BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

After years of traveling, sharing the Gospel, and facing extreme persecution, Paul sets course for Jerusalem to face those bent on destroying him. Years prior, Jesus did the same. Paul knows how violent things became when he did.

Notice the design pattern in this final section of Acts. Repeatedly, Paul goes on trial, gives a speech, and gets detained despite his innocence. Watch today’s video for a preview of this pattern and the great lengths Paul will go to follow Jesus, no matter what.

Church leaders welcome Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem and support his mission to the Gentiles. However, they want proof that Paul still supports Jewish Christians who observe Torah. They hatch a plan to have Paul join a group of holy men who swore off haircuts due to a vow—most likely a Nazirite vow (see Num. 6). The time for their overdue haircut has arrived. The leaders ask Paul to purify himself and pay for the men’s haircuts to publicly demonstrate support for Jewish customs.

Paul agrees, but rabble-rousers stir the crowd against him. Roman soldiers come to keep the peace, but they see Paul, not rabble-rousers, as the problem. The soldiers arrest him.

Before being carried away, Paul tells his personal story, highlighting God’s love for the Gentiles and his special mission to them. The crowd’s rage ignites. People start calling for Paul’s death.

The Romans, always trying to keep the “peace,” decide to flog Paul. Before the whips crack, Paul mentions an important fact: He’s a Roman citizen. His citizenship grants him the right to a formal trial before flogging.

Alarmed by their near mistake, the Roman magistrate releases him … for now.

Reflection Questions

• As you read today’s passage and the following chapters in Acts, pay close attention to the way Paul interacts with the Roman legal system. This system was a huge point of pride for ancient Romans. Who follows Roman law more carefully, Paul or government authorities? How might Luke be using Paul’s story to critique the Romans’ version of justice?
• Can you think of any other biblical stories where a prophet acted out their prophecy? (Try Isaiah 20, Jeremiah 19, or Ezekiel 4 if you need a hint.) How might this context help you understand the actions of Agabus in Acts 21:10-11?