Introduction Last week we saw how the Roman commander in Jerusalem had ordered Paul to be flogged in order to force a confession from him. The commander -- do you remember? -- wanted to find out why the Jews in Jerusalem were so furious with him. The commander was thinking: 'Paul must have done something … Continue reading Acts 23(12–35) →

Introduction Right at the beginning of the books of Acts, the Lord Jesus instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit would give them the power they needed to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. And sure enough, … Continue reading Acts 22(23)–23(11) →

Introduction Right at the beginning of the books of Acts, the Lord Jesus instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit would give them the power they needed to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. And sure enough, … Continue reading Acts 22(01–22) →

Introduction The last time I took the midweek, we came to the end of Paul's speech to the Ephesian elders. He then knelt with all of them and prayed. And they wept and hugged and kissed one another. And then Paul set off by ship to continue his journey to Jerusalem. That's how chapter 20 … Continue reading Acts 21(17–40) →

Introduction We've already spent a couple of weeks on Paul's farewell speech to the elders in Ephesus. First of all, in verses 18 to 24, he reminded them how he didn't hesitate to preach anything that would be helpful to them. And he declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn from their … Continue reading Acts 20(28–38) →

Introduction Last week we read that Paul left Ephesus and set out for Macedonia to visit some of the churches he had planted in that region in order to encourage the believers. He then travelled into Greece where he stayed for three months, before travelling back through Macedonia to Troas. And in Troas he brought … Continue reading Acts 20(25–27) →

Introduction We've been reading about Paul's time in Ephesus and it hasn't all been plain sailing for him. After the first three months of preaching in the synagogue, the Jews turned on him. Luke tells us the became obstinate and they refused to believe and they publicly maligned the faith. So, Paul moved next door … Continue reading Acts 20(01–24) →

Introduction We've already spent a couple of weeks on Acts 19 which tells us about Paul's second visit to Ephesus. In verses 1 to 10 we read how Paul came across some disciples of John the Baptiser who were in a kind of time warp: John had preached that everyone should believe in the coming … Continue reading Acts 19(21–41) →

Introduction Most of the activity from Acts 18:19 has been set in Ephesus. First of all, Paul visited the city briefly and met Priscilla and Aquila. And he taught in the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews, trying to convince them that Jesus is the Christ and therefore they ought to believe in him. Luke … Continue reading Acts 19(11–20) →

Introduction Last week we read about Apollos in Ephesus. We're told that Apollos had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and he was able to speak with great fervour; and he was able to teach about the Lord Jesus accurately; and he was speaking boldly in the synagogue in Ephesus. But, Luke adds, … Continue reading Acts 19(01–10) →