This week we will study some of Paul’s last words on this Earth. Sensing that his death was near he summoned Timothy his beloved son in the faith asking him to go to him quickly and sharing with him specific instructions about his commitment to God and his responsibilities as a servant of God.

LGPA: Life

The Apostle Paul finally arrived in Rome just as the Lord said he would. Yet the outcome of his presence and witness there is not depicted in scripture. Church history tells us that Paul was likely executed by the

Roman emperor Nero. The fact is that we cannot know for certain what happened to Paul and many other early church leaders. Perhaps the Lord has intentionally concealed the details of how they died to encourage us to focus on the details of how they lived.

This week we discover how the ACTivation of the Holy Spirit changes our expectations during times of God-ordained detours.

In Acts 26, more than two years have passed since Paul returned to Jerusalem. Before Festus and King Agrippa he stated that he is “standing trial for the hope of the promise made to our fathers.” (v.6).

One of the most amazing things about the apostle Paul’s return to Jerusalem is the simple fact that he went back knowing the great threat that was before him. In Acts 21:13 he stated, “For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” As we have seen previously in Acts and in the life of Christ, obedience unto death is another outcome of the outpouring.

While in Ephesus, “God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul” and any lives were being changed for the glory of God. In many cities there were Jewish exorcists, also known as vagabond Jews, who used to travel from city to city invoking spells and incantations, supposedly expelling demons. It never worked. But the enemy has no problem performing in the dark to keep people from coming to the light.

In ancient Athens, Mars Hill was a place of debate and rhetoric. In many ways, their culture was very similar to that of ours today. The reality and usage of the internet, social media and an over-abundance of information have created a mindset and lifestyle for masses of people who LIVE TO TELL AND HEAR SOMETHING NEW. In Acts 16, the Holy Spirit reveals to us a plan and pattern for reaching the lost in this context as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul.

Through the salvation of the Gentiles, God fulfilled what He had always intended and desired. It is through the ACTivation of the Holy Spirit that His church exists without barriers to His presence.

This week we will discuss what the church of today can learn from the 9

city missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas in Acts chapters 13 and 14.

In today’s teaching we’ll see how the Holy Spirit used an unbeliever to align the church with the full intent and purpose of the work of the Kingdom.