Studies in Acts–Lesson 14

Read Acts 25:14 through Chapter 28.

Who said it – or might have said it? Where? When? Why?

Acts 25

1. "There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix." v. 14. Who? Festus, to King Agrippa. Where? In Caesarea. When? While the King was staying in Caesarea, several days after Paul appealed to Caesar. Why? Possibly to find out Agrippa’s judgment in the matter.
Note: This King was Agrippa II, and Bernice was his sister – and his wife. Previously, she had been married to her uncle. Their father – Agrippa I – was the member of the Herod family that was eaten up by worms as recorded in Acts 12.

2. "For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him." v. 27 Who? Festus. Where? In the audience hall. When? The next day. Why? He wanted to know what to write to Rome about the charges against Paul. He knew Paul had done nothing deserving of death, so he was trying to explain his actions.

Acts 26

3. "You are permitted to speak for yourself." v. 1 Who? Agrippa to Paul. Why? So Agrippa could hear Paul’s side of the story. He was curious. 

4. "... especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. v. 3. Who? Paul to Agrippa. Why? He knew Agrippa’s background and wanted an informed listener. Maybe also a bit of flattery? Paul’s hope was in the promises of God.

5. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Who? Jesus, to Saul, in Hebrew. Where? On the road from Jerusalem to Damascus on one of his journeys to arrest Christians. When? At midday, after Saul was blinded by the sun. Why? Jesus had chosen Saul to serve.

6. “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” v. 28. Who? Agrippa, to Paul, at the end of Paul’s speech. Why? It’s hard to know what was in Agrippa’s mind. In some versions, this is stated as a question, as if to ask Paul his intentions. In other versions, it’s a statement – either honest or in derision.

 

Acts 27

7. "And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy…." v. 1. Who? Luke. Where? Caesarea. Why? Paul was headed for Rome – at government expense. According to Don DeWelt’s Acts Made Actual, this was probably in late August.

8. “You may go to your friends.” v. 3. Who? Julius, the centurion, to Paul. When? When the ship docked in Sidon. Why? So they could care for Paul. Note: It appears they traveled 65 miles that first day.

9. “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be attended with damage and great loss….” v. 10 Who? Paul, to the centurion and sailors. Where? Near Lasea. When? According to commentaries, October. Why? He perceived there would be danger if they continued. Also, according to commentaries, sailing after September 15 was dangerous.

10. “…you must stand before Caesar….” v. 24. Who? An angel of God, to Paul. Where? On the ship at Paul’s bed. When? At night, after passing Cauda after the third day out. Why? In order to assure him they would all survive the storm. God wanted Paul to preach in Rome.

11. “…this is for your preservation….” v. 34. Who? Paul, to the rest of the men on the ship, as they drifted across the Adriatic Sea. Why? To urge them to eat.

Acts 28

12. "Undoubtedly this man is a murderer. ... " v. 4. Who? The natives of Malta, after a viper attached itself to Paul’s hand. Why? He must have been deserving of death, and since the sea hadn’t punished him, the viper would.

13. “Let the fever pass from him….” v. 8. Who might have said it? Paul, about the father of Publius, while he stayed with Publius in Malta. He was sick with dysentery, and God could heal him.

14. “Stay with us for a week.” v. 14. Who? Believers in Puteoli (chief port of Rome), to Paul, when the ship docked there.

15. "...nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you.” v. 21. Who? The Jewish leaders in Rome, to Paul. When? Three days after arriving in Rome, assembled at Paul’s request. Why? Because Paul had told his story, the reason for his chains.

16. “We do not believe these things.” v. 24. Who? Some of the Jews in Rome, to Paul, after he had taught them the gospel. “They refused to believe.”

17. "You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; and you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive." v. 26. Who? Paul, to the unbelieving Jews in Rome. He is quoting what Jesus quoted, from Isaiah 6:9-10.  (Matthew 13:14-15)

18. “This salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” v. 28 Who? Paul, to the Jews, as they left him in prison. Why? Maybe to shame them? Maybe they wouldn’t listen, but the Gentiles would.