GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

Scripture Reading        : Acts 28:16-31; Acts 1:8

Theme                         : Proclaiming the Gospel

1. Gospel presented to the Jews. When Paul arrived in Rome, he met the Jews who were there, and once again, he preached the Gospel to the Jews who were in Rome. As was Paul’s custom, he expounded the Old Testament Scriptures to prove that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

2. Gospel presented to the Gentiles. When many of the Jews rejected the Gospel message, Paul declared to them that the Gospel would be preached to the Gentiles, and he did so for the next two years as he awaited for his trial before Caesar. Paul was placed under house-arrest, and was not in a prison cell (28:16), so that he could preach the Gospel freely to those came to him.

3. Gospel presented to the world. The Book of Acts ended abruptly at chapter 28. From one perspective, it was because the author, Luke, wrote Acts before Paul was released from this first imprisonment. According to tradition, Paul was released from this imprisonment, but was arrested again and martyred after a few years due to the persecution led by Emperor Nero. From another perspective, it is because the spread of the Gospel continues to this very day, in fulfilment of Acts 1:8, when the church continues the work of evangelism until Christ comes again.

Praying the Scripture

1. Whenever Paul had opportunity, he would preach the Gospel to everyone, whether they were Jews or Gentiles. Paul did not wait for people to be ready. Pray that we too will seize every opportunity to preach the Gospel.

2. After the Jews rejected the Gospel, this message of salvation “has been sent to the Gentiles” (28:29). Thank and praise God for having mercy on us, who are Gentiles, such that the message of salvation is also given to us.

3. Pray that we will fulfil the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) and continue bringing the Gospel “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Scripture Reading        : Acts 27:33 – 28:15

Theme                         : How to Live Under God’s Sovereignty II

1. Be responsible in God’s sovereignty. After 14 days and nights without eating any food, the men were weary and loosing strength. Paul ate and urged the people to eat and regain their physical strength. God’s sovereignty does not free man from his responsibility to take care of himself physically so that he can do what God intended for him to do. It is superfluous to assume that God will give physical strength through supernatural means.

2. Be confident in God’s sovereignty. On the island of Malta, Paul did not panic even though he was bitten by a poisonous snake, but merely shook it off. After a long cruise, Paul finally arrived at Rome, where “Paul thanked God and took courage”. Paul had full confidence in God throughout the entire journey, actively doing what was right and responsible. However, he was not devoid of feelings as a human, evident when he “took courage” when he arrived in Rome. Paul’s confidence also did not lead to indifference, because he remembered to thank God for keeping His promises.

Praying the Scripture

1. Many Christians have a wrong understanding of God’s sovereignty versus man’s responsibility. For example, there are false-teachers who claim that Christians suffering from illnesses should not take any medication because that shows a lack of faith in God’s supernatural power to heal. Pray that we will live responsibly under God’s sovereignty, and take care of ourselves physically so that we can do the spiritual work that God commanded us to do.

2. Not being thankful is a character of unbelievers (Rom. 1:21). Paul had full confidence in God, evident from his actions and words during the storm and the shipwreck. When Paul arrived in Rome, he remembered to thank God, which is acknowledging God’s sovereignty in his life. Pray that we will live confidently in God’s sovereignty, remembering to count our blessings and thank God, and not with indifference.

Scripture Reading        : Acts 27:1-32

Theme                         : How to Live Under God’s Sovereignty I

1. Be free in God’s sovereignty. After the trial before Festus and Agrippa, Paul began his journey to Rome, as promised by God. God had promised Paul that he will testify for God in Rome, but did not tell Paul how He would fulfil His promise. By God’s sovereignty, He would use the Romans to provide Paul a safe and all-expense-paid voyage to Rome! God also did not promise that the journey will be smooth and plain-sailing, as evident from the passage, that the voyage was filled with much difficulty (v4: the winds were against us, v7: had difficulty, v8: with difficulty). What God demanded is simply that Paul trust in Him and be faithful to fulfil his calling to preach the Gospel.

2. Be active in God’s sovereignty. The Day of Atonement was held sometime in late September or early October, after which was winter, making travel in the open sea a dangerous thing to do. Knowing the danger that lies ahead, Paul warned the centurion, who did not listen to his counsel. During the storm, Paul encouraged the people to persevere, and he warned the centurion of the escaping sailors. Paul did not “let go and let God”, but was actively doing what he ought to do.

Praying the Scripture

1. God did not promise that our lives will be smooth and plain-sailing after we become Christians. What we need to do is to obey His Word and trust in Him, and live our lives freely in such a manner to bring glory to His name. We must not believe the lies that many false-teachers tell us. Pray that we will be free in God’s sovereignty, and glorify Him in all that we do.

2. It might sound very spiritual to “let go and let God”, but it is actually a very unbiblical thing to do. Throughout the Bible, it teaches believers to do what is right, to be doers of God’s Word, to serve the church actively, etc. Pray that we will not be irresponsible Christians but do what we can do, and trust God fully for the outcome.

Scripture Reading        : Acts 25:13 – 26:32

Theme                         : The Testimony of Paul

King Agrippa was Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod who was eaten by worms and died (Acts 12:19-23). When Festus brought Paul before King Agrippa, Paul immediately took the opportunity to give his testimony and preach the Gospel.

1. Who was Paul before becoming a Christian? He persecuted the Lord. Paul was a Pharisee before he became a Christian. He thought that by obeying the law, a sinner can please God and earned his way into heaven. He persecuted Christians for preaching another way to heaven, through faith alone in Jesus.

2. How did Paul become a Christian? He personally met the Lord. On the road to Damascus, Paul had a personal encounter with Jesus. Every sinner needs to have a personal encounter with Jesus, to recognize his own sinfulness and total helplessness, and trust in Jesus alone to save him from hell. No one can become a Christian by birth, nationality or coming to church – all must confess the name of Jesus with their mouths and believe in their hearts before they can be saved.

3. What changes resulted after Paul become a Christian? He preached the Lord. There was a 180 degrees change for Paul – he opposed the Lord and persecuted Christians before he became a Christian, but he preached the Lord and became persecuted after he became a Christian. Paul truly practiced what he preached, that sinners “should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.” (26:20)

Praying the Scripture

1. In one way or another, all unbelievers are opposing Jesus Christ, as long as they do not repent from their sins and believe in Him alone. We too opposed the Lord before God had mercy and grace on us and saved us. Pray for unbelievers around us, especially our family and friends, that God will forgive them and grant them repentance.

2. Not everyone will have such a dramatic conversion experience as Paul or some of the other Apostles. In fact, Peter wrote about his own dramatic experience (witnessing the transfiguration and hearing God’s audible voice), but concluded that “we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place.” (2 Pet. 1:19) In a sense, God’s Word that acts as a lamp shining in our dark and sinful hearts is like Paul’s experience of a blinding light. Let us thank God for shining His light into our sinful hearts using His Word.

3. Pray that those of us who claim to believe in Jesus will truly “demonstrate their repentance by their deeds”. One way of doing so is to serve God by preaching the Gospel, despite rejection and even persecution. Pray that we will have courage and not be ashamed of the Lord and His Gospel.

Scripture Reading        : Acts 25:1-12

Theme                         : Paul appeals to Caesar

1. The ambush. It had been two whole years since the trial before Felix, and once the new governor Festus came, the Jews brought their case before Festus, plotting to kill Paul again! They were relentless in their pursuit to kill Paul, even though much time had passed since the last ambush that was thwarted. The hatred of the Jewish fanatics could be clearly seen.

2. The accusation. Festus, like his predecessor, Felix, sought to please the Jews. The Jews brought false charges against Paul, like they did two years earlier, but could not prove their case. Their charges were most likely similar to the earlier trial before Felix, which included sedition (violation of Roman law), sectarianism (violation of Jewish law) and sacrilege (violation of God’s law).

3. The appeal. When Festus wanted to please the Jews and suggested that Paul returned to Jerusalem to stand trial, Paul knew that he would be walking to his death. Two years ago, he had escaped in the middle of the night under heavy Roman guard. The accusation that the Jews brought against him again showed him that they still hated him and would seek to kill him again. Therefore, Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to have a trial in Rome.

Praying the Scripture

1. The Jews who plotted to kill Paul were religious fanatics, much like the terrorists in modern-times. They plotted to murder Paul and violated the Old Testament law themselves (Ex. 20:13 – the sixth commandment). Pray that we will not allow hatred, anger and bitterness to build up in our hearts.

2. The Jews accused Paul of sacrilege (violation of God’s law). However, when they brought such false charges, they were themselves violating the ninth commandment (Ex. 20:16) by bearing false witness. Pray that we will not be quick to judge others of their sin before we examine our own hearts.

3. Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen when he appealed to Caesar, to have a trial in Rome. As Christians, we must be wise and not allow ourselves to be abused by evil men. Pray that we will be “wise as serpents but innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16).

Scripture Reading        : Acts 24:1-27

Theme                         : Listening to the Word

1. Listening with interest. After Paul was rescued from the plot to kill him, he was brought before Felix the Roman Governor, who heard the case both from the Jews and from Paul. Felix was familiar with the Way, referring to the teachings of Christianity, because his wife Drusilla was Jewish (24:24). Paul remained under Roman custody because the Jews could not prove their case against Paul. Felix was interested to hear the Word of God because he sent for Paul again to hear him speak about Jesus (24:24).

2. Listening with fear. When Paul spoke the truth “about righteousness (and sin) and self-control and the coming judgment”, Felix was afraid, clearly showing that he recognized intellectually that he too was a sinner. Even though Paul was in custody and under the authority of Felix, Paul did not bribe Felix in order to gain his freedom, nor said things that pleased Felix. Paul continued to preach the Gospel faithfully.

3. Listening with no action. Felix heard Paul’s messages repeatedly for two years, but he was only a hearer of the Word and not a doer. Felix was like the foolish builder, who also heard the Word of Christ, but did nothing to obey it (Matthew 7:26). Felix was self-deceived, because he was only a hearer of the Word, but not a doer (James 1:22). Felix was still unrepentant in the end, preferring to please the Jews than to do what was right, to free Paul, whom he knew was innocent.

Praying the Scripture

1. Felix was an unbeliever, and there is no evidence from Scripture that he ever repented and believed in Jesus. However, there is one thing he probably did better than many so-called Christians: Felix was interested to hear the Word of God. Many people come to church on Sundays and their hearts are elsewhere – they doze off in the pew, or they are busy with their phones. Pray that we will listen to the Word of God with interest, wanting to know what the Bible truly says.

2. Not only was Felix interested, he probably understood what it meant and the implications for him, if he does not repent of his sins. There are many self-righteous people who are not convicted of their sin, and they become angry when they perceive that the sermon is addressing their sin. Pray that when we listen to the Word of God, we will listen with fear, especially when it comes to sin and judgment.

3. James 1:25 “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” Pray that we will not only be hearers of the Word, but also doers of the Word.

Scripture Reading        : Acts 23:12-35

Theme                         : Protected by Providence of God

1. The plot to kill Paul was planned. More than forty Jews made an oath to kill Paul. What these Jews actually did was they invoked divine judgment upon themselves should they fail to kill Paul! In the Old Testament, taking an oath was meant for a person who devoted himself to serving God (Deut. 23:21). These Jews took an oath before God to kill Paul, thus swearing falsely by God’s name and profaned His name (Lev. 19:12).

2. The plot to kill Paul was punctured. This is the only passage where Paul’s family is clearly identified. Why the nephew was in Jerusalem and helped Paul is not revealed in the Bible. What is clear is that by God’s providence, He directed Paul’s nephew to learn of the ambush and informed him of the plot. The plot was subsequently reported to the tribune, who took the matter seriously.

3. The plot to kill Paul was prevented. The tribune prevented the assassination by sending Paul away by night under heavy guard. Antipatris was 40 miles (64 km) away from Jerusalem, and to reach there in one night was no small feat by the soldiers who marched on foot. From Antipatris, only the horsemen continued with Paul to Caesarea, because the foot soldiers would have been extremely tired after marching 40 miles in one night.

Praying the Scripture

1. The Jews took an oath to kill Paul, which was swearing falsely by God’s name and profaning His name (Lev. 19:12). On the other hand, Jesus said, “Do not take an oath at all… Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matt. 5:34-37) Pray that we will not profane the name of God, and that we will do all things for the glory of God.

2. Luke 12:2-3 “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” Nothing can be hidden from God, including the plot of the Jews to kill Paul. Let us thank God for being omniscient, and pray that we will watch everything that we do and say, even when no human is watching, because God knows it all.

3. Through God’s providence, Paul was protected and sent to Caesarea. Eventually, he would be sent to Rome under Roman guard too. God only reveal certain things for us to obey, but many details are hidden from us by His wisdom. Pray that we will obey whatever God has revealed to us, and not try to find out the unnecessary details which God has kept hidden.

Scripture Reading        : Acts 23:1-11

Theme                         : Be Perfect in the Imperfect World

1. Paul is submissive to God’s sovereignty. When the high priest Ananias ordered Paul to be struck on the mouth, Paul pronounced judgment on him for not obeying the law. Paul did not recognize the high priest because he had gone away from Jerusalem for many years, and this was not an official gathering of the council (it was called by the Roman tribune) so Ananias did not wear his official garments. When Paul found out that it he was the high priest, he submitted to the human authority that is established by God, even though he was unfairly treated.

2. Paul is wise in using the environment. From the unfair treatment he received from the high priest, Paul perceived that he would not be given a fair trial, so he wisely defended himself using the doctrinal argument he knew existed between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, who did not believe there would be a resurrection. Note that Paul did not lie about what he believed just so to create dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees – he truly believed in the resurrection. So sharp was their theological dispute with the Sadducees that some Pharisees actually defended Paul.

3. Paul is reassured by the Lord. After going through so many trials and affliction, it is not surprising that Paul was fearful and discouraged (he wrote to in 1 Corinthians 2:3 that “I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.”) God is very gracious to Paul and reassured him that God will bring him to Rome safely. Note that God only promised that He will bring Paul to Rome, but He did not promise that the journey would be smooth.

Praying the Scripture

1. Romans 13:1 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Paul submitted to the high priest even though he was unfairly treated. Pray that we will obey God’s Word and submit to the governing authorities, for in so doing we are submitting to God’s sovereignty.

2. Jesus said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) Submitting to the authorities does not mean we suffer in silence in all circumstances. God gave us wisdom to use the proper channels to protect ourselves. But when we do so, we must ensure that we do not break God’s commandments (e.g. we cannot lie). Pray that we will “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

3. Even the great Apostle Paul was fearful and trembling (1 Cor. 2:3). God is gracious to us and He promised to be with us (Matt. 28:19-20) and He works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). Pray that we will trust in God’s eternal promises, and persevere in serving Him.

Scripture Reading        : Acts 21:27 – 22:30

Theme                         : Serving God in Adversity

1. The reasons for Paul’s arrest. The leaders of the Jerusalem church anticipated the false accusations and tried to avoid unnecessary conflict by instructing Paul to join in the purification rites of 4 men, and Paul submitted to them. However, this did not prevent the Jews from stirring up a riot with the false accusations. The Jews did not have authority to make any arrests, so they simply tried to kill Paul by mob-action. Because of the riot, the Romans came and arrested Paul.

2. The response of Paul to the arrest. Paul took the opportunity while he was under Roman custody to preach the Gospel to the Jews in the mob. He did not place a higher priority on his own safety than to serve God by preaching the Gospel.

3. The result of Paul’s arrest. Paul was a Roman citizen by birth, and he was under the protection of Roman law. He made use of his right to a legal trial and was thus protected by the Roman soldiers from being attacked and killed by a mob.

Praying the Scripture

1. Often in life, we may be doing the right things but still get false accusations. Pray that we will be faithful to God and obey His Word, and may God protect us from false accusations.

2. After Paul was arrested, he did not make a defence for himself, but took the opportunity to preach the Gospel. Pray that we will serve God in adversity, just like Paul.

3. The biblical teaching that Christians should submit to the authorities does not mean that Christians cannot exercise their right as citizens. Pray that God will use the local government to protect Christians and the church from persecution.

Scripture Reading        : Acts 21:17-26

Theme                         : Biblical Submission

1. Discernment – is this about Gospel truth? The leaders in the Jerusalem church heard about the rumours that certain Jews were spreading about Paul, which the leaders knew were false. So they instructed Paul to join in the purification rites of 4 men who took the Nazirite vow. This was not a disagreement regarding the way of salvation, whether circumcision is required for one to be saved.

2. Disagreement – is this about personal preference? Whenever there are any disagreements in the church, Christians need to be clear whether the disagreement is with regards to fundamental and essential Christian doctrines (e.g. sinlessness of Jesus, Jesus is both God and man, salvation by grace alone, etc.) or simply matters of personal preferences. If the disagreement is on personal preferences, Christians should submit to the church leaders’ decision. Paul certainly did not disagree with the church leaders, but simply submitted.

3. Deference – is this about preferring others? When certain practices were not in conflict with the Gospel, Paul would do it, in order not to hinder the spread of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul wrote of how he would adopt the practices of people with whom he was sharing the Gospel. In a similar fashion, Paul circumcised Timothy in order to facilitate Timothy’s access to the synagogue, since Timothy was a half-Jew (16:3). But in another occasion, Paul would refuse to circumcise Titus because certain Jews were preaching a false gospel that circumcision is needed for salvation (Gal. 2:3-5).

Praying the Scripture

1. Galatians 1:9 “As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” Pray that we will have discernment and not change the content of the Gospel for the sake of anything (e.g. religious harmony, government funding, etc.).

2. Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Whenever there are disagreements due to personal preferences, the Christian’s responsibility is to submit to the church leaders (Heb. 13:17) and to one another (Eph. 5:21). Pray that we will be humble and submit to the church leaders, and also submit to one another.

3. Paul dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel in every way he could, always preferring others, as far as the Gospel message was not compromised. Pray that in everything we do, we too will have the objective of sharing the Gospel with unbelievers around us.