Romans 3

Paul continues to build his case against humanity's goodness. He asks who has an advantage with God; and then gives the obvious answer - nobody. In fact, our misdeeds (either doing the wrong thing or failing to do the right thing) only prove that God is just and perfect and mankind is deserving of violating that perfection. The only hope is to obtain God's righteousness via belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. You and I are not righteous; He is infinitely righteous and offers His righteousness to those willing to accept it. The basis for boasting, then, is totally in Christ.

Romans 2

Paul reminds the Roman readers that all are inexcusable for their violations of God's law. Whether or not they have had them clearly delineated to them, God's laws are clearly seen and understood by their very nature. The day is coming when all will give an account for their keeping of the law. No one is exempt, not by right of citizenship, culture, or practice. The question is never "Who are you?" or "From where do you come?" but "What have you done with the law?"

Romans 1

Paul begins his letter to the church in Rome stating that he is pleased with their faith and anticipates coming to see them in person so that they and he might be mutually benefitted. He is ready to tell those in Rome about the gospel of Jesus Christ - the only message with divine power to change lives. Those who fail to respond favorably to the message will find themselves the recipients of God's wrath. In fact, all creation displays the fact that God holds all accountable for the way they respond to Him. Those who twist and pervert His laws will not find escape from His wrath; in fact, greater punishment is stored up for them - God allows them their debased state.

Acts 28

Paul and his shipmates have grounded their vessel off the coast of Malta. All make it safely to shore, and Paul soon distinguishes himself as having divine approval on his life. Throughout the rest of the journey, Paul is seen as being a unique representative of God. Arriving in Rome, he continues to teach and instruct both Jews and Gentiles concerning the good news of Jesus Christ.

Acts 27:27 - 44

The folks aboard the vessel continue their voyage; but Paul encourages the passengers to eat something before all the food is lost. After all 276 people eat, the food is thrown overboard in order to lighten the ship. Soon, it is apparent that the ship will be lost. All make it safely ashore, exactly as Paul predicted.

Acts 27:1 - 13

Paul begins his journey to Rome. The ship on which they travel slowly makes its way from Caesarea to Rome; and encounters many difficulties. The most significant of these difficulties is a storm that threatens to destroy (or at lest sink) the ship. Paul reassures those aboard that there will be no loss of life, but that the ship will run aground.

Acts 26

Paul outlines his experience with the Way of following Christ Jesus of Nazareth. The zeal he once had for God was redirected by a heavenly vision showing him the true nature of reality. The King is almost convinced to become a follower of Christ, and is convinced that Paul would have been found innocent, had he not continued the legal process and appealed to Caesar.

Acts 25

Paul continues to make his defense against the false charges brought against him. Each person is convinced of Paul's innocence, but because of his appeal to Caesar, he will be sent on his way to Rome.

Acts 24

Paul, having been detained in Caesarea, is finally allowed to speak in his own defense. After hearing the high priest falsely state the case against him, Paul very carefully lays out the facts of his situation in Jerusalem. The governor, Felix, hopes to obtain a bribe from Paul, so he keeps him under a loose house arrest for more than two years. During this time, he frequently called on Paul and asked for a restatement of Paul's beliefs concerning Jesus Christ. Despite constant confrontations with the truth of Jesus, Felix never formally places his trust in the Messiah. Felix is eventually replaced by a man named Festus.

Acts 23:16 - 35

The plot to murder Paul being uncovered, the commander of the troops in Jerusalem dispatched a security force to safely transport Paul to Caesarea and the governor, Felix. A letter introducing the situation was sent; and Paul arrived at Caesarea to await the upcoming arrival of his accusers.

Acts 23:1 - 15

Paul now faced the council, and was asked to answer charges of inciting riot. Paul, knowing that part of the council were Pharisees and the other part Saducees, decided to use his position to pit one party against the other. When the Pharisees could find no fault in him, they sought to extradite him to Rome. Meanwhile, a murder plot was uncovered of a group of men who were committed to ending Paul's life.

Acts 22

Paul addresses the assembled crowd and outlines the work that God had done in his life. As he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they showed great interest. However, when Paul mentioned the fact that God had called him to take the news of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, many were upset and frustrated. A mob soon formed.

Acts 21:18 - 40

Paul, having made it safely to Jerusalem, was arrested for defiling the temple (having seen a Gentile in the temple keeping company with Paul). Paul narrowly escaped death, being rescued by the captain of the garrison. Paul asks to speak, as he is a Jew and a Roman citizen. The people were silenced as Paul began to speak. (to be continued)

Acts 21:1 - 17

Along his journey to Jerusalem, Paul encounters those who warn him of impending danger should he continue his journey. Paul would not be dissuaded; if God intended to have him imprisoned, that would not deter him from continuing his God-appointed journey to Jerusalem. What a lesson about committment. Even though he knew the trip would be personally costly, that factor did not dissuade the fact that God had called him to a specific task.

Acts 20:17 - 38

Paul prepares to take his leave of the followers of Jesus assembled in Ephesus. Before his departure, he carefully reminds them of all that has been accomplished in his 3 years among them. He has instructed them honestly and openly about the claims of Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah to the Jews - and about the offer of salvation made to the Gentiles as well. He warns them of the false teachers who will come and try to subvert his work among them. After a time of prayer together, Paul departs for Jerusalem.

Acts 20:1 - 16

Paul continues his ministry in Asia Minor. While in the city of Troas, he holds an unusual meeting. A young man falls asleep in the midst of the service, and falls out of a third story window to his death. Paul goes to the ground floor, revives the young man, and continues preaching for another number of hours! Nothing seems able to interrupt the spread of the gospel!

Acts 19:21 - 41

Paul continues in the city of Ephesus, even though those that worshipped the goddess Diana were quite upset about the decline in their sales of temple mementoes since Paul's arrival. They organized a riot that lasted for about 2 hours, until the city clerk wisely dispersed the crowd for unlawful incitement. One thing is certain, the arrival of the Gospel definitely causes division in lives and lifestyles!

Acts 19:1 - 20

Paul travels from Corinth to Ephesus and spends time instructing the believers in that city. Not having heard about the death and resurrection of Jesus that brings the presence of the Holy Spirit, Paul gives them the good news and these dear folk are glad to hear and receive the teaching. Many miraculous works are done in Ephesus, but not without interference from those who would make profit through duplicating the results of Paul's authentic ministry. These men meet with disastrous results and learn that God is not One to trifle with.

Acts 18

Paul travels from Athens to Corinth, then to Antioch. Along the way he encounters many different partners in ministry. Named among these partners are a couple named Aquila and Priscilla who are great encouragers of his work. He also crosses paths with an eloquent speaker named Apollos, whom Paul is able to further instruct in the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

Acts 17:16 - 34

Paul, traveling in and around Athens, observes the spiritual interest among the citizens, as well as the spiritual ignorance about the gospel. He adresses the citizens in a formal discourse concerning the resurrection and the gospel. Some are interested in hearing more, most are convinced Paul is a fool, and a very few join themselves to following Jesus of Nazareth.

Acts 17:1 - 15

Paul continued taking the gospel of Jesus to those in the cities of Macedonia. Leaving Philippi, he traveled to Thessalonica and Berea. Wherever he went, the good news of the Gospel found receptive hearers. But trouble also followed! Those in opposition to the message Paul preached traveled from place to place as well, continuing to foment riots and turmoil.

Acts 16:22 - 40

Angry mobs, hurried trials, false imprisonment, illegal torture, an earthquake ... and a hymn sing? Paul certainly never lacked for 'something to do'! In Philippi the crowds were angry because he had cast the demon out of a girl - drying up her masters' financial stream. After being beaten and imprisoned, Paul and Silas were in the midst of singing at midnight when an earthquake opened all the jail cells. The jailor was surprised to find all the prisoners in their places, and inquired what he must do to be saved. Paul gently instructs him and this man and his household are gloriously transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Later, the officials ask Paul to leave - especially after they learned that as a Roman citizen, he never should have been beaten. Paul continued to encourage believers as he left the city.

Acts 16:1 - 21

While traveling, Paul and Silas encounter a young man who will prove to be a valuable asset to the ministry: young Timothy. With a diverse cultural background, Timothy would have an understanding of various cultural settings. His faith was solid, making him an ideal missionary companion. As the Spirit of God leads the missionaries, they encounter a broad spectrum of followers. There was Lydia, whose heart and home were opened to the gospel; and there was a servant girl whose demon-possession lead to an opportunity for Paul and Silas to interact with the local authorities.

Acts 15:22 - 41

Those gathered in Jerusalem to discuss the issue of Gentile believers concluded their session by writing a letter to those churches who would be affected. In the letter, they carefully spelled out the fact that God did not intend for Gentiles to become Jews before receiving the Gospel. After giving them some practical applications of their faith, they concluded the letter and dispatched it with Paul, Barnabas and others. The group departed for Antioch (home of the first "Christians" remember?) and continued with those believers for quite some time. Later, Paul and Silas would travel to Syria, while Barnabas and John Mark would make their way to Cyprus.

Acts 15:1 - 21

Controversy arose between the Jewish and non-Jewish believers over the practice of circumcision. A meeting was held in Jerusalem to determine how much the Gentile believers would be expected to conform to Jewish law and practice. Following passionate speeches by Peter, James, Paul and Barnabas it was determined that God would not desire for Gentiles to become Jews before allowing them to respond to the Gospel.

Acts 14

Wherever the gospel spread, a clear delineation was made between those who accepted it and those who rejected it. As Paul and Barnabas travelled from place to place in Asia Minor, the reactions were mixed. Throngs received the news with gladness, while others were put into an uproar and threatened bodily harm to those sharing the Good News. Yet hardship did not deter the speakers, the church thrived amid hardship.

Acts 13:16 - 52

Paul presents the gospel story from Israel's history to the Jews assembled in the temple in Pisidia. Upon hearing how God has blessed His people and finally sent His Son, the Messiah, to deliver them from sin, the people respond with great enthusiasm. The leaders of the city, however, do not appreciate the religious influence and force Paul and Barnabas to leave the city under threat of persecution.

Acts 13:1 - 15

The group of believers at Antioch did more than just give the term "Christian" to history. They also commissioned and sent out two of the greatest representatives of the Christian faith: Paul and Barnabas. Their work was blessed by God greatly, and they represented Him well - especially against those who sought to imitate the miracles that had accompanied other demonstrations of God's glorious gospel.

Acts 12

Quick! Name three of Jesus' 12 disciples. Most of you probably said "Peter, James and John" (and a few of you just added 'in a sailboat'). What ever happened to that Inner Circle? We read in Acts 12 that James was killed by Herod; and after seeing a favorable reaction from the people, he went a step further and threw Peter into prison to be executed at a later date. But God was not finished with Peter, so He sent an angel to release Peter from prison under the noses of the very guards set to prevent his escape. Peter travels to the house of a believer, where many have gathered to pray for his release. Imagine the joy they share at being reunited! Imagine the embarassment of the guards, the fury of Herod. You don't have to imagine it; we are told Herod ordered the guards put to death for negligence. Very shortly, Herod himself fell victim to divine punishment; he died while the word of God continued to spread to many.

Acts 11

Peter returns to Jerusalem, where he is questioned intensely about his travels and work among the Gentiles in Caesarea. Peter gives a beautiful description of God's working among "the nations" and the news that God has allowed others to receive the gift of repentance thrills the assembled believers. More followers are added from among these non-Jewish nations; and from them we get a new term - little Christ, or "Christian" - courtesy of the believers assembled in Antioch. The love and care demonstrated among these scattered believers is seen as they assist those in other areas facing famine. They were known, as Jesus said they would be, by their love for one another, and their love for others.

Acts 10:24 - 48

Peter travels to Caesarea to meet with Cornelius, the Roman centurion. Upon meeting, God demonstrates through both of these men's reactions that He does not grant a realtionship with Himself based on a person's ethnic background. Instead, He accepts persons from all backgrounds; the qualifier is His selection of them and their believeing response. These Gentile believers are baptized as a testimony to their faith and Peter stays with them to provide further instruction in their new-found faith.