The Journey to RomeThe Journey to Rome

Acts 21:17-28:31Acts 21:17-28:31

54-59 A.D.54-59 A.D.

Paul’s Arrest in JerusalemPaul’s Arrest in Jerusalem

Paul makes a report to the Church Paul makes a report to the Church leadersleaders

They praise his ministry & report They praise his ministry & report rumorsrumors

Paul joins others for vow ceremoniesPaul joins others for vow ceremonies Agitators from “Asia” stir riotAgitators from “Asia” stir riot Roman soldiers arrest PaulRoman soldiers arrest Paul

Paul’s Two TestimoniesPaul’s Two Testimonies

To Jews at Temple (Acts 22; 54 A.D.)To Jews at Temple (Acts 22; 54 A.D.)– Imprisoned in JerusalemImprisoned in Jerusalem– Testifies before Sanhedrin (Pharisee support!)Testifies before Sanhedrin (Pharisee support!)– Assassination plot uncovered, transfer to Assassination plot uncovered, transfer to

CaesareaCaesarea– Testifies before Governor FelixTestifies before Governor Felix– Political tensions keep Paul in prison 2 yearsPolitical tensions keep Paul in prison 2 years

To Romans in Caesarea (Acts 26; 56 A.D.)To Romans in Caesarea (Acts 26; 56 A.D.)

Voyage to RomeVoyage to Rome

From Caesarea to Malta (fall 56 A.D.)From Caesarea to Malta (fall 56 A.D.) Shipwrecked on Malta (winter 56-57 Shipwrecked on Malta (winter 56-57

A.D.)A.D.)

                                    

                  

Voyage to RomeVoyage to Rome

From Caesarea to Malta (fall 56 A.D.)From Caesarea to Malta (fall 56 A.D.) Shipwrecked on Malta (winter 56-57 Shipwrecked on Malta (winter 56-57

A.D.)A.D.) Journey to Rome (spring 57 A.D.)Journey to Rome (spring 57 A.D.) Under house arrest while waiting to Under house arrest while waiting to

appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.)appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.)

Life While Waiting in RomeLife While Waiting in Rome

Under house arrest while waiting to Under house arrest while waiting to appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.)appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.)

Paul sends Timothy to Philippi: Good Paul sends Timothy to Philippi: Good News!News!

Paul writes letter to Philippians (58 Paul writes letter to Philippians (58 A.D.)A.D.)

Paul’s Letter to the Paul’s Letter to the PhilippiansPhilippians

Praise & Thanksgiving from prison (1)Praise & Thanksgiving from prison (1) Great hymn of Jesus’ humility & Great hymn of Jesus’ humility &

witness, plus the ministry of Timothy witness, plus the ministry of Timothy & Epaphroditus (2)& Epaphroditus (2)

Paul’s old testimony and his new one Paul’s old testimony and his new one (3)(3)

Much joy and much appreciation (4)Much joy and much appreciation (4)

Life While Waiting in RomeLife While Waiting in Rome

Under house arrest while waiting to Under house arrest while waiting to appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.)appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.)

Paul sends Timothy to Philippi: Good Paul sends Timothy to Philippi: Good News!News!

Paul writes letter to Philippians (58 Paul writes letter to Philippians (58 A.D.)A.D.)

Onesimus comes to Rome (58 A.D.)Onesimus comes to Rome (58 A.D.) Paul writes letters to Philemon, Paul writes letters to Philemon,

Colossians & ?Colossians & ?

Paul’s Letter to PhilemonPaul’s Letter to Philemon

Greetings, old friend!Greetings, old friend! I’m sending “Useful” back to you as a I’m sending “Useful” back to you as a

brother, not a slavebrother, not a slave I hope to visit you soonI hope to visit you soon

Paul’s Letter to the Paul’s Letter to the ColossiansColossians

You are great and Jesus rules! (1)You are great and Jesus rules! (1) Some of you are putting too much Some of you are putting too much

emphasis on rituals & disciplines; trust emphasis on rituals & disciplines; trust Christ! (2)Christ! (2)

Get the view from above in order to set Get the view from above in order to set your values and practices in order (3:1-your values and practices in order (3:1-17)17)

Treat one another with respect (3:18-Treat one another with respect (3:18-4:6)4:6)

Final Greetings (4:7-18)Final Greetings (4:7-18)

Paul’s Letter to the ?Paul’s Letter to the ? 1:1 – oldest manuscripts do not have “in 1:1 – oldest manuscripts do not have “in

Ephesus”Ephesus” Letter is magnificent, but lacks personal Letter is magnificent, but lacks personal

referencesreferences Colossians 4:16 – “After this letter has been Colossians 4:16 – “After this letter has been

read to you, see that it is also read in the read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.”turn read the letter from Laodicea.”

Early church testimony that “Ephesians” is Early church testimony that “Ephesians” is “Laodiceans”“Laodiceans”

Ephesus became operational center of Ephesus became operational center of church in Asia Minor, and many documents church in Asia Minor, and many documents were collected there, including Paul’s letterswere collected there, including Paul’s letters

Paul’s Letter to the Paul’s Letter to the “Ephesians”“Ephesians”

Jesus is Lord of All! (1)Jesus is Lord of All! (1) Jesus has broken down the barrier between Jesus has broken down the barrier between

God & us (2:1-10), and between Jews & God & us (2:1-10), and between Jews & Gentiles (2:11-22), uniting all by graceGentiles (2:11-22), uniting all by grace

Paul’s Gentile ministry explained (3:1-13)Paul’s Gentile ministry explained (3:1-13) Paul’ magnificent prayer (3:14-21)Paul’ magnificent prayer (3:14-21) Building up Christ’s body (4:1-16) and Building up Christ’s body (4:1-16) and

living as witnesses of God’s goodness living as witnesses of God’s goodness (4:17-5:20)(4:17-5:20)

Respecting one another in social Respecting one another in social relationships (5:21-6:9)relationships (5:21-6:9)

Putting on the “Armor of God” (6:10-20)Putting on the “Armor of God” (6:10-20) Final greetings (6:21-24)Final greetings (6:21-24)

Ephesians & Colossians: Ephesians & Colossians: ParallelsParallels In both letters Paul commended his readers for their faith and In both letters Paul commended his readers for their faith and

love (Ephesians 1:15; Colossians 1:4, 8). The Colossians seem love (Ephesians 1:15; Colossians 1:4, 8). The Colossians seem to have also been commended for their hope, whereas the to have also been commended for their hope, whereas the Ephesians were not (Colossians 1:5). Instead, they were Ephesians were not (Colossians 1:5). Instead, they were encouraged to take hold of hope (Ephesians 1:18; 2:12; 4:4).encouraged to take hold of hope (Ephesians 1:18; 2:12; 4:4).

Paul prayed for or wished that believers would grow in Paul prayed for or wished that believers would grow in knowledge of the Lord, and receive spiritual wisdom and knowledge of the Lord, and receive spiritual wisdom and understanding (Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9-10). He also understanding (Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9-10). He also desired that they know the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17; desired that they know the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 1:9).Colossians 1:9).

Paul mentioned the salvation Christ provided, emphasizing that Paul mentioned the salvation Christ provided, emphasizing that it was gained for them through Jesus' blood (Ephesians 1:7; it was gained for them through Jesus' blood (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). Both letters identify the power of redemption Colossians 1:14). Both letters identify the power of redemption as the forgiveness of sins.as the forgiveness of sins.

Christ is pictured as the head of the church, which is his body Christ is pictured as the head of the church, which is his body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18, 24). The body consists of (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18, 24). The body consists of many members all under the authority of Jesus Christ. These many members all under the authority of Jesus Christ. These members function like a human body in that each member is members function like a human body in that each member is needed for the body to operate properly (Ephesians 4:15-16; needed for the body to operate properly (Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). The body receives its instruction from the Colossians 2:19). The body receives its instruction from the Head, but carries out that instruction through the joint-workings Head, but carries out that instruction through the joint-workings of every part, as they contribute their gifts to the nurture of the of every part, as they contribute their gifts to the nurture of the whole.whole.

Ephesians & Colossians: Ephesians & Colossians: ParallelsParallels Not only is Jesus the head of the church, but he is also above Not only is Jesus the head of the church, but he is also above

all principalities, dominions, authorities, powers, might, and all principalities, dominions, authorities, powers, might, and thrones (Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16-17). While both thrones (Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16-17). While both letters emphasized Jesus’ dominance over these things, letters emphasized Jesus’ dominance over these things, Colossians tells the reason why: Jesus is above them because Colossians tells the reason why: Jesus is above them because He is their creator and sustainer. He is Lord over everything.He is their creator and sustainer. He is Lord over everything.

Another of Paul's themes is deliverance from darkness into Another of Paul's themes is deliverance from darkness into the kingdom of God (Ephesians 2:2, 4-6; Colossians 1:13). the kingdom of God (Ephesians 2:2, 4-6; Colossians 1:13). Although Gentiles were once controlled by the powerful Although Gentiles were once controlled by the powerful prince of the air, they are now in the kingdom of Christ and prince of the air, they are now in the kingdom of Christ and free from sin and punishment (Ephesians 2:1). Ephesians and free from sin and punishment (Ephesians 2:1). Ephesians and Colossians both explain the process by which God Colossians both explain the process by which God transitioned alienated Gentiles to becoming God's children transitioned alienated Gentiles to becoming God's children (Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 1:21-22). Once they were (Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 1:21-22). Once they were enemies, disobedient and evil, but now they have been enemies, disobedient and evil, but now they have been brought close to God and made holy.brought close to God and made holy.

Paul also briefly mentioned the “Law,” explaining its Paul also briefly mentioned the “Law,” explaining its limitations (Ephesians 2:14-15; Colossians 2:14-16). In limitations (Ephesians 2:14-15; Colossians 2:14-16). In Ephesians Paul uses this to demonstrate that all barriers Ephesians Paul uses this to demonstrate that all barriers were eliminated between Jews and Gentiles, and in were eliminated between Jews and Gentiles, and in Colossians he shows how this eliminates feelings of Colossians he shows how this eliminates feelings of superiority or judgmentalism on the part of Jewish Christians.superiority or judgmentalism on the part of Jewish Christians.

Ephesians & Colossians: Ephesians & Colossians: ParallelsParallels Prominent in both letters is a call to holiness. Paul commands Prominent in both letters is a call to holiness. Paul commands

believers to shed works of “darkness” (Ephesians 4:17-5:13; believers to shed works of “darkness” (Ephesians 4:17-5:13; Colossians 3:1-17). Sins listed include fornication, evil speaking, Colossians 3:1-17). Sins listed include fornication, evil speaking, wrath, and impurity. In both Paul used the same analogy: put off the wrath, and impurity. In both Paul used the same analogy: put off the old man and put on the new man, being renewed in the mind in true old man and put on the new man, being renewed in the mind in true righteousness and holiness according to Christ, and being righteousness and holiness according to Christ, and being strengthened by God's Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16; 4:23-strengthened by God's Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16; 4:23-24; Colossians 3:9-10).24; Colossians 3:9-10).

Part of this holiness involved forgiving others, following the example Part of this holiness involved forgiving others, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). This forgiveness would of Christ (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). This forgiveness would flow out of their love for one another (Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14).flow out of their love for one another (Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14).

Paul spoke of submission at length in both letters (Ephesians 5:21-Paul spoke of submission at length in both letters (Ephesians 5:21-6:9; Colossians 3:18-4:1). Relationships explored were those between 6:9; Colossians 3:18-4:1). Relationships explored were those between husband and wife, father and child, and master and slave, with these husband and wife, father and child, and master and slave, with these teachings more fully developed in Ephesians.teachings more fully developed in Ephesians.

Tychicus was the bearer of both letters (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians Tychicus was the bearer of both letters (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7). When delivering them, he was to inform the churches of Paul's 4:7). When delivering them, he was to inform the churches of Paul's current situation.current situation.

At the conclusion of both letters Paul requested prayer so that he At the conclusion of both letters Paul requested prayer so that he might be able to preach the gospel of Christ (Ephesians 6:19; might be able to preach the gospel of Christ (Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3). In Ephesians he asked them to pray for boldness, Colossians 4:3). In Ephesians he asked them to pray for boldness, while in Colossians he prayed for the doors for preaching to open.while in Colossians he prayed for the doors for preaching to open.

Ephesians & Colossians: Ephesians & Colossians: DifferencesDifferences

Paul's main emphasis in Ephesians is the mystery of the Paul's main emphasis in Ephesians is the mystery of the church age where God has chosen both Jews and church age where God has chosen both Jews and Gentiles to become one body, equal before God. There Gentiles to become one body, equal before God. There are clues in the epistle that Jew/Gentile contentions are clues in the epistle that Jew/Gentile contentions might have been a problem, but that wasn't Paul's might have been a problem, but that wasn't Paul's primary focus. Rather, he explored the mystery of the primary focus. Rather, he explored the mystery of the church and its implications for those in it.church and its implications for those in it.

Colossians, however, was written to deal with a specific Colossians, however, was written to deal with a specific problem in the congregation (especially chapter 2). problem in the congregation (especially chapter 2). While we are not given the exact nature of the While we are not given the exact nature of the “heresy,” it appears to have included the worship of “heresy,” it appears to have included the worship of angels, certain forms of asceticism, possibly a unique angels, certain forms of asceticism, possibly a unique version of keeping parts of the Law.version of keeping parts of the Law.

Whereas Ephesians emphasizes the unity of the body of Whereas Ephesians emphasizes the unity of the body of Christ, Colossians emphasizes the supremacy of Christ Christ, Colossians emphasizes the supremacy of Christ over all things and more dimensions of the Christian over all things and more dimensions of the Christian life.life.

Abrupt Ending for ActsAbrupt Ending for Acts Was Luke planning to write volume 3?Was Luke planning to write volume 3?

– The later mission journeys of PaulThe later mission journeys of Paul Was there a more complete ending to Acts Was there a more complete ending to Acts

that has been lost over time?that has been lost over time?– No evidence is found in any manuscript traditionNo evidence is found in any manuscript tradition– No such testimony comes from the early churchNo such testimony comes from the early church

Is the current ending the way Luke intended?Is the current ending the way Luke intended?– Remember the literary structure of the book:Remember the literary structure of the book:

Expanding waves of gospel influenceExpanding waves of gospel influence Now the gospel has penetrated the heart of RomeNow the gospel has penetrated the heart of Rome This is the center of the “world”This is the center of the “world” But the task of transforming the world is on-goingBut the task of transforming the world is on-going So there can be no “progress report” of completion at So there can be no “progress report” of completion at

this pointthis point In fact, we are the living testimony of Acts “29”In fact, we are the living testimony of Acts “29” We continue to write the story!We continue to write the story!