Life of Paul III: Conflicts, Arrest, Trial, Trip to Rome, Death
Conflict between Jews and Gentiles
Jesus taught his followers, after his resurrection, that they were to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations. This was a new mission, different than traditional Jewish thought.
Matthew 28:19a
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.
Peter was the first to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, with salvation for the household of Cornelius (Acts 10 & 11). The Jewish disciples realized this was true, but the acceptance of the Gentiles into the promised salvation, was often met with schism and uncertainty. Jesus called Saul/Paul to bear the name of Jesus to the sons of Israel, but he specifically mentioned reaching out to the Gentiles.
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
Acts 22:21
“And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'”
Paul’s normal practice was to reach his fellow countrymen, the Jews. When he came to a city, often, the first group of people to whom he would reach, were the Jewish believers in the local synagogues.
Acts 17:1-2
Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
Acts 17:10
The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
However, throughout his missionary journeys he saw God working in the lives of the Gentiles, opening a door for the gospel message.
Acts 14:27
When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
Acts 15:3
Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren.
Acts 15:12
All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
Acts 21:19
After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among
the Gentiles through his ministry.
Acts 28:28
“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”
Often times, Paul would begin preaching to the Jews, to show that that Jesus was their promised Messiah. However, his message would often be rejected, and he would turn his attention to where God was at work, among the Gentiles.
Acts 18:4-6
And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Paul, learned through what Jesus told him, and through his experiences that he had a special ministry to reach the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:8
(for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles)
Even though Paul realized that God effectually worked in him to reach the Gentiles, he never forgot his Jewish roots. In fact, he greatly desired that the Israelites would hear and believe the gospel message.
Romans 9:1-4
I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart.v For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises,
Romans 10:1
Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.
Some of the greatest conflicts and resistance that Paul endured came from his fellow countrymen, the Jewish people. The first great conflict came while Paul was ministering with Barnabus in Antioch and a sect of Judaizers rose up claiming that a person must be circumcised according to the law of Moses in order to be saved.
Acts 15:1-20
Galatians 2:1-14.
There was conflict among the Jewish believers regarding the acceptance of the Gentiles.
Paul’s Life: Final Years
AD 57-58 – Paul goes to Jerusalem, arrested, imprisoned at Caesarea
AD 58-60 – Paul on trial: Appears before Felix, Festus, Agrippa; voyage to Rome
AD 60-62 – Paul under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30)
AD 62-64 – Paul released (Eusebius 2.22) Journey to Spain (Rom 15:24,28; 1 Clement ch.5)
AD 64-68 – Paul in Rome. Executed under Nero (Eusebius 2.25)
Paul Goes to Jerusalem
Acts 19:21
Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
Acts 20:16
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 20:22-25
And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.
Acts 21:3-4
When we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload its cargo. After looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem.
Acts 21:8,10-11
On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'”
Acts 21:12
When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 21:15-40
Arrest and Trials
Paul’s Defense (apologia –GK meaning “a speech in defense”) Acts 22:1; 24:10; 25:8,16; 26:1-2; 24
The term “Apologetics” is derived from this word. Apologetics (from Greek ἀπολογία, “speaking in defense”) is the religious discipline of defending or attempting to prove the truth of religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse.
- Acts 22:1-30 – Paul’s defense to the crowd at Jerusalem
- Acts 23:1-12 – Paul’s defense before the Council at Jerusalem
- Acts 23:13-35 – Paul is transferred from Jerusalem and brought to Caesarea
- Acts 24:1-27 – Paul’s defense before the Governor, Felix
- Acts 25:1-12 – Paul’s defense before Festus – Appeals to Caesar in Rome
- Acts 25:13-27; 26:1-32 – Paul’s defense before king Agrippa
Paul’s Journey to Rome/Shipwreck
Acts 27:1ff; 28:1ff
Summation of Paul’s two years in Rome under house arrest
Acts 28:30-31
And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
Paul’s Death
Clement of Rome
“Because of Jealousy and strife Paul showed the way to the prize for patient endurance. After he had been seven times in chains, had been driven into exile, had been stoned, and had preached in the east and in the west, he won the genuine glory for his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world and having reached the farthest limits of the west. Finally, when he had given his testimony before the rules, he thus departed from the world and went to the holy place, having become an outstanding example of patient endurance” (1 Clemont 5.5-5.7)
Eusebius
When Nero’s power was now firmly established he gave himself up to unholy practices and took up arms against the God of the universe… So it came about that this man, the first to be heralded as a conspicuous fighter against God, was led on to murder the apostles. It is recorded that in his reign Paul was beheaded in Rome itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified… That they were both martyred at the same time Bishop Dionysius of Corinth informs us in a letter written to the Romans:
In this way by your impressive admonition you have bound together all that has grown from the seed which Peter and Paul sowed in Romans and Corinthians alike. For both of them sowed in our Corinth and taught us jointly: in Italy too they taught jointly in the same city, and were martyred at the same time.
(Eusebius – The History of the Church, Book 2.25)
II Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
4 Sin
Something Is Wrong with Humanity
Sin is alive and well; it’s a big problem; it has infected our species. Our society doesn’t know what to do about it. We don’t understand the problem. We think those who commit heinous crimes are just insane. We don’t know where this impulse comes from. We can’t make sense of it. We don’t know how to fix it.
However, Paul’s epistles give us profound insight into
- what sin is
- where it came from
- how it infects us
- how to deal with it
1 First of All, What Is Sin?
Galatians 5:19-21 (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:6-10; Ephesians 5)
Sin includes any action that goes against what God says is right. It leads to dysfunction and death whereas righteousness (sin’s opposite) leads to harmony and life.
2 Whence Does Sin Originate?
Adam’s Original Rebellion
Romans 5:12-21 (excepting Christ’s influence)
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam…many died through one man’s trespass…the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation… because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man…one trespass led to condemnation for all men…by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners…sin reigned in death”
Sin came into the world because of the first man and from there it has spread to all. Because of sin, we stand condemned. Sin reigns in death.
Spiritual Powers
Ephesians 2:1-3
By default, we follow malevolent spiritual forces. We carry out the passions of our flesh (body and mind). By nature, all of us are children of wrath.
Question: Are people born innocent and then they get corrupted by bad experiences and influences, or are they born corrupted and as they grow they produce the fruit of that corruption?
Flesh
Galatians 6:7-8 (cf. Rom 8:3-9, 12-13; 1 Cor 3:1-3; 5:5; 2 Cor 1:17; 10:2-4; Gal 5:13-26; 6:8; Eph 2:3; Col 2:11, 23)
Indulging the “flesh” results in corruption and death. The flesh is that part of us that wants to sin; it’s not the same as the body.
3 How Sin Affects Us
The Downward Spiral of Sin (Example of the Gentiles)
Romans 1:18-25
Sin is a slippery slope.
- Stage 1: refuse to honor God, thank God
- Stage 2: become futile in their thinking
- Stage 3: idolatry (worshiping creature rather than creator)
- Stage 4: God gave them up to their to impurity
Romans 1:26-28
Three times he says, “God gave them up.” This is like a parent who can’t keep enabling an adult child to slack off and play video games all night and sleep all day. Eventually the parent kicks the kid out, not because of a lack of love, but because there’s nothing else to do and because maybe, just maybe he’ll come to his senses.
Romans 1:29-32
I can just imagine the Jewish audience saying, “Yeah, those Gentiles are just full of sin and dysfunctionand wickedness. Stick it to ‘em Paul!”
Insidious Self-Righteousness (Example of the Jews)
Romans 2:3, 17-23
There is something insidious about sin. It disguises itself. While judging others’ behaviors we are blind to your own sins.
We Are All Infected
Romans 3:9-23
We all fall short of God’s glory. We’ve all sinned—even those God has been working with for millennia.
Sin is a force that can use God’s good Law to rebel
Romans 7:7-24 (taking just the parts that talk about the flesh)
“…I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead…For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me…For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate…So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out…Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
There is something rebellious about sin; it sees the rule and produces within us a desire to break the rule. Sin pushes us around, making us do what we don’t want to do. It kills us and takes over.
Sin even affects creation
Romans 8:20-22
See also Gen 3.17 where God curses the ground because of human sin. Sin has not only infected our race, but our entire world. From severe weather to incurable diseases to famines, it poisons our world.
4 How to Deal with Sin
Standard Way to Fix It
Colossians 2:20-23
We put more rules in place to curb sin. It seems wise, but it doesn’t work. Asceticism is of no value in stopping indulgence of the flesh. You can deny yourself desserts, but then you watch bad TV that corrupts your soul. We need a heart transplant!
Yet There’s Hope!
Titus 3:3-7
It’s not a matter of gritting your teeth and performing more righteous deeds. He had to save us according to his mercy; he had to wash us. We were dead; we need regeneration, renewal of his spirit. We were guilty and in need of justification by his grace. We had nothing and needed him to include us in the inheritance of eternal life.
In future teachings we’ll see how Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension have changed everything for humankind.
