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.