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Paul Speaks About the True God
In Acts 17:16-34, Paul was in Athens and saw that the city was full of idols. He began teaching about Jesus, and some philosophers invited him to speak at a place called the Areopagus. Paul told them that the true God, who made everything, does not live in temples or need human help. He explained that God wants everyone to seek Him and that He proved His power by raising Jesus from the dead. Some people mocked him, but others were curious and wanted to hear more. A few believed and began following Jesus.
God’s Power in Ephesus
In Acts 19:1-20, Paul arrived in Ephesus and met some believers who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. After he prayed for them, they were filled with the Spirit and spoke in new languages. Paul stayed in the city, teaching about Jesus for two years, and many people came to believe. God worked miracles through Paul, healing the sick and driving out evil spirits. When some men tried to use Jesus’ name without truly knowing Him, they were overpowered by a demon, and fear spread through the city. As a result, many people repented, burned their magic books, and turned fully to God.
A Riot in Ephesus
In Acts 19:21-41, Paul’s preaching in Ephesus led many people to turn away from idol worship, which angered the craftsmen who made silver statues of the goddess Artemis. A silversmith named Demetrius stirred up a crowd, claiming that Paul’s message was bad for their business and disrespectful to their goddess. A riot broke out, and people filled the theater, shouting in confusion. Finally, a city official calmed the crowd, warning them not to act violently without reason. The riot ended, and Paul continued his mission, showing that God’s truth could not be stopped.
A Young Man Brought Back to Life
In Acts 20:1-12, Paul continued his travels, encouraging believers in different cities. In Troas, he gathered with a group of Christians for a late-night meeting. Paul spoke for hours, and a young man named Eutychus, sitting by a window, fell asleep and tumbled three stories to the ground. Everyone thought he was dead, but Paul went down, embraced him, and assured them he was alive. After this miracle, Paul continued teaching until morning, and the believers were greatly encouraged.
Paul’s Farewell to the Elders
In Acts 20:13-38, Paul traveled toward Jerusalem but stopped in Miletus to meet with the elders from Ephesus. He reminded them how he had faithfully taught them about Jesus, even through hardships. Paul told them that the Holy Spirit was leading him to Jerusalem, where he expected to face trouble. He urged them to care for the church and stay strong in their faith. The elders were deeply moved, especially when Paul said they would not see him again. They prayed together and tearfully said goodbye as Paul continued his journey.
Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem
In Acts 21:1-17, Paul continued his journey toward Jerusalem, stopping in several cities along the way. In each place, believers warned him that trouble awaited him in Jerusalem, but Paul was determined to go, trusting God’s plan. In Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus confirmed that Paul would be arrested, and his friends begged him not to go. But Paul insisted he was ready to suffer, even die, for Jesus. Seeing his strong faith, they accepted God’s will. When Paul finally arrived in Jerusalem, the believers welcomed him warmly.
Paul is Arrested in Jerusalem
In Acts 21:18-36, Paul met with the leaders of the Jerusalem church, who were glad to hear how God was bringing many people to faith. However, some Jews spread false rumors that Paul was teaching against their laws. To show respect for Jewish customs, Paul joined in a purification ceremony at the temple. But some people from Asia recognized him and stirred up a crowd, accusing him of dishonoring the temple. Chaos broke out, and the mob dragged Paul out, trying to kill him. Roman soldiers intervened, arrested Paul, and carried him away as the angry crowd shouted for his death.
Paul Shares His Story
In Acts 21:37-22:29, as Paul was being taken away by the Roman soldiers, he asked to speak to the crowd. He told them how he once persecuted Christians but then had a life-changing encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He explained how Jesus called him to share the good news, even with non-Jews (Gentiles). When he mentioned this, the crowd became furious again. The soldiers prepared to whip Paul, but he revealed that he was a Roman citizen, which gave him legal protection. Afraid they had mistreated him unlawfully, the soldiers quickly backed away, unsure of what to do next.
A Secret Plot Against Paul
In Acts 22:30-23:22, Paul was brought before the Jewish council to explain himself. When an argument broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees over his belief in the resurrection, the Roman commander took Paul away to keep him safe. That night, Jesus appeared to Paul and told him to be courageous because he would testify in Rome. Meanwhile, more than forty men secretly vowed not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. However, Paul’s nephew overheard the plan and warned him. Paul quickly sent the young man to tell the Roman commander, who took the threat seriously and began making plans to protect Paul.
Paul on Trial Before Felix
In Acts 23:23-24:27, the Roman commander, wanting to protect Paul from the murder plot, sent him to Caesarea under heavy guard. There, Paul was brought before Governor Felix to face accusations from the Jewish leaders. They claimed he was a troublemaker, but Paul calmly defended himself, saying he had done nothing wrong and was only preaching about Jesus. Felix was curious about Paul’s message but kept him in prison, hoping for a bribe. Though he often spoke with Paul, he never made a decision. Paul remained in prison for two years until a new governor, Festus, took over.