By Every Word

Acts 28: Jesus said that certain signs would follow those who believe: “They will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:18 While wintering on Malta, Paul confirms these words of the Lord, demonstrating His great love and power through many miraculous signs and healings. After blessing the people of Malta, Paul and company make safe passage to Rome in the spring. Paul meets and is encouraged by believers, appeals to fellow Jews through expounding the Scriptures, and while yet in chains, enjoys two years of unhindered ministry in his private quarters. Join Kulvi, Lalitha and Lauren as they share thoughts and insights gleaned from this final chapter of the Book of Acts!

In Acts 27 Paul and company begin their sea journey to Rome. While facing almost certain death in a violent storm, Paul proclaims to all on board a message of life, hope and encouragement from an Angel of the Lord. Lalitha and Lauren expound on this passage and examine how we, like Paul, are called by God to be a blessing. How can we be salt and light for the Lord - to speak truth into confusion, faith and encouragement amid fear and defeat, and life in the midst of death?

Acts 26 Paul is bold to share the full gospel as he bears witness for Christ before Festus, Agrippa and Bernice. Kulvi and Lauren discuss Paul's testimony and apply his message to our own lives and faith. Topics explored: the promise of God to Abraham and Israel in the Law of Moses; how understanding the Scriptures and power of God is essential to truly lay hold of hope and faith; our darkness and the glory of His Light; and the conviction of our conscience – how not to refuse Him who is speaking. NOTES: Responsibility of knowing: John 12:48, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A48&version=ESV Matthew 1:23, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A23&version=ESV John 15:8-10, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A8-10&version=ESV The fruit of good deeds: James 2:21-26, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A21-26&version=ESV Philippians 2:12-13, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A12-13+&version=ESV Colossians 1:9-10, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1%3A9-10&version=ESV Ephesians 2:8-10, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph.+2%3A8-10&version=ESV

Paul makes his defense before Festus then appeals to Caesar as the Jews continue to seek his life. The consuming hatred of the religious leaders has blinded and bound them into sin to serve the devil instead of the God they claim to represent. Lauren and Lalitha expound on Acts chapter 25 while discussing the spiritual dangers of holding onto hatred: How does anger and jealousy so easily grab hold of us? What are the spiritual implications, and how can we resist the devil to live in the freedom Christ has purchased for us?

Kulvi and Lauren teach on Acts Chapter 24. Some topics discussed: windows of God's grace; integrity and witness; the gift and purpose of Holy Spirit conviction; dangers of procrastination/retreating to darkness; and how the ruler of this world has been judged.

Please join Lauren and Lalitha as they expound on Acts 23. Some of the topics and applications discussed are: judging rightly; the Lord's provision and our portion in Him; dangers of binding declarations/oaths; and seeking clarity and wisdom from the Lord amidst confusion or stress.

Apostle Paul has finally gives His testimony to his Jewish brethren, but the Lord's words "they will not accept your testimony about me" proved to be true. The Jews become infuriated hearing him speaking of gentiles and keep shouting to demand his death. As a result, Paul is ordered to be flogged by the tribune, but after revealing his Roman citizenship, ends up before the council of Jewish chief priests. NOTES: House of prayer for all nations, Isaiah 56:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isa+56%3A6-7&version=ESV God's plan for Jews and Gentiles: Romans 11:11-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11%3A11-12&version=ESV The warning by Jesus, John 16:2-3: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A2-3&version=ESV

Kulvi and Lauren share together about Paul's return journey to Jerusalem in Acts Chapter 21. Topics include prophetic messages and discerning the will of God; dangers of speculation; the balance of walking in truth and love; abiding in the light, and the true temple of the Living God.

Paul travels with companions from the Macedonian, Galatian and Asian churches, making several stops on his return journey to Jerusalem. Warned by the Spirit about tribulations awaiting him there, Paul calls a farewell meeting with the elders from Ephesus where he shares his heart and gives warnings of troubles they will soon face. Encouraging these beloved men to follow hard after Jesus, Paul exhorts them to guard themselves and the flock, and to follow his example by holding nothing back in their service for the Lord.

Framed by this week's study in Acts Chapter 19, Kulvi and Lauren, with personal detail and testimonies, discuss the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and seekers of God. Some topics discussed: Living a Spirit-filled life; true indicators of Holy Spirit filling; the power and authority of Jesus to plunder the strong man's house; Jewish exorcism; carrying the name of Jesus; and the fear of God as foundational to an abiding relationship with Him. Notes: Fruit bearing life, KGB Files Voronaev: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CvjcNszmqc&t=18s

Arriving from Athens to Corinth, Paul meets his new partners Aquila and Priscilla. After receiving an uplifting vision from the Lord, he continues to preach Christ with great results (causing uproar in the synagogue) and finally reaches Ephesus. Paul stays there for 1,5 years, after which he ends his second missionary journey by visiting churches on the way back to Antioch. We're also introduced to Apollos, who later becomes a notable worker in the Kingdom of God. NOTES: Map of Paul's 2nd missionary journey: https://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/270/flashcards/1903270/jpg/pauls_second_journey1349342846464.jpg Financial support, Philippians 4:14-15: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A14-15&version=ESV Refrain from boasting, 2 Corinthians 12:5-6: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+cor+12%3A5-6&version=ESV We've become like a scum of the world, 1 Corinthians 4:11-13: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+cor+4%3A11-13&version=ESV

Paul, Silas and Timothy arrive in Thessalonica enjoying a brief but fruitful ministry until the envious Jews stir up a riot against them. After paying security to the authorities, Jason and the other brethren send Paul, Silas and Timothy to Berea where they encounter Jews who are receptive to the gospel and active to examine the Scriptures for truth. As many come to faith in Berea, the hostile Jews from Thessalonica once again come and stir up strife. Paul is sent off to Athens, with Timothy and Silas instructed to follow soon after. While in Athens, a city full of idols, Paul preaches to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers on Mars Hill, teaching them about the One true God, and about His ordained servant; the resurrected Jesus, who is coming to judge the world.

Timothy joins Paul and Silas in journey to Macedonia were they get acquainted with Lydia whose whole family converts to Christianity. Great trouble arises after Paul casts out a demon from a young slave girl. Paul and Silas are beaten with rods and spend a night in prison, where the Lord saves them by a miracle. Philippian Jailer and his household convert and are baptized into Christ, and the church is strengthened with great joy once again.

When Judaizers come to Antioch, strong dissension arises over their teaching that Gentile believers must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses to be saved. Paul and Barnabas take this vital issue regarding salvation to the Jerusalem Council of apostles and elders. After much dispute and debate, they stand united in their resolution, issuing their decree to the Antioch church where it is received with much joy. Paul departs on his second missionary journey with Silas, and Barnabas takes Mark with him to Cyprus.

Paul and Barnabas flee Pisidian Antioch to Iconium, Lystra, then Derbe as they obediently preach the gospel of Christ and bear much fruit in the Province of Galatia. In their ministry to idol worshipping Gentiles, a lame man in Lystra is healed, followed by severe persecution as Paul is stoned and left for dead. Though the hatred and jealousy of the unbelieving Jews who oppose them has no bounds, the apostles persevere as God protects and strengthens them for every good work. Churches and new disciples are established, elders commissioned, and the testimony of God's faithfulness is brought back to the church in Syrian Antioch. Map Link: https://www.blueletterbible.org/assets/images/bibleMedia/rosepub/maps_paul1.png

Saul and Barnabas are dedicated and sent out from Antioch, Governor of Cyprus is converted; and while Jews despise the good news, the gentiles receive it with great joy. MAP: https://www.biblestudy.org/maps/pauls-first-journey-map.html - Become fool to gain wisdom, 1 Corinthians 3:18-20: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+cor+3%3A18-20&version=ESV - Blindness and sight, John 9:39-41: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+9%3A39-41&version=ESV, Isaiah 42:7: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+42%3A6-7&version=ESV - The Word as judge, John 12:48: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+12%3A48&version=ESV

Herod (Agrippa I), King of Judea and grandson to Herod the Great, has James killed and Peter imprisoned under heavy guard. As the church is gathered in fervent prayer, God demonstrates His care and power by sending an angel to deliver Peter out of prison saving his life - and later an angel to strike Herod with worms unto death. The work and word of God abounds, and John Mark accompanies Barnabas and Saul back to Antioch.

The work of God among non-proselytes becomes undeniable; Barnabas brings Saul to minister to the new body of gentile believers, and prophets are sent by the Lord to stir up preparations for the famine. NOTES: - Against you only have I sinned: Psalm 51:4, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+51%3A4&version=ESV - Meekly receive the word able to save your souls: James 1:21, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1%3A21&version=NKJV - The Lord God does nothing without revealing to his servants the prophets: Amos 3:6-7, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=amos+3%3A6-7&version=ESV - The eyes of the Lord 'scan' throughout the whole earth for those loyal to Him: 2 Chronicles 16:9, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+chron+16%3A9&version=NKJV - Let the evildoer still do evil..., and the righteous still do right till Christ returns: Revelation 22:11-12, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation+22%3A11-12&version=ESV

Peter sees a perplexing vision from the Lord. Later, God seeker Cornelius and his family become the first non-proselytes filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized. - Memorial portion of the offering: Leviticus 2:2, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+2%3A2&version=ESV Philippians 4:18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil+4%3A18&version=ESV - All the people who separate themselves from the impurity: Ezra 6:21 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra+6%3A19-21&version=ESV Isaiah 56:3-8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+56%3A3-8&version=ESV - Genuine faith results in Godly works: James 2:21-26 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jas2%3A21-26&version=ESV Ephesians 2:10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A10+&version=ESV Titus 3:14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+3%3A14&version=ESV

The conversion and baptism of Saul, Lord's chosen instrument for both Gentiles and Jews (Acts 9:15). Philippians 3:7-10, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil+3%3A7-10&version=ESV

Saul ravages the church, Simon covets power and Ethiopian learns about Jesus -- we're discussing Acts Chapter 8. NOTES: Maps: https://www.thebiblejourney.org/biblejourney1/7-journeys-of-jesuss-followers/philips-journeys/ Interview w/ Sean McDowell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJyLkfoxGYY&feature=emb_logo Laying hands and filling with the Holy Spirit, Deu 34:9: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deu+34%3A9&version=ESV, Acts 9:17: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9%3A17&version=ESV, Acts 19:6: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+19%3A6&version=ESV Sons of God, Rom 8:14: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ro+8%3A14&version=ESV First fruits, James 1:18: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A18&version=ESV, Romans 8:23: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ro+8%3A23&version=ESV

Stephen declares God's continual call for His people and becomes the first martyr of faith in Christ. Notes: "Your brothers who cast you out for my name's sake": Isaiah 66:1-5, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+66%3A1-5&version=ESV Edomites: Malachi ch 1, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=malachi+1&version=ESV How the Canon was Formed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFEBwfYZBJY

The twelve apostles appoint seven men to minister believers in daily distribution. One of them, named Stephen is falsely accused of blasphemy, seized and brought before the council. NOTES: 1. Gr. word Diakoneō in Acts 6:2, 6:4: The KJV translates Strong's G1247 in the following manner: minister unto (15x), serve (10x), minister (7x), miscellaneous (5x). 2. To clarify a comment about The Letter to the Hebrews authorship: traditionally, apostle Paul was thought to be the writer; however, the consensus among most modern scholars is that the author is unknown.

The fear of the Lord comes upon the church as the disciples continue to walk in the power and provision of God by the Holy Spirit. Lauren, Kulvi and Lalitha discuss Acts chapter 5.