes, but bribe-taking was common.

Study Notes

Acts 24:1–27 The closest thing to an actual trial for Paul took place before Felix when the Jews from Jerusalem brought their charges against him. Felix was not persuaded. He dismissed the court but continued to hold Paul in custody. Felix spoke frequently with Paul in private.

Acts 24:27 Felix was removed from office in A.D. 60 for failing to deal properly with a dispute between the Jews and Gentiles in Caesarea.

See chart See chart

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

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Acts 23 and 24 tell us about some of Paul's harshest trials and the Lord's encouragement through it all. Paul's journey with the Lord often involved testing or suffering before rulers and crowds, like the two hearings we see in our passage today. Paul needed the Lord's encouragement, just like we do as we move through the obstacles of our daily lives. This passage, with its reminder that God provides for us in times of hardship, is a gift to us today for our everyday challenges.

We are reminded that what was true for Paul is true for us. Jesus is the same then and now. The Lord knows us, the Lord is with us, the Lord is for us, and the Lord is not finished with us.

We often forget that God is not surprised by what is causing us frustration or panic. We can choose to trust and depend on the Holy Spirit. Our Triune God will never forsake us. All will be to his glory. The reminder that my sanctification is not finished until I am face to face with him is a daily blessing.

In Acts 24, we see God's sovereignty on full display. We see in Paul's circumstances that God is in control. Even when we are going through trials, he protects and provides, as he did with Paul in Caesarea. We can know and trust that his sovereignty is in action in our lives. What a sweet blessing that we can stay faithful as his witnesses even in stressful situations.

May we seek the kingdom of God first and always, going to the Father in prayer for everything and leaning on his Holy Spirit for guidance and to quiet our soul.

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

1. Are you certain of God's sovereignty, no matter the circumstances? If not, why not?

2. Is your trust in who Jesus is, forsaking whatever idols have taken hold in your life?

3. How can you lay down the anxiety-producing thoughts to control what is uncertain in your life? Is God always ready to protect and provide?