Acts – Paul’s Three Captivities – 21:17 – 28:31 Pastor Tom Gang » Sunday, January 3, 2021 UNWAVERING, WILLING AND WISE – ACTS 21:17 – 23:11 The In our last study of Acts we saw the conclusion of Paul’s third official missionary journey. As we examined this last text (Acts 21:1-17) we learned of the four warnings God gave the apostle through the Holy Ghost. He was specifically told not to go up to Jerusalem, for if he did, the result would be afflictions and incarceration. But, because of his heartfelt ____________________ for his Jewish brethren, he ignored God’s warnings and pressed on in his own endeavor to the city. Today we will see the historic narrative describe the course of events as they unfolded for Paul in Jerusalem and witness the fulfillment of his foretold turmoil. Even though this message is more of a commentary on the events, we will do well to pay close attention to every detail as God’s Spirit seeks to reveal issues surrounding our own _______________ endeavors for Christ. 1. Some of the main characters in the text - Paul – The apostle to the ______________. Paul has just completed a third missionary journey to of the uttermost parts of the known world. He has reached thousands of people for Christ and established countless churches. He is a Greek and Hebrew speaking Roman Jewish Pharisee. the - The Jewish crowds – They consist of both lost and saved people. Some are gathered from all parts of the known world in Jerusalem to observe various Jewish rites and holidays. They are often referred to as the “multitude.” A - The Chief Captain – His name is Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:26). He is the Chief Captain of a P regiment of men, likely one thousand in number. It is acceptable for him to make certain judgments of various criminal acts under Roman law and jurisdictions. He became a Roman citizen only after paying a great deal of money which likely included indentured labor (Acts 22:28). O - The Council – This is the same high-minded group of lost Jewish men we have seen throughout S our study of Acts. They are comprised of Sadducees and Pharisees. They interpret Jewish law and pass judgment upon Israeli citizens under the authority of their Roman occupiers. T - Sadducees – A religious party at the time of Christ and afterward. They believed that the written law was the only standard that the Nation of Israel should heed. They did not believe in the L resurrection of the body after death, the immortality of man’s soul, or the existence of angels and spirits. E - Pharisees – A sect that began after the Jewish exile into Babylon. They believed not only in the written law but also in the oral traditions and commentaries concerning the law. They were very S pious and relied heavily on their superficial good works to gain favor with God and man. They held tenaciously to the belief in life after death, the existence of angels, and of the spirit world. 1 2. The textual narrative – Acts 21:17 thru Acts 23:11 - Paul at Jerusalem – Acts 21:17-26 - Paul in the temple – Acts 21:27-32 - Paul bound in chains – Acts 21:33-40 - Paul’s defense before the mob – Acts 22:1-24 - Paul appeals his Roman citizenship – Acts 22:25-30 - Paul’s defense before the Council – Acts 23:1-10 - Paul’s comfort from the Lord – Acts 23:11 2 .