Official Booklets 2011

In the year 2011, the Coordination of Supervision and Planning of

RHEMA Brazil schools are implementing the new official booklets.
will be distributed to all students of the Training Centers
Biblical RHEMA Brazil.

These booklets aim primarily to meet any deficiencies in

teaching material for students, as well as unify the content
from what is taught in each subject in the various classrooms
scattered throughout Brazil and some parts of the world.

There is no slightest pretension on the part of the leadership of RHEMA Brazil.

that these booklets are used to conduct each class that will be
taught in classes, especially since the tonic note of our schools,
as the name itself says, it is the "spoken word" and not the written word,
you dictated. However, these handouts will serve as material
supplementary for the student to use to consolidate what they will be
taught in the classrooms under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

The content of most of the booklets was extracted from others.

teachers' handouts from RHEMA Brazil; when not, we resort to
other sources that maintain some harmony with the doctrinal perspective
followed by our ministry.

We are grateful to all the teachers of RHEMA whose handouts

served as a basis or guidance for the compilation of the present
work.

All the content in these notebooks was created with a lot of dedication.
and diligence, however, like all human work, will need to be
improved in some aspects. Therefore, we count on the
understanding of all those who will come to make use of this material.

Still regarding this particular edition, we would like to request, in

special character, that any and all correction or change that
please ensure that any necessary notes are made and sent to us
headquarters so that we can improve this work until a possible
definitive version. Send us any comments you deem necessary
necessary for the emailsupervisao@rhema.com.br.

Finally, we thank all those who in one way or another

others have collaborated with this work and feel like participants and
cooperators of the task that was entrusted to this ministry to carry
Word of God through the teaching of the Holy Scriptures in power
of the Holy Spirit.

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 Canrobert Guimarães
Coordinator of the RHEMA Brazil Biblical Training Centers

Acts of the Apostles

The book of Acts recounts the story of a part of the work of some of the
apostles for more than thirty years after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It was written between the years 70 and 80 AD approximately. In this book,
we learned about how the gospel was spread in the ancient world and
also some important lessons that serve as a reference for the church of
Lord Jesus at all times.

From the words and examples of the first Christians we learn

a lot about how to please the Lord these days. Even though it's been almost 2,000 years
from the modifications and traditions developed by man, we can learn
about how to simply be Christians!

The Book of Acts

The book of Acts records some of the most important events that
they unfolded at the beginning of Christianity. It is, in fact, the second volume
of a larger book divided into two parts, written by Luke, a companion
ministerial of Paulo.

I wrote the FIRST BOOK, O Theophilus, recounting all things

what Jesus began to do and teach...

Author: Lucas, ministerial companion of Paul, physician, Gentile, Christian.

Lucas had already written the gospel that bears his name (considered the most
beautiful and complete of all the gospels) and now was continuing to
work with the description of the first 30 years of Christianity - which goes from
Ascension of Christ (approx. 33 A.D.) until the imprisonment of Paul in
Rome (approx. 63 AD).

The meaning of the name 'Lucas' is 'light-bringer' or 'one who brings light.'
the name is mentioned only three times in the New Testament (Colossians
4.14, 2 Timothy 4.11, Philemon 1.24.

The apostle Paul called him 'beloved physician', and he was the only writer
from the Bible that was not a Jew.

Lucas was a man of culture and scientific erudition, versed in

Hebrew and Greek classics, having probably studied medicine at the
University of Athens. He was also a great connoisseur of the Sea.
Mediterranean and the entire adjacent region.

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 Recipient: Theophilus, a noble Roman aristocratic officer whose name is the
junction of two Greek words: 'Theos' which means God and 'Philos'
what does Friend mean, meaning 'friend of God'.

We do not have the exact date or place of the composition of this book.
The base is approximately 63 to 70 A.D., as it does not mention the fire.
from Rome (64 AD), nor the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD).

Content: is presented divided into two focuses:

The church of Jerusalem and the ministry of Peter

The church in Antioch and the ministry of Paul

The book of Acts is relatively evenly divided among the

records of the events in the church of Jerusalem and the ministry of Peter and the
events of the church in Antioch and the ministry of Paul. Here is the summary:

 Chapters 1 to 8 deal with the church in Jerusalem and the ministry

by Pedro;
 Chapter 9 presents Paul and his conversion, going back to
followed by Peter's ministry, when he raises Dorcas;
 Chapters 10 to 12 once again speak about Peter's ministry and the
church in Jerusalem;
 Chapters 13 and 14 deal with the church in Antioch and the
Paul's ministry;
 Chapter 15 shows the clash between the practices of the two churches.
Jerusalem and Antioch, with a perspective focused on the
Paul's ministry and the basis of this ministry that was located in
Antioquia.
 Acts 16 to 28 deal with the ministry of Paul and his accomplishments.

Throughout the narrative, Lucas presents the particular issues.

related to the church mostly formed by Jews (Jerusalem), led by
basically by Peter, John, and James. He talks about doctrinal thought
initial of the first Christians and then, in chapter 11, it tells how it arose
the second largest Christian focus of the time, the church in Antioch and presents a
a little about the doctrine and practice of this second Christian community, formed in its
majority by Gentiles is led by Paul, Barnabas, and other prophets and teachers.

In chapter 15, Luke presents the great confrontation where they are
the differences and similarities between the views of the 'two great
"churches" of the time: the ministry of circumcision and the ministry of uncircumcision.

In general, the book of Acts contains excellent doctrinal records.

when Luke narrates the speeches of some of the prominent preachers and
masters of the time: Estevão, Pedro, Paulo, Tiago and others. It also talks about

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the events, spiritual experiences (or not) and the discoveries of
first Christians.

It is possible to separate the most relevant chapters or passages from the books.
by Atos. Each of them containing a truth or an important point to be
highlighted. Throughout this book, we find questions about:

 Ministerial relationship
 Relationship between leadership
 Everyday issues in the growth of the church
 The work of God through His Spirit
 Evangelism
 Doctrinal foundation
 And several other important issues of Christian formation

We will analyze, therefore, the most relevant issues and principles.

presented throughout the book, chapter by chapter.

Acts 1
JESUS STARTED TO DO AND TEACH

I wrote the first book [the gospel of Luke], O Theophilus,

relating all the things that Jesus BEGAN to do and teach until the day
in which, after having given commandments through the Holy Spirit
to the apostles whom He had chosen, He was lifted up to the heights.

The first book of Luke, his gospel, told what Jesus

he had done in his ministry while he was on Earth. The book of Acts would be the
narrative of the continuation of the work begun by Jesus, which was now
entrusted to the disciples.

Jesus continued on earth after his resurrection for 40 days,

giving evidence of his resurrection and opening the understanding of his
disciples about the true meaning of the Scriptures (Mark 16:14)
Lucas 24.36, João 20.19,26, Atos 1.3, 1 Coríntios 15.1-7)

THE DISCIPLES WOULD CONTINUE THE WORK AFTER THE BAPTISM

...he told them not to leave Jerusalem, but

that they would wait for the promise of the Father... you will be baptized with the Spirit
Saint, not long after these days.

Also read: Luke 24:48-49

The disciples were to wait for the promise of baptism in the Spirit.
Saint to fulfill, so that they would be enabled to witness of Christ
with power:

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 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and
you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and
Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

 V.9-11: Jesus ascended to heaven in a cloud, and two angels stated that
he will come back in the same way as you saw him go up
 V.12: Obeying the command of Jesus (Acts 1:4), the apostles returned
to Jerusalem
 V.13: The names of the 11 apostles are: Peter, John, James, Andrew,
Filipe, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon, the
Zealot, Judas, son of James.
 V.14: Along with them were also some women, Mary, the
Mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Mary was never mentioned again.
(nominally) in the Scriptures after this verse. This verse
it is the first passage that speaks of the brothers of Jesus as
his followers (See John 7:5)

THE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB AND THE SUBSTITUTE FOR JUDAH

Pedro told the story of Judas, showing that he had betrayed Jesus.
as the Scriptures had already foretold (1.15-20). He had departed from among the apostles.
of Jesus (Mark 3:13-19). There was a vacancy, therefore, left by Judas, and
a substitute was necessary.

It is necessary, therefore, that of the men who have accompanied us

all the time that the Lord Jesus walked among us, beginning at the baptism of
John, until the day he was taken up among us, one of these shall become
witness with us of your resurrection.

The criteria required to hold the position of Apostle of the Lamb are
having been present "the whole time that the Lord Jesus
and walked among us. Therefore, Paul could not have been this twelfth.
apostle, as many suggest, for he had not walked with Jesus.

The text also specifies what time it was, delimiting the period:

. Starting with the baptism of John

. Until the day he was taken to the heights among us

This is the period that the Scriptures consider as the time when
Jesus did and taught things, that is, the time of his earthly ministry and,
therefore, the period that matters to us.

Matias was then chosen to take Judas' place as the tenth.

second apostle. (v.23-26)

JUDAS, THE ICON OF ERROR REGARDING PREDESTINATION

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 Brothers, it was necessary for the Scripture to be fulfilled that the Spirit...
The saint previously spoke through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide.
of those who arrested Jesus, because he was counted among us and had a part
in this ministry. (Read: Acts 1:15-25)

The fact that it had been prophesied that Judas would betray Jesus did not alter his
free will. It was prophesied because God saw what would happen, and not because
he determined that it would happen. The biblical doctrine of predestination then
became distorted, and therefore, many people believe that Judas was

Acts 2
THE FIRST CHRISTIANS BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all assembled together in
same place; suddenly, a sound came from heaven, like the sound of a mighty wind,
and filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared, distributed
among them, languages, like fire, and it settled on each one of them. All
they were FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and began to speak in OTHER
LANGUAGES, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Read also about Pentecost: Exodus 23:14-16, Leviticus 23:16

The things reported in chapter 2 happened on the day of Pentecost,

which was celebrated 50 days after Easter, and was also called Feast
of the harvest. It was one of the three great annual celebrations (Deuteronomy
16.16), a harvest thanksgiving party.

 Jesus was crucified on Easter.

 Pentecost was the 50th day after Easter.
 Jesus resurrected after three days
 After resurrecting, he spent 40 days with the disciples.
 Logo, 43 days have passed from Easter to the ascension of Jesus.
 We can conclude, therefore, that there were only 7 days left for
complete the 50 (Pentecost), and it was at this time that the disciples
they waited.

They were filled in such a way that they spoke other languages and seemed
intoxicated (v.13).

Pedro stands up in defense of the truth and preaches to those who were
watching the event. Jews from many nations gathered in
Jerusalem on the occasion of Pentecost. Thus, the ministry of
Pedro was given to the international public.

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 The descent of the Holy Spirit was, in fact, the fulfillment of the promise.
announced by the prophet Joel (v.16, Joel 2.28-32), and by Jesus himself (John
7.37-39, Acts 1.1-5

BRIEF EXPLANATION ABOUT THE DEATH OF JESUS

Pedro then gives a brief explanation about the death of Jesus,

covering its spiritual and physical aspects, of which we highlight some
points:

 V.22: Jesus, man approved by God

 V.23: you killed him, crucifying him by the hands of the wicked;
 V.24: God raised him up, death could not hold him.
 V.25-35: David's prophecy referred to Jesus, who was not forsaken.
in death, not even his body saw corruption.
 V.33: After being exalted to the right hand of God, he poured out 'this that you see.
"and you shall hear" - the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the "promise of the Father."
 V.36: O Jesus, whom you crucified, God made Lord and Christ.
 V.37-40: Peter was preaching to Jews. "Repent... For
for you is the promise... that is, for as many as the Lord,
our God, to call.
 V.41: almost three thousand people accepted Peter's word.

Basing your message on the prophecies of the Old Testament about the
Christ, Peter preached about the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.
showing that David's words actually belonged to Jesus, for he
yes, he was not left in Hades, nor did his body experience decay.

The resurrection fulfilled the prophecy made by David almost 1,000 years earlier.
(see Psalm 16:8-11). This prophecy foretold that Jesus would die with confidence.
that the Father would raise him. Peter showed that David had not prophesied
about himself, because he died and did not resurrect.

THE GOSPEL PREVAILS, THE CHURCH GROWS

And they continued steadfastly in the DOCTRINE of the apostles and in FELLOWSHIP,
from the BREAD and in the PRAYERS.

The Bible emphasizes that they persevered in the vision, and specifies where it
the church was correct, giving the hint for us to exercise the same care with:

 THE DOCTRINE: keeping the teachings of Jesus

 COMMUNION: the unity, especially of thought
 FROM THE BREAD: meeting each other's needs, without
selfishness or greed.
 THE PRAYERS: spirituality, care in the work and in communion with
God.

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 And the Lord added to them day by day those
I am being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

Acts 3
THE HEALING OF THE PARALYTIC AT THE GATE OF THE TEMPLE

Chapter 3 of Acts recounts the episode of the lame man healed at the gate of
Temple.

A man who was lame from birth was being carried

daily at the gate of the temple called Beautiful, to beg for alms from those who
he was begging. Seeing Peter and John about to enter the temple, he begged that
they gave him a donation. Peter, looking at him, along with John, said: Look
for us... I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have, I give you: in
in the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, walk!

Peter and John were entering the temple when they encountered a
a limping man asking for alms. Pedro did not have any money at that moment,
but healed the lame man in the name of Jesus. The healed man walked, jumped, and praised.
to God, thus drawing the attention of people who recognized him (3.8-10).

Acts 4
PERSECUTION AND ABUSE OF AUTHORITY AGAINST BELIEVERS

Peter's preaching about Jesus and the resurrection provoked the first
persecution by Jewish leaders. They arrested Peter and John

They were still speaking to the people when the priests came upon them,
the temple captain and the Sadducees, RESENTFUL FOR TEACHING them
people ANNOUNCED, in Jesus, the resurrection from the dead; and THE
They arrested them, taking them to jail until the next day, as it was already late.

The leaders in the Sanhedrin asked the apostles (Peter and John) about
the authority they had to do what they did (v.5-7, see also
Mark 11:27-33). Peter responded that the lame man was healed in the name of Jesus
The leaders had no way to refute the words of the apostles, nor
deny the veracity of the cure of the lame man (v.13-14)

THE RECORD OF BIBLICAL DISOBEDIENCE.

The members of the Sanhedrin discussed among themselves and decided to threaten the
apostles so that they would no longer speak in the name of Jesus (4.15-18)

(Acts 4:18-20) - Calling them, they ORDERED them not at all

would speak, nor would they teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John said to them.
They answered: Judge whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to others.

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 that of God; for we cannot help but speak of the things that we have seen and
we heard.

Pedro and João refused to obey this commandment of the Sanhedrin.

Through all this story that begins in this chapter we understand that
there is a biblical disobedience.

It is common thinking among Christians that, if they obey their

leaders will be submissive. But submission is an attitude, it is the
respect, consideration. Obedience is commonly an act that is practiced. It is
it is possible to be submissive and not obedient, just as it is possible to be
obedient and not being submissive. Therefore, submission and obedience are
concepts that are interconnected, but are not synonyms.

In the sequence of the book of Acts, we see that the disciples prayed to God.
asking that he grant them "intrepidity" to disobey the authorities,
and we will continue to preach the Word (4.23-30). This prayer was answered.
We will understand a little more about biblical disobedience in chapter 5.

THE CHURCH'S PRAYER FOR BOLDNESS TO PREACH

Pedro and João, after being released, found the brothers and
They told them what had happened and the threats they had suffered (4.23).
The church prays united, not to 'fight against demons', but to ask for
God in favor of the believers, citing the prophecy from Psalm 2 and asking for boldness.
to continue announcing the Word (4.24-30). God answered the prayer:

(Acts 4:31) - After they had prayed, the place where they were gathered shook; all
they were filled with the Holy Spirit and, with boldness, proclaimed the word of
God.

The CHURCH GROWS. LIBERALITY AND GENEROSITY ALSO

In verses 32 to 37, we see something uncommon for today's days:

 V.32a: The unit of thought – "one heart and soul"

 V.32b: No one considered exclusively their own any of the
things he possessed; everything, however, was common to them.
 Great power and abundant grace over the apostles
 V.34-35:Sharing your goods and meeting each other's needs
from the others
 Barnabas sold the field and offered the value to the church.

We need to understand some things about this situation in

primitive church

First, this organizational structure is not a biblical ordinance.

The act of sharing has always been and will always be voluntary.

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 3. It did not involve all private properties, only the necessary ones.
4. It was not a requirement of the community to become a member of
church
They considered the return of Jesus imminent, which is why they invested
everything they had in the work and in the lives of the brothers.
6. The Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah were normally
excluded from their families, thus depending on the support of others
Christians. Within this need, an attitude of great
generosity among them, who shared their homes, the
food, financial and emotional resources. Truly
they were becoming family.

Acts 5
ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA LIE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

...You did not lie to men, but to God.

Even amid the extraordinary growth of the church in Jerusalem,

satan can still find space in the hearts of those who give him
place: Ananias and Sapphira.

 V.1-6: Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit about the value of a

property that he and his wife had sold, and he died
immediately. Satan only managed to fill Ananias' heart
for he himself set in his heart the diabolical designs.
 V.7-10: Sapphira came to an agreement with her husband Ananias to
to participate in the same lie, and was also killed. She might not
to have reached an agreement with him and to have been spared.
 The result of this divine discipline was a great fear among
everyone who heard about the events. Similarly,
we must also fear.

OTHER RECORDS ON BIBLICAL DISOBEDIENCE

Soon after the episode of the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, the
Apostles Peter and John continued preaching and were arrested. Having an angel
from God opened the prison at dawn (v.17-21), they once again went out to
to pray and to teach, to which they were called again to the authorities, for they did not
they were obeying your orders, which contradicted the commissioning of
Sir. Let's see what they told them:

They brought them and presented them before the Sanhedrin. And the high
the priest questioned them, saying: We expressly order you not to
you taught in that name; nevertheless, you filled Jerusalem with your doctrine; and
You want to cast the blood of this man upon us. Then, Peter and the others

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 the apostles affirmed: RATHER, IT IS NECESSARY TO OBEY GOD THAN MEN
MEN.

After that, the apostles were whipped and threatened by the authorities.
again, they were ordered not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus,
but they DISOBEYED the orders of the authorities, and the Bible says:

And they departed from the council, rejoicing that they were
considered worthy to suffer insults for that Name. And every day, in the
in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus...

This shows us that, despite there being human authorities over us, the
the authority of God and His Word is greater than any of them, and
we must be submissive first to God and His Word. It is possible,
therefore:

a. To be submissive and obey: it happens when we are in submission

true to our leaders and they order us things that we do not
do not interfere in any way with the Word of God. In these cases, it is
The obligation of the Christian is to obey the authority.

b. Being submissive and not obeying: it happens when we do not comply with
an order that, although it comes from a leader to whom we are subject
is in disagreement with the Word of God. In such cases, it is
obligation of the believer to disobey the authorities, for above the
human authority is the authority of God and His Word.

c. Not being submissive and obeying: it happens when we obey not

because we have regard for the authorities, or for
respect for the position they occupy, but out of fear of the consequences
what we can suffer if we do not do it. This is already the beginning of
rebellion, and it must be corrected. We must remember that submission is
an attitude of the heart, and that for God, it is completely visible the
designs of the heart of man.

d. Not being submissive and not obeying: this is a case of rebellion

declared. The believer must never be insubordinate and disobedient,
for in this case, you will be having the same attitude as Satan and his
demons, and will end up being dominated by their influence.

THE WISE COUNSEL OF GAMALIEL

 V.33-39: Gamaliel advised that what God can do should be respected.

to do through others who are not among us, and who perhaps
we do not fully understand. He influenced so that the
apostles were released, saying that the things of man do not
prevail, and that the things of God cannot be destroyed.

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 Acts 6
THE CHOICE OF DEACONS

The administrative error of the apostles in Jerusalem occurred, and its

maturity in recognizing it and making the necessary changes to correct it
the problem was remarkable.

 V.1: THE PROBLEM: the Hellenists complained that their widows

were neglected in daily distribution - social assistance
 V.2-4: THE SOLUTION: The Apostles suggested the selection of seven
men to serve at the tables, thus freeing the apostles
to fulfill their spiritual work - the Word and Prayer.
 V.3: THE CHOICE CRITERIA:
Men of good reputation
2. Filled with the Spirit
Full of wisdom
 V.5: THE ELECTED:
Estevão
2. Filipe
3. Procoro
4. Nicanor
5. Timão
6. Parmenides
7. Nicolau, proselyte of Antioch.

We do not know if these men served as deacons in the sense

found in other passages that talk about the diaconate (Philippians 1:1,
1 Timothy 3:8-13). It is possible that these servants in Jerusalem were
chosen to serve temporarily until the problem of the widows is resolved.
1 Timothy 3:8-13, we find the qualifications that must be applied to
deacons nowadays.

ESTEVÃO: FULL OF GRACE, FAITH, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

 Stephen showed the power of the Holy Spirit in his preaching and
through miracles
 V.9-10: Some people opposed your teaching, but
they could not resist the Spirit and the wisdom by which he
was speaking
 They made false accusations against Stephen and took him away.
to the Sanhedrin These accusations are important for us to understand the
defense of Stephen in chapter 7

This man does not cease to speak AGAINST THE HOLY PLACE
and AGAINST THE LAW; because we have heard it said that this Jesus, the Nazarene,
it will destroy this place and CHANGE THE CUSTOMS THAT MOSES GAVE US.

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 Acts 7
Chapter 7 is divided into two parts:

1. The speech of Stephen (1-53)

2. His death (54-60)

THE ANOINTED SPEECH OF STEPHEN

Estevão showed his respect for the Old Testament, grounding his
message in the same hope that the Jews shared. This speech
It is a wonderful summary of the history of the Old Testament.

He spoke about the places where the ancestors served God,

showing that obedience is more important than 'the holy place' (see
John 4:21-24

Estevão also emphasized the faith of the patriarchs, even when they
they had to go alone with God, without support from relatives.

 V.1-8: He began to respond to the high priest's interrogation.

with a summary of the obedience of Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel
 Esteban continued, talking about the faith of the patriarchs, even
outside the promised land. He spoke of Joseph, showing that he
remained loyal despite having been rejected by the family and despite the
local. His brothers sold him, 'but God was with him.'
 In the desert, God called Moses to save the Israelites.
 V.17-28: Moses was chosen by God to save his people, but the
his own people rejected him
 V.29-36: Moses wandered in the desert for 40 years, and God communicated-
If with him there, to call him to be the liberator of the people
 V.37-43: God chose the same man that the people rejected. Israel
rejected Moses and his word. Moses prophesied about Jesus
 V.44-50: Stephen shows that the temple is not the true dwelling
of God. In the time of Moses, the Israelites in the desert worshipped the
God in the tabernacle. They continued using the tabernacle in
promised land, during the generations from Joshua to David.
 V.51-53: Stephen condemned the attitude of his listeners. The Jews
that heard your message reacted to the word as their own
ancestors: rejected the messengers of God and even God himself
Son. Those who accused Stephen of blasphemy against the law,
they did not keep her!

THE DEATH OF STEPHEN

 V.54-60: The listeners of the speech became enraged and killed.

Stephen stoned.

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  V.59-60: At the moment of his death, he prayed like Jesus (Luke
23.34,46) – forgiving the people who killed him

Acts 8
THE PERSECUTION OF SAUL OF TARSUS

And Saul approved of his death. On that day, a great

persecution against the church in Jerusalem; and all, except the apostles, were
scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.

 Saul, who participated in the stoning of Stephen,

continued his persecution of Christians.

The disciples were scattered, but they continued to preach the word.
in the regions of Judea and Samaria

PHILIP, THE EVANGELIST

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.

Filipe was a 'deacon' in the church in Jerusalem and grew in the ministry that
God entrusted him with the office of evangelist.

 V.5-8: In Acts 6, it was already said about Philip that he was full of
Spirit, of wisdom and good reputation. Here in Acts 8, he appears.
preaching the word, casting out demons, and healing the sick.
 V.9-13: Many people believed and were baptized, including Simon,
who had deceived the people with his magic
 V.14-17: When the apostles heard of the conversion of
Samaritans, they sent Peter and John there. They gave them
they laid their hands on them and the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit.

Note that Philip did not lay hands on the new believers so that
they received the Holy Spirit, and yes Peter and John who came from Jerusalem
in order to do this, for they possessed from God this gift.
FILIPE AND THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH

An angel of God commanded Philip to go to the desert, and he went. A

The Ethiopian was returning from Jerusalem to his land, reading from the book of Isaiah.
(v.26-28).

Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up to that chariot and

follow him.

 V.26-35: Philip, led by the Spirit, taught the man about Jesus
 V.36: O Ethiopian, understanding Philip's message, asked for baptism.

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  V.37-39: The condition for baptism in water: "to believe wholeheartedly
heart

The Ethiopian recognized his need for help in studying the word.
Filipe began to proclaim the Christ from where he was reading (Isaiah 53:7-8),
teaching him about Jesus from there.

Acts 9
THE FIRST RECORD OF PAUL'S CONVERSION

Here in this chapter is contained the first of the three records.

related to Paul's conversion. They are:

The First Record: Acts 9:10-19

The Second Record: Acts 22.3-21
The Third Record: Acts 26:8-23.

 V.1-2: Saul asked for letters from the high priest to the synagogues of
Damascus authorizing pursuit against the Christians there
 On the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, he encountered Jesus and
fell from the horse, becoming blind.
 V.10-16: Jesus sent Ananias to Saul

The Scope of Paul's Ministry

(Acts 9:15) - But the Lord said to him: Go, for this man is a chosen instrument for me.
instrument chosen to carry my name before the GENTILES and KINGS,
as well as before the CHILDREN OF ISRAEL;

It is in chapter 9 of Acts that it is recorded, also for the first time, the
the scope of Paul's ministry, who was called to:

. Gentiles (Non-Jews)
. Rice (Authorities)
. Children of Israel (Jews)

The other records are in Acts 22:14-15 and 26:16-22.

THE CHURCH GROWS DURING A TIME OF PEACE

 The threat of persecution by Saul ended when

he converted. The persecution by Herod has not yet
had started (Acts 12). The interval between these two periods of
persecution gave time for the church to grow: In the building of
Christians, in the relative growth of the number of disciples in churches
of the Jews, in the conversion of the first Gentiles, thus opening the

Page 15
 leads to a very fertile field (chapter 10). The key person in this
part of the story is Pedro.

Acts 10
THE RELIGIOUS DIFFICULTY OF PETER

 Cornelius, a devout and God-fearing Gentile, had a

vision in which an angel of God spoke to you that: Your prayers and
offerings were received by God. He should send messengers
a Jope to call Pedro.
 Cornelius obeyed immediately.
 V.9-13: Peter, in Joppa, had a vision in which God commanded that
he would kill and eat animals that were considered impure
by the Mosaic Law.
 V.10-22: Peter refused to eat them. The voice from heaven said: 'To what God
purified, do not consider it common.

We see that Peter refused to eat the animals considered unclean.

by the Law, even knowing that he was disobeying the vision. We see there the
Peter's resistance to leaving the customs of the Law and, consequently, to
acceptance of the Gentiles in the church, which was the real meaning of the vision. Jesus already
he had taught Peter and the other disciples that what contaminated the
a man was what came out of his mouth:

(Mark 7:18-19) - Do you not understand either? Do you not comprehend that
everything that enters a man from outside cannot contaminate him, because it does not
enters the heart, but in the womb, and goes out to a hidden place? And thus,
He considered all foods clean. - Read Mark 7:13-23

But although Jesus taught while walking with him, we see

Peter still making mistakes, on this occasion in Acts 10, and in an episode in the letter to
Galatians, recorded by Paul, in which Peter went to the church of Antioch and
he avoided eating with the Gentiles when James, one of the leaders of the church
from Jerusalem (composed mainly of converted Jews), arrived there.

When, however, Cephas [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him

face to face, because it will become reprehensible. In fact, before they arrive
some from the party of James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came,
He withdrew and, in the end, came to separate himself, fearing those of the circumcision.
Read up to v.16

Pedro was, in fact, having difficulty accepting the end of some

Jewish costumes and also the Gentiles as part of the church.

While Peter was still trying to understand the vision, the

Cornelius's messengers arrived, and the Holy Spirit told Peter to
it could be with them.

Page 16
 THE STORY AND THE TESTIMONY OF CORNELIUS

 V.23-24: Peter went with the messengers of Cornelius to Caesarea,

where Cornelius was waiting with his relatives and friends.
 V.25-26: When Peter arrived, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him.
but Pedro did not allow him to worship a man.
 V.27-29: Peter entered Cornelius' house and said that God had
shown to him that he should not consider any man
common or filthy.
 V.30-32: Cornelius recounted the story of the visit from an angel who sent
that he should send someone to Joppa to call Peter.
 The people in your house were all ready to listen to the
word of the Lord.
 V.34-35: God does not show favoritism but accepts anyone
person who obeys him.
 V.36-43: Peter recounted the story of the life of Christ, speaking of his
work, death and resurrection, and the mission of the apostles to spread the
gospel.
 V.44-46: The Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles who were listening to him.
word.
 V.46-48: Peter understood this sign from God as confirmation of
acceptance of the gentiles by God, and commanded that they go
baptized.

(Acts 10:44-46) - While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell
about all those who heard the word. And the faithful who were of the circumcision, who
they came with Peter, they were amazed, because it was also upon the gentiles
poured out THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; FOR THEY HEARD THEM SPEAKING IN
LANGUAGES and magnifying God. Then, Peter asked:

It is important to highlight that this is the second record of the book of Acts.
about baptism in the Holy Spirit, and it is an example that stands out from
first case, recorded in Acts 2.

On this occasion, the Gentiles were listening to the Word and believed so much
shape, that were instantly baptized while they were listening. Notice that
they did not have to wait - the only Christians who should wait for
baptism (to receive the Holy Spirit) were the first, for the Spirit
had not yet been given. But now, the Holy Spirit is already available for
For every believer, it is enough to believe, as happened with those in Cornelius' house.

Acts 11
THE DISCIPLES ACCEPT THE GENTILES

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  V.1-3: When Peter returned to Jerusalem, some Jewish disciples
they questioned why he entered the house of gentiles and had
stayed with them.
 Peter told the story of the events of the days
previous.
 V.17: Pedro understood that God had given the Gentiles the same
opportunity to be saved that the Jews received.
 The Jews accepted Peter's explanation and glorified the
God for the sake of the salvation of the Gentiles.

(Acts 11:15-16) - When, however, I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came upon
they, as well as about us, in the beginning. Then, I remembered the word of the
Lord, when He said: John truly baptized with water, but you will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Notice that Pedro explains that the same gift that was poured out over
they at the beginning - at Pentecost - was given to the Gentiles: the baptism in
Holy Spirit, which had the same evidence of Pentecost – the tongues.

The Curious Beginning of the Church in Antioch

 v.19-21: Some disciples scattered because of the persecution that

There came to Stephen to preach the word to the Gentiles in Antioch and
Many people were converted to the Lord.
 v.22-24: The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch, for
he was a good man, full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
 v.25-26: Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, who stayed for a
year in Antioch teaching the word together with Barnabas.
 v.26: The disciples were called Christians for the first time
in Antioquia

Acts 12
THE SECOND TRAUMATIC DEATH IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(Acts 12:1-3) - At that time, King Herod ordered some of the

church to mistreat them, executing James, the brother of
John. Seeing that this was pleasing to the Jews, he went on, also arresting the
Peter.

 According to the story, King Herod in this chapter is

Herod Agrippa I, who died in the year 44 AD. Herod gave the order
to kill Tiago, brother of João and one of the apostles.
 He arrested Peter and left him in prison with the intention of
to judge him publicly after Easter.

Page 18
 Another important preacher for the body of Christ is murdered: James.
Pedro, however, despite having been imprisoned, received God's deliverance.

What is the difference between the two cases: that of Tiago and that of Pedro?
the secret is in v.5:

Peter, therefore, was kept in prison; but there was prayer

incessant to God by the church on his behalf.

THE TESTIMONY OF GREAT DELIVERANCE IN PETER'S LIFE

 V.6: Pedro remained in prison, well guarded, until the night before the
presentation planned by Herod.
 V.7-8: God sent an angel and released him from prison
 V.9-10: The angel led Peter out of the prison and he was still not...
knew if it was real or just a vision
 V.11-12: Peter decided to go to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark,
knowing that some Christians were praying there.
 V.13-14: When he knocked on the door, Rode, the servant who answered him,
didn't open the gate, but ran to tell the other people in the
the house that Pedro had returned.
 They did not believe Rode's words.
 The people at Maria's house were amazed.
 V.17: Pedro explained what had happened, and asked them to
They informed Tiago and the apostles. (Since Tiago, the brother of João
he is already dead, this Tiago is another, he is probably the brother of Jesus -
See Galatians 1:19.
 V.25: Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem to Antioch,
taking João Marcos with him.

This chapter recounts yet another difficult period in the history of the early church.
but in the end, the pursuers are killed and the word is still being
disclosed

Acts 13
THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

 V.1: Five men worked together in teaching the gospel in

Church of Antioch.

. Barnabas;
. Simeon, by the surname Niger;
. Lucius of Cyrene;
. Manahem, the colleague of Herod, the tetrarch;
. Saul.

Page 19
 This Manahem mentioned in the church of Antioch was created with
Herod Antipas (the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to 39 A.D.)
the same one who killed John the Baptist and judged Jesus.

 V.2: "While they were serving the Lord and fasting"... they were dedicating
if the prayers, a time to worship and listen to God, when the
The Holy Spirit said to set apart Barnabas and Saul.
for the work that had already called them.
 V.3: These disciples fasted, prayed, and laid hands on
these two, and they were fired.

NEW PHASE IN THE MINISTRY OF PAULO AND BARNABÉ

We see that both Paul and Barnabas were operating in the office of
prophet, or of master, or both. However, the order of the Holy Spirit made
as if a new phase in their ministry, the apostolate, had begun:

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this...

(1 Timothy 2:7) - For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth)
truth, I do not lie), master of the Gentiles in faith and in truth.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God...

BARNABAS AND SAUL GO TO CYPRUS

 V.4-5: Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark went from Antioch to Seleucia
and they sailed to the island of Cyprus, where they entered the city of
They landed in Salamina and began to preach in the Jewish synagogues.
 They crossed the island and arrived in the city of Paphos
 In Paphos, the proconsul Sergius Paulus became interested in
word, but the magician Barjesus prevented Barnabas's work and
Saul (Proconsul was the magistrate who governed a province)
 V.9-12: Saul showed the superiority of divine power and did so
that Barjesus would not see for some time. The result of this
The miracle was that Sérgio Paulo believed in the doctrine of Christ.

And, sailing from Paphos, PAUL and his companions set out
to Perge of Pamphylia. John, however, separating from them, returned to
Jerusalem.

It is interesting to note two changes in the account here:

1. The writer began to use the name Paulo (which was mentioned in
13.9) instead of Saul.
From now on, Paulo's name is generally placed before
of your companions

Page 20
 They left Cyprus and sailed to Perge of Pamphylia.
João Marcos returned to Jerusalem

The text does not reveal the reason why Marcos returned, but it is clear,
Because of Paul's reaction in Acts 15:36-38, he abandoned them.
for some reason that Paulo did not accept.

 V.14-15: Paul and Barnabas entered a synagogue on a Saturday, and

the synagogue leaders allowed them to speak.
 V.16-41: Paul preached, starting with the story of the Jewish people
in the Old Testament, reaching the subject of salvation through
Christ.
 V.30-31: Paul declares that God raised Jesus from the dead, and
he was seen alive by many witnesses.
 V.32-37: Paul and Barnabas were preaching the gospel of
promise, showing that God had fulfilled the promise of
Old Testament (13:32-37).
 He fulfilled the prophecy of the second Psalm when he resurrected.
Jesus placed him on the throne (see Psalm 2:6-9).
 V.34: He fulfilled the promises made to David and that were
mentioned by Isaiah in a context that emphasized that grace
would be offered to all, including the Gentiles (see Isaiah 55:3 in your
) context.
 He fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 16:10 and did not leave the Holy One.
to be corrupted in death.
 V.36-37: Paul brought the same point that Peter had pointed out in
your message in Acts 2:24-36, stating that David saw corruption and
his prophecy did not belong to himself, but to Jesus (13.36-37)
 God offered salvation through Jesus and by Jesus the
people are justified by everything they could not be through the
Moses' law
The Rejection of the Jews and the Preaching to the Gentiles

Then Paul and Barnabas, speaking boldly, said:

It was necessary that the word of God should be preached to you first;
but, since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,
here we turn to the gentiles.

 V.42-43: Many of the Jews wanted to hear more, and some accepted
the gospel
 On the following Saturday, a large crowd gathered to hear
the word
 V.45: The Jews, driven by envy, contradicted the word of
Paul and Barnabas

Page 21
 V.46-52: Jews reject the Word, and Paul and Barnabas preach to the
gentiles.
 V.46-48: Many of the Gentiles accepted the word.
 V.49: The gospel was proclaimed in that region.
 The Jews persecuted Paul and Barnabas and expelled them.
from their territory. Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium. The disciples
they were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit

Acts 14
PAUL AND BARNABAS ARE PERSECUTED

 V.1: After being expelled from Antioch, Paul and Barnabas went
to Iconium, where they entered the synagogue of the Jews. A lot of people
accepted the word
 Some unbelieving Jews stirred up the crowd against Paul and
Barnabas
 The Jews prepared to stone Paul and Barnabas
 V.6-7: Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe and continued to
preach the gospel
 Listra and Derbe were cities of Lycaonia, which belonged to the region of
Galatia (see Galatians 1:2)

THE HEALING OF THE PARALYTIC WHO HAD FAITH TO BE CURED

 V.8-10: In Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been lame since birth.
birth.
 V.11-13: The people tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods.
Mercury and Jupiter.
 With difficulty, Paul and Barnabas prevented that
they adored them. They did not accept this adoration, rather they spoke
to the true God who deserves honor.

When pressed by the healing of the paralytic, Paul says that God gives
testimony about oneself doing good, bringing rain and seasons
fruit-bearing (Acts 14:17)

PAULO IS STONED
 V.19: Paul is stoned in Lystra by the Jews who came from
other parts of Galatia (Antioch and Iconium), and was given up for dead.

And you [Galatians] know that I preached the gospel to you

first time due to a physical illness. And, since my
The illness in the flesh was a temptation for you, yet you did not reveal it to me.
neither disdain nor dislike; rather, you received me as an angel of God, as
the very Christ Jesus.

Page 22
 Paul was stoned and ended up staying longer in Galatia because of
due to the consequences of stoning. It probably happened in this.
the occasion when Paul was caught up to the third heaven, paradise, and have
I have heard ineffable words, as cited in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6.

 V.20-21: The brothers surround Paul and he 'gets up' (it is understood
this expression as physical resurrection of Paul). The next day,
it was with Barnabas to Derbe, where they preached
 V.21-22: Paul returns to the cities of Galatia where he had already been.
to bear witness and encourage them to stand firm in faith even if
suffering many tribulations (Galatians 4:13-14)
 Elders were appointed in each church

Note that the elders were chosen in each church,

showing that each congregation, in the pattern of the New Testament, is
independent of the other churches. We never found an example in the New
Testament of elders in a congregation directing the work of
another church (see 1 Peter 5:1-2). The passages that speak of the
presbyters in local churches show that each church had more than one
(see Acts 20:17-28 and Philippians 1:1). In the New Testament, God gave
specific qualifications to facilitate the selection of elders (1
Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

 V.27: They spoke to the church in Antioch about the work done by
God through them
 Paul and Barnabas stayed for some time in Antioch

Acts 15
THE CONTROVERSY ABOUT CIRCUMCISION

 V.1: Some Christians from Judea (Jerusalem church, led by

Pedro, Tiago, and João went to Antioch of Syria (church led by
by Paul and Barnabas), teaching that circumcision was necessary
to be saved.
 V.2: Paul and Barnabas discussed (the Bible says there was "dispute and
not a small discussion, that is, the fight was ugly!) with these brothers
from Judea, and they decided to go to Jerusalem to talk about the problem with
the apostles and presbyters there.

The controversy over circumcision was an issue that continued for

some time in the churches of the first century. We must remember that this dispute
it arose within the churches; it was not a conflict with the unconverted Jews.

Why the concern with the law of circumcision? God had demanded it.
circumcision since Abraham, and had made a connection between circumcision and the

Page 23
covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:9-11). Some Jewish Christians thought that the
circumcision was still necessary to receive the blessings of the covenant.

 V.3: Paul, Barnabas, and some other disciples went to

Jerusalem, sharing the good news with the brothers along the way
salvation of the gentiles.
 V.4: When they arrived in Jerusalem, they reported to the Christians there the
what God had done during his missionary trip.
 V.6: The apostles and elders met to consider the
the issue of circumcision (evidently the whole church was present
to listen to the debate v.12,22).

The apostles in Jerusalem had not yet even

I stopped to think about the subject. We know this from the fact that the
apostles gathered to examine the issue, as it was a novelty
for them.

The humility and consensus of the church leaders

Just like in Acts 6, we find here another example of humility.

two spiritual leaders of the church in Jerusalem: gathered to examine the
question! They were not inflexible, nor arbitrary. They acknowledged their lack of
domain regarding the subject, and went to 'examine the issue'.

 V.7: There was great debate - it was not a great preaching, a

great teaching, a great imposition, it was a great DEBATE
about the subject.
 V.7-11: Peter reminded the brothers of his work among the Gentiles,
emphasizing the fact that God had granted the Holy Spirit to
they to confirm that they were saved.

The spiritual (or religious) experience that the Jew and the Gentile must have
with God it is: "the purification of the HEARTS through faith" (v.9). If God does not do
distinction between Jews and Gentiles and purifies by faith the heart of both,
So, upon the necks of Christ's disciples, an unbearable yoke is a
a way to test God (v.10).

 V.12: Paul and Barnabas recounted the miracles performed by God

among the Gentiles, showing that his work was blessed by him.
 James cited the words of Amos 9:11-12, which had
prophesied the salvation of the Gentiles
 V.19-21: James suggested that the Gentiles be required to keep
only the following commandments:

. Abstain from idolatry

Page 24
 . Refrain from illicit sexual relations
. Do not eat blood (or suffocated animals)

 V.22-29: The church decided to send a letter by the hands of Paul,

Barnabas, Silas, and Judas Barsabbas to correct the false teaching
that started with some brothers from Jerusalem.

The apostles and elders gathered, examined the matter, Peter

gave a word, Barnabas and Paul shared their testimony, James also.
spoke at the assembly, so after all this, the final result seemed good
to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church (Acts 15:6,7,12,13,22).

Note that the church in Jerusalem was not making laws or rules,
but tried to solve a problem that started there.

HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY

The text of Acts 15 recounts an extensive debate, but only at the end of the
the story goes that 'it seemed good to the apostles and to the elders with
the whole church" (v.22) and that those involved "reached full agreement" (v.25) and
also that "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us" (v.28). At the end of the
debate! And not before all the parties involved express themselves freely
your thoughts.

It is interesting to note that the Bible only says that "it seemed
well to the Holy Spirit" AFTER it says that everyone had arrived "fully
agreement." The very expression of the one who gives the final word, Tiago, demonstrates
respect for the people present and involved in the debate regarding the issue
doctrinal

Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those who,

among the Gentiles, they convert to God.

Look:

. there was a great debate

. I judge
. "it seemed good to the apostles" (v.22)
. It seemed good to us, having reached full agreement.
. "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us" (v.28)
. it seemed good to Silas to stay there
. Paul wanted Timothy to go with him
. decisions made by the apostles and elders in
Jerusalem (Acts 16:5)

All the expressions mentioned above point to a truth

unquestionable presented throughout the book of Acts: the importance of decision and
the human responsibility in all things of life.

Page 25
  They took the letter to Antioch. The Christians of Antioch
they rejoiced because of the letter. After some time, Judas
returned to Jerusalem. Silas, Paul, and Barnabas stayed in Antioch.

THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY

 V.36-39: Paul and Barnabas disagreed about John Mark.

Barnabas wanted to take Mark, but Paul did not trust him because he
he had abandoned on the first journey (see Acts 13:13). Barnabas
he took Marcos with him and sailed to Cyprus.
 V.40-41: Paul took Silas with him and went by land to the regions
that they had visited on the first trip.

Acts 16

THE STRATEGIC CIRCUMCISION OF TIMOTHY

 Paul and Silas passed through Derbe and Lystra, where they found
a disciple named Timothy, a young man of good reputation among the
Christians of the region, son of a Jewish Christian mother and a Greek (Gentile) father.
 V.3: When Paul decided to take Timothy with him, he went
circumcised so as not to hinder the work among the Jews who were
very prejudiced.

Paul circumcises Timothy as an evangelistic strategy towards the

Jews from the region where he lived, and not for issues related to salvation.
or the faith (See: Galatians 2:3-5, 1 Corinthians 9:18-23).

 Paul and his companions communicated to the churches the

decisions of the brothers in Jerusalem regarding circumcision, etc.
 V.6-7: Paul and his companions are prevented by the Holy Spirit
to preach the Word twice in a row in the same record
biblical.
 In a vision, Paul saw a man who invited him to
Macedonia.

It is worth noting that for them to have been prevented from preaching, it is
because they weren't at home asking whether they should go out or not
to minister the Word to someone, and yes because they were in full activity and
they needed to be stopped by God to hear about a direction
specific for that occasion.

Page 26
 If the Christian is following a project in their life and God does not...
stop sending, there is no reason to walk insecure about the future. If God me
if you tell me to do or stop something, I simply obey, because I know that
he cares about me and takes care of me, and I can trust him. We should be
guided by God both by what he says and by what he does not say.

 V.11-15: Lydia converted when she heard the gospel in Philippi,

a city in Macedonia.
 V.16-18: Paul expelled the spirit of divination from a young woman
 V.19-24: The people who had profited because of the 'prophecies'
Then they took Paul and Silas to the authorities, who scourged them and
they were launched in prison.

THE DELIVERANCE OF GOD FOR PAUL AND SILAS

Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and

They sang praises to God, and the other prison companions
they listened. Suddenly, such an earthquake came that shook the
foundations of the prison; all the doors were opened, and the chains were loosened from
everyone.

 V.25-26: An earthquake set Paul and Silas free from prison while
they praised the Lord.
 V.27: The jailer tried to commit suicide.
 V.28-30: Paul prevented him from committing suicide, and the man
He asked: 'Gentlemen, what must I do to be saved?'

BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS AND YOU WILL BE SAVED YOU AND YOUR HOUSE

(Acts 16:30-31) - Then he brought them outside and said: Sirs, what must I do
do what is necessary to be saved? They answered him: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be
Save, you and your house.

 V.31-32: Paul said that he needed to believe in Jesus, and then

he preached to him and his family about Jesus (16:31-32).
 V.33-34: The jailer and his family heard the preaching, believed and
they were baptized at the same time at night and rejoiced in Christ

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31) is a

text still misinterpreted today, where some people think that Paul meant
to say that if one family member is saved, all will automatically be saved,
for, as they judge, everyone will be 'under the promise'. However, this
Paulo's statement was made in a specific situation, for a reason.
specific, and it was not a promise, neither for the jailer, nor
for your relatives, let alone for evangelicals in general.

Page 27
 The prisoner's relatives were present with him listening to Paul and
Silas spoke of the gospel, which is why Paul told the jailer and relatives:
Believe in the Lord and you will be saved, you and your house, and as the next verse says: 'and he
"they preached the word of God and to ALL HIS HOUSE" (v.31-32).

(Acts 16:33) - Then he was baptized, and ALL HIS HOUSEHOLD.

(Acts 16:34b) - WITH ALL HIS household he showed great joy, because
TEREM believed in God

Everyone was present, everyone heard, everyone believed, everyone went

Baptized, everyone was happy.

 V.35-39: The next day, Paul insisted that the very praetors
they delivered, thus reminding these government officials about
your rights according to the law.
 Paul and Silas went to Lydia's house to comfort the
brothers before leaving Philippi

Acts 17
PAUL AND SILAS IN THESSALONICA

 V.1: Paul and his companions passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia
before arriving in Thessalonica.
 Paul began to teach in a synagogue about Jesus, his
death and resurrection.
 V.4: Some Jews, many Greeks, and many women were
convinced by Paul's preaching.
 V.5: A group of Jews stirred up the crowd and tried to arrest Paul and
your colleagues.
 V.6-7: When they did not find these men, the Jews arrested
Jason (Christian who sheltered Paul and Silas in Thessalonica) and some
other brothers, claiming disrespect for Caesar's authority, by
proclaim Jesus as King.
 Jasom and the others were released after posting bail, but the
the people became agitated due to the accusations made against these
disciples

This reaction of the people against Paul prevented the continuation of his
I work in Thessaloniki, and he went to other places, leaving the newcomers.
the converted continued the work (see 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8)

THE NOBILITY OF THE BEREAN BELIEVERS

Page 28
 (Acts 17:11) - Now the Bereans were of more noble character than those in
Thessalonica; for they received the word with all eagerness, examining the
Writings every day to see if things were, in fact, like that.

The much-discussed nobility of the believer who is discipled in doctrine: to receive

word “with eagerness, examining the Scriptures to see if things were,
fact, like this.

 V.10-11: The brothers from Thessalonica sent Paul and Silas to

Berea
 Many people in Berea believed.
 V.13-15: When the pursuers from Thessalonica arrived, Paul
he went to Athens, leaving Silas and Timothy in Berea.
 V.13: The jealousy of the religious Jews and their persecution against the
preaching of the word by Paul (see also Acts 17:5)

PAUL PREACHES THE WORD IN ATHENS

 V.16-17: Paul was stirred up in the face of idolatry in Athens, and taught
in the synagogue
 V.18-21: Some philosophers brought Paul to the Areopagus and the
they questioned about your new doctrine.
 V.22-31: Paul began with the idolatry of the Athenians and preached
about the true God

The grand speech by Paul recorded in this chapter took place in

Athens, cultural capital of the ancient world, speaking about greatness and goodness
of God, the creator and sustainer of all things and all human life. He
made use of an inscription taken from a pagan temple to serve as the initial basis
for your approach: 'the unknown God'. Perhaps, even, this very one
God is still unknown to many so-called 'evangelicals', for
it wouldn't be difficult for some Christians to find Paul's approach strange regarding
about the character and goodness of God in this text. Paul says that:

God gives ALL (not just Christians or Jews) life, breath and
everything else” (v.25);
2. "God made ALL of humankind from a single man" (v.26);
3. 'God made humanity (all) to seek God' (v.27);
4. 'God is not far from any human being at all.'
importing whether he is Jewish, Gentile, Brazilian or Israeli (v.27);
5. "all men live, move and exist in God" (v.28);
6. "some poets say biblical things, such as: we are
generation of God (v.28);

It is important to consider that a place so full of idolatry like

Athens, so influenced by deceitful spirits, was not the subject of "war".
spiritual" from Paul and his ministry companions, but what he

Page 29
it was to SPEAK even more the word of God (v.16-17), to the point of being called
from TAGARELA (v.18).
(1 Corinthians 1:21) - It pleased God to save those who believe through the foolishness of
PREACHING

You will not find any type of in the book of Acts anywhere.
prayer of 'spiritual warfare' by the church, even in cities where there was
the clear presence of demons influencing the people and the local society.

 V.32-34: The crowd was divided in its reaction to Paul's preaching:

Some mocked and others considered the words of Paul and
they believed in Jesus

Acts 18
PAUL IN CORINTH

 Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

 There, Paul found Aquila and Priscilla, who were builders.
from shops, and he lived and worked with them.

(Acts 18:3) - And since they were of the same trade, he stayed with them and
ALI WORKED, as their profession was to make tents.

Some people cite verse 3 of this chapter in a supposed defense.

the idea that the minister of the gospel should work secularly to
to sustain, however, they do not notice the 'curious' statement that Lucas makes in
verse 5, right after:

(Acts 18:5) - When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul SE
Surrendered completely to the word...

Although we cannot provide a more detailed dissertation on the

The subject in this booklet, the basic rule is the one that was left by the Lord when
he said that "those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel" (1 Corinthians)
9.14) any and all exceptions are merely circumstantial and every man or
A woman of God should act with wisdom in each case and conduct herself accordingly.
with what situation to ask.

 V.4: Paul entered the synagogue every Saturday and convinced many.
Jews about the truth regarding Jesus.
 V.5: When Silas and Timothy arrived, Paul devoted himself completely
to the work of preaching the gospel
 When the Jews rejected his message about the Christ, he
he left the synagogue and said he would preach to the Gentiles.
 V.7-8: He entered the house of Titius Justus. Crispus, the chief of the...
synagogue, and his family, were converted

Page 30
  In a vision, God spoke to Paul, saying that he does not
I should give up the job in Corinth.
 V.11: Paul stayed 18 months in Corinth preaching the word.

PAULO AND THE LAW

(Acts 18:12-13) - But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up
the Jews, agreeing, turned against Paul and brought him to the court, saying: This
persuade men to worship God in a way contrary to the law.

Interesting statement about what Paul did with his

preaching: " persuades men to worship God in a manner contrary to the law"
(v.13).

Two other texts from the Book of Acts that are somewhat related to this.
they are:

We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this
place and will change the customs that Moses gave us.

And also:

(Acts 21:20-21) - You see, brother [Paul], how many tens of thousands there are
among the Jews who believed, and they are all zealous for the law; and they were informed to
your respect that you teach all the Jews among the Gentiles to apostatize from
Moses, telling them that they should not circumcise the children, nor walk according to
the customs of the law.

The biblical truth regarding the change of the Law was confirmed by
Paul clearly and directly in his letter to the Galatians, and there we highlight the
Next verse:

[the Law] was added [in the history of God's people] because
the transgressions, UNTIL the descendant to whom the promise was made came.

Well:

...the end of the Law is Christ, for the righteousness of everyone who believes.

 V.14-16: Gallio refused to involve himself in the conflict of the Jews over
his laws, and expelled them from the court.
 Paul stayed a long time in Corinth, and then began to
return to Antioch in Syria.

APOLLO: A ELOQUENT AND POWERFUL MAN IN SPEECH

 V.18-21: Priscilla and Aquila accompanied Paul to Ephesus, where he

did not stay for long.

Page 31
 Verse 18 mentions a vow made by Paul, but we know a lot
a little about this. The votes of the Jews were voluntary. Paul,
evidently, it was not against the participation of Jewish customs by
Jews (1 Corinthians 9:20), but did not allow the Gentiles to be forced to
to keep the law of Moses

 V.22: The Ephesians asked Paul to stay longer with

they, but he did not stay. He promised to return if God wills.
passed through Caesarea and Jerusalem before completing the journey where
it had begun in Antioch of Syria.
 V.23: Paul left Antioch and visited the disciples in the regions of
Galatia and Phrygia
 V.24-28: Apollos preached about Jesus in Ephesus, and Priscilla and Aquila
they corrected his education.

In the last part of this chapter, Apollo is mentioned for the first time in the text.
biblical as a "man eloquent and powerful in the Scriptures, instructed in
way of the Lord, fervent in spirit, who spoke and taught precisely
concerning Jesus, knowing ONLY the baptism of John

He [Paul] began to speak boldly in the synagogue.

However, upon hearing him, Priscilla and Aquila [Paul's ministerial companions],
they took him with them and, more precisely, showed him the way to
God.

The text of Acts 18:24-28 shows us something very interesting: Apollos,

preacher, a master powerful in the Scriptures, did not have EXACTLY (V.26) the
the same vision as Paul's ministerial companions, however, they
they recognized in him the gift of God and considered him important for the
Body, encouraging him to travel and preach in friendly churches and still writing
for your friends so that they would receive him (v.27), which implies
a dignified and honorable treatment.

Acts 19
ANOTHER RECORD OF BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

 V.1: Apollo went to Corinth, and Paul, arriving in Ephesus, found

some disciples.
 V.2-3: Paul discovered that these disciples had not heard about
the existence of the Holy Spirit, and that they had been baptized only
at the baptism of John.
 He explained that Jesus had fulfilled his mission, and they
they were baptized in the name of Jesus.
 V.6-7: Paul laid his hands on them and these 12 men
received the Holy Spirit.

Page 32
 Another passage from the book of Acts that deals with baptism in the Spirit
The Holy Spirit is here in Acts 19:1-7. Is it possible to receive the Holy Spirit right away?
when one believes in Jesus, it is also possible not to receive, everything goes
depends on what the person hears in the initial preaching that is done to them. The
questions "did you receive the Holy Spirit?" and "were you baptized?" refer to
same thing.

PAUL AND HIS SEASON IN EPHESUS

 V.8: Paul taught in the synagogue for three months

 V.9-10: Because of the opposition of some Jews, he left the
synagogue and continued his work at the school in Tirano
 He taught at the school in Tirano for more than two years.
the result was that all the inhabitants of the region heard the word
 V.13-17: Some Jews (sons of Cephas) tried to use the name of
Jesus (like magic words) to expel demons, but the
evil spirit attacked them. The result was that the people respected
even more the name of Jesus.
 V.18-20: The Ephesians showed their repentance by burning their
books of magical arts. All these books together were valued at
50,000 denarii. (1 denarius = the salary of one day's work - see
Matthew 20:2

In Acts 18:18 it says that 'many of those who believed came confessing
publicly their own works," however, they did not do this to
"to free oneself" from something related to the past, nor to "break".
some kind of pact, but they did it as a personal testimony, encouraging the
others and glorifying the Lord Jesus.

An interesting point to note in the problem that arose because of

from 'Diana of the Ephesians' (Acts 19:1, 18, 19, 23-40) is that Paul and the ministers
those who accompanied him did not behave inappropriately, aggressively
against the faith of the inhabitants of Ephesus, nor even against Diana herself, so much
It's that the city clerk coming to their defense said: "these men do not
they are sacrilegious, nor have they blasphemed against our goddess" (Acts 19:37).

Here also begins the record of a very interesting story in

Paul's life about commitment to the ministry and divine guidance in life.

(Acts 19:21) - PAUL PURPOSED IN HIS SPIRIT to go to Jerusalem,

passing through Macedonia and Achaia, considering that after having been
he was also interested in seeing Rome.

In the next chapters, some other information about the subject.

will be added and will bring even more light regarding the importance of this
spiritual decision that Paul made at this moment.

Page 33
 V.21-22: Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia, and he stayed
more time in Ephesus
 V.23-28: Demetrius, one of the men who made images of Diana,
He stirred the crowd, because the doctrine that Paul taught was against the
idolatry.
 V.29: The confused crowd seized Gaius and Aristarchus, companions of
Paul.
 V.30-32: The disciples did not allow Paul to speak,
recognizing the danger in the midst of confusion.
 V.33-34: Alexander, a Jew, tried to speak to the crowd, but the people
he did not let him speak. The crowd shouted for two hours: "Great is the
Diana of the Ephesians.
 V.35-40: The town clerk managed to calm the crowd.

Acts 20
THE THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY OF PAUL

 Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and Greece.

 V.3: Paul learned of a trap planned by some Jews,
and decided to return through Macedonia to Asia.
 V.4-6: The people who accompanied Paul went to Troas and the
they waited there.
 V.6-7: After spending a week in Troas, Paul and his
companions gathered with the disciples on the first day of
week to participate together in the Lord's Supper.
 V.7-9: When Paul continued his preaching until midnight, a
a young man named Eutychus fell asleep and fell from a third-story window
walked and died.
 V.10-12: Paul resurrected him and stayed with the disciples until the day
next.
 V.13-16: Paul, who had gone by land, joined Lucas and his
other companions in Assos, and continued by ship to Miletus. He
was in a hurry, wanting to arrive in Jerusalem before the day of
Pentecost.
 He called the elders [the leaders] of the church of Ephesus
 In the conversation with these bishops, Paul emphasized several
important points:

1. V.18-21: He cited the example of his work with the Ephesians,

saying that you didn't stop talking about the beneficial things regarding
Jesus.

Page 34
 2. V.22-25: Paul said that he knew he would encounter trials and
chains in Jerusalem, and would not see the faces of
Ephesians.

3. V.26-27: He declared himself innocent of the blood of the Ephesians,

why did you not omit anything from the gospel of Jesus in your
preaching.

4. V.28-31: Paul said that the elders would have to take good care
of the flock. He warned that problems and false teachings
iam, even among the bishops

 V.36-38: They prayed together, and the bishops accompanied Paul to the
ship, where they said goodbye to him with great sadness.

PAUL AND THE INNER TESTIMONY

And now, COMPELLED BY MY SPIRIT, I am going to

Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit,
from city to city, assures me that chains and tribulations await me.

In Acts 19:21 the Bible says that 'Paul resolved in his spirit to go to...'
Jerusalem. Here, in Acts 20:22, we see that he said he would go to Jerusalem.
because he was 'distressed in his spirit'. The Holy Spirit assures him
chains, tribulations, but Paul associates the fulfillment of God's will
for your life to the obedience to this 'contrition' or 'resolution' in your own
interior.

Acts 21
THE JOURNEY OF PAUL TO JERUSALEM

 V.1-6: Paul and his companions passed through Cos, Rhodes and
They set sail and boarded another ship that took them to Tyre, where
They stayed seven days with the brothers.
 In Tyre, the disciples recommended to Paul not to go to
Jerusalem, but after a few days he and his companions
they continued their journey.
 V.7-14: They spent a day with the brothers in Ptolemaida and
They stayed for some time at Filipe's house in Caesarea.

This is the same Philip who served the widows in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5) and
that preached in Samaria (Acts 8 - see especially 8:40, where he arrived at
César). It seems that he had stayed a long time - maybe 20 years - in
same place.

 V.10-11: Agabus, a prophet from Jerusalem (see Acts 11:27-28), said

that Paul would be arrested in Jerusalem.

Page 35
 While we were there for several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
called Agabus; and when he came to us, taking Paul's belt, he bound himself with it
he his own feet and hands, declared: THIS SAYS THE HOLY SPIRIT: Thus
the Jews, in Jerusalem, will do to the owner of this belt and hand him over
of the Gentiles.

The prophet declared: "This says the Holy Spirit: the Jews will arrest the
Paul in Jerusalem, however, Paul already knew these things, for as he
even said in Acts 20:23 that the "Holy Spirit was assuring him that from city
"in the city, chains and tribulations awaited you." Note that going through
tribulations or even chains, is not an evident proof that you are
in sin or out of the will of God.

 V.12-14: After the prophet's word to the companions of

Paul was urged not to go to Jerusalem.
even though they already knew that it was indeed the will of God
for Paulo's life. But he said he was prepared even for
to die for Christ.
 They went up to Jerusalem.

THE SUFFERINGS OF PAUL IN JERUSALEM

 V.17-19: The Christians in Jerusalem accepted Paul, and he spoke with

Tiago and the elders about the work among the Gentiles.
 V.20-24: The brothers from Jerusalem spoke to Paul about
some people who had received information from others that
he was trying to destroy the customs of the law of Moses, and
They suggested that he be purified in the temple with some others.
men, to show that he was not opposed to Jewish practices.
 V.26: Paul accepted the advice and entered the temple with the others.
men to be purified (see 1 Corinthians 9:20)
 V.27-31: The Jews from Asia, thinking that Paul had brought a
the crowd at the temple stirred up the multitude and tried to kill him.
 V.31-36: The commander who was responsible for maintaining the
peace in Jerusalem, heard about the commotion and took Paul out of the midst
of the crowd.

From Acts 21:27-36 and many other chapters ahead, Paul

will go through many persecutions, chains, and tribulations, as he himself has already
informed by the Holy Spirit beforehand.

. the Jews stirred up the crowd and seized Paul

. "they grabbed Paulo and dragged him out of the temple" (v.30);
. they sought to kill him
. Upon seeing the commander, the soldiers stopped beating.
Paulo (v.32);

Page 36
 . The commander ordered that Paulo be chained with two
chains (v.33);
. "Upon reaching the stairs, it was necessary for the soldiers to help him"
they were carrying, because of the violence of the crowd” (v.35);
. The crowd was following Paul shouting: kill him!

Expressions like these that are found in this portion of the Scriptures,
are easily found when the ministry of Paul and the impact it
causas are mentioned.

 V.37-40: Paul asked the commander for permission to speak with the
crowd.

Acts 22
PAUL'S DEFENSE BEFORE THE PEOPLE

 V.1-2: When Paul began to speak in the Hebrew language, the people
he paid attention to his defense.
 He explained his own story, talking about the instruction he
received from Gamaliel, and how he had persecuted the Christians.
 V.6-16: He spoke of the vision he had of Jesus on the way to
Damascus, saying that Jesus sent him to Damascus to know the
what should I do.

MORE ABOUT THE SCOPE OF PAUL'S MINISTRY

Then he said: The God of our fathers has beforehand appointed you
you chose to know his will, to see the Just and to hear a voice from the
your own mouth, for you will have to be your witness BEFORE ALL
THE MEN, of the things you have seen and heard.

Some Christian writers have said that some of Paul's sufferings

they were coming from his obstinacy in wanting to preach to the Jews and that,
that is why he unnecessarily suffered for being outside the will of God in
relationship to your ministry that should supposedly be directed 'towards the
gentiles." But this is not true, as has already been said, the scope of
Paul's ministry extended to Jews and Gentiles, as it is indeed mentioned.
here in Acts 22:15: 'you will be a witness before ALL men'
also confirmed by the other passage that speaks about the call and
ministry of Paul, Acts 9:15 and also Acts 26:16-22, when Paul recounts the
words of Jesus that he said to you:

...that is why I appeared to you, to appoint you as a minister and

witness... delivering you from the people [Jews] and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you
shipment.

Page 37
 So that there is no doubt regarding what this last passage is
to be honest, we need to understand that when Jesus said 'for the
which I send to you,” he was not referring only to the Gentiles, as to the
the construction of the sentence could imply, but what he means is: 'I you'
I will help you and deliver you from the people to whom I will send you, both Jews (the
people), like gentiles.”

So much is this the meaning that Paul himself, in the continuation of the text,
confirm this by saying:
(ACTS 26:19-20) - THEREFORE, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision.
heavenly, but I FIRST ANNOUNCED to those in Damascus and IN JERUSALEM,
Throughout the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they would repent.
and if they converted to God, performing works worthy of repentance.

Paul says: 'I announced to those in Jerusalem AND TO THE GENTILES' making there a
distinction between two groups of people. Then, he mentions the protection about
to whom Jesus had spoken in verses 16 and 17:

(Acts 26:21-22) - For this reason, some JEWS seized me while I was
in the temple, and they TRIED TO KILL ME. But, REACHING HELP FROM
GOD, I REMAIN until this day, WITNESSING, both to
small as well as great, saying nothing except what the prophets and Moses
they said it was meant to happen,

Remember what Jesus had said: 'I appeared to you [Paul]'

to appoint a minister and witness, freeing you from the people [Jews] and from the Gentiles,
for whom [Jews and Gentiles] I send you.

The fact that Paul 'glorifies his ministry among the Gentiles' (Romans
11.13) does not cause the scope of the ministry that God has granted you to
summary exclusively to the Gentiles!

 V.22-23: When Paul spoke of the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles,
the crowd began to shout again to demand his death
apostle.
 V.24: The commander ordered that Paul be flogged to find out the
crime delete.
 V.25-29: Paul escaped being scourged by using his rights.
Roman citizen.
 V.30: The commander in Jerusalem called the Sanhedrin to convene
your accusations against Paulo.

Acts 23
THE DEFENSE OF PAUL BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN

Page 38
  V.1: Paulo began to make his defense, saying that he had always
acted with a clear conscience before God.
 V.2: Ananias, the high priest, commanded those who were near
Paulo would hit him in the mouth.
 V.3: Paul rebuked him, saying that Ananias would be struck down by God
 V.4-5: When Paul was accused of speaking ill of the high priest,
he said he didn't know he was the high priest
 V.6-9: Paul realized that the Sanhedrin would not let him do his
defense, then he incited a controversy among them for his
the assertion that your "crime" was believing in the resurrection of the dead
 The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, nor in angels.
or the spirits
 V.9: The Pharisees, who believed in all these doctrines, did not
they considered Paulo guilty
 V.10: The commander ordered the guard to take Paulo out of the middle of the
Sanhedrin to protect him.

JESUS APPEARS TO PAUL

The Lord, standing by [Paul], said: take courage! For from

the reason you bore witness to me in Jerusalem, thus it is necessary
that you also do it in Rome.

In verse 11 of this chapter, the biblical text confirms what we should already
know: Paulo was not outside of God's will when trying to minister to the Jews
or when trying to go to Jerusalem, as some have suggested, on the contrary,
he was doing exactly what Jesus wanted him to do.

Chapter 23 records more suffering, persecution, and tribulation.

through which Paul went because of his ministry. (Read vs. 2, 10, 12-15, 35)

Acts 24
ACCUSATIONS OF THE JEWS AGAINST PAUL

 Ananias arrived with the speaker Tertullus to make the accusations

against Paulo.
 Tértulo gave an eloquent speech, trying to win favor from
Félix against Paulo.
 He spoke of Félix's excellent and benevolent administration.
(24:2-3).

According to history, Félix was not a good governor, but a

cruel man who took advantage of his position to mistreat other people. The
the insincere praise given by Tertullus illustrates that the Jews who accused Paul did not
they cared about the truth.

Page 39
  V.10: Paulo, for his part, only commented on the fact that Félix
had judged the nation for many years, and did not speak of the quality
from your administration.
 V.4-6: Tértulo said that Paul promoted conflict among the Jews in
whole world and attempted to profane the temple.
 He described the intervention of Claudius Lysias as a
act of violence to obstruct the fair process of the law of the Jews
 The Jews agreed with the accusations made against Paul.

PAULO MAKES HIS DEFENSE BEFORE FÉLIX

 V.11-16: Paul explained that he hadn't stirred anyone during the

few days he was in Jerusalem. He denied the accusations of
Tértulo, saying that the difference between him and the Jews was not about
the law, but about the resurrection of the dead, which Paul preached and
some of the Jews were denying
 V.17-21: He explained that his visit to Jerusalem was to bring
ask the people there, and make an offer at the temple, showing the
injustice of the Jews
 V.19: The people who stirred up the riot in Jerusalem did not
they appeared to make the accusations.
 V.21: He only admitted one offense: Preaching the doctrine of
resurrection.
 V.22: Félix did not judge Paulo's case, saying that he would leave it until the
arrival of Cláudio Lísias.
 V.23: Paulo was imprisoned, but with quite a lot of freedom.
 V.24-25: Felix and his wife, Drusilla*, listened to Paul's words.
about faith in Jesus. Félix became afraid when Paul spoke of the
forthcoming judgment. Drusilla, Félix's wife, was Jewish, daughter of Herod
Agrippa I (who died in chapter 12) and sister of Herod Agrippa II and
Berenice (v.23).
 V.26-27: Expecting Paul to give money to buy his
freedom, Félix kept him imprisoned for the last two years that
served as governor.
 More sufferings that Paul endured: verses 1, 22, 26, 27.

FAITH IN CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL OF PAUL

...sent for Paul and began to listen to him about

of faith in Christ Jesus. He was discussing JUSTICE, of
SELF-CONTROL and of the COMING JUDGMENT, Félix was frightened

A succinct exposition of what faith in Christ is according to the gospel

that Paul preached: 'justice, self-control, and coming judgment.'

Acts 25
Page 40
 PAULO DEFENDS HIMSELF BEFORE GOVERNOR FESTO

 V.1-3: When Festus took over the governorship from Felix, he visited
Jerusalem and the Jewish leaders asked him to send Paul to
Jerusalem.
 V.4-6: Festo said that he would hear the accusations of the Jews against
Paul in Caesarea, and they went down to Caesarea after 8 or
10 days
 V.6-8: Festus called Paul, and the Jews made many accusations.
against him.
 V.9: Festus, wanting to use Paul to gain the support of the Jews,
suggested that he be tried in Jerusalem.
 V.10-11: Paul, already knowing that the Jews were going to kill him, appealed to
Cesar to avoid being sent back to Jerusalem
 V.12: Festo, according to Roman law, yielded to the appeal and said
that Paul would go to Caesar
 V.13: Herod Agrippa II and his sister, Berenice, visited Festus in
Cesaréia
 V.14-21: Festus took the opportunity and spoke to Agrippa about the
case of Paulo
 V.22: Agrippa said that he would like to hear Paul.
 V.23-27: Festus presented Paul and explained his case, saying that
I had not found him guilty of murder, and I did not know how to explain the case to
César.

Highlight for more records of Paul's sufferings: VS. 1-3,7,9-11

Acts 26
The text talks again about Paul's conversion as it had been done in
chapter 9 and 22 and also speaks about your testimony to King Agrippa.

 V.1-3: Paul greeted King Agrippa, saying that he had a good

knowledge of the laws of the Jews. (The family of the Herods, who were
Edomites, converted to Judaism during the years between the Old and
the New Testament. Agrippa I, the father of the king who heard Paul here, was
zealous for the cause of the Pharisees
 V.4-7: Paul explained that he still believed in the same promise
and had the same hope as the other Jews, especially the
Pharisees (26:4-7).
 V.8: He highlighted the fundamental truth of the gospel that he
preached: the doctrine of resurrection (26:8).
 V.9-11: Paul showed that he understood the position of the Jews,
because he himself had persecuted the Christians.

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  He told the story of his meeting with Jesus in
road to Damascus.
 V.19-21: He said that he obeyed the instructions of Jesus and was arrested in
Jerusalem because of this preaching
 V.22-23: He said that God would protect him, allowing him to preach to various
people to show that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old
Will.

See that God was fulfilling Paul's calling regarding the

the fact that he was chosen to preach to kings! (Acts 9:15)

The explanation given by Paulo here shows that life, death and
the resurrection of Jesus was necessary to fulfill the plan and the prophecies of
Old Testament (see Luke 24:25-27, 44-48).

 V.24: Festo interrupted Paulo's defense, saying that he was

crazy because of too much studying.
 V.25-29: Paul said that he spoke the truth about known facts.
King Agrippa recognized that Paul would convert him to Christ
 V.30-32: Agrippa, like Claudius (Acts 23:29) and Festus (Acts 25:25),
concluded that Paulo had done nothing to deserve death.

Acts 27
PAUL'S JOURNEY TO ROME AND THE SHIPWRECK

 V.1-2: Paul was delivered to Julius, a centurion, and was accompanied

by Aristarchus of Thessalonica and Luke*

The last part of the book of Acts in which Luke is with Paul.
(we know because he always speaks of 'us', thus including the author of the book in the
The narrative is from Acts 27:1 to 28:15.

 V.9: Navigation has become difficult and dangerous, because winter, with
its strong winds were already approaching. The time of the Day of Fasting
(Day of Atonement) had already passed. This special day was observed
in the month of October.
 V.9-20: The centurion had to choose between Paul's advice,
a prisoner, and the sailors. He rejected Paul's warning and
decided to continue the journey a little longer. They continued nearby
from the coast of Crete, until a strong wind led the ship south,
in the direction of Africa. After a few days without seeing the sun or
stars, they became desperate
 V.21-26: Paul spoke to the people on the ship, saying that an angel
I had revealed to him that the ship would be destroyed, but that all
the people would survive.

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  V.27-44: There was the shipwreck, but everyone arrived alive on land,
exactly as Paul had predicted.

Highlight other sufferings of Paul: Vs. 1-2, 9-10, 14-20, 27-31,

39-44.

Even in the midst of suffering, Paul was always aware of the

grace of God in your favor and was able to experience divine assistance in all things
situations:

Gentlemen, I see that the voyage will be arduous, with damage and
a lot of damage, not only to the cargo and the ship, but also to our lives.

Gentlemen, indeed, it was necessary for you to have listened to me and not
to leave Crete, to avoid this damage and loss, but now I advise you
good cheer, for tonight an angel of God, to whom I belong and
who I serve, was with me, saying: Paul, do not be afraid! It is necessary that
appear before Caesar, and behold, God, by His grace, has given you all
how many sail with you. Therefore, gentlemen, take heart, for I
I trust in God that it will happen as it has been told to me.

Acts 28
PAUL ON THE ISLAND OF MALTA

 The people of the island of Malta welcomed the victims of the disaster.
 V.3-4: When Paul was bitten by a snake, the inhabitants of the island
they concluded that he was a murderer being punished for his crimes
 V.5-6: When they saw that he did not suffer anything, they arrived at
conclusion that he was a God.

Upon seeing so much suffering that Paul went through, some believers
They could think the same thing that the barbarians said upon seeing him being
bitten by a venomous snake

Certainly, this man is a murderer, because, saved from

but the Justice does not let him live

It is exactly like this, as those barbarians, that many religious people

They think: "Someone must be at fault for something if so many bad things happen to him/her."
happen repeatedly" and then change their minds, if by chance the
situation changes:

(Acts 28:5-6) - but he, shaking off the reptile into the fire, suffered no harm,
but they expected him to either swell up or drop dead suddenly. But,
after much waiting, SEEING that no harm was befalling him, CHANGING FROM
APPEARANCE, they said he was a god.

PAUL ARRIVES TO PREACH IN ROME AS A PRISONER

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  V.11: After wintering in Malta, they went to Rome
 It was allowed for Paulo to live in a rented house with a
soldier or guarding (see 28.30)
 V.17-22: Paul summoned the Jewish leaders in Rome and explained that
he was arrested because of his faith in the hope of Israel.
 V.23-29: A large number of Jews gathered at Paul's house,
and he tried to convince them about Jesus. There was a division
among the Jews, some believing and others rejecting the word.
 V.30-31: Paul remained a prisoner in Rome for two years,
but with the freedom to preach and teach about Jesus in their home.

The optimistic way the book of Acts concludes is quite encouraging,

but despite all the difficulties, the final record was that:

For two years, Paul stayed in his own rented house,

he rented a place, where he received all who sought him, preaching the kingdom of God, and,
with all boldness, without any hindrance, he taught the things related
to Lord Jesus Christ.

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