Lessons

The lesson on April 22, 2018 was part 4 of the “Acts 29” study.  We quickly reviewed what we learned last time and then Wayne focused on the evidence of Paul’s journey’s between his first imprisonment and his last where he was beheaded.  This study is taking a magnifying glass to the activities of Paul from Acts 28 to the end of 2 Timothy.  Why was there an abrupt end to Acts 28 and where was the end?  When Luke recorded in Acts 28:31 that Paul was “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” What message had changed?  We looked at the word “suffered” in Acts 28:16 which gave us some insight into the freedom Paul had.  When you study the pattern of what happened by looking at Felix, you can summarize by 1) Ministry to the Jews, unacceptable – rejection by Jews. 2) Roman involvement. 3) Judgement (no offense to Rome). 4) 2 years jail after Felix’s pronouncement (Acts 24:27) Seeking to show a favor to the Jews. 5) Preach Kingdom.  In summary, Paul kept preaching the hope of Israel after Acts 28 – he was preaching it to the end of Acts 28:31.  Israel as to be given judgement of Isaiah 6:9-10 UNTL a complete forsaking was experienced in the land. How could we interpret historical records?  The judgment of Israel under Titus was evidence that a highways “marriage of the lamb” ministry to the gentiles had begun.  Paul was given at least two imprisonments in Rome and the Mystery was revealed after the first.   The scripture reading was from Philemon 1:21-25 KJV

“21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. 23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”