Bible Commentaries
Acts

Act THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK AS A WHOLE. Acts 1:1-3 . INTRODUCTION Acts 1:4 - Acts 2:13 . JERUSALEM. MISSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. EQUIPMENT OF THE APOSTLES. Acts 2:14 - Acts 8:1 . THE MINISTRY OF PETER (WITH OTHERS) TO THE NATION IN JERUSALEM AND IN THE LAND. Acts 8:11 - Acts 11:30 . PETER''S MINISTRY (WITH OTHERS) IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL. Acts 12:1-23 . JERUSALEM. PETER''S IMPRISONMENT. SUBSEQUENT ABODE (CAESAREA) AND CLOSE OF MINISTRY Acts 12:24 - Acts 13:3 . ANTIOCH. MISSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. EQUIPMENT OF PAUL AND BARNABAS. Acts 13:4 - Acts 14:28 . THE MINISTRY OF PAUL (WITH OTHERS) TO THE DISPERSION. APART FROM JERUSALEM AND THE TWELVE. Acts 15:1 - Acts 19:20 . PAUL''S MINISTRY IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE TWELVE. Acts 19:21 - Acts 28:29 . EPHESUS AND JERUSALEM. PAUL''S ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT. SUBSEQUENT ABODE (ROME) AND CLOSE OF MINISTRY Acts 28:30-31 . CONCLUSION. For the New Testament of the Order of the Books, see Appdx-95. For the Chronology of the Acts, see Appdx-180. For the Dispensational place of the Acts, see Appdx-181. The writer is, without doubt, Luke. The book has the same introductory address as his Gospel (cp. Acts 1:1 with Luke 1:3 ), and takes up the history where the Gospel leaves it, giving in greater detail the account of the Ascension, with which that Gospel closes. It is an expansion, in part at least, of Mark 16:20 , and records the fulfilment of the Lord''s promise to send the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49 ), as well as the answer to His prayer on the cross (Luke 23:34 ), a prayer which secured to the guilty nation a further respite from the doom He had pronounced (Luke 13:35 ). Throughout the book the millennial kingdom is in view (Acts 2:17-20 ; Acts 3:19-21 ; Acts 8:12 ; Acts 14:22 ; Acts 20:25 ; Acts 28:23 , Acts 28:31 ). The question of the Apostles (Acts 1:6 ) rules the character of the Acts. The action has Jerusalem as its center. The Mosaic Law is observed. Peter and the other Apostles are found continually in the Temple. Paul goes first to the Synagogues, because "it was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you" (Acts 13:46 ). He keeps the feasts (Acts 18:21 ; Acts 20:16 ). He has vows (Acts 18:18 ; Acts 21:23 , Acts 21:26 ), and walks orderly, keeping the Law (Acts 21:24 ). The Gentiles take the second place (Acts 26:22 , Acts 26:23 ), coming in after the Jew, but no longer as proselytes (Acts 10:44 ; Cp. Acts 11:3 ). When the name "Christ" is used without a qualifying word, "Jesus", or "Lord", it has the definite article, the Christ, i.e. the Messiah. The book naturally divides into two parts which are relative, mainly (1) to the ministry of Peter, John, Stephen, Philip, &c., to the People in the Land, and (2) to the ministry of Paul, Barnabas, Silas, &c., to the Dispersion outside the Land. Fuller details will be found in Appdx-181 . Eighteen speeches or addresses are recorded:- Seven by Peter: 1. To the assembled believers, Acts 1:15-22 . 2. On the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:14-40 . 3. In the Temple, Acts 3:12-26 . 4. Before the Sanhedrin, Acts 4:8-12 . 5. Before the Sanhedrin, Acts 5:29-32 . 6. In the house of Cornelius, Acts 10:28-43 . 7. In the council at Jeremiah 15:7 Jeremiah 15:11 . One by James: On the same occasion, Acts 15:13-21 . One by Stephen: Before the Sanhedrin, Acts 7:2-53 . Seven by Paul: 1. In the Synagogue at Antioch, Acts 13:16 ; Acts 13:41 . 2. At Lystra, Acts 14:15-17 . 3. On Mars'' Hill, Acts 17:22 ; Acts 17:31 . 4. At Miletus, Acts 20:18 ; Acts 20:35 . 5. On the stairs before the castle, Acts 22:1 ; Acts 22:21 . 6. Before Felix, Acts 24:10 ; Acts 24:21 . 7. Before Agrippa, Acts 26:2 ; Acts 26:29 . And those of Gamaliel, Acts 5:35-39 , and Tertullus , Acts 24:2 ; Acts 24:8 . Luke nowhere names himself, but what are called the "we" sections (Acts 16:10 Acts 16:17 ; Acts 20:5 Acts 20:15 ; Acts 21:1 Acts 21:18 ; Acts 27:1 Acts 28:16; Acts 28:16 ) indicate where he was in the company of the Apostle. Cp. also Philemon 1:24 ; 2 Timothy 4:11 . There is a noteworthy correspondence, or parallelism, between the miracles wrought through Peter and those wrought through Paul. Cp. Acts 3:2-8 with Acts 14:8-10 ; Acts 5:12 ; Acts 5:15-16 with Acts 19:11-12 ; Acts 9:36-42 with Acts 20:9-12 . Acts 1:4 - Acts 2:13 . JERUSALEM. MISSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. EQUIPMENT OF THE APOSTLES. Acts 1:4 -. Assembled. Acts 1:4-5 . Command. Wait. Acts 1:6 . Come together. Acts 1:7-8 . Promise given. Acts 1:9-11 . Ascension of the Lord. Acts 1:12-13 . Return. Acts 1:14 . Obedience. Waiting. Acts 1:15-26 . Assembled. Acts 2:1-3 . Promise fulfilled. Acts 2:4-13 . The Descent of the Spirit. Acts 2:14-1 -. THE MINISTRY OF PETER (WITH OTHERS) TO THE NATION IN JERUSALEM. Acts 2:14-47 . Among the brethren. Acts 3:1 - Acts 4:22 . Among the people. Acts 4:23 - Acts 5:11 . Among the brethren. Acts 5:12-42 . Among the people. Acts 6:1-7 . Among the brethren. Acts 6:8 - Acts 8:1 -. Among the people. Acts 2:14-47 . AMONG THE BRETHREN. Acts 2:14-36 . Peter''s address. Acts 2:37-47 . Results. Acts 2:14-36 . PETER''S ADDRESS. Acts 2:14-15 . Appeal. Men of Judaea. Acts 2:16-21 . Reference to Joel. Acts 2:22-24 . Appeal. Men of Israel. Acts 2:25-28 . Reference to Psalms 16:0 . Acts 2:29-33 . Appeal. Men and Brethren. Acts 2:34-36 . Reference to Psalms 110:0 . Acts 2:37-47 . RESULTS. Acts 2:37 . Conviction. Acts 2:38-40 . Apostle''s Counsel. Acts 2:41 -. Converts. - Acts 2:41 . Souls added. Acts 2:42 . Continuance. Acts 2:43 -. Fear. - Acts 2:43 . Apostles'' Miracles. Acts 2:44-45 . Converts. Acts 2:46-47 -. Continuance. - Acts 2:47 . Souls added. Acts 3:1 - Acts 4:22 . AMONG THE PEOPLE. Acts 3:1-11 . Miracle. Performed. Acts 3:12-26 . Answer to People. Acts 4:1-7 . Arrest. Acts 4:13-18 . Decision. Acts 4:19-20 . Answer to Rulers. Acts 4:21 -. Release. Acts 4:21-22 . Miracle. Result. Acts 3:1-11 . MIRACLE. PERFORMED. Acts 3:1 . In the Temple. Acts 3:2 . The Beautiful Gate. Acts 3:3-9 . The Lame Man healed. Acts 3:10 . The Beautiful Gate. Acts 3:11 . Solomon''s Porch. Acts 3:12-26 . ANSWER TO PEOPLE. Acts 3:12-16 . Explanation. Acts 3:17-26 . Application. Acts 3:12-16 . PETER''S EXPLANATION. Acts 3:12 . Miracle. Negative. Not by man''s power. Acts 3:13 -. God glorified His Servant Jesus. - Acts 3:13 . Ye denied Him. Acts 3:14-15 -. Ye killed Him. - Acts 3:15 . God raised Him. Acts 3:16 . Miracle. Positive. By His name. Acts 3:17-26 . APPLICATION. Acts 3:17-18 . Prophecy. Christ''s Death. Acts 3:19-20 . Repentance. Pardon. Refreshing. Acts 3:21-22 . Prophecy. Christ''s Rule. Acts 3:23 . Disobedience. Destruction. Acts 3:24-25 . Prophecy. All blessed in Christ. Acts 3:26 . Sin Forsaken. Blessing. Acts 4:23 - Acts 5:11 . AMONG THE BRETHREN. Acts 4:23-31 . Return of the Apostles. Acts 4:32 - Acts 5:11 . Unity. Acts 4:23-31 . RETURN OF THE APOSTLES. Acts 4:23 . Report. Acts 4:24-30 . Prayer. Acts 4:31 -. Answer. - Acts 4:31 . Testimony. Acts 4:24-30 . PRAYER. Acts 4:24 . God''s power. Creation. Acts 4:25 -. Word by David. - Acts 4:25-26 . Man''s rage predicted. Acts 4:27-28 . Man''s rage accomplished. Acts 4:29 . Word by Apostles. Acts 4:30 . God''s power. Healing. Acts 4:32 - Acts 5:11 . UNITY. Acts 4:32 -. Unity. Acts 4:32 . Community of goods. Acts 4:33 . Power and Grace. Acts 4:34 - Acts 5:11 . Community of goods. Acts 4:34 - Acts 5:11 . COMMUNITY OF GOODS. Acts 4:34-35 . General. Acts 4:36 - Acts 5:11 . Particular. Acts 5:1-11 . DECEIT. Acts 5:1-2 . Ananias. Acts 5:3-4 . Remonstrance. Acts 5:5 -. Death. - Acts 5:5 . Fear. Acts 5:6 . Burial. Acts 5:7-8 . Sapphira. Acts 5:9 . Remonstrance. Acts 5:10 -. Death. - Acts 5:10 . Burial. Acts 5:11 . Fear. Acts 5:12-42 . AMONG THE PEOPLE. Acts 5:12-21 -. Apostles'' Activity. - Acts 5:21-42 -. Rulers'' Opposition. Acts 5:12-21 -. APOSTLES'' ACTIVITY. Acts 5:12 -. Miracles. - Acts 5:12 . In the Temple. Acts 5:13-16 . Miracles. Acts 5:17-18 . In Prison. Acts 5:19-20 . Miracle. Acts 5:21 -. In the Temple. Acts 5:21-42 . RULERS'' OPPOSITION. Acts 5:21 . = Assembly. - Acts 5:21-23 . Apostles sent for. Acts 5:24-25 . Alarm. Acts 5:26-27 . Apostles brought - Acts 5:27-28 . Investigation. Acts 5:29-32 . Apostles'' Answer. Acts 5:33 . Murderous Design. Acts 5:34 . Apostles excluded. Acts 5:35-39 . Wise counsel. Acts 5:40-42 . Apostles released. Acts 6:1-7 . AMONG THE BRETHREN. Acts 6:1 . Disciples multiplied. Acts 6:2 . Apostles'' Work. Negative. Acts 6:3 . Appointment proposed. Acts 6:4 . Apostles'' Work. Positive. Acts 6:5-6 . Appointment made. Acts 6:7 . Disciples multiplied. Acts 6:8 - Acts 8:1 . AMONG THE PEOPLE. Acts 6:8 . Stephen''s Miracles. Acts 6:9 . Opposition. Acts 6:10 . Stephen''s Wisdom. Acts 6:11 . False Witnesses. Acts 6:12 . Stephen''s Arrest. Acts 6:13-14 . False Witnesses. Acts 6:15 - Acts 8:1 . Stephen''s Testimony and Martyrdom. Acts 6:15 - Acts 8:1 . STEPHEN''S TESTIMONY AND DEATH. Acts 6:15 ; Acts 7:1 . Stephen and the High Priest. Acts 7:2-8 . Abraham. The Land promised. Acts 7:9-16 . Joseph. Persecuted. Delivered. Acts 7:17-31 . Moses. Type of the Prophet. Acts 7:32-34 . The Wilderness a Holy Place. Acts 7:35-39 . Rejection. Acts 7:40-43 . Tabernacles of Idols. Acts 7:44 . Jehovah''s Tabernacle. Acts 7:45-46 . David. Persecuted. Delivered. Acts 7:47 . Solomon. Type of the King. Acts 7:48-50 . All places Holy. Acts 7:51-53 . Resistance. Acts 7:54 - Acts 8:1 -. Death of Stephen. Acts 8:15 - Acts 11:30 . MINISTRY OF PETER AND OTHERS IN THE LAND. Acts 8:1-3 . Persecution in Jerusalem. Acts 8:4 . Believers scattered. Acts 8:5-40 . Ministry at Samaria, &c. Acts 9:1-2 . Persecution by Saul. Acts 9:3-19 -. Saul converted. Acts 9:19-22 . Ministry at Damascus. Acts 9:22-30 . Persecution of Saul. Acts 9:31 . Assemblies multiplied. Acts 9:32 - Acts 10:48 . Ministry at Lydda, &c. Acts 11:1-17 . Dissension in the Assemblies. Acts 11:18 . Peace restored. Acts 11:19-30 . Ministry at Phenice, &c. Acts 8:5-40 . MINISTRY AT SAMARIA, &C. Acts 8:5-25 . Samaria. Acts 8:26-40 . In the South. Acts 8:5-25 . SAMARIA. Acts 8:5 -. Phillip. - Acts 8:5 . His message. Acts 8:6 -. Heed given. - Acts 8:6-7 . Cause. Acts 8:8 . Phillip''s ministry. Result. Acts 8:9 -. Simon. - Acts 8:9 . His message. Acts 8:10-11 -. Heed given. - Acts 8:11 . Cause. Acts 8:12-25 . Phillip''s ministry. Result. Acts 8:12-25 . PHILLIP''S MINISTRY. RESULT. Acts 8:12 . Baptisms. Acts 8:13 . Simon''s baptism. Acts 8:14 . Apostles'' visit. Acts 8:15-17 . Holy Spirit given. Acts 8:18-24 . Simon''s offer. Acts 8:25 . Apostles'' return. Acts 8:26-40 . IN THE SOUTH. Acts 8:26 . Phillip. The Angel''s command. Acts 8:27-28 . The Eunuch. Reading. Acts 8:29-30 . Phillip. The Spirit''s command. Acts 8:31-34 . The Eunuch. Questions. Acts 8:35 . Phillip. Preaching. Acts 8:36-38 . The Eunuch. Baptism. Acts 8:39-40 . Phillip. Caught away. Acts 9:3-19 -. SAUL CONVERTED. Acts 9:3-4 . Call to Saul. Acts 9:5-6 -. Response. - Acts 9:6-7 . Command. Arise. Acts 9:8 -. Obedience. - Acts 9:8-9 -. Blindness. - Acts 9:9 . Fasting. Acts 9:10 -. Call to Ananias. - Acts 9:10 . Response. Acts 9:11-16 . Command. Arise. Acts 9:17 -. Obedience. - Acts 9:17-18 . Sight restored. Acts 9:19 -. Fast ended. Acts 9:23-30 . PERSECUTION OF Acts 9:23 . Plot to kill ( anaireo ) Acts 9:24 . Plot known. Acts 9:25-26 -. Escape to Jerusalem. - Acts 9:26 . Suspicion. Acts 9:27 . Preaching boldly ( Acts 9:28 . Reception. Acts 9:29 -. Speaking boldly ( parrhesiazomai ) - Acts 9:29 . Plot to slay ( anaireo ) Acts 9:30 -. Plot known. - Acts 9:30 . Escape to Tarsus. Acts 9:32 - Acts 10:48 . MINISTRY AT LYDDA. Acts 9:32-42 . Aeneas, &c. Acts 9:43 . Abode ( meno ). Acts 10:1-48 -. Cornelius. - Acts 10:48 Abode ( epimeno ) Acts 9:32-42 . AENEAS. Acts 9:32-42 . Miracle. Acts 9:35 . Result. Acts 9:36-41 . Miracle. Acts 9:42 . Result. Acts 10:1-48 . CORNELIUS. Acts 10:1-24 -. Preparation. Acts 10:24-48 -. Conference. Acts 10:1-24 . PREPARATION. Acts 10:1-4 . Vision. Acts 10:5-6 . Command. Acts 10:7-8 -. Obedience. - Acts 10:8-9 -. Messengers sent. - Acts 10:9-19 -. Vision. - Acts 10:19-20 . Command. Acts 10:21-22 . Obedience. Acts 10:23-24 . Messenger received. Acts 10:24-48 -. CONFERENCE. =Acts 10:24-27 . Expectation. Acts 10:28-29 . Peter. Acts 10:30-33 . Cornelius. Acts 10:34-43 . Peter. Acts 10:44-48 -. Realization. Acts 10:34-43 . PETER. Acts 10:34-38 . The Lord''s Life. Acts 10:39 -. Witnesses. - Acts 10:39-40 . The Lord''s Death and Resurrection. Acts 10:41 . Witnesses. Acts 10:42 . The Lord the Judge. Acts 10:43 . Witnesses. Acts 11:1-17 . DISSENSION IN THE ASSEMBLY. Acts 11:1-3 . Peter blamed. Acts 11:4-10 . Peter''s Vision. Acts 11:11-12 . Command. Acts 11:13-14 . Cornelius''s Vision. Acts 11:15-17 . Peter vindicated. Acts 11:19-30 . MINISTRY AT PHENICE, &c. Acts 11:19-26 . In Spiritual Things. Acts 11:27-30 . In Carnal Things. Acts 11:19-26 . IN SPIRITUAL THINGS. Acts 11:19-20 . Preaching by Cypriotes, &c. Acts 11:21 . Many believers. Acts 11:22-24 -. Preaching by Barnabas. - Acts 11:24 . Much people added. Acts 11:25-26 . Preaching by Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:27-30 . IN CARNAL THINGS. Acts 11:26-27 -. Prophecy of Dearth. - Acts 11:28 . Fulfillment. Acts 11:29 . Purpose of Relief. Acts 11:30 . Fulfillment. Acts 12:1-23 . JERUSALEM. PETER''S IMPRISOMENT Acts 12:1-2 . Herod. Persecution. Acts 12:3-19 -. Peter. Imprisonment and Release - Acts 12:19-23 . Herod. Judgment and Death Acts 12:3-19 -. PETER. IMPRISONMENT. Acts 12:3 . Herod''s base policy. Acts 12:4 -. Peter guarded. - Acts 12:4 . Intention. Acts 12:5 -. Prison. - Acts 12:5 . Prayer. Acts 12:6-10 -. Deliverance effected. - Acts 12:10 . Angel''s Departure. Acts 12:11 . Frustration. Acts 12:12 -. House. - Acts 12:12 . Prayer. Acts 12:13-17 -. Deliverance recounted. - Acts 12:18 . Peter missed. Acts 12:19 -. Herod''s Vengeance. Acts 13:4 - Acts 14:28 . THE MINISTRY OF PAUL (WITH OTHERS) TO THE DISPERSION. APART FROM JERUSALEM AND THE TWELVE. Acts 13:4 -. Departure from Antioch. Acts 13:4-12 . Cyprus. Acts 13:13 . Perga. Acts 13:14-50 . Antioch (Pisidia). Acts 13:51 - Acts 14:6 -. Iconium. Acts 14:6-20 -. Lystra. Acts 14:20 . Derbe. Acts 14:21 -. Lystra. Acts 14:21 -. Iconium. Acts 14:21-24 . Antioch (Pisidia). Acts 14:25 -. Perga. Acts 14:25 . Attalia. Acts 14:26-28 . Return to Antioch. Acts 13:14-50 . ANTIOCH (PISIDA). Acts 13:14-15 . Synagogue. First Sabbath. Acts 13:16-41 . Paul. Address. Acts 13:42-43 . Effect. Acts 13:44-45 . Synagogue. Second Death. Acts 13:46-47 . Paul and Barnabas. Appeal. Acts 13:48-50 . Effect. Acts 13:16-41 . PAUL. ADDRESS. Acts 13:16-22 . Israel''s History. David raised up ( egeire, v . Acts 13:22 ). Acts 13:23 . Promise fulfilled ( egage ). Acts 13:24-25 . Repentance preached. Acts 13:26-31 . The Lord''s Death and Resurrection ( egeire, v . Acts 13:30 ). Acts 13:32-37 . Promises fulfilled ( egeire , Act 1:37). Acts 13:38-41 . Forgiveness proclaimed. Acts 13:51 - Acts 14:6 -. ICONIUM. Acts 13:51 - Acts 14:1 -. Preaching. Acts 14:1 . Result. Acts 14:2 . Opposition. Acts 14:3 . Preaching. Acts 14:4 . Result. Acts 14:5-6 -. Opposition. Acts 14:6-20 . LYSTRA. - Acts 14:6-7 . Preaching. Acts 14:8-10 . Miracle. Healing. Acts 14:11-13 . Deification. Acts 14:14-18 . Remonstrance. Acts 14:19 . Repudiation. Acts 14:20 -. Miracle. Resurrection. Acts 15:1 - Acts 19:20 . PAUL''S MINISTRY IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE TWELVE. Acts 15:1-4 . Dissension within. Acts 16:1-11 . Lystra, and extended tour in Asia Minor. Acts 16:12-40 . Philippi. Acts 17:1-14 . Thessalonica and Berea. Acts 17:15 - Acts 18:18 -. Athens and Corinth. Acts 18:18 - Acts 19:12 . Ephesus, and extended tour in Asia Minor. Acts 19:13-20 . Opposition without. Acts 15:1-41 . DISSENSION WITHIN. Acts 15:1-35 . Dissension about circumcision. Acts 15:36-41 . Dissension about Mark. Acts 15:1-35 . DISSENSION ABOUT CIRCUMCISION. Acts 15:1-2 . Antioch. Judaizers. Acts 15:3-5 . Appeal to Jerusalem. Acts 15:6-11 . Council. Peter. Acts 15:12 . Paul and Barnabas. Evidence. Acts 15:13-21 . Council. James. Acts 15:22-29 . Answer from Jerusalem. Acts 15:30-35 . Antioch. Progress. Acts 16:1-11 . LYSTRA AND EXTENDED TOUR IN ASIA MINOR. Acts 16:1-3 . Preparation to go forth (exelthein, v Acts 16:3 ). Acts 16:4 Decrees of Council. Acts 16:5 . Churches prospering. Acts 16:6-9 . Decree of the Spirit. Acts 16:10-11 . Preparation to go forth (exelthein, v Acts 16:10 ). Acts 16:12-40 . PHILIPPI. Acts 16:12 . Abiding in Philippi. Acts 16:13 Prayer. Acts 16:14 . Lydia. Heart opened. Acts 16:15 . Result. Hospitality. Acts 16:16 . Prayer. Acts 16:17-18 . Damsel. Demon cast out. Acts 16:19-24 . Result. Persecution. Acts 16:25-26 . Prayer. Acts 16:27-34 . Jailor. Conversion. Acts 16:35-39 . Result. Vindication. Acts 16:40 . Departure from Philippi. Acts 17:1-14 . THESSALONICA AND BEREA. Acts 17:1 . Thessalonica. Synagogue. Acts 17:2-3 . Reasoning from the Scriptures. Acts 17:4 . Believers. Acts 17:5-9 . Persecution. Acts 17:10 . Berea. Acts 17:11 . Searching the Scriptures. Acts 17:12 . Believers. Acts 17:13-14 . Persecution. Acts 17:15 - Acts 18:18 . ATHENS AND CORINTH. Acts 17:15-16 . Athens Acts 17:17 . Reasoning. Acts 17:18-21 . Philosophers. Questioning. Acts 17:22-31 . Paul''s defence. Acts 17:32-34 . Results. Acts 18:4-5 . Reasoning and testifying. Acts 18:6 -. Jews. Opposing. Acts 18:6 . Paul''s repudiation. Acts 18:7-18 -. Results Acts 18:18 - Acts 19:12 . EPHESUS AND EXTENDED TOUR IN ASIA MINOR. Acts 18:18-23 . Paul. Ministry at Ephesus and elsewhere. Acts 18:24-28 . Apollos. Ministry at Ephesus and in Achaia. Acts 19:1-12 . Paul. Ministry at Ephesus. Acts 18:1-23 . PAUL. MINISTRY AT EPHESUS. =Acts 18:18 . Leaves Corinth ( apotasso ). Acts 18:19-20 . Ministry at Ephesus. Acts 18:21 . Leaves Ephesus ( apotasso ). Acts 18:22-23 . Ministry at Caesarea, &c. Acts 18:24-28 . MINISTRY AT EPHESUS. Acts 18:24-26 . Ephesus. Acts 18:27-28 . Achaia. Acts 18:24-26 . EPHESUS. Acts 18:24 . Mighty in the Scriptures. Acts 18:25 . Teaching accurately. Acts 18:26 -. Speaking boldly. - Acts 18:26 . Instructed more accurately. Acts 19:1-12 . PAUL. MINISTRY AT EPHESUS. Acts 19:1 -. Paul''s arrival at Ephesus. - Acts 19:1 . Certain men. Their character. Disciples. Acts 19:2 . Spiritual gifts. Their ignorance of them. Acts 19:3 . What they had received. John''s baptism. Acts 19:4-5 . What Paul said. Paul''s description of John''s action. Acts 19:6 -. What Paul did. Luke''s description. Paul''s action. - Acts 19:6 -. What they now received. Spiritual gifts. - Acts 19:6 . Spiritual gifts. Their use of them. Acts 19:7 . The men. Their number. About twelve. Acts 19:8-12 . Paul continuance at Ephesus. Acts 19:13-20 . OPPOSITION WITHOUT. Acts 19:13-16 . Exorcists. Acts 19:17-20 . Results. Acts 19:13-16 . EXORCISTS. Acts 19:13 -. Exorcists. General. - Acts 19:13 . Adjuration. Acts 19:14 . Exorcists. Special. Acts 19:15 . Spirit''s answer. Acts 19:16 . Exorcists. Discomfiture. Acts 19:17-20 . RESULTS. Acts 19:17 . The Lord''s Name magnified. Acts 19:18 . Believers confessing. Acts 19:19 . Magic arts renounced. Acts 19:20 . The Word of God growing. Acts 19:21-28 . EPHESUS AND JERUSALEM. PAUL''S APPREHENSION AND IMPRIOSNMENT. SUBSEQUENT ABODE (ROME), AND CLOSE OF HIS MINISTRY. Acts 19:21 - Acts 21:40 . Final Ministry and last Missionary Journey. Acts 22:1 - Acts 28:29 . Apprehension and Imprisonment. Acts 19:21 - Acts 21:40 . FINAL MINISTRY. Acts 19:21-41 . Disturbance at Ephesus. Acts 20:1-6 . Departure for Macedonia. Acts 20:7-12 . Troas. Acts 20:13-16 . Voyage to Miletus. Acts 20:17-38 . At Miletus. Acts 21:1-15 -. Journey to Caesarea. Acts 21:15-26 . Return to Jerusalem. Acts 21:27-40 . Disturbance at Jerusalem. Acts 19:21-41 . DISTURBANCE AT EPHESUS. Acts 19:21-25 -. Assembly summoned. - Acts 19:25-27 . Speech of Demetrius. Acts 19:28 . Outcry. Acts 19:29 -. Confusion. - Acts 19:29 . Gaius and Aristarchus seized. Acts 19:30 -. Paul''s purpose. - Acts 19:30-31 . Paul restrained. Acts 19:32 . Confusion. Acts 19:33 . Alexander put forward. Acts 19:34 . Outcry. Acts 19:35-40 . Town Clerk''s speech. Acts 19:41 . Assembly dismissed. Acts 20:1-6 . DEPARTURE FOR MACEDONIA. Acts 20:1 . Departure Acts 20:2 . Arrival in Greece. Acts 20:3 -. Abode. Three Months. - Acts 20:3-5 . Return through Macedonia. Acts 20:6 -. Arrival at Troas. - Acts 20:6 . Abode. Seven days. diatribo. See note on Acts 12:19 . Acts 20:7-12 . TROAS. Acts 20:7-8 . Preaching. Acts 20:9 . Eutychus dead. Acts 20:10 . Eutychus restored. Acts 20:11-12 . Breaking bread, and converse. Acts 20:17-38 . AT MILETUS. Acts 20:17 . Summons. Acts 20:18-21 . Paul''s conduct and testimony. Acts 20:22-25 . His future. Acts 20:26-27 . His faithfulness. Acts 20:28 . Charge. Acts 20:29-31 -. The future of the Ephesians. - Acts 20:31 . Paul''s earnestness. Acts 20:32 . Commendation. Acts 20:33-35 . Paul''s character and conduct. Acts 20:36-38 . Leave-taking. Acts 21:1-15 -. JOURNEY TO CAESAREA. Acts 21:1-3 . Journey to Tyre. Acts 21:4 . Prophetic warning. Acts 21:5-6 . Departure. Acts 21:7-9 . Journey to Caesarea. Acts 21:10-14 . Prophetic warning. Acts 21:15 -. Departure. Acts 21:10-14 . PROPHETIC WARNING. Acts 21:10-11 . Agabus. Prediction. Acts 21:12 . Disciples. Entreaty. Acts 21:13 . Paul. Devotion. Acts 21:14 . Disciples. Submission. Acts 21:15-26 . RETURN TO JERUSALEM. =Acts 21:15-18 . Paul and his companions enter the assembly ( eiseei ). Acts 21:19 . God''s work among the Gentiles. Acts 21:20 . Zealous of the law. Acts 21:21-22 . Suspicion of Paul. Acts 21:23-24 -. To remove suspicion. - Acts 21:24 . Keeping the law. Acts 21:25 . Ordinances for the Gentiles. Acts 21:26 . Paul and the seven men enter the Temple ( eiseei ). each. Acts 21:27-40 . DISTURBANCE AT JERUSALEM. Acts 21:27 . Riot. Acts 21:28-29 . Charge. Acts 21:30 . Paul Seized. Acts 21:31-32 . Chief captain interposes. Acts 21:33-34 . Inquiry as to charge. Acts 21:35-36 . Violence of people. Acts 21:37 . Chief captain appealed to. Acts 21:38-39 . Inquiry about Paul. Acts 21:40 . Silence of people. Acts 21:1 - Acts 28:29 . APPREHENSION AND IMPRISONMENT. Acts 22:1 - Acts 23:22 . Paul and the Jews in Jerusalem. Two addresses. Acts 23:23-35 . Journey to Caesarea. Acts 24:1-27 . Paul and Felix. Acts 25:1-12 . Paul and Festus. Acts 25:13 - Acts 26:32 . Paul and Agrippa. Acts 27:1 - Acts 28:16 . Journey to Rome. Acts 28:17-29 . Paul and the Jews in Rome. Two addresses. Acts 22:1 - Acts 23:22 . PAUL AND THE JEWS IN JERUSALEM, &c. Acts 22:1-21 . Paul''s defence. Acts 22:22-30 . Events following. Acts 23:1-10 . Paul''s defence. Acts 23:11-22 . Events following. Acts 22:1-21 . PAUL''S DEFENCE. Acts 22:1-5 . A zealous Jew. Acts 22:6-10 . Revelation from the Lord. Acts 22:11-16 . A chosen vessel. Acts 22:17-21 . Revelation from the Lord. Acts 22:22-30 . EVENTS FOLLOWING. Acts 22:22-23 . Paul before the people. Acts 22:24 . Torture ordered. Acts 22:25-26 . Rights claimed. Acts 22:27-28 . Rights admitted. Acts 22:29 . Torture abandoned. Acts 22:30 . Paul before the Council. Acts 23:1-10 . PAUL''S DEFENCE. Acts 23:1 . Paul''s life. Acts 23:5 . Dispute with High Priest. Acts 23:6 . Paul''s faith. Acts 23:7-10 . Dispute between the sects. Acts 23:11-22 . EVENTS FOLLOWING. Acts 23:11 . Comfort from the Lord. Acts 23:12-15 . Consparicy formed. Acts 23:16-19 . Consideration from the chief captain. Acts 23:7-10 . Dispute between the sects. Acts 23:23-35 . JOURNEY TO CAESAREA. Acts 23:23-24 . Chief captain. Acts 23:25-30 . Letter written. Acts 23:31-32 . Journey. Acts 23:33-34 . Letter received. Acts 23:35 . Felix. Orders. Acts 24:1-27 . PAUL AND FELIX. Acts 24:1 . Felix. On the judgment seat. Acts 24:2-4 . Tertullus. Introduction. Acts 24:5-9 . His charges. Acts 24:10 . Paul. Introduction. Acts 24:11-21 . His defence. Acts 24:22-27 . Felix. Decision. Acts 24:11-21 . DEFENCE. Acts 24:11 . Admission. Acts 24:12-13 . Repudiation. Acts 24:14-16 . Confession. Resurrection. Acts 24:17-18 -. Admission. - Acts 24:18-20 . Repudation. Acts 24:21 . Confession. Resurrection. Acts 24:22-27 . FELIX. DECISION. Acts 24:22 . Adjournment. Acts 24:23 . Paul in custody. Acts 24:24-26 . Conference. Acts 24:27 . Paul in bonds. Acts 25:1-12 . PAUL AND FESTUS. Acts 25:1 . Festus. At Jerusalem. Acts 25:2-3 . Paul. Plot against, by Jews. Acts 25:4 . Festus. Offer to judge. Acts 25:5 . Paul. His accusers. Acts 25:6 . Festus. On the judgment seat. Acts 25:7-8 . Paul. Accusers refuted. Acts 25:9 . Festus. Offer to Paul. Acts 25:10-11 . Paul. Appeal to Caesar. Acts 25:12 . Festus. Decision. Acts 25:13 - Acts 26:32 . PAUL AND AGRIPPA. Acts 25:13-21 . Festus consults Agrippa. Acts 25:22 . Agrippa desires to hear Paul. Acts 25:23 -. Court convened. Acts 25:23 . Paul brought to the bar. Acts 25:24-27 . Festus opens the case. Acts 26:1 -. Agrippa calls on Paul for his defence. Acts 26:1-29 . Paul''s defence. Acts 26:30-32 . Court rises. Acts 25:13-21 . FESTUS CONSULTS AGRIPPA. Acts 25:13-15 . The Jew''s request. Acts 25:16 . Festus''s reply. Acts 25:17-19 . The Jews'' charge. Acts 25:20-21 . Festus'' decision. Acts 26:1-29 . PAUL''S DEFENCE. =Acts 26:1-8 . Introduction. Acts 26:9-23 . Statement. Acts 26:24-29 . Conclusion. Acts 26:1-8 . INTRODUCTION. =Acts 26:1-3 . Appeal to Agrippa''s knowledge. Acts 26:4-5 . Paul''s life. Acts 26:6-7 . Paul''s hope. Acts 26:8 . Appeal to Agrippa''s reason. Acts 26:9-23 . STATEMENT. Acts 26:9 . Opposition. Acts 26:10-11 . Persecution. Jerusalem, &c. Acts 26:12 . Persecution. Damascus. Acts 26:13-15 . Jesus the Persecuted. Acts 26:16 -. Stand. (Gr. histemi ). - Acts 26:16 . Witness. Acts 26:17 . The People and the Gentiles. Acts 26:18 . Light. Acts 26:19 . Obedience. Acts 26:20 -. Preaching. Damascus. - Acts 26:20 . Preaching. Jerusalem, &c. Acts 26:21 . Paul the persecuted. Acts 26:22 -. Continue (Gr. histemi ). - Acts 26:22-23 -. Witness. - Acts 26:23 -. Light. - Acts 26:23 . The People and the Gentiles. Acts 26:24-29 . CONCLUSION. Acts 26:24 . Festus interposes. Acts 26:25 . Paul''s reply. Acts 26:26 . Agrippa''s knowledge challenged. Acts 26:27 . Agrippa''s belief challenged. Acts 26:28 . Agrippa interposes. Acts 26:29 . Paul''s reply. Acts 27:1 - Acts 28:16 . JOURNEY TO ROME. Acts 27:1-44 . Caesarea to Melita. Acts 28:1-16 . Melita to Rome. Acts 27:1-44 . CAESAREA TO MELTIA. Acts 27:1-3 . Julius treats Paul Kindly. Acts 27:4-41 . Voyage and tempest. Acts 27:42-43 . Julius saves Paul. Acts 27:44 . All escape to land. Acts 27:4-41 . VOYAGE AND TEMPEST. Acts 27:4-8 . Sidon to Fair Havens. Acts 27:9-10 . Paul. Admonition. Acts 27:11-20 . To Clauda. Tempest-driven. Acts 27:21-26 . Paul. Encouragement. Acts 27:27-29 . Drawing near to land. Acts 27:30-31 . Paul. Warning. Acts 27:32 . The boat abandoned. Acts 27:33-38 . Paul. Encouragement. Acts 27:39-41 . The ship aground. Acts 28:1-16 . MELITA TO ROME. Acts 28:1-10 . Sojurn at Melita. Acts 28:11-16 . Journey to Rome. Acts 28:1-10 . SOJURN AT MELITA. Acts 28:1 . Arrival. Acts 28:2 . Hospitality. Acts 28:3-6 . Miracles. Acts 28:7 . Hospitality. Acts 28:8-9 . Miracles. Acts 28:10 -. Hospitality. - Acts 28:10 . Departure. Acts 28:11-16 . JOURNEY TO ROME. Acts 28:11-13 . Departure for Rome. Acts 28:14 . Brethren. Puteoli. Acts 28:15 . Brethren. Appii Forum. Acts 28:16 . Arrival at Rome. Acts 28:17-29 . PAUL AND THE JEWS IN ROME. TWO ADDRESSES. Acts 28:17-22 . First meeting. Acts 28:23-29 . Second meeting. Acts 28:17-22 . FIRST MEETING. Acts 28:17 -. Call. - Acts 28:17 . Law and customs of Israel not violated. Acts 28:18 . Romans find no capital charge. Acts 28:19 . Jews speak against ( antilego ) Paul''s release. Acts 28:20 - Call. - Acts 28:20 . Hope of Israel. Acts 28:21 . Jews receive no complaints. Acts 28:22 . The sect everywhere spoken against ( antilego ). Acts 28:23-29 . SECOND MEETING. Acts 28:23 -. Jews assemble. - Acts 28:23 . Paul expounds. Acts 28:24-25 -. Result. Disputation. - Acts 28:25-28 . Paul Warns. Acts 28:29 -. Jews depart. - Acts 28:29 . Result. Reasoning.

THE INTER-RELATION OF THE SEVEN CHURCH EPISTLES AS SHOWN BY THE STRUCTURE AS A WHOLE. ROMANS. "Doctrine and Instruction." The Gospel of God:never hidden, but "promised afore". God''s justification of Jew and Gentile individually dead and risen with Christ (Rom 1-8). Their relation dispensationally (Rom 9-11). The subjective foundation of the mystery (see page 1694). CORINTHIANS. "Reproof " Practical failure to exhibit the teaching of Romans through not seeing their standing as having died and risen with Christ. "Leaven" in practice (1 Corinthians 5:6 ). GALATIANS. "Correction." Doctrinal failure as to the teaching of Romans. Beginning with the truth of the new nature ("spirit"), they were "soon removed" (Acts 1:6 ), and sought to be made perfect in the old nature ("flesh") (Acts 3:3 ). "Leaven" in doctrine (Acts 5:9 ). EPHESIANS. "Doctrine and Instruction." The mystery of God, always hidden, never before revealed. Individual Jews and Gentiles gathered out and made "one new man" in Christ. Seated in the heavenlies with Christ. PHILIPPIANS. "Reproof." Practical failure to exhibit the teaching of Ephesians in manifesting "the mind of Christ" as members of the one Body. COLOSSIANS. "Correction. " Doctrinal failure as to the teaching of Ephesians. Wrong doctrines which come from "not holding the Head" (Acts 2:19 ) and not seeing their completeness and perfection in Christ (Acts 2:8-10 ). THESSALONIANS. "Doctrine and Instruction. "Not only" dead and risen with Christ" (as in Romans); not only seated in the heavenlies with Christ (as in Ephesians); but "caught up to meet the Lord in the air, so to be for ever with the Lord". In Rom., justified in Christ; in Eph., sanctified in Christ; in Thess., glorified with Christ. No "reproof". No "correction". All praise and thanksgiving. A typical Church. Thessalonians comes last, though written first (Appdx-180). There are no "Church" epistles beyond this, because there is no higher truth to be taught. The consummation is reached. This is the highest Form in the School of Grace, where the Holy Spirit is the great Divine Teacher. "All the truth" culminates here the "all truth" into which He was to guide. The church of God is led from the depths of degradation (in Romans) to the heights of glory (in Thessalonians), caught up to be for ever with the Lord, and left there in eternal blessing "in" and "with" Christ. The reader is further referred to Appdx-192.