Acts 21-23: Paul Is Arrested in Jerusalem

Studying the Scriptures

Activities

• Activity B and Activity D are mandatory.
• Choose one additional activity from A, C, or E while studying Acts 21-23.

Key Themes and Events

1. Paul's Return Trip to Jerusalem

• Roman Conquest Benefits
  • Enforced peace improved safety.
  • Better roads facilitated easier travel.
• Travel Challenges in Paul’s Time
  • Journeys were long, taking weeks or months.
• Route and Distance
  • Key locations: Coos, Rhodes, Patara, Cyprus, Tyre, Ptolemais, Caesarea, Jerusalem.
  • Consider distances between each city using Bible map 13.

2. Agabus Prophesies about Paul

• Prophecy Details
  • Acts 21:10-13: Agabus foretells Paul's future in Jerusalem.
  • Paul’s response shows his commitment and courage.
• Reflection
  • Consider scriptures that provide courage and comfort.

3. Paul Is Arrested in Jerusalem

• Paul’s Foreknowledge
  • Paul had a revelation about testifying in Rome.
  • His journey to Rome starts with his arrest in Jerusalem.
• True/False Statements
  • Paul did not take a Gentile to the temple (Acts 21:29).
  • Paul preached that the gospel replaced the law of Moses (v. 28).
  • A Roman soldier saved Paul’s life (v. 32).
  • Paul did not create an uproar with an Egyptian (v. 38).

4. Paul Testifies before Kings and Rulers

• Opportunity to Speak
  • Paul shares his conversion story with the Jews.
  • Adds new details in Acts 22:17-21 not found in Acts 9.

5. The Benefits of Being a Roman Citizen

• Roman Citizenship Advantages
  • Protection from punishment without trial (Acts 16:37).
  • Right to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11).
  • Citizenship obtained by birth or purchase.
  • Paul was a Roman citizen by birth.
• Treatment as a Citizen
  • In Acts 22:24-23:35, explore differential treatment due to citizenship.
• Reflection on Spiritual Citizenship
  • Consider the costs and benefits of being a member of God’s kingdom.