Acts 20-22

Acts 20

from: https://www.understandchristianity.com/timelines/pauls-third-missionary-journey/

After the Ephesian riot:

• Paul the Apostle encourages believers
• travels through Macedonia and Greece

He spends about three months in Greece

A Jewish plot ( not described) causes Paul to alter travel plans. (Instead of directly sailing to Syria, they go through Macedonia) 

Sailed to Phillipi then Troas

Several companions are listed traveling with him.

• Sopater the Berean
• of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus
• Gaius of Derbe
• Timothy
• and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus

In Troas, believers gather on the first day of the week. Paul teaches late into the night

A young man named Eutychus falls asleep:

• falls from a third-story window
• is taken up dead
• Paul embraces him and he is restored to life.

Paul continues traveling by sea. He bypasses Ephesus because he wants to reach Jerusalem quickly, preferably by Pentecost. 

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

Paul calls the Ephesian elders to Miletus. Paul reminds them:

• he served humbly
• endured trials
• taught publicly and house-to-house

Paul says the Holy Spirit warns imprisonment awaits him.

• Yet “I do not account my life of any value…”

Paul warns:

• “fierce wolves” will arise
• some from within the church
• They will distort truth and draw disciples after themselves.

Paul encourages

• vigilance
• generosity
• dependence on God

Paul says Jesus said “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (This saying of Jesus appears only here in Scripture, but see John 21:25)

The elders:

• weep
• embrace Paul
• grieve most because they will not see him again.

Acts 21

Paul continues toward Jerusalem (Cos to Rhodes to Patara to Tyre) despite repeated warnings. Believers urge him not to go

From Tyre to Ptolemais to Caesarea. In Caesarea he stays at the home of Philip who is mentioned to have four virgin daughters or prophesied. 

The prophet Agabus binds himself with Paul’s belt and predicts Paul will be bound in Jerusalem

• Paul responds “I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die…”

 Mnason is mentioned as an early disciple

Paul meets James and Jerusalem elders. They rejoice over Gentile conversions.

• However rumors spread that Paul teaches Jews to abandon Moses
• To avoid offense, Paul participates in purification rituals with four men.

Jews from Asia accuse Paul of:

• teaching against the Law
• defiling the temple

A riot erupts and the crowd violently attacks Paul. Roman soldiers intervene and arrest him.

Paul speaks Greek to the Roman commander, surprising him. Paul requests permission to address the crowd.He begins speaking in Hebrew/Aramaic and the crowd becomes quiet to listen.

Acts 22

Paul gives his testimony.

Paul’s Jewish Background

Paul explains:

• he is a Jew
• trained under Gamaliel
• formerly zealous for the Law
  • He persecuted Christians intensely.

Paul recounts his Damascus road encounter. 

• bright heavenly light
• hearing Jesus’ voice
  • “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

Ananias of Damascus restores Paul’s sight. Paul is told he will be Christ’s witness.

Paul describes receiving his mission to the Gentiles.

• When the crowd hears “Gentiles” they become enraged.
• The crowd demands Paul’s death. Roman soldiers prepare to flog him.

Paul asks: “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen…?” The commander becomes afraid because Roman citizens had legal protections and unlawful punishment was serious.

The commander seeks to determine the actual charges against Paul. Paul is brought before the Jewish council. 

Application

Paul was told that he would be bound, but that did not stop him. He knowingly walked into danger for the sake of the gospel. Even in the midst of a riot, Paul is able to share the gospel and give his testimony. What do we hold back due to fear?