Winter 2026            Acts 21–28

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Introduction  

The book of Acts narrates the advance of the good news of Jesus as it spreads from Jerusalem to Rome. In these closing chapters we follow along as the Lord brings Paul through many trials and ultimately to the capital city of the Empire. Important stops along the way include Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Malta. After Paul is arrested in Jerusalem, a plot is hatched to kill him. A Roman official, however, saves Paul’s life, bringing him by means of an armed guard to the coastal city of Caesarea. Here Paul defends himself and his ministry before the Roman governors, Felix and Festus, and the Jewish King, Herod Agrippa II. Threatened with being sent back to dangerous Jerusalem, Paul appeals to Caesar. Thus he is sent to Rome. God protects faithful Paul through a storm at sea and from a poisonous snake bite on Malta. As the book of Acts reaches its conclusion, the good news of Jesus Christ in the mouth of Paul arrives in Rome. An important milestone is attained in the gospel’s progress toward the ends of the earth (see Acts 1:8).  

 

Two theological themes may be mentioned here. First, these chapters are dominated by speeches in which Paul defends his ministry. These speeches defend not merely Paul himself but the entire new Christ-following movement. The ultimate argument in defense of The Way is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Second, these chapters highlight the relationship between Christianity and Judaism. Paul is shown to be a faithful Jew. Christianity is the true extension of the ancient Israelite faith. The sufferings of Christ and the hope of the resurrection were foretold in the Hebrew scriptures. Despite these realities, many Jews refuse to receive their messiah, and the preaching of the good news moves toward the Gentiles. Just the same, even to this day the light of Christ is to be proclaimed to both Jews and Gentiles alike (see Acts 26:23).

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Schedule  

Dec 28:     Philippians 1:9         "And this is My Prayer."                                                       Nathaniel Jackson

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​Jan 4:        Acts 21:1–16             “They were telling Paul not to go to Jerusalem."             Stefan Matzal

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Jan 11:       Acts 21:17–36           “You also live in observance of the law."                          Nathaniel Jackson

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Jan 18:      Acts 21:37–22:29    "I am a Jew, educated according to the law."                   Stefan Matzal

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Jan 25:     Topical: Sanctity of Human Life Sunday                                                             Nathaniel Jackson

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Feb.   1:     Acts 22:30–23:11     "The hope and the resurrection of the dead."                  Stefan Matzal

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Feb 8:       Acts 23:12–35         "We have bound ourselves by an oath."                           Nathaniel Jackson

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Feb 15:      Acts 24                    "I worship the God of our fathers."                                     Stefan Matzal

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Feb 22:     Acts 25                    "I appeal to Caesar."                                                           Nathaniel Jackson

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Mar   1:      Acts 26                    "Would you persuade me to be a Christian?"                    Stefan Matzal

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Mar 8:       Acts 27                     "We were violently storm-tossed."                                     Nathaniel Jackson

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Mar 15:      Acts 28:1–16            "Paul thanked God and took courage."                             Stefan Matzal

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Mar 22:     Acts 28:17–31          "We desire to hear what your views are."                          Nathaniel Jackson

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Mar 29:     Topical: Palm Sunday                                                                                           Stefan Matzal

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Apr.   5:     Topical: Easter                                                                                                      Nathaniel Jackson

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Apr 12:      Topical: Resurrection                                                                                            Stefan Matzal

 

 

The Eldership: December 2025