Table of Contents
- 1 Week 11: The Gospel Goes to Rome
- 1.1 Paul’s visit with James in Acts 21:17-26 is another episode in the continuing struggle for many Jews to comprehend the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles. The word about Jesus scandalizes many Jews because it grafts Gentiles into the people of God without requiring them to abide by the law. We see Paul struggle with this issue throughout his letters, most especially in Galatians (Gal. 2:15-16, 19,21; 3:2-1, 10-14, 19-25) and Romans (Rom. 3:21-26; 8:1-4; 9:30-33). Considering these passages, how is Paul unyielding about his obligation to spread the gospel to the Gentiles, and about their not having to keep the law?
- 1.2 We also see Paul doing all he can to demonstrate to the Jews that he values the law and its use for Jews, even undergoing these rites of purification (Acts 21:26). He encourages others to be flexible in nonessentials for the sake of harmony and humility in the church (see Romans 14). For the sake of spreading God’s grace, Paul insists that he can become “all things to all people.” Considering 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, how is Paul’s undergoing the rites of purification a picture of allowing for adaptation of nonessentials for the sake of mission, without compromising the gospel or his identity in Christ?
- 1.3 Paul is convinced that God has called him to proclaim the gospel to all, despite the rejection he suffers. Read Luke 12:51-53. Considering Acts 22:22-29, how is Paul living out the persecution that Jesus promised would come to some of his followers when he foresaw that families would be bitterly divided on account of his kingdom?
- 1.4 In Acts 21:27-36, the Jews attack Paul and distort both what he said and what he did. How did they distort what Paul had to say? While the text doesn’t always tell us the reasoning for accusations and attacks of others, what does the text say is the reason for the Jews’ accusations here?
- 1.5 In Acts 22:1-23, Paul has another opportunity to preach the gospel before a Jewish crowd. Although he is interrupted before he can finish (v. 22), what is the result of Paul’s declarations of his call to go to the Gentiles, and that God is concerned about them?
- 1.6 The Jews treasured their status as God’s people, and found it difficult to accept that God was grafting in those from outside their race. Read Romans 11:11-24. How does this shed light on God’s call to Paul in Acts 22:21?
- 1.7 In Acts 23:11, Jesus appears to Paul and encourages him to “Take courage.” What does Jesus promise him? How do these words reflect his commission in Acts 1:8?
- 1.8 In Acts 28:14, Luke writes a brief geographical note: “and so we came to Rome.” He ends Acts on a note of triumph, showing Paul in the capital of the world as he preaches the gospel with “boldness and without hindrance” to all who are willing to hear it (v. 31). Luke and Paul both knew that the mission that Christ has laid out had not been fully accomplished. Paul mentions in his letters that he intended to travel beyond Rome to even more distant Spain (Rom. 15:24). Considering Acts 1:8, how has Jesus already begun to fulfill his promise?
- 1.9 The triumphant march of the gospel mission in the book of Acts is detailed in several summary statements that Luke sprinkles throughout the narrative (Acts 2:47; 5:11, 14; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 13:49; 116:5; 19:20). How is Acts 28:30-31 a culmination of the gospel’s advance in Acts?
Welcome to our 12-week Bible study, ‘Acts: We Are The Church,’ delving into the Book of Acts—a continuation of Jesus’ ministry through the early church.
Throughout this study, you’ll gain a profound understanding of how the early church carried forward the mission of Jesus, performing miracles, spreading the gospel, and facing challenges with unwavering faith. We’ll explore the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the formation of a vibrant community of believers.
Each week, we’ll dive into a different aspect of Acts, examining themes of faith, courage, and unity among believers. Together, we’ll discover what it means to be part of the body of Christ and how these early church experiences can inform our lives as modern-day Christians.
Discover a profound understanding of the Scriptures, relish the fellowship with fellow believers, and experience the delight of nurturing your faith while sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others. Don’t miss out!
Week 11: The Gospel Goes to Rome
Here’s a quick recap of what we covered in week eleven using Justin S. Holcomb’s Acts: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible) as our weekly discussion guide:
- How key moments of imprisonment catalyzed the spreading of the Gospel.
- The diversity in who the Gospel impacted.
- The effects of the Gospel and how it transformed lives.
- How to navigate conflicts and persecution while sharing the Gospel.
Paul’s visit with James in Acts 21:17-26 is another episode in the continuing struggle for many Jews to comprehend the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles. The word about Jesus scandalizes many Jews because it grafts Gentiles into the people of God without requiring them to abide by the law. We see Paul struggle with this issue throughout his letters, most especially in Galatians (Gal. 2:15-16, 19,21; 3:2-1, 10-14, 19-25) and Romans (Rom. 3:21-26; 8:1-4; 9:30-33). Considering these passages, how is Paul unyielding about his obligation to spread the gospel to the Gentiles, and about their not having to keep the law?
Paul remained steadfast in his commitment to spreading the gospel among the Gentiles. He was firm in his belief that Gentiles were not obligated to follow Jewish laws. In his writings found in Galatians and Romans, Paul stressed the importance of faith as the means of justification. He emphasized that adherence to Jewish laws was not necessary for the Gentiles to be saved, highlighting the importance of faith in Christ alone. This unwavering stance revealed Paul’s strong conviction about the universality of the gospel, offering salvation equally to Jews and Gentiles.
We also see Paul doing all he can to demonstrate to the Jews that he values the law and its use for Jews, even undergoing these rites of purification (Acts 21:26). He encourages others to be flexible in nonessentials for the sake of harmony and humility in the church (see Romans 14). For the sake of spreading God’s grace, Paul insists that he can become “all things to all people.” Considering 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, how is Paul’s undergoing the rites of purification a picture of allowing for adaptation of nonessentials for the sake of mission, without compromising the gospel or his identity in Christ?
Paul’s choice to undergo the purification rites in Acts 21:26 reveals his readiness to adapt to nonessential matters for the mission of sharing the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul stresses the importance of being relatable to all people for the sake of spreading God’s grace. His actions illustrate a willingness to flex on nonessential things while staying true to the core gospel message and his identity in Christ. This flexibility helps build connections and foster understanding without compromising foundational Christian truths.
Paul is convinced that God has called him to proclaim the gospel to all, despite the rejection he suffers. Read Luke 12:51-53. Considering Acts 22:22-29, how is Paul living out the persecution that Jesus promised would come to some of his followers when he foresaw that families would be bitterly divided on account of his kingdom?
In Acts 22:22-29, Paul faces opposition and division, similar to what Jesus predicted in Luke 12:51-53. Paul’s commitment to the Gospel causes conflict, leading to rejection and division among supporters and opposers, reflecting the division Jesus foresaw.
In Acts 21:27-36, the Jews attack Paul and distort both what he said and what he did. How did they distort what Paul had to say? While the text doesn’t always tell us the reasoning for accusations and attacks of others, what does the text say is the reason for the Jews’ accusations here?
The Jews distorted what Paul said by falsely accusing him of defiling the temple with the Greeks. They accused him based on their assumption that he brought Trophimus, a Gentile, into the temple, believing it violated its sanctity.
In Acts 22:1-23, Paul has another opportunity to preach the gospel before a Jewish crowd. Although he is interrupted before he can finish (v. 22), what is the result of Paul’s declarations of his call to go to the Gentiles, and that God is concerned about them?
Paul spoke about his call to the Gentiles and emphasized God’s care for them. This stirred a strong reaction among the Jewish crowd, who reacted with intense opposition to his words.
The Jews treasured their status as God’s people, and found it difficult to accept that God was grafting in those from outside their race. Read Romans 11:11-24. How does this shed light on God’s call to Paul in Acts 22:21?
Romans 11:11-24 reveals God’s plan to include the Gentiles in His salvation. It helps us understand why God called Paul to reach out to the Gentiles in Acts 22:21.
In Acts 23:11, Jesus appears to Paul and encourages him to “Take courage.” What does Jesus promise him? How do these words reflect his commission in Acts 1:8?
In Acts 23:11, Jesus tells Paul to take courage and assures him that just as he testified in Jerusalem, he will also bear witness in Rome. This promise reflects Jesus’ commission to spread the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, which now includes Paul’s testimony in Rome.
In Acts 28:14, Luke writes a brief geographical note: “and so we came to Rome.” He ends Acts on a note of triumph, showing Paul in the capital of the world as he preaches the gospel with “boldness and without hindrance” to all who are willing to hear it (v. 31). Luke and Paul both knew that the mission that Christ has laid out had not been fully accomplished. Paul mentions in his letters that he intended to travel beyond Rome to even more distant Spain (Rom. 15:24). Considering Acts 1:8, how has Jesus already begun to fulfill his promise?
In Acts 28:14, Luke notes that they arrived in Rome. It’s a victorious moment where Paul preaches the gospel boldly and without hindrance. Even though they reached Rome, Luke and Paul knew the mission wasn’t finished. Paul mentioned wanting to go to Spain (Romans 15:24). In Acts 1:8, Jesus has already started fulfilling his promise by enabling Paul to bring the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, setting the stage for more missions to Spain and beyond.
The triumphant march of the gospel mission in the book of Acts is detailed in several summary statements that Luke sprinkles throughout the narrative (Acts 2:47; 5:11, 14; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 13:49; 116:5; 19:20). How is Acts 28:30-31 a culmination of the gospel’s advance in Acts?
In Acts 28:30-31, it’s the culmination of the gospel’s journey in Acts. Paul stayed in Rome for two years, teaching about Jesus and sharing the kingdom of God. This time represents the continued spreading of the gospel, showing the significance of Paul’s ministry in the heart of the Roman Empire. The story finishes with Paul’s unhindered preaching, showing how the Christian message persisted through challenges.
Take a few moments now to ask the Lord to bless you, change you, and help you understand and apply the unique light Acts throws on the gospel to your life.
We hope these notes have helped catch up on what we’ve covered. We’re excited to conclude our study of Acts together next week in week twelve!
In the meantime, explore a very engaging animation video from the Bible Project team that explains the first twelve chapters of the Book of Acts.
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
