Providence Church of San Diego

Main Text: Acts 22:22 - 23:11

I. Paul uses his Roman citizenship to his advantage before the Roman commander (Acts 22:22-29)

Roman citizenship could be obtained (1) as a reward for a service to Rome, (2) by purchasing the right, or (3) by being born into a family that passed the privilege to their children.

II. Paul uses religious sects to his advantage before the Jewish council (Acts 22:30—23:11)

Sadducees – Formed during the Maccabean era, the               Sadducees were a minority party among the Jews with wealth and political power. The Sadducees controlled the priesthood in Jerusalem. They denied the resurrection and the existence of angels, and rejected the oral teachings of the Pharisees.

(Matt. 16:1-12; Matt. 22:23-34; Acts 4:1-2)

Pharisees – The Pharisees were an influential Jewish sect focused on piety, learning, and faithfulness to the Mosaic law against Greek pagan influence. The Pharisees accepted the Old Testament as the written word of God, but gave equal authority to oral traditions. (Matt. 15:1-20; Matt. 23:1-36; Matt. 22:15-22)

III. Why Paul used earthly systems to his advantage

Paul’s citizenship is in heaven (Eph. 2:6; 19; Heb. 11:13-16).

Philippians 3:20-21 -  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Heavenly citizenship is NOT obtained as a reward for service (Eph. 2:8-9), by purchase (Acts 8:20), or by birth (John 1:12-13). Heavenly citizenship is a gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 4:12).

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - For though I am free from all men, I have made

myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who

are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Colossians 1:27-29 - To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Text: Acts 21:27—22:21

Acts 21:28, 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.

I. Introduction:  Paul's memory of Philip. Acts 6:11-14, 7:58, 22:20, Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard (Philip) speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.  And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:  For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. . . And cast him out of the city, and stoned him:  and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. . .  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.

II. False witness #1:  this man teaches against the people of God.

Isa. 19:22-25, And the Lord shall smite Egypt:  he shall smite and heal it:  and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.  In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.  In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land:  Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

III.  False witness #2:  this man teaches against the law of God.

Micah 4:2, And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths:  for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

IV. False witness #3:  this man teaches against this place, the Temple.

Jn. 2:19, Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

V. The true witness:  Acts 22:14-15, And (Ananias) 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.  For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

IV. Conclusion:  the true destiny of the Gospel that Paul preaches to the nations.

Ps. 72:8, 10-11, 17, He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. . .  The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.  Yea, all kings shall fall down before him:  all nations shall serve him. . .  His name shall endure for ever:  his name shall be continued as long as the sun:  and men shall be blessed in him:  all nations shall call him blessed.

Text: Acts 21:17-26

Text: Acts 21:1-16

I. Disciples in Tyre warn Paul about traveling to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-6)

A. Paul and his travel companions land at Tyre (21:1-3).

B. Paul searches for, and finds, fellow believers (21:4).

C. The believers in Tyre receive a revelation from the HolySpirit that Paul would suffer in Jerusalem (21:4), confirming what Paul told the Ephesian elders (20:23).

D. Paul and his travel companions continue heading toward Jerusalem. The believers in Tyre pray over them as they depart (21:5-6).

II. Agabus warns Paul about traveling to Jerusalem (Acts 21:7-12)

A. In Caesarea, Paul and his travel companions stay with

III. Paul still intends to travel to Jerusalem (Acts 21:13-16)

A. Paul is not afraid of being arrested or being killed, for the name of Jesus (21:13).

Acts 9:16 - For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

B. Realizing Paul is going to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?

Today’s Lunch Discussion: Do you see value Christian fellowship as much as Paul and the believers in Tyre? How do you know when/if the Holy Spirit is leading you? What do you value so much you are willing to die for? Why? Are you consciously aware that to die and be with Christ is gain?

Main Idea: The example of Paul’s ministry is a pattern for the Ephesian church and for ours.

Paul’s ____________________________ was an example for the church. (vs. 17-24, 33-35)

Paul’s _________________________ was for the feeding and protection of the church. (vs. 25-31)

Paul’s ________________________________ was in the Word of the God grace. (vs. 32)

Paul’s __________________________ was blessed with deep relationships. (vs. 36-38)

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?

Today’s Lunch Discussion: How is this speech different from Paul’s other speeches in Acts? How is it similar to other speeches in the Bible? What does it mean for pastors to live among the sheep? Why is doing so important? What about the way Paul served the church most resonates with you? Explain where and what Paul taught. What can we learn from his priorities and approach? How can you apply verses 22-24 to your own life? Why must pastors keep a close watch on their own lives and on the lives of other pastors? What does this passage teach about spiritual “wolves”? Explain why verse 32 is a word of comfort and assurance. What can we learn from Paul’s work ethic in verses 34-35? Take a moment to pray for your elders (pastors). In what specific ways might you encourage them?

I. Summary of passage.

As Paul prepares to travel to Jerusalem, a silversmith named Demetrius gathers an audience and convinces them that Paul’s teachings will negatively affect their business, causing a riot. Travel companions of Paul are seized, and the riot becomes larger and more chaotic until a city official pacifies the crowd.

II. Reason – because the riches of this world were more appealing than the eternal rewards of God.

Demetrius made his living selling idols and was concerned that Paul was going to hurt his business (Acts 19:23-27).

III. Reason – because Paul has “turned many away”.

Demetrius indicated that Paul was the villain because he was turning people all over Asia away from their religion (Acts 19:26).

IV. Reason – because Jesus being “the Way” reveals that other ways lead to destruction.

“The Way” referring to Christianity – Acts 9:2; 19:9; 24:14.

V. Conclusion – the riot could not stop the progress of the gospel.

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?  

Today’s Lunch Discussion: Do you value the riches of this world more than you should? Do you tithe regularly and joyfully? How often do you remind yourself of the infinite value of God’s kingdom? Do you love God more than your earthly friendships? Are you willing to be hated by your co-workers due to your faith in Christ? Would a stranger know you are a believer based on the way you conduct your life?

Main Idea: The Word of God prevails in Ephesus as it is boldly declared, God’s power is extraordinarily displayed, and God’s people are reverently devoted.

How does a city change?

Bold ____________________________ of the Word of God. (vs. 8-10)

Extraordinary _____________________ of the power of God. (vs. 11-17)

Reverent ________________________ of the people of God. (vs. 18-20)

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?

Today’s Lunch Discussion: Explain how Paul’s exposition of the Scriptures impacted Ephesus. How important is the bold preaching of God’s Word? How does God use the preaching of His Word to transform hearts? What are some common false applications of the story of people being healed by contact with Paul’s facecloths? What is a miracle? How did God use miracles in the Bible? What is the greatest miracle? How might you be tempted to “use God” for your own purposes? What does the story of people burning books teach? Is there any “syncretism” evident in your life? Would you be willing to “burn” valuables if you knew it was against God’s ways? What might some of those “valuables” be in your life? How might the preaching of the gospel impact our city? How do we win the war against the darkness?

Main Idea: God accomplishes His work through His Spirit empowered witnesses who are all works of grace in process.

God uses us where we _______________. (vs. 24-25)

[24] Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. [25] He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

*Philippians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 3:5–6; 2 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 3:5

God uses ________________________ to bring us where we need to be. (vs. 26)

[26] He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

*2 Corinthians 4:7

As God uses us in humble service, the results have far greater impact than we can see. (vs. 27-28)

[27] And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, [28] for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?

Today’s Lunch Discussion: How was Apollos gifted? How was Apollos lacking? How did God use Apollos, even with his deficiencies? What did God use to bring Apollos into greater understanding? Who has God used in your life to bring you where you need to be? If God has helped you through a problem, how could he use you to help someone else struggling with a similar problem? A person tells you, “I tried reading the Bible, but I couldn’t get much out of it.” How would you help him/her? How can we serve the Lord with zeal, while trusting Him with the results? How has God’s grace encouraged you to zealously serve others?