Queen's Road Cell

 2. Consider the lengths to which the Jewish fanatics were willing to go to silence Paul (see 23:12-15). What human and divine factors prevented them (see 23:16-30)? Paul's nephew hearing of their plans The nephew's concern and efforts for Paul  A Roman guard of soldiers, with mounts, at night His Roman citizenship The character of the tribune: trusting Paul's favour with the Roman tribune/centurion. For Thought and Discussion: a. Why was it so important to Paul to keep a clear conscience before God and man (see 23:1; 24:16)? b. Is this important to you? If so, why? How do you show it?  Conscience is an internal rational capacity that bears witness to our value system. It s erves as a witness to what we already know. (Rom. 2:15, 9:1)  When we conform to the values of our conscience we feel a sense of pleasure or relief. But when we violate the values of our conscience, it induces anguish or guilt. (TGC). It  is a trustworthy guide only when it is informed and ...

Before you begin this lesson, read Luke 12:8-12 and 21:12-19. Then read Acts 23:11–26:32 prayerfully, observing how Paul acted before governors and kings and imagining yourself in his place.  For Thought and Discussion: How do Luke 12:8-12 and Luke 21:12-19 resemble Paul’s experiences and actions?       cf. Acts 9:15 " a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israe l"   Luke 12:8-12 speaks of Jesus acknowledging us if we acknowledge Him, and of being taught of the Spirit what to say in the hour of trial. 21:12-19  There would be betrayal and arrest, but an  opportunity to bear witness. Words and wisdom would be given. We will be preserved to the end. cf. 2 Ti 4:18 " The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."   Paul was likely not fearful. He welcomed the opportunity to witness (21:39-40, 23:1,...

4. Paul called his speech a “defense” (22:1; Greek: apologia). Summarize what he said to the Jews in 22:1-21.  Mentioned his origin and education in Jerusalem Mentioned his zeal for Judaism, even persecuting Christians to Damascus The events of the Jerusalem road and his interaction with Ananias, a devout Jew who told him 'The God of our Fathers' had a plan for him A miraculous encounter with God in the temple warning him about his danger from the Jews and commissioning him to go to the Gentiles    5. How did Paul shape this speech to appeal to the Jews? Observe the details in 21:40–22:21. He spoke in Hebrew He mentioned his Jewish origins and upbringing in Jerusalem, his interaction with devout Jews He mentioned the authority of the Jewish religious rulers  HIs commisioning by the Jewish God His reception of a message from God in the Temple His surprise of being rejected by Jews and the sending away to Gentiles.    6. Why did 22:21 make the Jews interrupt ...

 For Thought and Discussion:  a. In your judgment, did the request for Paul to pay for the Nazirites undermine the agreement mentioned in 21:25? Why or why not?  That agreement applied to Gentile churches. Here Paul was requested to take steps to confirm his personal standing as an observant Jew   b. By joining in Jewish rites, do you think Paul was undermining his teaching to the Gentiles in Galatians 2:11–5:15? Was he being like Peter in Galatians 2:11-14? Why or why not? (You might look at Romans 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.)  The issue mentioned in Galatians was the critical need not to compromise on justification by faith alone: Gentiles (or Jews) must not think that they need to follow Jewish rituals to be saved. This was not a salvation issue. He did not want to cause unnecessary misunderstanding and offence.    Peter had behaved without integrity in changing his behaviour when observed by conservative Jews , for fear of being thought irreligi...