Memory Palace

Outline

Adapted from the NIV Study Bible outline via Bible Study Tools. Verses: ESV.

• I. Peter and the Beginnings of the Church in the Holy Land (ch.1-12)

  1. "Throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria" (1:1-9:31)

     1. Introduction (1:1-2)

        1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

     2. Christ's resurrection ministry (1:3-11)

        3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

        4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

        6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

        7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.

        8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

        9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

        10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

     3. The period of waiting for the Holy Spirit (1:12-26)

        12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.

        13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.

        14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

        15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,

        16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.

        17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”

        18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.

        19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

        20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’

        21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us — one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

        23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.

        24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”

        26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

     4. The filling with the Spirit (ch.2)

        1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

        2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

        3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

        4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

        5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.

        6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

        7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

        8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?

        9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

        10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians — we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

        12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

        13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

        14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.

        15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

        16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

        17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

        19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.

        21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

        22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know — 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

        24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

        25 For David says concerning him, “‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.

        27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.

        28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

        29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

        30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

        32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.

        33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.

        34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

        36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

        37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

        38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

        39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

        40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

        41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

        42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

        43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

        44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

        45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

        46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

     5. The healing of the lame man and the resultant arrest of Peter and John (3:1)

        1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

     6. The community of goods (4:32)

        32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

     7. The arrest of the 12 apostles (5:12-42)

        12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico.

        13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.

        14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.

        16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

        17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.

        19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,

        20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

        21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

        22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported,

        23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.”

        24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.

        25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.”

        26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

        27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”

        29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

        30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.

        31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

        32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

        33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.

        34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.

        35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men.

        36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.

        37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.

        38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

        41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

        42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

     8. The choice of the Seven (6:1-7)

        1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

        2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.

        3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

        4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

        5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.

        6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

        7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

     9. Stephen's arrest and martyrdom (6:8)

        8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

     10. The scattering of the Jerusalem believers (8:1-4)

         1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

         2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.

         3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

         4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

     11. Philip's ministry (8:5-40)

         1. In Samaria (8:5-25)

            5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.

            6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.

            7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.

            8 So there was much joy in that city.

            9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.

            10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.”

            11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

            12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

            13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

            14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

            17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

            18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

            20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

            21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.

            22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

            23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”

            24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

            25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

         2. To the Ethiopian eunuch (8:26-40)

            26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place.

            27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.

            29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

            30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

            31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

            32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.

            33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”

            34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”

            35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

            36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

            38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

            39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

            40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

     12. Saul's conversion (9:1-31)

         1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

         3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.

         4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

         5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

         6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

         7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.

         8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

         9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

         10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

         11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”

         13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.

         14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”

         15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

         16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

         17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

         18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. <b>Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues</b> For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

         20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”

         21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”

         22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

         23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

         26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.

         27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

         28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

         29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.

         30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

         31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

  2. "As far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch" (9:32)

     1. Peter's ministry on the Mediterranean coast (9:32)

        1. To Aeneas and Dorcas (9:32-43)

           32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

           33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.

           34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose.

           35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

           36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.

           37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

           38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.”

           39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.

           40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

           41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

           42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

           43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

        2. To Cornelius (10:1)

           1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,

     2. The new Gentile church in Antioch (11:19-30)

        19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.

        20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.

        21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

        22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

        23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

        25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

        27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

        28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).

        29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

        30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

     3. Herod's persecution of the church and his subsequent death (ch.12)

        1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.

        2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.

        4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.

        5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

        6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.

        7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.

        8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”

        9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

        10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.

        11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

        12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.

        13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.

        14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.

        15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!”

        16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.

        17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

        18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.

        19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

        20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.

        21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them.

        22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!”

        23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

        24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

        25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

• II. Paul and the Expansion of the Church from Antioch to Rome (ch.13-28)

  1. "Throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia" (13:1-15:35)

     1. Paul's first missionary journey (ch.13-14)

        1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

        2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

        3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

        4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

        5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.

        6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.

        7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.

        8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

        9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?

        11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.

        12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

        13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.

        15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”

        16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.

        17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.

        18 And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.

        19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance.

        20 All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

        21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

        22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’

        23 Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.

        24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

        25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’

        26 “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.

        27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

        28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed.

        29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.

        30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.

        32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’

        34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’

        35 Therefore he says also in another psalm, “‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’

        36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.

        38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

        40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

        41 “‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”

        42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.

        43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

        44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.

        45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.

        46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

        47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

        48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

        49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.

        50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.

        51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.

        52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

        1 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.

        2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

        3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

        4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.

        5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

        8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked.

        9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking.

        11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”

        12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.

        13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.

        14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,

        15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

        16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.

        17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”

        18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

        19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

        20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.

        21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

        23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

        24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.

        25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.

        27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

        28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.

     2. The Jerusalem conference (15:1-35)

        1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

        2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

        3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.

        4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.

        5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

        6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.

        7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.

        8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.

        10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

        11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

        12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.

        13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me.

        14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.

        15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

        16 “‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’

        19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.

        21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

        22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.

        24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

        27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.

        28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

        30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter.

        31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.

        32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.

        33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.

        35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

  2. "Over to Macedonia" (15:36)

     1. Paul's second missionary journey (15:36)

        36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”

     2. Paul's third missionary journey (18:23)

        23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

  3. "To Rome" (21:17)

     1. Paul's imprisonment in Jerusalem (21:17)

        1. Arrest (21:17)

           17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.

        2. Trial before the Sanhedrin (22:30)

           30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

        3. Transfer to Caesarea (23:12-35)

           12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

           13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy.

           14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul.

           15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

           16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.

           17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.”

           18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.”

           19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

           20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him.

           21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.”

           22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”

           23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.

           24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”

           25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:

           26 “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings.

           27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen.

           28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council.

           29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.

           30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

           31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.

           32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him.

           33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him.

           34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.

     2. Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea (ch.24-26)

        1. Trial before Felix (ch.24)

           1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.

           2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.

           4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.

           5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

           6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.

           8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

           9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

           10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.

           11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city.

           13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me.

           14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

           16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.

           17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.

           18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia — 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me.

           20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

           22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.”

           23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

           24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

           25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”

           26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.

        2. Trial before Festus (25:1-12)

           1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

           2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem — because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.

           4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.

           5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

           6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.

           7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.

           8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.”

           9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”

           10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.

           11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”

           12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

        3. Hearing before Festus and Agrippa (25:13)

           13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.

     3. Voyage to Rome (27:1)

        1 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius.

     4. Two years under house arrest in Rome (28:16-31)

        16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

        17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

        18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.

        19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar — though I had no charge to bring against my nation.

        20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”

        21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.

        22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

        23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

        24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.

        25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

        26 “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

        27 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

        28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

        30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.