Lesson 15 Changed from the Inside Out Acts 22

Lesson 15 Changed from the Inside Out Acts 22 Introduction Change my heart, oh God. Make it ever true. Change my heart, oh God. May I be like You. You are the potter. I am the clay. Mold me and make me this is what I pray. - Vineyard When Paul arrives in Jerusalem, trouble is there to greet him. Dissatisfied Jews are determined to get rid of Paul once and for all. The Roman soldiers show up and drag him off to prison. On his way to prison, he stops long enough to share his testimony. This gets everyone s attention for a time. People may be able to argue with you about theology, but they can t argue about what the Lord has done personally for you. For a moment, his enemies are silenced and Paul declares to them how Jesus has changed him. Think about it. He who once persecuted Christians, is now willing and ready to die for the Lord that s genuine change! Now would be a perfect time to pray. Ask the Lord to work in your life and give Him permission to change you from the inside out. Memory Scripture Reading Assignment: Acts 22 For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. Acts 22:15 Commentary The entire city is in an uproar because of a rumor that Paul had taken Gentiles into the temple with him. As a result, a riot erupts and Paul nearly loses his life. If it hadn t been for the Roman soldiers who rushed in and rescued him, Paul would have died right there in Jerusalem. Paul is taken into protective custody, but along the way, he stops and asks permission to speak to the crowd that wanted to kill him. In typical Paul fashion, he uses this situation to share his personal testimony. This is the second of three accounts of Paul s conversion recorded in Acts (see also chapters 9 and 26). His story is one of a completely changed life. May God give each of us the boldness to open our mouths and the passion within our hearts to share of His power that has changed us, too. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. In Acts 22, Paul shares his testimony with the people. From verses 1 5, describe Paul before he met Jesus. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333

2. Paul s amazing conversion is described in Acts 22:6 16. What God did for Paul He desires to do for every believer to take their ruined lives and make something beautiful out of them. The Bible describes this as turning ashes into beauty. From verse 15, what is God s purpose in saving and transforming us? 3. After reading Acts 22:17 21, what was Paul s special commission? 4. Paul s testimony is about the power of God s grace and forgiveness. Paul reminds his listeners that he stood by and approved of the death of Stephen (v.20) and yet God still chose to use him. How does this speak to you about forgiveness? 5. Once Jesus saved Paul, he was not what he used to be. When he drew near to the Lord, he was changed from the inside out. When the Lord gets a hold of a woman s heart, He changes her, too. Describe this transformation from the verses below. a. 2 Corinthians 5:17 b. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 c. Hebrews 10:22-25

Lesson 16 God s Protection Plan Acts 23 Introduction My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus name. - Rueben Morgan In chapter 23, there s a heated court case going on and Paul is in the center of it! The Jews want to kill Paul and get rid of this troublemaker once and for all, but the Roman law protects him. So they decide to take matters into their own hands and plot to kill him. Their plan is ultimately revealed and no harm comes to Paul. What an awesome lesson this is for us as God s children nothing can touch us unless God allows it. Take a moment to pray right now. Ask the Lord to give you the kind of confidence that Paul had. Pray for the courage and boldness to move out with the message of Jesus Christ in spite of any obstacles you may face. Now thank the Lord for being near and so willing to listen to our cries for help. Memory Scripture The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 Reading Assignment: Acts 23 Commentary Paul s life has been in danger from the very onset of his ministry. In this chapter, we learn that 40 men took an oath and vowed not to eat until Paul was dead. They came up with a plan to ambush him when it was least expected. But, as the Lord would have it, Paul s nephew was in earshot of these men and overheard their entire plan. He reported their scheme to Claudius Lysias who decided to protect Paul. What an amazing lesson for every believer. God is in control and nothing happens by chance or accident. God had promised Paul that he would get to Rome and nothing man could do was going to hinder that. Never forget that God will use people, places, and things to accomplish His divine will. What looks like luck to the world is actually the hand of God working on our behalf! Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Paul makes a powerful statement to the Sanhedrin (council) in verse 1. What do you think the phrase in all good conscience before God means? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333

2. Let's continue reading this account of Paul s interaction with the council in verses 2 10. Keep in mind that the battle continues between the religious Jews and Christians. Answer the questions below. a. How did the high priest react to Paul s statement? (v.2) b. Why do you think he reacted this way? c. What was Paul s reaction? (v.3) d. What was the reaction of those who stood nearby? (v. 4,10) 3. In our difficult times, we may find that people disappoint us or neglect to stand with us. Notice the phrase the Lord stood by him in verse 11. How will this phrase strengthen you when you are called to stand alone? 4. Read Acts 23:12 35. The Jews are furious with Paul because they can t get rid of him through the law. So they take matters into their own hands and decide to ambush and kill him. How does the Lord protect Paul? 5. Because of His great love for us, God protects His own. Look up the scriptures below and share what you learn about His divine protection plan. a. Psalm 57:1 b. Jude 24 c. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Lesson 17 Falsely Accused Acts 24 Introduction Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone. The arm of flesh will fail you; ye dare not trust your own. - George Duffield The gospel is on trial today. Paul once again stands before his accusers and defends the gospel. Even though the Jews continue to falsely accuse Paul, he stands firm and confident in the face of their opposition. His confidence comes from knowing the powerful truth of God's Word. He could have cowered under all the lies that were being told about him, but instead he chose to see things from God s perspective. God was in control and He alone would defend and protect Paul. Before you begin your lesson, take time to pray. Ask the Lord to give you the same boldness and courage that Paul had as you live and speak in defense of the gospel. Memory Scripture Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are His delight. Proverbs 12:22 Reading Assignment: Acts 24 Commentary The prosecuting lawyer, Tertullus, brought three charges against Paul: a personal charge he is a pestilent fellow; a political charge a mover of sedition; and a religious charge a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Of course, he had no proof of any of these charges. Men who oppose the truth will stop at nothing to distort the truth. None of these false accusations moved Paul. He confidently stood before his accusers and gave a powerful message of defense. We can't help but admire Paul. What a godly example he is for us today. He wasn't concerned for his own safety; his heart was for the souls of those listening to him. He wasn't troubled by the lies of his accusers; he let God be his defense. He knew his life was in God s hands and he rested in that fact. May God help you to relax in the midst of your personal turmoil as you remember that He still sits on the throne and He is in complete control. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Tertullus was a professional speaker hired by the Jews to represent their case before the Roman official, Felix. His job was to make a skillful presentation to persuade the court to kill Paul. From Acts 24:1 6, what were the false accusations that Tertullus made against Paul? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333

2. Now it s Paul s turn to speak. In Acts 24:10 21, he boldly stands in front of his accusers and defends himself with the truth. The words he speaks are both eloquent and factual. From verse 14, what does Paul confess? 3. Two of the people listening to Paul s defense are Felix and his wife Drusilla. Paul knew Felix and he spoke the truth directly so that both he and his wife would have to make a decision about Jesus. They had a choice to either accept or reject Christ. From verses 24 and 25, how does Felix respond to Paul s message of the gospel? 4. The Holy Spirit was using Paul s message to get Felix s attention. Unfortunately, Felix chose to drag his feet and put off his decision for Christ. Never forget that procrastination is one of Satan's weapons. Why do you think it's one of his most powerful tools? 5. How it must have broken Paul s heart when he stood quietly listening to the lies being presented against him. God has a lot to say about lying in His Word; not to mention that He calls Satan himself the father of lies. Read the scriptures below and share what you learn about lying. a. Proverbs 6:16-19 b. Ephesians 4:22-25 c. Revelation 21:3-8

Lesson 18 When Anger Goes Unchecked Acts 25 Introduction Lord, I come; I confess. Bowing here I find my rest. Without you, I fall apart. You're the one that guides my heart. - Chris Tomlin As we study our chapter this week, we will discover that Paul s legal battles are nowhere near done. His ordeal that began on the steps of the Fortress Antonia in Jerusalem has now landed him in Caesarea, where he is standing before the Roman governor, Festus. The angry Jews have not backed down and they have no intention of doing so until Paul is dead. They desperately want this troublemaker delivered back to Jerusalem where they can rid themselves of him once and for all. Start this lesson with a prayer. Pray specifically for your enemies and those that persecute you. Now leave them in the Lord s hands. Memory Scripture Reading Assignment: Acts 25 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1 Commentary Paul was a Jew whose countrymen wanted him dead and he was a Roman citizen whose government did not know what to do with him. What a dilemma for the new governor, Festus. If he held Paul a prisoner, he would have to explain why a Roman citizen was being held without official charges. But if he did the honest thing and released Paul, he would incur the anger of the Jews and that was one thing he didn t want to do. Stirring up the Jews would not look good politically for this new governor. The root of bitterness within Paul s Jewish enemies would not be pacified until he was gone forever. That s what happens when anger goes unchecked. Emotions run wild and truth gets clouded. Fortunately for Paul, God was in control and He alone would decide Paul s fate. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Read Acts 25:1 5. Festus is a brand new governor and it s crucial for him to have a good working relationship with the Jews. The Jewish leaders know this and take full advantage of the situation. What favor do they request of Festus? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333

2. In verses 10 and 11, how does Paul respond to the accusations being brought against him? 3. Read Acts 25:18 19. In Festus report to Agrippa, what is the main point that he mentions concerning Christianity? 4. In the remaining verses of chapter 25, King Agrippa enters the picture. Festus recounts to him the details of Paul s case and leaves Paul s fate in his hands. In verses 24 27, what is Festus evaluation of Paul before he turns the case over to Agrippa? 5. It's amazing that two years have gone by and the Jews are still angry with Paul and seeking to get rid of him once and for all. In fact, their anger has only intensified and they won t be satisfied until Paul is dead! When anger goes unchecked it turns into bitterness and everyone is affected. Let s take a look at the verses below and share what you learn. a. Ephesians 4:31 32 b. Matthew 5:43 48

Lesson 19 From Darkness to Light Acts 26 Introduction Go forth and tell! Men still in darkness lie. In wealth or want, in sin they live and die: Give us, O Lord, concern of heart and mind, a love like Yours which cares for all mankind. - J.E. Seddon Though his innocence has been clearly stated many times, Paul remains a prisoner. Over and over again, he faces the unfair charges of the Jewish leaders. He has made his defense honestly and boldly, and yet he continues to get only threats of death. No matter how heated the situation becomes, Paul maintains his witness for Christ. He s able to do this because of the power of the Holy Spirit working mightily in him. He never loses sight of his greatest desire that his accusers and all those he comes in contact with would come to know Jesus Christ personally and that they would be called out of darkness and into the Light just as he was. Start with a prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to place in you a burning desire that your unsaved friends and all whom you come in contact with would come to Christ. Memory Scripture Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12 Reading Assignment: Acts 26 Commentary God had given Paul a special mission to open men s eyes from darkness to light and to turn men s lives from Satan to God. Paul never lost sight of this calling no matter where he went. Even while he was on trial in court, Paul seized the opportunity to witness to both King Agrippa and Festus and anyone else who was listening. He saw his trial as an opportunity to share the gospel. What opportunities are you being faced with in the midst of your trials? May God help you to stand boldly, shine your light, and be a witness for Jesus Christ. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. In Acts 26:1 17, Paul once again recounts his testimony of how he got saved. Read through these verses and answer the questions below. a. What did Paul see? (v.13) b. Who was this Light? c. What did Paul hear? (v.14) d. Whose voice was it? (v.15) Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333

2. From Acts 26:18, what was the Lord s purpose in sending Paul? 3. In verse 28, we read that Paul s witness almost persuaded King Agrippa to become a Christian. Why do you think the word witness is a good summary of Paul s life and ministry? 4. What does Acts 26:29 reveal about Paul s passion for the lost? 5. Every Christian is faced with the same awesome opportunity as the apostle Paul to bring people out of the darkness and into the light of Jesus Christ. Pour over the scriptures below to learn as much as you can about your ministry to the world around you. a. 1 Peter 2:9-12 b. Matthew 5:14-16 c. Romans 13:11-14

Lesson 20 God Is with Us in Storms Acts 27 Introduction If the storms of life they come and the road ahead gets steep, I will lift these hands in faith; I will believe. Love came down and rescued me. Love came down and set me free. - Brian Johnson Writers have often compared life to a journey or voyage. Well, that s what Acts 27 is about a voyage that the apostle Paul is on. But this is not a leisure trip, nor is it a vacation cruise. Paul is a prisoner on his way to Rome. And as you will soon find out, it is anything but smooth sailing for him and his companions. Before he reaches his destination, the ship is destroyed, but not one life is lost! God had a plan for Paul s life and no storm was going to interrupt that plan. Pause right now and pray. Begin by thanking God that not even the worst of storms can hide His face or hinder His purposes. Memory Scripture Reading Assignment: Acts 27 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35 Commentary Why did Luke, the author of the book of Acts, devote so much attention to describing a voyage when he certainly could have summarized the incident for us? Well, as we all know, the true author of this book is the Holy Spirit and it was His decision to give us a lengthy account of Paul s journey and ultimately his shipwreck. Don t miss the lessons as you read chapter 27. Paul never jumped ship. Storms are a part of the Christian s life and race. No one escapes them. But when you are willing to endure them, instead of jumping ship, you will be blessed. Never forget that Christ stands with you in your storms and He will personally see that you make it through. Paul is a brave leader who kept his cool in a difficult situation and because of that we are left with his courageous example to guide us when we face the storms of life. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. In Paul s journey to Rome, we see the great apostle in several important roles. In our homework this week, we will take a look into two of these roles because they will help us to better understand our ministry. In Acts 27:1-20, we see Paul the Counselor. What counsel does he give to the centurion in verse 10? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333

2. Read Acts 27:11. What was the centurion s response to Paul s counsel? 3. In Acts 27:21 44, we see Paul the Encourager. Paul is now in the midst of a crisis he s been shipwrecked! Look up each of the verses below and share how he encourages the prisoners and crew. a. Verse 22 b. Verse 31 c. Verse 34 4. Paul was a man of great confidence even in the midst of a life-threatening crisis. Read Acts 27:23 25. What was the source of his confidence? 5. God is with us even in our storms and times of crisis. A crisis does not make a person, but rather shows what a person is made of. In order to strengthen your character for the times of crisis in your life, look up the scriptures below and share any encouragement, counsel, direction, or instruction you receive. a. Habakkuk 3:17 19 b. Isaiah 6:1 8

Lesson 21 Free Indeed Acts 28 Introduction Look what You've done for me. Your blood has set me free. Jesus, my Lord, look what You've done for me. I haven't been the same, ever since I called Your name. - Wilson Frank Today we reach the end of our study through the book of Acts, but the life-changing lessons we ve learned will forever be in our hearts! Paul continues to remain a prisoner and on trial, yet he is able to stand before those in judgment over him with the confidence and assurance of a free man! You can t help but wonder who the real prisoners are as you read this last chapter. Keep in mind that it s the truth that sets people free. You might be able to lock a man up behind bars, but you can t hold his heart captive without his permission. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is able to quench Paul s passion for the gospel. Begin this lesson with a prayer. Ask the Lord to strengthen your commitment to Him and ignite your heart with the kind of passion that Paul had. Memory Scripture Reading Assignment: Acts 28 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 Commentary The book of Acts ends and Paul is still in prison. But as you read this final chapter, you don t get the feeling that he s a hostage or that his chains are in any way keeping him from doing what he has always done. There in the midst of his imprisonment, he is still preaching the gospel. For two years, chained to a guard, Paul teaches all who come to him. We don t have to look far for insight into what was on his heart during this time. For it was during this time of custody that he wrote the books of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Knowing that, you decide for yourself. Was Paul really a prisoner? Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Paul s crisis doesn t end when he finally lands on the island of Melita (Malta). Read Acts 28:1 6 and describe what happened, in your own words. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333

2. Acts 28:7 10 show us Paul the Servant. After all that Paul had done for the passengers, he could well have requested a throne and insisted on being served. Instead, we see him serving in many different ways. How is he an example of a true servant of God? 3. In Acts 28:11 31, we see Paul the Preacher. Paul continues to minister to the Jews even though they relentlessly oppose the gospel message he preaches. He never grows weary of sharing the truth with them. How does this speak to you about not giving up on those whom you ve been sharing Jesus with? 4. Read Acts 28:31. Paul knew without a doubt what he believed in and this gave him great confidence. You have learned much about the Holy Spirit in our study this year. Share one thing that has helped you to run your race with more confidence. 5. Paul was not sitting in prison, wasting away his days being depressed or complaining about his personal circumstances. Instead, he accepted this place as part of God s plan. That s what made him act as a free man despite his chains! How will the following verses strengthen and empower you when you feel imprisoned by heartache, hopelessness, or the unexpected in your life? a. Psalm 86:1-7 b. Psalm 18:1-3 c. Psalm 3:1-4