I. Introduction: Acts 21:17-26 Paul Visits James at Jerusalem
Pentecost 57AD… third missionary journey done… large gift… warm reception (17)
James (half-brother of Jesus)… the leader of the church in Jerusalem… mega-church! (20)
Paul implements I Cor. 9:22… joins a vow… ease rumors… unity in the body of Christ
Paul’s visits to Jerusalem… revealed church problems and imperfect Christians
21:19 Paul gave credit to God for all the fruit
The storm clouds are forming… 21:12-14 “The Lord’s will be done”… Paul and Jesus
A major turning point happens here… Acts 13-20 versus Acts 21-28
II. Acts 21:27-22:21 Paul Arrest & Defense
A. Paul attacked by Jews and arrested in the Temple by Romans
Zealous Jews from Asia (Ephesus?)… false rumors… Roman commander (tribune)
Claudias Lysias (23:26)… 1000 troops… Antonia Fortress
“Away with him!”
The Temple is full of ironies… They were living off of yesterday’s manna
B. Paul’s defense before the Roman commander
Jewish terrorist from Egypt… Felix brutally put down… Lysias is very confused
Crowd became silent (21:40, 22:2)… Aramaic… Roman occupiers (Greek)
Crowd reaction to Jesus of Nazareth (22:8) versus Gentiles (22:21)... See 26:19-23
Paul’s new details of his conversion story
Parallels between Paul’s suffering and Christ’s
Luke point: Jesus suffered, Paul suffered, we will too! (Matt 16:24, 2 Cor 1:5, 2 Tim 3:12)
III. Acts 22:22 – 23:11 Paul before the Romans and Jewish Council
A. Paul before the Roman Commander
Paul too friendly to Gentiles… former faithful Pharisee… the ultimate traitor
They called for his death (22) … anger visibly evident (23)
Paul finally pulls his trump card: Roman citizenship (25)… How did one become a Roman citizen?... the proof
B. Paul before the Jewish Council
Lysias is confused (22:30)… Jewish matter… brings before the Council
Paul’s strategy: 1) divide-and-conquer or 2) “completed Pharisee”
Pharisees who follows Jesus were part of the Jerusalem church and had a significant voice!
Paul’s vision in 23:11 “Keep up your courage!...you will testify about me in Rome.” …
Paul got a vision… how can I get a fresh word from the Lord?... Daily manna is needed.
God’s timing: Jesus left out some details…Exodus 3:10-12