Acts of the Apostles Part 4
Continuity
In the last session we left Paul and his party in Asia-Minor, then something happened at the Port of Troas, which directed Paul the Gospel into Europe.
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Into Europe-(Chapter 16 verses 6 to 12)
The first European city to hear the gospel was Philippi. (Perhaps Dr. Luke came from there and perhaps he was ‘the Man from Macedonia’ because immediately after that, the text goes into the first person plural. The writer was there with them).
The Church Planted at Philippi-(Chapter 16 verses 13 to 40) and at Thessalonica (Chapter 17 verses 1 to 15) and on to
The Church Planted at Athen-(Chapter 17 verses 16 to 34)
The Church Planted at Corinth-(Chapter 18 verses 1 to 22)
This completes missionary tour number three.
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Paul retraces his steps through Asia-Minor to come to Ephesus.
The Church is Planted and growing in Ephesus-(Chapter 19 verses 1 to 41)
Question -Paul spent more time in Ephesus than in any other of the Churches he planted. What stands out in your reading of the church in mighty Ephesus?
The remainder of the journey back to Jerusalem from Northern Greece is reported, including the longest sermon ever heard (Acts, Chapter 20 verses 7 to 12) and the most tearful farewell! (Acts, Chapter 20 verses 13 to 38).
The story of Paul’s arrest and various accusations and hearings is told in vivid language and we suggest that you share that journey in your own words, including:
Riot in the Temple (Chapter 21 verse 27 to Chapter 22 verse 29)
Accused before the Sanhedrin (Chapter 22 verse 30 to Chapter 23 verse 11)
and before Governor Felix (Chapter 23 verse 23 to 24) and before Festus and King Agrippa (Chapter 25 verse 13 to Chapter 26 verse 32)
The superbly told eyewitness story of the journey to Rome (Chapter 27 verse 1 to Chapter 28 verse 16) and Paul’s preaching centre in Rome itself, (Chapter 28 verses 17 to 31) deserve more detailed study than we have time and space for, but: Remember, it is possible that Paul was acquitted before the High Court and released (2 Timothy Chapter 4 verses 16 to 18) to do more Church planting.
If you ever come across Luke’s third volume on Paul’s journey’s before he was re-arrested and executed, then you will be famous for having discovered a manuscript more precious than gold!

Pray for any Missionaries you know.

Optional Reading for Next Session read Romans Chapter 1.

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