Well, we made it to the end of our “overview” of the book of Acts. Paul’s defense of the gospel, and of his determination to stand before Nero was clearly explained in Acts 26. We spent some time clarifying Acts 26:19-20: Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Remember, the book of Acts is a book of history, not a book of doctrine, even though doctrine is found all through its pages. We must use the Bible study principle of comparing scripture with scripture to understand what v.20 means by using scriptures from Paul’s others letters.
Ephesians 1:13-14, 2:8-10, Philippians 2:12, and Romans 12:1-21 all clearly speak of living a life of righteousness after we have experienced God’s free gift of salvation by grace alone. Paul presented the gospel to Agrippa and the royal court, as well as the magistrates who were present, and asked Agrippa, and everyone if they believed the gospel. Agrippa’s chilling response is so sad…Paul, almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Anyone who attempts eternal life by any other means, any other person will spend eternity in hell.
Acts 27:1-28:15 records all the trials experienced by Paul and everyone with him. They finally arrive in Rome, where Paul shares the gospel of Christ to the Jewish leaders explaining what the sect of the Nazarenes was all about — worshipping the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ in Acts 28:16-31! The book ends with Paul faithfully witnessing to all who visit him for two years!
We will walk through an overview of Paul’s letters – Romans to Philemon, that which is written to us, to get a clear picture of how we must live in grace and grow into Christlikeness while we are here in these terrestrial bodies. It will be an exciting time! See you when we meet again.
Your Bible Study Partner,
Ken Wooten
2 Timothy 2:15