Acts 18 verse 3

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Verse 3: Paul met in Corinth Aquila and Priscilla his wife. They were just as Paul tentmakers and worked with their hands. So Paul stayed at their home and worked just like them with his hands and made the tents. In  I Thessalonians 4 verse 11 and 12 we read this: And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. Paul always worked with his own hands: For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2 verse 9.  Paul during the time he was a free man he had lack of nothing. He never asked people to give him food or drink or clothes, nor other things because he earned (money or goods) from selling tents. So brothers and sisters it is important to work, if you can work physical and  if you have still the age to work and not to dependent of money from the government such as a benefit. 

Acts 18 verse 4

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Verse 4: Paul as usual in the Acts period went first to the synagogues of the Jews to reach individual Jews so that they had first the chance to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. He persuaded the Jews there and the Greeks (proselytes) that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior. He told them the glory of the cross which he knew on that moment so that people could come to believe.

Acts 18 verse 5

 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

Verse 5: Silas and Timotheus came to Corinth where Paul was and because Paul saw them again he was pressed in the spirit. What does that mean to be pressed in the spirit? Paul was driven by a strong zeal when Silas and Timotheus were back with him. They joined him again and their coming was a big support and encouragement for Paul. So the testified to the Jews in the synagogue that Jesus was Christ. That He is the Savior for their lives. But what was their reaction? We read this in the next verse

Acts 18 verse 6

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

Verse 6: Instead of believing this they resisted and wouldn't believe that Jesus is Christ and Savior. They set themselves in opposition as in battle array. And they blasphemed God and that indicates that their rejection of Christ was as bitter as it was stubborn. So Paul's reaction to this was to shook his raiment. What does that mean? He shook out his clothes to signify thathe no longer felt responsible to share the Gospel of the Grace of God with them. And then he said this; your blood be upon your own heads. You stay under the thorn of God namely eternal death. I am clean through the Lord Jesus Christ Who paid the prize for me on that cross on Calvary and had washed me with His blood and from now on I will go untot Gentiles or heathen. If they perished in their sn they could never complain  that he had not warned them. This is the second time Paul is telling the Jews that henceforth he will go to the Gentiles. We have seen that he mentioned in Acts 13:46 that he and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles. And in Acts 28 verse 28 there we can read about the last and third time when Paul mentioned this to the Jews that he will go to the Gentiles  

Acts 18 verse 7

And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

Verse 7: After saying to the Jews I am clean, from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles/heathen Paul departed from the synagogue and he entered into a certain man's house. The house where Justus lived and Justus worshipped God. Justus lived right next door to the synagogue. Justus was a Greek man and uncircumcised. Paul went not to Justus house for personal reasons. Paul began holding meetings next door as an open protest and a testimony against the majority who didn't believe in God. The new congregation Paul began there in the house was a visible symbol of Gods purpose to send salvation to the Gentiles through Israel's unbelief see Romans 11:11. 

Acts 18 verse 8

 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Verse 8: Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue became a believer with all his house. This impressed a lot of Corinthians and many of the Corinthians also hearing Gods Word believed and were baptized. It had a lot of effect on their lives! Were all these people baptized by Paul? No is the answer: Paul himself baptized a few of them and one of these few was Crispus and another was Gaius and Paul baptized also the household of Stephanas because they were the firstfruits of Achaia I Corinthians 1: 14-16. Because Paul was not send to baptize: For Christ send me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. I Corinthians 1:17

Acts 18 verse 9

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

Verse 9: The Lord spoke to Paul in the night and that by a vision. Visions occur frequently in the Bible as instruments of supernatural revelation. They are audiovisual means of communication between a heavenly being and an earthly recipient. That's is how God spoke to Paul and He said: be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace. So the commandment was to speak, to spread the Word of His Grace in Corinth and be not silent. 

Acts 18 verse 10

 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Verse 10: God told Paul that He was with him and no man shall hurt thee. There are a lot of people in this city that they may hear the Gospel of the Grace of God, the glory of the cross of Jesus Christ. So Paul would not have to be afraid of peoeple in Corinth!  

Acts 18 verse 11

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Verse 11: Paul was preaching in Corinth after the Lord told him that he was safe and no one would hurt him 1,5 year. He teached the Word of God, the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now made manifest on Paul by the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 16:25 and 26. He preached this among the people who wanted to hear Jews and Gentiles. This is what the apostle Paul preached during this 1,5 year. People were build up by the Word of Gods Grace. 

Acts 18 verse 12

 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

Verse 12: When Gallio....Who was this man? He was the proconsul of the Roman province Achaia from 51 till 52 n.C. Gallio was the brother of Seneca, the famous statesman, philosopher and counsellor of Nero during his early days. Seneca wrote of Gallio with great affection and described Gallio as an amiable and gracious character, easy to get along with. The Jews knew of Gallio's reputation and hoped he would agree to their demand that Paul had to be punished so they began a resistance against the preaching of Paul and with one accord they took Paul and brought him to the judgment seat where Gallio was. 

Acts 18 verse 13

Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

Acts 18: The Jews spoke to Gallio and said to him: this fellow, this man caused people to worship God and believe in Him and contrary to the law. They meant that Paul was setting up an uncicensed religion which was not permitted under the Roman law. This was unfair what they did because the Roman law did permit the wicked and degrading religions. 

Acts 18 verse 14

And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

Verse 14: Paul was permitted to speak in his defense before Gallio and half way Gallio interrupted Paul and said to the Jews this: if this man Paul had done evil or wrong things o ye Jews so I agree with you  and bear it what you are saying because it seemed to him  though the issue between Paul and these Jews was actually whether Jesus was the Christ.

Acts 18 verse 15

But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.

Verse 15: If it be a question of words that Paul would have spoken evil about their law or religion or about someone's name look ye to it said Gallio. He wouldn't be a judge of such matters so he gave Paul not into their hands as Pilate had done with Christ.  and unlike Pilate he refused to even hear the case. 

Acts 18 verse 16

 And he drave them from the judgment seat.

Verse 16: Gallio drove those Jews and Paul away from the judgment seat. He wanted not to be judge over the things they accused Paul. It was not grounded so he stopped the conversation with them and send them away from him. 

Acts 18 verse 17

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

Verse 17: Who were those Greeks here? The proselytes, men originally from Greece who were now Jews and they took Sosthenes who was also a believer in Christ and chief ruler of the synagogue. They beat him before the judgment seat where Gallio was but Gallio cared for none of those things they did. It seemed that he didn't care. 

Acts 18 verse 18

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

Verse 18: After a full year and six month Paul took his leave of the brethren that means that he said them farewell and after that Paul sailed away from them to Syria. Pricilla and Aquila. What was the reason Paul and Priscilla and Aquila sailed away and first to Ephesus? What we know is that God was in this plan. What did Paul in Cenchrea before leaving for Syria? This is a little bit complex. There were verious vows which one might make to God under the Mosaic law. Deuteronomy 23:21-22: When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. What Paul did was probably the Nazarite vow. In Numbers 6 verse 1-21 we read about this. This vow however was supposed to be consummated at the door of the tabernacle at Jerusalem where blood sacrifices were to be offered and the hair was also to be offered. It was one of the feasts of Jerusalem because he was going to it: the Passover or Pentecost. 

Acts 18 verse 19

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

Verse 19: Paul, Aquila and Priscilla who accompanied him came to Ephesus. Paul left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus and he went himself into the synagogue of the Jews and reasoned with them which Paul did always during the Acts period because the Jews  individual could come to believe in Christ and they were not without excuse that they hadn't not heard it at first because the Word of God was first send to them. He spoke about the finished Work of the Lord with them. I Corinthians 15:3-4

Acts 18 verse 20

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

Verse 20: The Jews of the synagogue desired that he stayed longer with them. It was sedom  indeed that he found doors so wide open for the Gospel of the Grace of God. But he refused to stay longer with them because he was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem. 

Acts 18 verse 21
But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

Verse 21: But Paul said goodbye or farewell to them and said: I must be on the feast in Jerusalem. He promised after that saying but I will return to Ephesus again unto you if it is God's will or by the will of God he would return to see them again. Now he sailed from Ephesus to Caesarea and the plan was from Caesarea to travel to Jerusalem. 

Acts 18 verse 22

And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

Verse 22: And he Paul landed at Caesarea after sailing the Middel Sea over from Ephesus untill Israel. Paul gone up to Jerusalem? It is not clear from the Scripture here that he reached Jruslame in time for the feast. But it looks that he was in Jerusalem and salute the church there and went down to Antioch. We read not of a welcome in Jerusalem or in Antioch after such a long time 3 years when Paul was there and went with Silas from Antioch away on their second mission journey. 

Acts 18 verse 23

 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

Verse 23: Paul spent some time in Antioch. The kingdom church of early Acts had its headquarter at Jerusalem where Messiah was to reign Isaiah 24:23 with the 12 apostles Matthew 19:28 and from whence the law was to go foh to His whole domain Isaiah 2:2,3. The Church which is His Body have no headquarters on earth because the headquarters are in heaven where its Head the Lord Jesus Christ is. In Antioch were believers in Christ and most of them were Gentiles. There was a local church in Antioch thus Paul spend some time there and departed again and went along to the country of Galatia and Phrygia and strengthened all the disciples who were believers in the cities of Lystre, Derbe, Ikonium and Antioch Phrygia. To strengthen is very important. To know how it is with the believers who heard the Gospel of the Grace of God and believed it and if they still believe it and stand for it and Paul came with the Word of God and with new things to strengthen them. This is also important for a pastor to strengthen the people who hear the Word of Gods Grace that they will be build up. Paul was and is our example in this. We can learn a lot of him how he with the strength of the Lord always had the patience for fellowbelievers. 

Acts 18 verse 24

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

Verse 24: From this verse on we read about Apollos a Jew who was born in Alexandria Egypt. He was an eloquent man. What is eloquent. Answer: An eloquent speaker expresses himself clearly and powerfully. Apollos was such a man and mighty in the Scriptures of God. He had learned God's Word in Alexandria. (see study about Apollos on this website). Apollos came to Ephesus. 

Acts 18 verse 25

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Verse 25: This man that is Apollos. He was instructed in the way of the Lord. Apollos was intensely in the spirit. He spoke and taught the people tiresly the things of the Lord Jesus Christ but he knew only the baptism of John. He didn't know about the glory of the cross and that the Gospel of the Grace of God was on that moment the Gospel of salvation and not the Gospel of the Kingdom. He was ignorant that God had begun a new Dispensation namely the Dispensation of the Grace of God Ephesians 3:1-3. 

Acts 18 verse 26

 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Verse 26: So Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue of the Jews. In the synagogue were also Aquila and Priscilla his wife and they knew about the Gospel of the Grace of God and all about the Mystery Acts 20:24. Paul had taught them this when he was with them in Corinth. Paul had left them at Ephesus I think personally also with a purpose to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God and this man Apollos never heard about this so when they had heard Apollos Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos to their home and began to explain him the way of God more perfectly. They explained to him the Gospel of the Grace of God and that we live now under the Dispensation of Grace and that we are now saved by Grace alone , by faith alone and in Christ alone. They spoke to him all about the Mystery and the position he and them had in Christ and probably more things. So what was the reaction to this of Apollos. Did he say that he didn't believe this, that it was untrue what Aquila and Priscilla said to him as a lot of believers now in this world? Read the next verses for yourselves and find or discover what the reaction of Apollos was when he heard the truth. 

Acts 18 verse 27

 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

Verse 27: So Apollos came to know the Gospel of the Grace of God through Priscilla and Aquila and stood for it and his plan was to pass into Achaia. The brethren there in Ephesus wrote to the disciples or other believers in Christ when Apollos was come to to receive him as a brother with brotherly love. And Apollos came there and spoke the Word of Gods Grace  and helped the people there to understand it and to grow in the spiritual life through Gods Grace. 

Acts 18 verse 28

For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Verse 28: Now Apollos was more mighty in the Scriptures than before he met Aquila and Priscilla who explained to him the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24, 32. This verse let us see that Apollos intensely and powerful convinced the Jews in the synagogues and publicly by the Scriptures that the Lord Jesus was Christ and let them see the glory of the cross what the Lord Jesus Christ had done on the cross. The finished work of Him. So here ended chapter 18

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Acts 19 verse 1

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

Verse 1: Apollos was at Corinth to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God to everyone who wanted to listen. Apollos was mightely and convinced people publicly about the Grace of God. Paul was on the way to Ephesus from Phrychia to Asia and came in Ephesus where Apollos has been and Paul find some certain disciples. This was before Paul entered the synagogue of the Jews

Acts 19 verse 2

 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Verse 2: He asked them this: have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. They didn't know what Paul was talking about and replied we have not heard that there is any Holy Spirit. These were disciples from the time when John the Baptist was on earth and after that time they never heard about this because it was not told to them. 

Acts 19 verse 3

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Verse 3: So Paul asked them this: unto what then were ye baptized? And they answered Paul this: unto John's baptism. What was the baptism of John the Baptist? In Matthew 3 verse 2 we read what John said to the people or Jewish people: Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. He baptized them with water and they confessed their sins Matthew 3 verse 6. So these disciples were Jewith people. John didn't know about the Holy Spirit. It was not told to him so all the people who were baptized of him could not know on that moment that there was and is a Holy Spirit. If they were baptized  with Peter's baptism at Pentecost they would have received the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:38

Acts 19 verse 4

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Verse 4: In this verse Paul confirm what John the Baptist did and what his baptism was namely baptizing with the baptism of repentance and that people should believe on Christ Jesus Who should come after him. The baptism of |John and the baptism later under Peter's leading are baptisms of repentance and both for the remission of sins. Mark 1.4 and Acts 2:38

Acts 19 verse 5

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Verse 5: Were these disciples Paul met rebaptized here and after that the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied? No Paul explained to these disciples that the people who heard John the Baptist speaking they were afterwards baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scripture here never mentioned that these disciples were rebaptized. 

Acts 19 verse 6:

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Verse 6: What the apostle Paul did was this: He laid his hands upon them and the Holy Ghost came on them and immediately these disciples spoke in tongues and prophesied. They received the gifts ot the Holy Spirit just as the ones who believed on Pentecost. This all happened during the Acts period, the transition period because God's Word was not complete at that moment so people could speak in tongues and prophesy. 

Acts 19 verse 7

 And all the men were about twelve.

Verse 7: All the men who Paul had laid his hands upon were 12 persons. This is marked because this deasl with Israel and the divine government in the future. 

Acts 19 verse 8

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Verse 8: Paul went into the synagogue of the Jews. He spoke there with boldness and that for 3 months. That was a long time because most times after 3 or 4 Sabbaths the Jews in other places resisted the preaching of the Gospel of the Grace of God. Paul debated with these Jews and sought to persuade them oth the truths concerning the kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is not to confuse with the kingdom of heaven. It is the heavenly kingdom which Paul was speaking of. He spoke of course about the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God  and that Christ is the Head of the Body and King of kings and Lord of lords. Before Apollos was there in Ephesus and with Aquila and Priscilla in this synagogue. So you must think now that those Jews there had a lot of interest to hear the Gospel of Gods Grace. 

Acts 19 verse 9

 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

Verse 9: But here also and once again there were stiffnecked Jews who were hardened and believed not what the apostle Paul said. They were against God and His Word. They spoke evil of that way, the way to life, eternal life to the multitude in the synagogue. So Paul immediately departed from these Jews in the synagogue. Paul was convinced that his ministry in this synagogue had been brought to an end and he separate all the ones who believed in Christ. He set them apart from the unbelieving Jews and began a ministry in the school of one Tyrannus and preached there for 2 years in that school. A schoolbuilding is a very good place to teach people the Gospel of the Grace of God and to learn people to rightly divide the Word of truth 2 Timothy 2:15, Acts 20:24, 32. 

Acts 19 verse 10

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Verse 10: The apostle Paul preached in the school of Tyrannus the Word of Gods Grace and more from the Bible. All the people in that part or province where Ephesus was named Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jews and Greeks  or Jews and Gentiles heard the Word of God. It had a lot of influence on the people there and a lot believed it. Mark well that all which dwelt in Asia. Every man and woman heard the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ. Isn't that very special? Nowadays through all media most people are not interested in the Bible or Gods Word. The apostle Paul had no media like computer or smartphone or TV. Now you can see everything on these things and most people are occupied by this. In that time when Paul was in Ephesus it passed from mouth to mouth what is the best publicity. 

Acts 19 verse 11

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

Acts 19: In this chapter of Acts it was still the transition period and miracles happened because the Word of God was not complete yet. So God did special miracles through the hands of Paul. Nowadays the Word of God, the Bible is complete. These miracles were rather a supernatural testimony to Israel that Paul's ministry was the Work of God. God is not working anymore with miracles because the Bible is complete and we live 100% under God's Grace.  It will not say that God cannot do things. That He can heal persons or make persons better after sickness. He can do everything except lying.  But not every person will be healed. God promised us in His Word the Rapture and with the Rapture we will be changed and get a new body, a spiritual body which will not die and wherein is no sickness. 

Acts 19 verse 12

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Verse 20: Here we read what God wrought through Paul to heal the sick people. Handkerchiefs  or covers Paul brought unto the sick and the diseases departed from these sick people and also evil spirits went out of them. Under the transistion period, the Acts period Paul could heal people in the power of God. These were supernatural powers and God was still busy in this way. His Word wasn't not complete and it was also to convict the individual Jew that he or she began to believe in the living God. As long God was dealing with Israel and the Word of God was not complete these miracles happened frequently. Later after Gods Word was complete the apostle Paul couldn't heal people from their diseases. In 2 Timothy 4 verse 20 we read this: Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. There are more Scriptures to show that Paul couldn't heal anymore people. To Timothy his son in the faith he said this: Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 1 Timothy 5:23. If Paul had still the powers of God to heal Timothy from this there was no need to say this to Timothy.

Acts 19 verse 13

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Verse 13: Certain of the vagabond Jews. These Jews were exorcists men who expelled, or presumed to expel evil spirits but not by the power of God but by magical rites, charmings and other means, the implication being that they went from place to place offering to cast out demons for a price. They had seen Paul doing this in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and they said this to people: we adure you by Jesus whom Paul preached. This was for their personal gain. Do you see brother and sister how they were fallen spiritually. They used the Name of Jesus Christ Whom they rejected in this to cast out devils. They did this in the name of satan and satan can also heal people and do miracles. 

Acts 19 verse 14

And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

Verse 14: These vagabond Jews, exorcists were seven sons of a Jew and chief of the priests Sceva. And they tried in the Name of Jesus whom Paul preacheth to cast out devils or evil spirits from persons. This was for their personal gain because they rejected the Lord Jesus Christ in their lives. Satan was working in them! 

Acts 19 verse 15

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

Verse 15: The evil spirit in the person whom they tried to cast out in the Name of Jesus Whom Paul preached answered them this he knew Jesus and he knew Paul but who are ye? What are your names? 

Acts 19 verse 16

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Verse 16: The evil spirit in the man whom they tried to cast out jumped on them, these 7 sons of Sceva the chief of priests and overcame them and reigned in them and they fled out of the house where they were naked and wounded. This evil spirit had the strength of the maniac of Gadara. This was the consequence of the unauthorized use of that Holy name. These vagabond Jews  were again symbolic of the nation as a whole for in their ill use of Christ. 

Acts 19 verse 17

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Verse 17: All the Jews and Greeks came to know in Ephesus what happened to the 7 sons of Sceva and fear fell on them all. They feared God and the name of the Lord Jesus was enlarged. This hard incident shocked a lot of all the Jews and Greeks dwelling there at Ephesus. Probably they spoke a lot of it and saw that there is not to be trifles with God. 

Acts 19 verse 18

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

Verse 18: Many who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ came, confessed and  showed their deeds or praxis, offices, what they had done. 

Acts 19 verse 19

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Verse 19: Many of these believers which used curious arts or bizarre artwork, this was work from the devil.  They brought their books together and burnt them before all men. They didn't wish these books longer so burtn them. The prize of all those books was 50000 pieces of silver. That was a lot for that time. They were now believers in Christ and would not lead the life they had lived but wanted to live for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word of Grace. This sounds radical but if you are a believer and you have books what have to do with satan and bizarre artwork you have to do it away from yourselves so that it has no effect anymore in your life and that is with more things brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Acts 19 verse 20

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Verse 20: The Word of Gods Grace or the Gospel of the Grace of God came with a lot of power and it had a lot of good influence on these believers in Ephesus and still it has good influence in your life if you believe it that it is the only Gospel for today my brother and sister! So it growed the Word of God and abounded.

Acts 19 verse 21

After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Verse 21: Paul was firmly determined to do something. He wanted to go through Macedonia and Achaia and then again to Jerusalem. And then his plan was to go to Rome to see the believers there. On that moment he didn't know that soon he would be taken from Ceasarea to Rome as the prisoner of Jesus Christ for Gentiles. Ephesians 3 verse 1. 

Acts 19 verse 22

 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

Verse 22: Planning this trip in his head Paul send Timotheus and Erastus to Macedonia with this purpose to prepare the Corinthians for his coming so that he might not again to disturb them, the believers in Corinth and himself by his coming.  In I Corinthians 4:17 we read this:For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. At that time Paul wrote I Corinthians without doubt. There was a lot to speak of becasue in the church of Corinth there was a lot of immorality and it was awful to speak of I Corinthians 5:1: It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. The apostle Paul stayed there in Asia for a season

Acts 19 verse 23

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

Verse 23: In that same time when the apostle Paul was there in Asia again problem's arose for the apostle Paul and what he preached Romans 16:25-26 namely the Gospel of the Grace of God. This big stir began in Ephesus. 

Acts 19 verse 24

 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Verse 24: A certain man Demetrius the silversmith stood up against God and His Word of Grace because he made silver shrines for the goddess Diana. Diana was the goddess of Ephesus, the god of love and sex and Demetrius made sancturies and that made a lot of money for him. A lot of the inhabitans of Ephesus before Paul preached there were involved in this religion and Demetrius was one of them. He became angry because now a lot of the inhabitans became believers in Christ and were learing the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24, 32. He did this with other men making those shrines of Diana. The goddess was very famous in that area but also known by the Romans. 

Acts 19 verse 25

Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

Verse 25: Demetrius called the other workmen who did the same work as he worked and were also occupied by it and said to them Sirs: for sure you know that by this craft, this handywork we have our wealth. We got our money by selling those things to people. We got our wealth from it. 

Acts 19 verse 26

 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

Verse 26: Furthermore you see and hear from people not only in Ephesus but in the whole province of Asia this preacher Paul convinced and turned away much people from the believe in Diana saying that there be no gods which are made with hand. The apostle Paul preached about the living God, the God Who made everything the heavens and the earth and you and me as human beings and about Gods Grace in Christ. I Corinthians 15:3-4, Acts 13: 38 and 39 and that God the Creator not lives in temples made with hands of men. This Demetrius was so angry about this what happened in all Asia that he called all the men who did the same craft as he and stirred them up to cause a rebellion in the city of Ephesus. 

Acts 19 verse 27

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

Verse 27: Not only their craft was in danger and to be set at nought so that nobody bought it anymore but also the temple of Diana the great goddess, the goddes of the love and (sex) was in danger because nobody were worshipping her in this temple because those believers in Ephesus and there were a lot hated this goddess Diana. Her glory should with this preaching of Paul be destroyed and not only in Ephesus but in whole Asia and the world who had worshipped her. 

Acts 19 verse 28

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

Verse 28: All those craftman who were called by Demetrius heard those words he said to them and began after that to be full of anger and they cried out or shout or with a loud voice and said Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 

Acts 19 verse 29

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

Verse 29: The whole city of Ephesus was filled with confusion or bewilderment. They caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia who were fellowlaborers of Paul on his travel through the countries and they rushed with one accord into the theatre and took this two men with them. 

Acts 19 verse 30

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

Verse 30: The apostle Paul would have entered in unto the people that is to say he wanted to see the people in the theatre and maybe to speak to them and explain things but the disciples who were with him didn't tolerate that and stopped him because it was to dangerous for Paul to enter the theatre because it could cost his life. 

Acts 19 verse 31

And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

Verse 31: Certain of the head of Asia, of the local churches of the believers were Paul's friends and they had the message for him that the would not go to the theatre because that was to dangerous for him. The people who were angry would not spare him, they wanted to kill him or to take his life. 

Acts 19 verse 32

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

Verse 32: The whole city was in commotion and some of the people of the city cried one thing and others something else because these people who were called a assembly (assembly of unbelievers) was confused. Most of the people didn't know why they were came together. Is that strange. No , not at all because people in general have difficulty remembering words verbally. Today it is the same with people. 

Acts 19 verse 33

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

Verse 33: Then the people who were so stirred up drew Alexander out of the multitude because the Jews under them putting him forward. Alexander was one of these jews and he beckoned with the hand and would have made his defenced unto the people. He was on the point to say something to the people, to make something clear to them. The people on that moment didn't know that he was a Jew

Acts 19 verse 34

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

Verse 34: The multitude of angry people became to know that Alexander was a Jew and then they becan to cry. This endured 2 hours and what they said was this: Great is Diana or Artemis of the Ephesians because their religion and craftwork for the goddess was in danger because of Paul's preaching the Gospel of the Grace of God. 

Acts 19 verse 35

 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

Verse 35: The townclerk calmed down the people and he said this: Men of Ephesus, which man in Ephesus does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana and the image which fell down from the god Jupiter!? The people in Ephesus were Gentiles who believe only in Roman gods but from nature there are no gods beside God Himself. For them the inhabitans of Ephesus was Diana the goddess of the city. They were not interested in God Who made everything and Who paid the prize for mankind through Christ. 

Acts 19 verse 36

Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

Verse 36: That the city of Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana and of the image which fell down from Jupiter cannot be spoken against. This is a fact. But you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rashly. What is rashly? Answer: without careful consideration of the possible consequences;

Acts 19 verse 37

For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

Verse 37: And the townclerk continued his saying and defend Paul and said that the inhabitans brought these men here in Ephesus and they are not robbers of churches or blasphermer of the goddess you worship namely Diana. These were sharp words from this townclerk but it was the truth. Paul and the others brought Gods Word of Grace Acts 20:24, 32. which is the truth. With the truth you hurt nobody! Sometimes it is hard to understand but to tell the truth is honest. 

Acts 19 verse 38

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

Verse 38: Thus if Demetrius and the other craftsmen who are with him or joined him have a matter against any man. Let them to it through the law because the law is open and there are deputies or delegates. Let them accuse one another. What Demetrius and the craftsmen had done was out of proportions because there was no proof that the religion, the worshipping of Diana was not robbed by Paul and fellowlaborers. 

Acts 19 verse 39

But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

Verse 39: If you have any thing against some people or a case that caused you irritation  the townclerk continued here it shall be discussed in a lawful assembly or meeting. 

Acts 19 verse 40

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

Verse 40: The townclerk said this all because they were in danger to be called in question for that day's uproar because it was groundless what they had done because there was no cause to defend that day's uproar or concourse. Ephesus fell under the Empire of Rome in that time. So to stop this uproar was the best to do for him because otherwise maybe the Romans would punish them for this. 

Acts 19 verse 41

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Verse 41: The townclerk who had a lot of authority and responsibility had spoken and he send away all the people of this meeting or assembly. With this the uproar was complete stopped. 

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Acts 20 verse 1

 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

Verse 1: After the uproar was ended the apostle Paul called unto him the disciples or learners, listerners of the Word of Gods Grace. He embraced or hugged them and then he left them and departed from Ephesus and went to Macedonia. This last embrace let us see that Paul loved those persons very much  with the love of Christ. It was now wiser for Paul to leave Ephesus. A very good work  had been done there in Ephesus and when he became the chief target  of the enemy's fury it was better for the work to entrust it now to the care of those with whom he had labored for 3 years. So he went to Macedonia where Phillipi, Thessalonica and Berea to see again the believers there in those places.  

Acts 20 verse 2

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

Verse 2: Through whole Macedonia Paul journeyed and exhorted people in every place he came. You can imagine that these people who saw him and heard the Word of God he preached to them were very glad and builded up. After that Paul went to Greece. 

Acts 20 verse 3

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

Verse 3: In Greece the apostle Paul abode 3 months. Then the trouble came which caused satan to use unbelieving Jews because they laid wait for him when the apostle Paul decided to sail to Syria back. Then the apostle Paul changed his mind because of this danger and purposed return to Syria through Macedonia so the way back he did. 

Acts 20 verse 4

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

Verse 4: On Paul's journey some persons were with him. From Macedonia to Asia it was Sopater of Berea. Sopater was a fellowbeliever of Paul. From the Thessalonian believers he had Aristarchus and Secundus. Also Gaius  and Timotheus who came from Derbe and of Asia Tychikus and Trophimus. All believers and all persons who stood for the truth the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24. Also Luke who described this all was with Paul. 

Acts 20 verse  5

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

Verse 5: These men from Asia Tychikus and Trophimus went before to Troas and tarried there of Paul and the others. 

Acts 20 verse 6

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

Verse 6: Paul and others were in Philippi on the days of unleavened bread. It was the Passover. After these days they came to Troas and joined the men who were already there and Paul and the men who accompanied him like Luke were in Troas for 7 days. 

Acts 20 verse 7

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Verse 7: And then in Troas Paul and the fellowbelievers were there and on the first day of the week the believers there who were called disciples break bread. The apostle Paul preached unto them. This was the end of the 7 days because the next morning he would leave them. However he continued his speech to them until midnight. People often today cannot hear for more than a half hour. After that the concentration to listen is away. Probably what the apostle Paul preached there in Troas was very interesting and new for the people to listen. Appenrently the apostle Paul spoke interestingly.

Acts 20 verse 8

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

Verse 8: They, the disciples and Paul and others were in the upper chamber in the place Troas and there were many lights in that chamber where they were gathered together. 

Acts 20 verse 9

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

Verse 9: Apparently there were a lot of people in this upper room  because a young man Eutychus sat down in a window of the room where they were together.  He felled into a deep sleep because the apostle Paul was long preaching and in his sleep he felled down from that window to the ground and was dead. Like this young man Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep to compare with the professing church of today. She fell asleep too like this young man in the end of Paul's life on earth and the professing church is not yet awakened. There is so a lot of confusion, strife etc in most churches because of this fact that they don't have light of Gods Word and are not searching for the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24. There must be some people who will say or cry: Awake thou that sleepest, and arise form the dead and Christ shall give thee light Ephesians 5:14

Acts 20 verse 10

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

Verse 10: Paul went down in the house as fast as he could and fell on Eutychus and embraced him. Today you can do reanimation but we see here the apostle in the Acts period awoke with the power of God this young man from the dead. And Paul said to the people trouble not yourselves because there is life in him. So the young man Euthychus was again alive. This was really a miracle from God Who wrought through Paul. So the Lord healed this young man through Paul. 

Acts 20 verse 11

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

Verse 11: After the apostle Paul fell on this young man Eutychus and embraced him and the young man was after that alive he went agan upstairs to the upper room and talked to the people a long while about Gods Word. He broke the bread and eat with them.   In the morning Paul departed from them in Troas and continued his journey till Assus. Nowadays there are only ruins where this place was.

Acts 20 verse 12

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Verse 12: The believers brought the young man Eutychus alive in the upper room again and were glad and great comforted that he was alive again. If this should happen nowadays no man can survive this. The restore of this young man by the apostle Paul and the apostle Paul was used by God  to restore the Church of this Dispensation of Grace to life. Later men as Luther, Calvin, Darby have been raised up to gradually recover the glorious truths of the Pauline revelation. The Church nowadays must be moved to occupy  her position in the heavenlies. There are now thousands and thousands of true believers who do not understand  nor enjoy their God given position in the heavenlies in Christ. So brother or sister if you don't know the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God and your given position in the heavenlies in Christ why not to open your heart for this and accept it and began to read and study  the epistles of the apostle Paul Romans till Philemon?!!!

Acts 20 verse 13

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

Verse 13: So Luke and others went into a ship and sailed from Troas to Assos. In Assos they were intended to take the apostle Paul in. Paul decided and minded himself to go by foot from Troas to Assos. The distance from Troas to Assos, “as the crow flies,” is about 21 miles while the Roman Road south out of Troas through the Smintheion areaa and then east to Assos covers a distance of about 31 mi. Thus the walk must have taken him, Paul ,  at least two days. Was Paul then not tired? The Word of God doesn't say that but you can imagine that he was but it was also a great opportunity to bring the Word of God's Grace to everyone he met on the way. 

Acts 20 verse 14

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

Verse 14: So the apostle Paul took the way by foot to Assos and when he was in Assos he met there Luke with other men probably the same men who accompanied him already on his journey. They took Paul in the boat and sailed to Mitylene. Nowadays Mitylene is the capital city of the island Lesbos in the Aegean Sea between Chios and Assos. Paul and his fellowbelievers touched there overnight. 

Acts 20 verse 15

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

Verse 15: Luke is telling this that he and Paul and the other men sailed away from Mitylene the next day towards Chios sailing along the island and the day after they arrived at Samos and stayed in Trogyllium a night. Then the day after they sailed to Miletus and arrived in that place. 

Acts 20 verse 16

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Verse 16: The apostle Paul decided to sail by Ephesus. Why was it? The answer was that he would not spend the time in Asia because there were a lot of troubles he wont experience that again. Later he wrote that all in Asia had turned away from him. That people had left the Gospel of the Grace of God and turned to another Gospel which is not a Gospel. Moreover he was in a hurry because he wanted to be in Jerusalem at the day of Pentecost to see the brothers and sisters there and bring goods for the poor people. Now the question was this the will of the apostle Paul to go to Jerusalem or was it also the will of God that he should go? It was not the flesh that prompted the apostle to go to Jerusalem. Paul went to Jerusalem with a heart filled with the love to Christ and to his kinsmen and risking his life  in going. . So Paul and the others stayed there in Miletus for a while and we see in the next verse this:

Acts 20 verse 17

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Verse 17: Paul send a message from Miletus to Ephesus wherein he called the elders of the church of Ephesus to come to Miletus to see him there. Miletus was for him neutral ground and for them also. 

Acts 20 verse 18

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Verse 18: The elders came to Paul and he said to them this: Ye know. They knew very well that from the first day Paul was in Asia. They had seen his behaviour , how he dealt with them these 2 years when he was with them. That his walk in Christ was according God's Word. 

Acts 20 verse 19

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Verse 19: Paul goes on to say to them this that he served the Lord Jesus Christ with all humility of mind. What does this mean humility? The practice of meekness, obedience to God, respect of self and others, submissiveness and modesty. This all with many tears and temptations. Here from speaks a lot of feelings which came over him because by the lying in wait of the Jews. The Jews who were unbelievers and who were there tried to tempt Paul. For Paul those 2 years were not easy. His life was still in danger these time when he was in Ephesus. 

Acts 20 verse 20

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

Verse 20: Paul continued here to say to the elders of Ephesus that in those 2 years he told them the whole truth, the Mystery what he knew on that moment and was revealed by the risen Lord Jesus Christ to him: the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24. This he showed them and taught them in public and from house to house. You see brothers and sisters the apostle Paul was zealous for the Lord and for His Word. What a example for us to follow!

Acts 20 verse 21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 21: Paul beared witness to Jews and Greeks that they had to go to God. For the Jews it was repentance to God or return to God. For the Greeks it was to believe or trust in God and also believe or trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. To trust God through Jesus Christ. To accept God's offer of redemption through the blood of Christ shed for them, for their sins  on the cross. Also to believe that He was buried and was and is risen and alive. This is what they had to believe and that is what this world and you and me have to believe or trust. 

Acts 20 verse 22

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Verse 22: Paul is telling those elders of Ephesus that he would go to Jerusalem and bound in the spirit. What does that mean bound in the spirit?  I go bound in the spirit — Δεδεμενος τῳ πνευματι - Either meaning the strong influence of the Divine Spirit upon his mind, or the strong propensity in his own will, wish, and desire, to visit Jerusalem; and in this sense δεειν, to bind, is sometimes used. Paul said that he doesn't know what will happen there according to himself. That was uncertainty. He trusted the Lord that He would guide him.

Acts 20 verse 23

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Verse 23: The Holy Spirit made it clear to Paul that bonds and afflictions should overcome him at Jerursalem. However the apostle Paul wasn't afraid about this because the Lord was with him always. 

Acts 20 verse 24

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Verse 24: What does it mean none of these things move me. Answer: the notable thing was what didn't move Paul or cause him to flee to save his life. And then neither count I my life dear unto myself. What does that mean? I don't care about my own life because his life was in the hands of God.  The only thing was for Paul this that he could finish his ministry for the Lord with joy what he had received from the risen Lord Jesus Christ to made known the Gospel of the Grace of God. Read also Romans 16:25-26. He was not afraid to die for the Gospel of Gods Grace. 

Acts 20 verse 25

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Verse 25: Paul continued and said to the elders that he had preached unto them the last years about the kingdom of God. Which kingdom is this? Is this the Kingdom on earth he preached? Ah no it was about the heavenly Kingdom of God whereunto he and the elders and we belong to. It was a farewell because he said also this that they should see his face no more. That hurt quite a bit in their ears you can imagine and later in this chapter you read this also. 

Acts 20 verse 26

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Verse 26: What does this mean that the apostle Paul said this: I am pure from the blood of all men? If any of you people loses eternal life, it will not be my fault.It will be your own. He had told all the people from Ephesus about the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and what He did on the cross to save mankind: He gave His Life, His Blood for the forgiveness of sins I Corinthians 15:3, 4. Every person on this earth got the call from God and everyone is responsible to accept it or not. As a believer in Christ Paul was not responsible for the lives of people, I mean they had to descide themselves to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior or not. 

Acts 20 verse 27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Verse 27: Paul had told the people everything from the truth which he knowed on that moment. Which what was revealed by the risen Lord Jesus Christ, all the counsel of God. So it was now the individual man what to do with it. To accept it or not. To believe it and stand for it like Paul or not to believe it. 

Acts 20 verse 28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Verse 28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves. Look after yourselves that you may be strong in the Lord and in His Word of Grace and stand for it and look after all the people who believe through the Grace of God. Protect them because you are overseers by the Holy Spirit over them. It is daily to feed this local church at Ephesus which is a part of the Body of Christ, the Church. God in Christ hath purchased with His own blood. They all are bought by the blood, the forgiveness of sins in Christ! 

Acts 20 verse 29

 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Verse 29: He, Paul knew it very well. He had not a good feeling after his departure about the local church at Ephesus. Later we read that all that lived in Asia (province) where Ephesus laid had left the Gospel of the Grace of God to another Gospel or false doctrine of men. This through grievous wolves who will enter among them and spared not the flock (sheep). This is how satan is working: coming inside a group who believe the Gospel of the Grace of God and try to stand for it and then withdraw the people from the truth. In my spiritual life now for more than 40 years as Biblestudy writer  I have this experienced a lot of times. 

Acts 20: 30

 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Verse 30: Not only from the outside will come people who tell the believers the lie , also shall men rise on their own selves and will speak perverse things so that they draw away the persons who wanted to learn the truth after them. This happened not long time after Paul was in prison in Rome when he was for the second time in prison. Everyone of Asia had turned away from the truth: the Gospel of the Grace of God. 

Acts 20 verse 31

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Verse 31: This is a admonishing to the elders who came by Paul's call to come to him. Watch. Always be awake. They had also to remember that 3 years long Paul never ceased to warn every one night and day with tears. He admonished them a lot with God's Word of truth and that they had to stand for it what they believed so that they could grow in the spiritual life and that this protected them from false doctrines. The truth can be very hard for people but it is also honest. 

Acts 20 verse 32

 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Verse 32: First Paul commend these elders of the local church of Ephesus to God. Then to the Word of His Grace which is able to build them up. Not only they, also we are build up by the Word of God's Grace.  Let us read  Romans 16:25-26: Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. 

God's Word of Grace is for the obedience of faith. If we as brothers and sisters believe this Gospel of Grace and stand for it and grow in it then we are obedient to God.  The professing church in general has failed to follow the instructions of the Gospel of the Grace of God which the apostle Paul preached and is the truth. She has failed for her own spiritual health and growth that she is so weak and ill today. Oh may God awaken people who are His own but don't know these truths or refuse it and cause them in faith to the one great body of truth which alone can establish them and build them up spiritually.To give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. What does that mean? Answer: the process of being set apart and made holy by God.

Acts 20 verse 33

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Verse 33: The apostle Paul said here that he never desired man's silver or gold or clothes. He asked nobody. Always he was self supporting and independent from men. That brings him as a example to follow as brothers and sisters not only in doctrine, also in walk, attitude. 

Acts 20 verse 34

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

Verse 34: The people, the elders from the church at Ephesus, who were with Paul's farewell knew very well that he worked with his own hands and that these hands of him ministered unto his necessities or need. And also to them that were with him. Read I Corinthians 4:12! In I Thessalonians 2 verse 9 we read this: For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. And also 2 Thessalonian 3 verse 8 and 9 we read this: Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.  The apostle Paul is really an example for us to follow in doctrine and in daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Acts 20 verse 35

 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Verse 35: The apostle Paul said to these elders of the local church at Ephesus: I have shewed you all things according God's Word with labouring you support the weak under you to give them food, clothes and other things they need. With this he said also that they had to remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ Who said: it is more blessed to give than to receive.In Proverbs 19 verse 17 we read: He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto theLord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.

Acts 20 verse 36

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

Verse 36: After he finished to speak with them. Them: that are the elders of the local church of Ephesus. He kneeled down. He went on his knees and Paul prayed with them all. Kneeling down is a form of submissiveness to God. This let you see that the apostle Paul was a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and was and is a example for us to follow as he followed Christ in Word and in daily walk. 

Acts 20 verse 37

 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Verse 37: This was really the farewell! It was a very emotional farewell we read here. They wept sore. They cried a big cry. And then they fell on Paul's neck. They didn't want that he should leave them and  kissed him. It was very difficult to say farewell because they should never seen him again in their lives and now they had to rule the local church themselves which was not a easy task. Paul was such a example for them. They should never forget him! 

Acts 20 verse 38

 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

Verse 38: They cried a big cry and were in sorrow most of all for the words that Paul spoke to them that they should see his face no more, his presence. These 3 years Paul's preachings  in Ephesus had a good influence on the believers there. He spoke the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God and now without them what had they to do? To look after the people in the local church: all the believers there and also to take heed about themselves: to stand for the truth and not withdraw themselves from the Gospel of the Grace of God whatever it costed. 

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Acts 21 verse 1

And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

Verse 1: Luke, Paul and others with them went away from the elders of the church of Ephesus who stayed behind in Milete. They sailed away on a ship and came unto Coos. This was a island and still it is. The next day followed Rhodes now Rhodos and it still exists. From Rhodos they came at Patara. Patara were in the part of land Lycia. 

Acts 21 verse 2

 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

Verse 2: In the harbor of Patara they find a ship which would sail away to Phenicia. So they went aboard and continued their journey. The Bible doesn't mention that Paul and the others had paid for this sailing but you can imagine that Paul paid also for this. In II Thessalonians 3 verse 8 we read this: Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: So I think Paul and also the others paid for this sailing to Phenicia from Lycia Patara. 

Acts 21 verse 3

Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

Verse 3: When they sailed underway they saw Cyprus and left it on the left hand. They didn't stop there and sailed into Syria and landed at Tyre. The ship layed down in the harbor of Tyre to unlade the burden. 

Acts 21 verse 4

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

Verse 4: Paul and the others who were with them like Luke found some disciples. They stayed 7 days in Tyre and these disciples were open for the Gospel of the Grace of God and learned this Gospel and many other Scriptures of the Word of God.  They said through the Holy Spirit to Paul that he should not go up to Jerusalem. They warned him because his life would be in danger it he should enter Jerusalem. Anyway it was unwise from Paul to go to Jerusalem. 

Acts 21 verse 5

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

Verse 5: After those 7 days we departed. Who are the we? Paul, Luke and others who accompanied Paul. They brought us on our way said Luke here. Men and wives and children of the city of Tyre who were believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and believe the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24 and stood for it. They went even further on than that Luke and Paul and the others had thought because now they were out of the city and there on the shore Luke, Paul and  the others with these disciples of Tyre kneeled down and prayed. This shows us what the love of God worked in all those persons to do things together, to have fellowship with each other and prayer together  what they did is very important in this and . This also created a mutual bond. 

Acts 21 verse 6

And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

Verse 6: After this prayermeeting the apostle Paul, Luke and others say farewell to these believing men, women and children and went into a ship to continue the journey and they went home again. 

Acts 21 verse 7

And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

Verse 7: Paul, Luke and the others sailed from Tyre to Ptolemais. In that place they saluted the brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ and stayed there one day with them to have spiritual fellowship. 

Acts 21 verse 8

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Verse 8: The next day Paul and who were with him like Luke and others departed from Ptolemais and went to Caesarea. There in Caesarea they came in the house of Philip the evangelist from whom we knew and read in Acts chapter 8 after the stoning of Stephen. In that time Paul was the greatest persecutor of the church at Jerusalem. Now Paul came in the house of Philip and they were brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ! Philip was one of the seven deacons who were appointed by the 12 apostles in early Acts. Paul stayed with him with Luke and the one's who accompanied him. 

Acts 21 verse 9

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Verse 9: Philip the evangelist had four daughters. They were virgins and prophesied. Why they prophesied? . In Colossians 1:25 we read: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God. From this we read that Paul was given from God to fulfil or to complete the Word of God. On the moment Paul visit Philip in Caesarea with his 4 daugthers who prophesied the Word was not complete so you had persons who could prophecy. 

Acts 21 verse 10

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 

Verse 10: Paul, Luke and the others who were with them stayed there in Caesarea for many days. Then from Judaea there came another prophet whose name was Agabus. In the next verse we read what Agabus predicted what also became true. 

Acts 21 verse 11

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Verse 11: So Agabus from Judaea came, a prophet and he took Paul's waistbend or ceinture. Then he did something remarkable. With this girdle he bound his own hands and feet and said or predicted this: the Holy Spirit say this that the Jews in Jerusalem shall bind the man (this man Paul) who owned this girdle and they shall deliver him in the hands of the Gentiles or Romans to be their prisoner. Agabus knew for sure because the Holy Spirit of God told him to say this and really this became true later in this chapter. Paul's freedom to evangelize what he did and live as a free man was almost gone. 

Acts 21 verse 12

And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Verse 12: Who are we heard these things. The ones who journeyed with Paul and were with Paul and Luke was one of them and also the people from Ceasarea who joined say to Paul that he had not to go to Jerusalem. They warned him not to seek out that danger of being a prisoner and later be killed. 

Acts 21 verse 13

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Verse 13: Paul answered and he wasn't afraid what was coming. He said with other words why do ye let me weep and break mine heart. I am ready to be bound as prisoner and not only that also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus. He was never afraid to die because his life was in the hands of the Savior Jesus Christ. Think about this! 

Acts 21 verse 14

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Verse 14: The apostle Paul would not be persuaded about this not to go to Jerusalem because what would happen there about him. We: Luke and the others stopped to persuade him and said The will of the Lord be done. This is a good attitude: to lay it down in the hands of God. How often we say like them and Paul in our lives: Thy will be done and not our own will? Think about it! 

Acts 21 verse 15

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

Verse 15: After those days. These are the days Paul , Luke and others who were with Paul in Ceasarea and stayed there with him took up their carriages. They took their baggage up and went up to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the purpose because Paul wanted to visit Jerusalem again. It was the last time that he should visit Jerusalem. Short after he was in Jerusalem he was arrested by the Romans. As we have read from the last verses Paul was not afraid for being a prisoner and to die in Jerusalem. 

Acts 21 verse 16

 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Verse 16: More believing persons accompanied Paul and Luke and others from Caesarea. They brougth also one man with them who's name was Mnanson of Cyprus. He was an old disciple and Paul and the others could lodge at his house. Probably he lived in Jerusalem. 

Acts 21 verse 17

And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

Verse 17: We came into Jerusalem Luke is telling in this verse and the brethren of the church of Jerusalem received them gladly. They were glad to see Paul again and the others. Probably most of the people who accompanied him these brethren of Jerusalem had never seen. 

Acts 21 verse 18

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

Verse 18: The next day after Paul, Luke and the others had arrived at Jerusalem they went to James, the Lord's brother and all the elders of the church were there. James was now point of contact for this church of Jerusalem. The Bible doesn't mention here about Peter or Johan what we saw and read in Chapter 15. Only James is mentioned here and the elders. 

Acts 21 verse 19

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Verse 19: The apostle Paul saluted James and the elders of the church of Jerusalem and told them what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by the ministry he had received from the risen Lord Jesus Christ. How they had come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ by Grace alone, by faith alone and in Christ alone. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. It must have been thrilling to hear Paul the apostle tell them about idols cast away, sinful bookds burned, wicked practices abandoned and Christ received and glorified in city after city. Also the sacrificial proof of their affectio toward the brethren in Judaea

Acts 21 verse 20

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

Verse 20: What was their response? They glorified the Lord and said to Paul this: Quicly they changed the subject to a matter that could only confuse the apostle. This verse doesn't say one word about the brothers agreeing  to help the Judaean believers understand Paul and hsi God given ministry. Not that the Gentile churches were so generous in keeping their promise  of so many years back in Galatians 2:10. Instead of saying this they said: how many thousands  of believing Jews there were and all of them were zealous of the law. 

Acts 21 verse 21

 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

Verse 21: In Acts 15 verses 23-29 and Galatians 2:7-9 James, Peter and John and the whole church had given solemn and public recognition to Paul as the apostle of the uncircumcision. The the church at Jerusalem should now have accepted Paul in accordance with this agreement. But under James as leader and his party they had declined and gone backward rather than forward. They all were now fanatically zealous of the law and said to Paul this : we are informed of you that thou teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses or to break with the law and that they had not to circumcise their children and neither walk after the customs: to walk after the Law of Moses. They didn't told Paul how they themselves felt about it. 

Acts 21 verse 22

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Verse 22: The multitude of people come together they say when they hear the the apostle Paul has arrived. Something must be done before this moment by Paul in a public way to convince these Jews people that they have been misinformed: that the apostle is a good Jew and observe the ordinances of the law. 

Acts 21 verse 23

 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

Verse 23: James and the elders of the church wished that Paul yield himself without any questions and urged him to endorse the action of 4 Jewish  men zealous of the Law by taking a Nazarite vow, by financing not one but five bloody sacrifices for each. Paul was urged to do this to prove tha the was a faithful observer of the law. And we see in the next verses that Paul did this. 

Acts 21 verse 24

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

Verse 24: So Paul had to listen to their command and he had to purify himself with these 4 men and pay the costs of these 4 men that they may shave their heads so that any men there may know that was known concerning him not it the truth but that he walked ordely and kept the law of Moses. It is very strange that Paul yielded himself to James and went back again to wha the ahd only recently called weak and beggarly elements. 

Acts 21 verse 25

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

Verse 25: This was according Acts 15 and Galatians 2.  The Gentiles who believed had themselves kept from things offered to idols, from blood, from strangles and fornication. This is also what James told the people in the meeting at Jerusalem. That was the agreement he made with the Gentiles and the commands he gave them. They had not to keep the law but only this. 

Acts 21 verse 26

Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

Verse 26: Paul was the representive of the four men and entered into the temple to announce to the priest that after 7 days purification the prescribed sacrifices should now be offered. What was the reason Paul did this? We do not know.  It cannot be said that Paul submitted to the authority of the circumcision apostles.  Because there are no Scriptures to proof that these apostles were there. Later Paul declared before the Sanhedrin this: I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day Acts 23 verse 1. Probably Paul reasoned that the charge against him was not true and that he was here on Jewish ground and that joining in the vow might induce the Jews to give him a hearing. 

Acts 21 verse 27

And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

Verse 27: After the feast of seven days almost there were Jews from Asia who recognized Paul in the temple and begin immediately the great uprising against Paul in Jerusalem. They had also recognized Trophimus from Ephesus with Paul in the city and thought that Paul had brought Greeks into the temple to demonstrate his contempt for Israel the law and the temple. They laid also their hands on Paul. 

Acts 21 verse 28

Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

Verse 28: They began to cry out and said men of Israel help. What they said was the same charge they had years ago against Stephen before his stoning by them under the leading of Saul. Now they got Paul and this charge was of course untrue. He had not brought Greeks into the temple. He alone was there with the four men 7 days. It was not allowed for a Gentile to enter the temple of the Jews. The inscription was written in the temple and this was "No man of alien race is to enter within the balustrade and fence that goes round the temple. if any one is taken in the act, let him know that he has himself to blame fro teh penalty of death that follows." 

Acts 21 verse 29

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

Verse 29: These Jewish people from Asia had seen Paul in the city with Trophimus the Ephesian man and they went off that Paul brought this man Trophimus into the temple what was not true.  A strange thinking they had because Paul should not have invited Trophimus who was a Gentile into the temple to join him there in those 7 days he was there. This was a false assumption of them. 

Acts 21 verse 30

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

Verse 30: The whole city was in commotion  and the people were running and dragging out Paul of the temple. After this the temple was closed by the doors. They closed the temple with the great doors to prevent further desecration. 

Acts 21 verse 31

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Verse 31: Full of anger these men were of Asia and through them the whole city was in a uproar and they wanted to kill Paul. They began to beat him. The chief captain of the band of Roman soldiers who were in Jerusalem heard about this uproar and came in action. In the castle of Antonia which overlooked the temple grounds  were the barracks of the Roman soldiers who kept order in Jerusalem. So they heard it and the chief captain Claudius Lysias with a detachment of soldiers rand down to investigate and restore order.

Acts 21 verse 32

 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

Verse 32: So they heard it and the chief captain Claudius Lysias with a detachment of soldiers rand down to investigate and restore order. When the Jews saw the chief captain and the soldiers they stopped beating Paul. They were afraid of the Roman authority and to fight against such a power they would lose the fight for sure. 

Acts 21 verse 33

 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

Verse 33: Just in time the chief captein came near and took Paul. This was the time when it stopped for Paul being a free man. The captain commanded him to bound him with two chains. What were chains in the time when Paul lived on earth? That were iron handcuffs like you see here below. This is what the Romans used as caught a person. You couldn's move with your hands. 

It must be very hard and painful if you see this and the apostle Paul did it undergo! What a sad moment Paul experienced now.  Paul wasn't afraid of it. Also not for his life because he longed to go to heaven and to be with Christ which is far better than the life he lived. The chief captain questioned him who he was and what he had done. 

Acts 21 verse 34

 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

Verse 34: The situation of Paul's arrest by the Romans was confusing, chaotic. The Bible doesn't say here that Paul answered this chief captain immediately because the multitude of people say something. One cried (with a loud voice) about it, another something else. Sounds confusing yes? People were screaming. There was a lot of tumult.  So the chief captain commanded the soldiers to brought  Paul into the castle near the temple named the castle Antonia. 

Acts 21 verse 35

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

Verse 35: When Paul between the soldiers came upon the stairs the soldiers were commanded to borne him because of the violence of the multitude people. It became very dangerous for Paul's life because the people wanted to kill him at that moment. 

Here below the castle Antonia in Maquette in Jerusalem in the time of the apostle Paul.

Acts 21 verse 36

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

Verse 36: The multitude of people who followed after cried: away with him. Away with Paul. Not only Paul in person but specially the message he had brought to them namely: Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the Mystery, which was kept secret since the world began; But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. Romans 16:25, 26. And now in this world on this moment it is not different, after thousands of years it is the same with the multitude of people: to resist the truth which Paul the apostle of the Gentiles brought from the risen Lord Jesus Christ namely the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the Mystery, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24, 32. People in general want not stability in their lives. They wanted to live for themselves and not to know the truth from God in His Word of Grace which is in the epistles of the apostle Paul. This is the time where we are in and we read it in 2 Timothy 4 verse 3 and 4: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. In the time Paul lived that were the fables of the Jews and now that are the fables of men in this world which satan uses to keep people in his lies. 

Acts 21 verse 37

And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

Verse 37: The soldiers led the apostle Paul into the castle Antonia and immediately Paul said unto the chief captain in Greek and would continue but the chief captain said can you speak Greek? Because the Greek language was in that time the most important language. The chief captain was amazed that Paul could speak Greek. 

Acts 21 verse 38

Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

Verse 38: The chief captain who had arrested Paul didn't know who Paul was. He thought that Paul was a Egyptian man who made an uproar and leaded 4000 men into the wilderness who were murderers. That was something! If Paul was that man it was right what he had done to arrest Paul but Paul wasn't that man. 

Acts 21 verse 39

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

Verse 39: The apostle Paul was not an Egyptian criminal. He was and is a Jew of Tarsus a city of Cilicia. He was a citizen of this city and he begged the chief captain and saying let met speak unto the people because he could explain to them the truth and that was maybe his only chance so that they would hear it. 

Acts 21 verse 40

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Verse 40: The chief captain gave Paul the licence to speak after he had asked him to speak to the folk. So Paul stood on the stairs and beckoned with the hand the people to him to listen and he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue and immediately the people came to listen to him and there was a great silence. This was very remarkable that they were silent when Paul began to speak to them in the Hebrew language.  Here ended this chapter 21 of the book of Acts. 

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Acts chapter 22

Acts 22 verse 1

 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

Verse 1: Paul began his speach to the multitude there in Jerusalem and begins very positive to them. He said: Men, brethren and fathers. He called them men, brethren and fathers. This sounds familiar because Paul was also a Jew . And then he said hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. A explanation to them so that they could understand who he was and what he has done and why he was in Jerusalem. 

 

Acts 22 verse 2

(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

Verse 2: In this verse we read again that Paul spoke in the Hebrew tongue to the multitude who were very angry about him and wanted to kill him.  They kept the more silent because of Hebrew language so they could understand him.

Acts 22 verse 3

I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Verse 3: First the apostle Paul began to explain who he was and where he came from before he knew the risen Lord Jesus Christ. He was a Jew, from the tribe of Benjamn, born in Tarsus a city in Cilicia now Turkey and brought up in the city of Jerusalem at the feet of Gamaliel. The ones who were brought up at the feet of Gamaliel were well teached and zealous of the law and that's he said taught according to the eprfect manner of the law of the fathers as you are he said until this day he spoke to them. So now they could know his background and that is always important for people to know even in this 21th Century almost 2000 years later!

Acts 22 verse 4

 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Verse 4: Paul persecuted the church of Jerusalem. He persecuted the Lord Jesus Christ.  In Acts 8 verse 3 we read this: As for Saul, he made havock of the church entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. In I Timothy 1 verse 13 we read : Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. Paul is telling them what he was before he knew the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Acts 22 verse 5

As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Verse 5: This verse is in according with Acts chapter 9 verses 1, 2:And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Bring them bound to Jerusalem to be punished unto death. Saul was a killer, the biggest enemy of God on earth at that time, a murderer he told the multitude here when he was arrested. 

Acts 22 verse 6

And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

Verse 6: Paul then Saul was on his journey to Damascus and near Damascus round 12 o clock  (noon) there was suddenly a great light that shined about him a light from heaven. That light was so brightly. God is light and His light is brightly you cannot see. 

Acts 22 verse 7

And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Verse 7: Paul is continue to speak  that he felled on the ground and heard the voice from heaven saying: Saul, Saul why persecutest thou me? Before he heard this Paul didn't know that he persecuted the Lord Jesus Christ. It was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself Who spoke with Saul and asked him this. 

Acts 22 verse 8

And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

Verse 8: Paul (Saul) precisely told them what happened near Damascus.  Who art thou Lord? He recognized at that moment that this was such a voice from Someone he could not resist. And the voice, the Person said to him: I am Jesus of Nazareth Whom thou persecutest. This moment must have been something special for Saul now Paul. 

Acts 22 verse 9

And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

Verse 9: The ones who accompanied me said Paul (in that time Saul) saw the light and were afraid but could not hear what the voice of Him told Paul. In Acts 9 verse 7 we read this: And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. Yes they heard a voice but couldn't understand what the voice of Him said to Paul. 

Acts 22 verse 10

And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

Verse 10: Paul asked the Lord: what shall I do Lord? This is what we all have to ask the Lord everyday? Not our own will but Lord what wilt thou have me to do? The answer of the Lord was this for Paul: arise and go into Damascus and in that city it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. The Lord had appointed Paul to be the apostle of the Gentiles. 

Acts 22 verse 11

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

Verse 11: Paul couldn't see because of the light of the Lord. To much light it was that blinded him for three days. He was led by the hand of them that accompanied him like soldiers and other fanatic persons who would obey Paul in finding men and women in Damascus who believed in Christ to bring them bound to Jerusalem. But now it suddenly changed  and this was a strange situation because their leader Saul was now blind because of the light of God !  I think they were astonished about this. They led Saul into Damascus and Saul was brought in the Straight street of a person who's name was Judas.  See  Acts 9 verse 10! 

Acts 22 verse 12

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

Verse 12: This corresponds with Acts 9:17: And Ananias went his way and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him (Saul) said, Brother Saul , the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. This man Ananias had a good report of all the Jews who lived in Damascus. That says a lot about this man to have a good report of all of the Jews. 

Acts 22 verse 13

Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

Verse 13: In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ Saul or Paul was healed and received his sight back that same hour when Ananias entered the house where Paul was. Now he saw again and saw Ananias. 

Acts 22 verse 14

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

Verse 14: Ananias said to Paul: The God of our fathers hath chosen thee. Paul was chosen vessel unto God, to bear God's Name  before the Gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel. God had chosen Paul that he should know the will of God and see that Just One Jesus Christ and hear the voice of His mouth. So in other words Paul was chosen a apostle by God directly from heaven and a servant for the Lord and do the will of Him. And Paul did this all his life in all the difficult times he was in. And so we have to follow his example as he followed Christ. I Corinthians 4:16, 11:1

Acts 22 verse 15

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

Verse 15: Paul heard from Ananias these words: thou shalt be His witness unto all men. He was and is the apostle of the Gentiles, every man. He got the revelations of the risen Lord from heaven and heard regular the voice of the Lord. Everytime Paul could tell everyone who wanted to listen the Good News of the Grace of God. Through all the revelations from the risen Lord revealed to Paul he knew more and more and the more he could teach people from God's Word. 

Acts 22 verse 16

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Verse 16: Ananias say it other words no time to lose. Now you have your sight back: arise and be baptized.  This was the baptism of washing sins away. Ananias didn't know about the new Gospel, the Gospel of the Grace of God which Saul had received to teach the Gentiles. He knew only the four Gospels and in that time people were still baptized with water so Paul also. It was not known at that moment for him that the Lord send him not to baptize but only the glory of the cross.  So first arise, then to be baptized and wash away his sins and calling on the Name of the Lord. This was what Paul had to do and he did it. 

Acts 22 verse 17

And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

Verse 17: Once when Paul came again to Jerusalem and even prayed in the temple that he was in trance. When was this? Probably it was his first visit after his conversion 3 years after this. Galatians 1:16-17. In that time the church leaders of Jerusalem didn't accept him until Barnabas interceded and got him in . 

Acts 22 verse 18

And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

Verse 18: Paul saw again Him, the Lord Jesus Christ Who said Paul . It was a command from our Lord for Paul  to make haste and get quickly out of Jerusalem. The people in Jerusalem, the Jews will not receive Paul's testimony concerning Christ and that he would teach about the new Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24, the Glory of the cross, salvation for everyone in Christ and more. 

Acts 22  verse 19

And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

Verse 19: Paul answered the Lord all the Jews who believed in Christ knew how Paul was  that he was a murderer, a blashemer, the biggest persecutor they have ever seen. And now he became a servant for God. He felt sorrow for the things he had done what was wrong. This chased him all his life and he was ashamed for this. 

Acts 22 verse 20

And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

Verse 20: Paul here repeated what he was saying on that moment he was talking to the Lord when he was probably the first time after his conversion in Jerusalem and he had to leave from the Lord. He was standing by when the blood of God's martyr Stephen was shed in Acts 7. He Paul was sonsenting or agreed unto his death and when they stoned Stephen he kept the raiments of them that stoned Stephen because without a raiment it was easier to stone than with. 

Acts 22 verse 21

 And He said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

Verse 21: The Lord said very clear to Paul: depart! This was a command from the Lord. He would send Paul far hence unto the Gentiles. Paul was and is the apostle of the Gentiles, not from the Jews. So he left Jerusalem and now he was when he told the people all this history in Jerusalem again and saw again that nobody there would listen to the truth he told them. They were angry about that and became very aggressive. 

Acts 22 verse 22

And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

Verse 22: They, this multitude of Jews,  had given Paul audience so that he could explain everything in all the words he spoke to him but then they lifted again up their voices and said: away with such a man from the earth. They wanted to kill him because the truth which he spoke the Gospel of the Grace of God and that the law was ended by Christ, that they not any longer had to serve God through the Law of Moses and through the temple that were hard words and they didn't like it so they again were shouting and screaming that he had to die for this. It was for them enough what he had told them. 

Acts 22 verse 23

And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

Verse 23: People became very angry and full of envy and they cried out.  Maybe they repeated this: away with such a man from the earth. They cast off their clothes and threw the dust of the ground into the air. So angry they were! They didn't want the eternal life in Christ and His righteousness. They remained in their own righteousness. It became very dangerous for Paul and they almost would kill him because what he had said to them. 

Acts 22 verse 24

The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

Verse 24: It was enough what Paul had said to the multitude in the Hebrew language because they began to scream and crying. So the captain commanded Paul to be brought into the castle and that he should be scourched and than maybe the captain come to know why these people cried against Paul. 

Acts 22 verse 25

And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

Verse 25: They bound Paul with bands, belts, strings. And Paul he came for himself and said unto the centuriou who was responsible for this scourging: Is it lawful for you to scourge or punish a man that is a Roman and not condemned? They hadn't condemned Paul so that was not lawful to do. We see this a lot in the world now that people will be punished who are uncondemned. This is because this world is corrupt because of sin. Anyway this was not good what these Romans did and Paul knew the rules of the Roman Empire because he was born also a Roman by nature. 

Acts 22 verse 26

When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.

Verse 26: The centurion (one over 100 men) heard the words of Paul and he went immediately to the chief captain and told him  and said to him this: mind well, think what you are doing because this man you want to scourge is a Roman and it is unlawful to scourge a Roman man when he is not condemned. 

Acts 22 verse 27

Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.

Verse 27: When the chief captain heard this from the centurion he came self to Paul and asked him this: Tell me, art thou a Roman? And Paul answered yes! Paul spoke the truth. He was a Hebrew and a Roman in one man! Jew and Gentile and he was the first man in the Body of Christ which consists Jews and Gentiles in one Body, the Church and Christ as Head of the Church. 

Acts 22 verse 28

And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

Verse 28: The chief captain said to Paul that he obtained the Roman citizenship for a lot of money but Paul said that he was born a Roman and this was a free born by nature. That was a great difference between Paul and this chief captain. 

Acts 22 verse 29

Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Verse 29: Immediately these men who wanted to examine Paul by scourching him first departed from him and the chief captain was afraid because now he knew that Paul was a Roman by birth and he had bound him. That was something to  shame for and if the authorities in Rome came to know this? Maybe this chief captain could be killed by them. 

Acts 22 verse 30

On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

Verse 30: The next morning the chief captain loosed Paul from his bands because he knew now wherefore he was accused of the Jews. So he commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear and he brought Paul down and there he stood before them: before the hight priest and pharisees and sadducees who could judge Paul. 

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Acts  Chapter 23

Acts 23 verse 1

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

Verse 1: There stood the apostle Paul before the Jews in the council. He was now in the trial before the Sanhedrin. Paul saw the whole council earnestly and said this: men and brethren. Paul places himself on the same level as they. Very friendly he was in his welcome. And then he told them that he lived in all good conscience before God till that day.

Acts 23 verse 2

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Verse 2: These words of the apostle Paul irritated the high priest who was full of anger. So Ananias the high priest commanded them that stood with Paul to smite him on the mouth. 

Acts 23 verse 3

 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

Verse 3: Paul don't let this happen and with a stinging rebuke he said God shall smite thee, thou whited wall. Are you sit that there to judge me after the law and command you that I have to be smitten contrary to the law? We learn here that we can stand up for ourselves as persons in Christ just what Paul did a couple of times. 

Acts 23 verse 4

And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

Verse 4: The men who stood with Paul said to him do you attack with evil words the high priest?

Acts 23 verse 5

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Verse 5: Then Paul continued and said this I wist not brethren hat he was the high priest. He had not realized that this was the high priest who gave this command. But Paul didn't apologize  to the high priest or took back one word what he had said. He said this: thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. That was a law in that time when Paul lived on earth. 

Acts 23 verse 6

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Verse 6: The apostle Paul stood before the Sanhedrin, for the council to be judged by the Jews who wished his death so that they got rid from him. They saw Paul as a enemy of them because he spoke the truth and that was something they couldn't resist. Paul noticed in this council that one part were Sadducees and the other part were Pharisees. So he spoke with a loud voice (cried) to them in the council: Men and brethren: I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee!  I am judged of you because of the hope and resurrection of the dead which is the truth. The Jews resisted that hope and resurrection. This a very good tactic he used because he knew that the Sadducees didn't believe in hope and resurrection and the Pharisees believed in this, only not in Christ. Paul starts playing the games against each other. 

Acts 23 verse 7

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

Verse 7: There you have the result when he had say that to this council there arose a strife between the Pharisees and the Sadducees and the whole council of men was divided. You now see what Paul said caused: precisely division and strife! The apostle Paul with the help of God was so very sharp in his defence against all the Jews in the council of the Sanhedrin. We can learn from this brothers and sisters and also to be always sharp in the power of God! 

Acts 23 verse 8

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

Verse 8: In the time when Stephen stood for the Sanhedrin it were the Pharisees who condemned him and stoned him to death and now Paul is confronted in the same Sanhedrin on the other side not as a Pharisee anymore but a servant for Christ just like Stephen and these Sadducees and (Pharisees) would judge him because of the resurrection and the hope. The Sadducees believed that there is no resurrection, neither angel nor spirit. The Pharisees confess both of them. And now they were divided because of what Paul said to them. 

Acts 23 verse 9

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
Verse 9: There arose a great cry. This was a loud voice like screaming. The scribes of the Pharisee party stood up and strove with the rest of the council and said this: we find no evil in this man (Paul) If there was a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him we have to be very careful then and let us not fight against God because this we will loose. So they thought that God hath spoken to Paul

Acts 23 verse 10

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

Verse 10: After this saying of the Pharisees there arose a great strife between the parties who were there to judge Paul and they were so angry and mad that they would kill the apostle Paul and the captain was afraid that Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them so he commanded the soldiers to go down and take Paul away with force among these angry Jews. So Paul should be brought into the castle again. 

Acts 23 verse 11

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

Verse 11: In the night the Lord Jesus Christ stood by Paul and said: Be of good cheer or have great mood Paul. Thou hast testified of Me here in Jerusalem and now you must also witnessw of Me at Rome. So the way to Rome to bring there the Gospel of Grace what was the plan of Paul was confirmed by God Himself to Paul. But not as a free man but as a prisoner. 

Acts 23 verse 12

And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Verse 12: The day after certain Jews formed a group and made themselves under a vow, a curse: They would not eat or drink till they had killed Paul. They were so angry and full with envy to murder him. That was for them the best to get rid of him. 

Acts 23 verse 13

And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

Verse 13: More than 40 Jews who made this plot: to kill the apostle Paul because they were against the Gospel of the Grace of God which he had preached among the people. Acts 20:24 also in Jerusalem. What remarkable is that no one of the church of Jerusalem was helping Paul to get out of the hands of the Romans. Were they not concerned about him? The only One who cared about him was the Lord who stood by him that night before and said be of good cheer Paul. He never forsook or left Paul in his life on earth. And for sure the Lord will also never leave us alone as members of the Body of Christ just like Paul!

Acts 23 verse 14

 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Verse 14: These 40 Jews came to the chief priests and elders and said. We have made a vow for ourselves that we will not eat until we have killed Paul. This was after Paul stood for the council and the soldiers freed him from the multitude who wanted to kill him in this council and brought him again into the castle Antonia. 

Acts 23 verse 15

Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

Verse 15: So these 40 Jewish man had a plan: the chief captain have to bring Paul before the council to ask Paul more things about what he is busy with and if he comes we are ready to kill him. They wished him to be dead and they should kill him on the way to the council just before he would entry the Sanhedrin. 

Acts 23 verse 16

And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

Verse 16: Paul had a sister in Jerusalem. His sister had a son and he heard about the plan of these 40 men: to kill Paul. So he went and entered into the castle Antonia where Paul was and told it to his uncle Paul. Without his nephew Paul had not known about their plan. 

Acts 23 verse 17

Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

Verse 17: Paul was a sort kind of prisoner in that castle. After he had heard from his nephew about the plan that 40 men would kill him before he would again enter the council of the Jews, the Sanhedrin the next day, he called a centurion to come to him and said to this centurion: bring this young man unto the chief captain because he hath something important things to tell the chief captain. This was the only chance for Paul to freed himself from this plan because he had heard from the Lord that he had also to testify of Him in Rome. His nephew had saved him from this plan for being slain by the Jews. It was God who used his nephew to warn Paul and also the chief captain in the following verses. 

Acts 23 verse 18

So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

Verse 18: The centurion took the boy and brought him to the chief captain and said to the chief captain: Paul, the prisoner called me unto him and begged me to bring this young man unto thee because he had to tell you very a important and urgent thing. 

Acts 23 verse 19

Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

Verse 19: The chief captain took the young boy by the hand and went with him aside privately so that nobody could hear what this boy would say him. He asked the young boy what do you want to tell me? There was a lot at stake because his uncle, the apostle of the Gentiles could be killed by those 40 Jews the next day and this had to be prevented. His uncle the apostle Paul's life was in danger. Maybe his uncle Paul could escape from their hands if this chief captain would listen to him. This must have been on his mind. 

Acts 23 verse 20

And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

Verse 20: The Jews were agree and desire that thou would bring to them again Paul, my uncle into their council in the Sanhedrin tomorrow because they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly it seems.

Acts 23 verse 21

 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

Verse 21: But do not believe them because this is a lie . There are 40 Jewish men who made a plot or a appointment with themselves with an oath that they will not eat nor drink till they have killed my uncle Paul. They are ready to kill him and are looking to you that you promise them to give them Paul so that he can be slain by them. 

Acts 23 verse 22

 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

Verse 22: When the chief captain had heard everything from the young boy, the nephew of Paul, the son of Paul's sister he let the young man go and said to him: See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these. The chief captain dismissed the young boy and didn't tell him what action he would take. 

Acts 23 verse 23

And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

Verse 23: Lysias the chief captain called the 2 centurions. Lysias acted with the dispatch of a well trained army officer. He was responsible for the safety of Roman citizen and also for the protection of the public peace. Lysias said to these 2 centurions: Make ready 200 soldiers to go to Caesarea and 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen at 3 o clock in the morning to go to Ceasarea.

Acts 23 verse 24

 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

Verse 24: And do saddle on the beasts and on one of the beasts set Paul theiron and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. What a protection the chief captain had taken care of so that Paul could be brought safely to Ceasarea unto Felix the governor. Paul had not to be killed by the Jews. So his life was spared by the Romans because Paul was also a Roman citizen from birth. 

Acts 23 verse 25

And he wrote a letter after this manner:

Verse 25: In the meantime Claudius Lysias wrote a letter about this unto Felix the governor in Caesarea. Felix had to know why they bring Paul to him and this was in written in this letter. 

Acts 23 verse 26

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

Verse 26: The chief captain began his letter to the governor Felix this: unto the most excellent governor Felix sending this greet. Very polite and respectful to the adressed man Claudius Lysias begin this letter. 

Acts 23 verse 27

 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

Verse 27: Lysias is telling Felix in his letter to him about Paul who was taken of the Jews and they should have killed him if he and his soldiers had not rescued Paul  from them. Later he understood that Paul was a Roman. 

Acts 23 verse 28

And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

Verse 28: Lysias wrote that he didn't know why they accused him and wanted to kill this Paul so he brought Paul into their council so that they could judge him and that he would know. In this letter to Felix Lysias wrote the whole story about it. 

Acts 23 verse 29

Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

Verse 29: Lysias continued here in his letter this that he thought that Paul would be accused of questions according their law but nothing was laid to his charge worthy or death or of bonds. So Paul was not quilty. They could not condemn him because he spoke the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God and they hated that because the adversary hates this Gospel because through this he is defeated that's why he chose persons to accuse the ones who bring the truth like the apostle Paul did whole his life. So Paul could be free man because he was not guilty. Why Paul remained in prison? Yes it was because of the truth the Gospel of the Grace of God. 

Acts 23 verse 30

And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell. 

Verse 30: After this I was told that the Jews laid wait for this man Paul. So to protect him I send him straightway to thee.  And Lysias gave command to his accusers to say things about Paul before Felix . So they had to go to Felix in Caesarea. Goodbye he ended his letter to Felix. 

Acts 23 verse 31

Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

Verse 31: The soldiers were commanded to bring Paul by night to Antipatris in Ceasarea and they did. Otherwise he was killed by the Jews. 

Acts 23 verse 32

 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:

Verse 32 : And in the morning the soldiers left the horsemen to go with Paul and returned to the castle in Jerusalem. So Paul was left with the horsemen and  was made by them assigned to Felix. 

Acts 23 verse 33

Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

Verse 33: So they came to Caesarea and at first these horsemen delivered the epistle of the chief captain to the governor Felix and at the same time they presented Paul before Felix. So Felix had to read first the epistle of Claudius Lysias the chief captain of Jerusalem before he could speak to Paul. 

Acts 23 verse 34

 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

Verse 34: So the governor Felix read that letter who he received from the horsemen who brought Paul to him and after read this letter he asked from which province Paul was as Roman citizen. So Paul answered him that and then Felix understood that he was from Cilicia that now at this moment lays in Turkey. Paul came from Tarsus. 

Acts 23 verse 35

 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

Verse 35: Felix said to Paul I will hear you later. By this Felix promised Paul a full hearing when the accusers of Paul would arrive in Ceasarea and in the meanwhile Felix kept Paul in Herod's judgment hall or praetorium. Who was this Felix? He was the governor or procurator of Judea. He was married to Drusilla, a Jewess and daughter of Herod Agrippa I who left her husband to become Felix third wife. She was the sister of Herod Agrippa II. The Roman historian Tacitus told in his scriptures  that this Felix  was a vulgar ruffian and lived up to the name and that he exercised the power of a king in the spirit of a slave. So here ended this chapter 23 with Paul as a prisoner of the Romans in Caesarea. 

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Acts chapter 24

Acts 24 verse 1

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

Verse 1: After 5 days when Paul was in Caesarea as prisoner the high priest Ananias and elders came to Caesarea with a certain public speaker who's name was Tertullus and he informed Felix the governer against the apostle Paul. Again these Jews would accuse Paul again in a meeting organized by Felix. 

Acts 24 verse 2

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

Verse 2: Tertullus was called to speak and he began to accuse Paul and said. We have big peace and enjoy this and that very notable deeds are done unto this nation Israel through thy care and cuardianship. 

Acts 24 verse 3

We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

Verse 3: We Jews accept this always in all places he said to Felix and calls him noble. What is noble? Having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles. Was Felix this? For this Jews it seems. They thanked him about this. Basically he was a terrible man what is written about him. 

Acts 24 verse 4

Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

Verse 4: Besides Tertullus said to Felix in other words this: I don't want to keep you waiting any longer. I beg you that thou will listen in thy humility what we are saying to you now some words. 

Acts 24 verse 5

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Verse 5: Then Turtullus began to accuse the apostle Paul before Felix the governor. He said that this man Paul is a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the whole world and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Tertullus humiliates Paul in totality.  these were discriminate words and in our country the Netherlands it is forbidden to speak like this. But what happened then is still happening now even though this is prohibited. What is a pestilent fellow? Tertullus said here this: Paul is a danger to the Roman Empire. "Plague" is the Greek word for "pestilence." a mover of sedition among all Jews: the ultimate act of defiance or disloyalty to an established authority. A ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. What does that mean? Answer Paul was a  leader of a group of persons who cause trouble. That's how Tertullus accused Paul as a sektleader of followers of Christ. 

Acts 24 verse 6

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

Verse 6: Then Tertullus continued here to say that Paul the temple desecrated by Gentiles to bring into the temple because they had seen him with Trophimus through the streets of Jerusalem. So they took Paul and we would have judged him according our law. Although Paul never took Trophimus into the temple because it was forbidden for Gentiles to enter the temple. 

Acts 24 verse 7

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

Verse 7: But then the Roman chief captain Lysias with his soldiers came to us and with a lot of violence they took Paul away out of our hands. They should have killed Paul if Lysias with his men had not come to freed him from this multitude of Jews. 

Acts 24 verse 8

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

Verse 8: Lysias had commanded in the letter Felix that the accusers of the apostle Paul would come to Caesarea and now they were there in Ceasarea. You have examined Paul in the meanwhile and take knowledge of all the things whereof we accuse him. With other words he must now understand what the crime was of the apostle Paul. They had already said it that he was a plaque for the whole world and specially for the Jews. 

Acts 24 verse 9

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

Verse 9: The Jews who were with Tertullus in the meeting before Felix who accused Paul agreed with Tertullus that what he had said was true. But was this the truth and could these Jews accuse Paul. Were the accusations they had based on truth? 

Acts 24 verse 10

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

Verse 10: Now Paul was on turn to defend himself because Felix the governor beckoned unto him to speak in this meeting. Paul knew that Felix was many years judge unto Israel  and that he was saying to Felix. Immediately he said it is for me more joyfully to answer for myself. Paul wan not afraid to answer and give honest anwers to Felix and his accusers there in the meeting. He knew God was with him and God was Witness about everything he had done for Him. 

Acts 24 verse 11

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

Verse 11: Paul is speaking very honestly: that thou, Felix may understand. I went up to Jerusalem to worship God. 

Acts 24 verse 12

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

Verse 12: They, these Jews never found me in the temple to argue with any man, nor raising up the people, not in the synagogues or in the city of Jerusalem. In the sight of God because God was Witness of Paul and Paul didn't lie, he tells them the truth. They couldn't accuse him because of this. 

Acts 24 verse 13

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

Verse 13: What strong words the apostle Paul used here: nor can they prove the things how they will accuse him. There was no evidence whatsoever to accuse him. But the apostle Paul is not yet through with his answer. He placed his accusers with their backs against the wall. 

Acts 24 verse 14

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

Verse 14: Paul confesses unto Felix this. They these Jews who accuse me call it heresy what I believe and stand for. I worship the God of my fathers he said and believe all things which are written in the law and the prophets. He stood very strong the apostle Paul. He was not the loser here in this trial. They were, these Jewish accusers because their arguments were not based on truth. 

Acts 24 verse 15

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Verse 15: Paul said in this trial that his hope is toward God. This is what these Jews also expected that there shall be a resurrection of the dead for both just and unjust. The vast majority in the Sanhedrin believed that and that resurrection will come and God is faithful that He will let this happen. 

Acts 24 verse 16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.

Verse 16: In the meanwhile Paul said that he exercised himself to have always a conscience void toward God and toward men. That his conscience is a guiltless conscience and God was always with him. Less than a week before he had told the Sanhedrin  that he had been living in all good conscience before God. The high priest had commanded those who stood by to smite him on the mouth. Now before the governor Felix the high priest couldn't do the same as in the Sanhedrin. The big issue between Paul and those Jews  here was moral. They had now been surrounded by overwhelming proofs that the Lord Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God but they still rejected Him. They closed their eyes for the truth. 

Acts 24 verse 17

 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Verse 17: The apostle Paul is telling the people in Ceasarea this: after many years he came to Jerusalem to bring alms to his nation Israel and offerings. Nothing else. 

Acts 24 verse 18

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Verse 18: He continued to defend himself here in this verse and said that certain of the Jews of Asia found him purified in the temple. Not a multitude and not with tumult. 

Acts 24 verse 19

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

Verse 19: These men ought to be here Paul said and stand before these accusers if they had ought something against him.  Not you accusers who have not seen me there in the temple for some days Paul is telling them this. They had not proof to accuse him. The only ones were some Jews from Asia who found him purified in the temple. 

Acts 24 verse 20

Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

Verse 20: Paul is continue to defend himself that the men who were with him in the temple who would say if they had found any evil in Paul's handlings when he stood before the council. 

Acts 24 verse 21

 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Verse 21: The only only one thing Paul cried standing among them was this: the resurrection of the dead that he is called in question by them that day. 

Acts 24 verse 22

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

Verse 22: Felix the governor had head first all the things thy accused Paul and heard now the whole story of Paul. So he stopped this meeting because he wanted to have more perfect knowledge of that way of resurrection. He postponed the continuing of this meeting and let them go and said. When Lysias the chief captain shall come down to me I will know more of your matter. 

Acts 24 verse 23

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

Verse 23: After this Paul remained a prisoner. Felix commanded a centurion to keep Paul but Paul had a lot of liberty and everyone he could receive who came to him. But Paul was not a free man, he couldn't travel and spread the Gospel of the Grace of God.  It was a sort kind of house arrest. 

Acts 24 verse 24

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

Verse 24:After a couple of days Felix the governor came back with his wife Drusilla. She was Jewish. Maybe she could understand Paul better than Felix himself. So he asked to bring Paul before them because he wanted to hear again from Paul about his faith in Christ. So Paul had again a oppertunity to speak about the truth in Christ to this man and his wife.

Acts 24 verse 25

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Verse 25: So Paul began to reason or tell them about God's righteousness in Christ. How God has temperance, patience, longsuffering , God's love in Christ for mankind, also for Felix and Drusilla his wife and Paul spoke also about the judgment to come Felix became afraid and was shaking. He answered Paul Go thy way this time. If I have mood to speak with you again I will call you. This was to much for Felix to hear about the judgment because this was very direct and truth to him and his wife.

Acts 24 verse 26

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

Verse 26: Felix hoped that money should given to him so that he could loose Paul. Paul was not quilty because he spoke the truth. Felix called Paul often to hear from the faith in Christ and spoke to him a lot of times. Still Paul was held captive. He was a prisoner of Rome, a sort of kind of house arrest. He could not escape. God had said to him that Paul also had to speak in Rome and spread also God's Word or truth in Rome.

Acts 24 verse 27

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Verse 27: So after 2 years when Paul was bound Porcius Festus came in the place of Felix as Roman's governor of Israel. Felix was friends of the Jews and maybe he was also afraid of them if he would loose Paul. He was a man pleaser, a pleaser of the Jews and left Paul bound. There came no freedom for Paul. He was innocent prisoner of Rome and because of the Jews who still wanted his death.

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Acts Chapter 25

Acts 25 verse 1

Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Verse 1: Festus came in the place of Felix and went from Caesarea to Jerusalem to hear the high priest and all the priest and leaders of the folk Israel.