Bible Study

Wednesday - 10:00 a.m.

Check here for Part 2 of the Sunday studies.

The Legacy Standard Bible

Beginning on Sunday, December 8, 2024, our Pastor began using the LSB version of the Bible in all of his teaching and preaching. This is the newly updated version of the NASB, which he has been using for a number of years. Here is some information on the LSB for those who would like to learn more. It also explains why Pastor Alan is now using this version of the English Bible.

The Legacy Standard Bible has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture as originally penned in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek are the eternal Word of God. The Holy Scriptures speak with authority to each generation, giving wisdom that leads to salvation, that people may serve Christ to the glory of God. Because it is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16), every word of it is inspired, every word is true, and every word must be conveyed to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue (Rev. 7:9), so that every word can be taught and obeyed (Josh. 23:14; Mt. 28:20; Jn. 17:17).

THE FOURFOLD AIM OF THE LOCKMAN FOUNDATION

1. These publications shall be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

2. They shall be grammatically correct.

3. They shall be understandable.

4. They shall give the Lord Jesus Christ His proper place, the place which the Word gives Him; therefore, no work will ever be personalized.

PREFACE TO THE LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE
In the history of the English Bible translations, the King James Version is the most well-known. This time-honored version of 1611, itself a revision of the Bishops’ Bible of 1568, became the basis for the English Revised Version, which appeared in 1881 (New Testament) and 1885 (Old Testament). Its American counterpart, a product of both British and American scholarship, was published in 1901. Recognizing the values of the American Standard Version, The Lockman Foundation felt an urgency to preserve the ASV while incorporating recent discoveries of Hebrew and Greek textual sources and rendering it into more current English. This resulted in the New American Standard Bible, a translation based upon the time-honored principles of translation of the ASV and KJV, along with other linguistic tools and biblical scholarship.

The Legacy Standard Bible reflects another iteration of such preservation and refinement. Worked on by a core translation team in conjunction with pastors and educators from different countries, it is designed to honor, maintain, and advance the tradition represented by the NASB.

PRINCIPLES OF TRANSLATION
Key Principles: The Legacy Standard Bible has worked to uphold the style and translational choices of the NASB as much as possible. Even more, it has endeavored to follow through on the NASB’s stated intent to be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. While the interpreter, teacher, and pastor have the goal of understanding what the text means, the translator is to provide them with what the text says. Consistently, the goal of this translation is to be a window into the original text. Within that goal, this revision has focused upon accuracy and consistency. It has checked that words and grammar have been carried over properly. It also established rules for the consistent translation of terms within their various nuances. This allows the reader to more easily reconstruct what the original texts said. It also helps the reader more easily trace the flow of argument within a text, identify when the same word is used in another passage, and make connections between texts.

There are limits to the application of this philosophy. In this edition, a word might not be translated consistently in order to maintain a highly familiar rendering of a text or to preserve a wordplay in the text that advances the inspired author’s message. Moreover, because Scripture is a literary masterpiece, some linguistic features could not be transferred to this translation, not even by a note. Nevertheless, ensuring that the original languages are precisely rendered paves the way for careful readers to discover these insights for themselves.

In this way, the LSB upholds the philosophy that a translation does not replace pastors or teachers but rather depends upon faithful believers and the church to study and live out what has been written (Acts 8:30-31). Translation is a tool for the church and must be done in that context so that each word of Scripture may be taught and lived.

Modern English Usage: The attempt has been made to render the grammar and terminology in contemporary English. When word-for-word literalness was determined unacceptable to the modern reader; a change was made in the direction of a more current English idiom. In the instances where this has been done, the more literal rendering has been indicated in the notes. There are a few exceptions to this procedure. Of note, while an effort has been made to incorporate conjunctions as much as possible, the conjunction “and” is occasionally not translated at the beginning of sentences because of differences in style between ancient and modern writing. Punctuation is a relatively modern invention, and ancient writers often linked most of their sentences with “and” or other connectives.

Alternate Readings: In addition to the more literal renderings, notations have been made to include readings of variant manuscripts, explanatory equivalents of the text, and alternate translations that may bring out a play on words difficult to maintain in the text. These notations have been used specifically to assist the reader in comprehending the terms used by the original author.

THE COMMITMENTS OF THE LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy preserved – to uphold the work and tradition that is found in translations from the KJV, ASV, to NASB.

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy performed – to advance the commitments of past translations by bringing forth features of the original text relative to accuracy and consistency.

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy passed on – to equip generations to study Scripture and continue the philosophy of being a window.
~ The Lockman Foundation

For additional information we recommend you contact The Lockman Foundation -- https://www.lockman.org/legacy-standard-bible-l

JOHN TEACHES ON LOVE (Marks of the Believer)

JOHN TEACHES ON LOVE
(Marks of the Believer)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: John wrote his first epistle to believers whose faith had wavered in response to false teachers who had denied the full divinity and humanity of Jesus (1 Jn. 2:18-27). The apostle wrote to reaffirm the core tenets of Christianity and to encourage the believers to stand firmly and confidently in the faith. He assured his readers that they could know they had eternal life in Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 5:13).

Given this truth, I want us to spend most of our time this morning looking at the marks of the believer, which give us assurance of our salvation.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

John emphasized love as the main mark of a true believer. Those who abide in God, who is love, will reflect His love. Christians love God by keeping His commandments and love others through self-sacrificing service to one another. But love can be a difficult concept to understand because our modern culture has so diluted its meaning. Today, most people think of love as an emotion, attraction, desire, or admiration. It is generally something that is felt and often dependent on the object. But that is not at all the biblical definition of love. Biblical love is a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional service that is intrinsically connected to action. Biblical love is entirely independent of the object’s value or acceptance. Jesus demonstrated love by sacrificing His life for His enemies.

[READ Rom. 5:6-10]

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

In Greek, there are four different words that would translate into love in English. Eros, which could be defined as sexual or romantic love, does not occur in the New Testament, even in describing marriage (Eph. 5:25). Storge was used to refer to the natural affection between those who were related and appears occasionally in compound words. Philos was used to mean spontaneous natural affection with an emphasis on feeling. Agape is by far the most frequent NT word for love, and it refers to goodwill that proceeds from duty or principle rather than attraction. The use of these two words (philos & agape) overlaps to such a degree that a distinction is not always clear. But  the general idea is that agape is an unconditional, sacrificial love and philos is affection born of friendship. Peter made a distinction between the two when he wrote to supplement brotherly affection with love (2 Pet. 1:7).

[READ 2 Pet. 1:7]

7 … and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

Also, John commended Gaius for showing love to believers who were strangers (3 Jn. 5-6) as we discussed on Sunday.

Although we should be careful of making distinctions in the original language where none exist, it is clear that Christian love as described in the Bible goes beyond brother affection and is distinct from the emotion-based definition commonly used today. We are called to love each other as Christ loved us and laid down His life for us. We had done nothing to earn His admiration or esteem. We were weak and hostile to God. We did not love God, but He loved us first.

[READ 1 Jn. 4:19]

19 We love, because He first loved us.

John called us to love God by keeping His commandments and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ by laying down our lives for them.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:16]

16 By this we have known love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

Just as Jesus chose to sacrifice Himself for our benefit, we should choose to demonstrate sacrificial love toward one another, even those who have not earned our affection or esteem. By this we can know that we are children of God.

[READ 1 Jn. 5:2]

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do His commandments.

II. MARKS OF THE BELIEVER

As we’ve seen, John is known for the theme of love that he emphasized in his teaching. His first epistle is also known for its value in identifying the marks of a believer and evaluating genuine salvation. Many point to 1 John as a salvation test. So, let’s talk about these traits which identify a genuine believer.

[READ 1 Jn. 2:3]

3 And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

We know that we are His if we keep His commandments.

[READ 1 Jn. 2:5-6]

5 … But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

If we abide in Him, we will imitate Jesus.

[READ 1 Jn. 2:9]

9 The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now.

If someone hates his brothers and sisters in the Lord, they are not of God.

[READ 1 Jn. 2:15]

15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

We do not love the world. If we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:9]

9 Everyone who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

If we are born of God, we will not make a practice of sinning.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:14]

14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. The one who does not love abides in death.

We know we are of God because we love other believers.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:24]

24 And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He gave us.

We know that He abides in us if we keep His commandments. We also know He abides in us by the Holy Spirit He has given us.

[READ 1 Jn. 4:13]

13 By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

We know we abide in Him because He has given us His Spirit.

[READ 1 Jn. 5:2]

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do His commandments.

We know we are children of God when we love God and obey His commandments.

* How would you summarize the marks of a believer, based on these verses? According to John, we can know that we are children of God by our love for one another, by our obedience to the commands of God, but our pursuit of righteousness rather than sin, and by the Holy Spirit He has given to dwell in us and to work in our lives to help us accomplish the other marks. In short, we obey God’s commandments to love God and to love others (Mt. 22:37-40).

John wrote to his audience as the last remaining apostle, an elder with great love and concern for the believers. He wanted them to know that they were children of God. His intention was not to scare the believers or make them doubt their salvation, but rather to encourage them. They could be confident that they were children of God because of the love and fellowship they shared. But he also wanted to equip them to identify false believers who were apparently leaving and denying the faith and teaching false doctrine. He wanted to reassure the genuine believers that those who were leaving the faith were never actually children of God. Those who are of God will confess Christ, love the brothers, practice righteousness, and obey God’s commandments.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD

John did not merely intend to give his readers a test to make sure their faith was genuine. He meant to undergird their confidence and point to the fruit that was already evident in their lives as children of God. Although John recognized that we would sometimes fail and need forgiveness, he confidently believed that love and obedience would be evident in the lives of genuine believers. If we are children of God, we will love one another. He did, however, encourage believers to seek an active demonstration of this love. We are to serve one another, just as Christ laid down his life for us.

JOHN TEACHES ON LOVE - Study Guide

JOHN TEACHES ON LOVE

Answers (Lesson 177) - Aug. 13, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: John wrote his first epistle to believers whose faith had wavered in response to false teachers who had denied the full divinity and humanity of Jesus (1 Jn. 2:18-27). He assured his readers that they could know they had eternal life in Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 5:13). I want us to spend most of our time this morning looking at the marks of the believer, which give us assurance of our salvation.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

Romans 5:6-10

In Greek, there are four different words that would translate into love in English. Eros, which could be defined as sexual or romantic love, does not occur in the New Testament, even in describing marriage (Eph. 5:25). Storge was used to refer to the natural affection between those who were related and appears occasionally in compound words. Philos was used to mean spontaneous natural affection with an emphasis on feeling. Agape is by far the most frequent NT word for love, and it refers to goodwill that proceeds from duty or principle rather than attraction. The use of these two words (philos & agape) overlaps to such a degree that a distinction is not always clear. But the general idea is that agape is an unconditional, sacrificial love and philos is affection born of friendship. Peter made a distinction between the two when he wrote to supplement brotherly affection with love (2 Pet. 1:7).

2 Peter 1:7

Also, John commended Gaius for showing love to believers who were strangers (3 Jn. 5-6) as we discussed on Sunday.

1 John 4:19

John called us to love God by keeping His commandments and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ by laying down our lives for them.

1 John 3:16

1 John 5:2

II. MARKS OF THE BELIEVER

1 John 2:3

We know that we are His if we keep His commandments.

1 John 2:5-6

If we abide in Him, we will imitate Jesus.

1 John 2:9

If someone hates his brothers and sisters in the Lord, they are not of God.

1 John 2:15

We do not love the world. If we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us.

1 John 3:9

If we are born of God, we will not make a practice of sinning.

1 John 3:14

We know we are of God because we love other believers.

1 John 3:24

We know that He abides in us if we keep His commandments. We also know He abides in us by the Holy Spirit He has given us.

1 John 4:13

We know we abide in Him because He has given us His Spirit.

1 John 5:2

We know we are children of God when we love God and obey His commandments.

How would you summarize the marks of a believer based on these verses?

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD

EXAMPLES OF FAITH (Hebrews Survey)

EXAMPLES OF FAITH
(Hebrews Survey)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: The writer of Hebrews wrote to encourage Christians in a time of trial and persecution. The book focuses on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, in contrast to the imperfect system that the people could never perfectly fulfill. Jesus ushered in a new covenant, a new order of priesthood that was better in every way. Because of this incredible salvation, the writer of Hebrews encouraged and exhorted believers to live in faith, imitating the example given to us by Christ and those whose faith is recorded for us in the OT.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

As we learned on Sunday, the letter to the Hebrews is truly an anonymous letter. The writer did not identify himself or address his letter to a clear audience. Due to early tradition and the content of the letter, most scholars agree that the letter was written to Jewish Christians. Scholars disagree, nevertheless, on authorship. They have suggested Paul, Apollos, Luke, Barnabas, Silas, Philip, Priscilla, Aquila, and Clement of Rome as possible authors. However, the vocabulary, style, and literary characteristics are not sufficient to support any one claim. Many have denied Pauline authorship since the author seemed to have included himself as a secondhand witness to the gospel.

[READ Heb. 2:3]

3 … That salvation, first spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard ….

The author was very familiar with Jewish history, though he tended to quote from the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew text. Even the early church expressed varying opinions regarding authorship. It seems this is a puzzle that will not be solved, so the book remains anonymous.

Due to the present tense used in referring to the Levitical priesthood, it seems that this system was still active at the time the book was penned. This would place it before AD 70, when the temple was destroyed by Roman general Titus.

Additionally, the writer of Hebrews acknowledged that Timothy had just been released from prison …

[READ Heb. 13:23]

23 Know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you.
He also alludes to severe persecutions …

[READ Heb. 10:32-35]

32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and afflictions, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you also showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted with joy the seizure of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession. 35 Therefore, do not throw away that confidence of yours, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

This suggests that the book was written in the late 60s.

Most difficulties in interpreting Hebrews are resolved when the text is read in light of the historical context of the OT. The Levitical system is a shadow of Christ’s new priestly system, and Melchizedek is a type of Christ’s priesthood. A type is an OT element that prefigures a NT element. Though Melchizedek was just a man, his record survived without allusion to lineage or death. In this way, he represented a priest who was appointed based on merit and was never eliminated from office by death.

Understanding the OT is key to understanding the redemptive purposes of God. What the Levitical system could never accomplish has been accomplished by the sacrifice of Jesus. Since the NT writers pointed to the OT to explain the principles of the new covenant, we should never ignore or dismiss the OT in our study of Scripture.

There is much more we can glean from the in-depth discussion throughout the book of Hebrews. In short, Jesus is the better priest of the better covenant and serves in a more perfect temple.

II. EXAMPLES OF FAITH

As we wrap up our survey of Hebrews, let’s turn our attention to a familiar passage – Hebrews 11. When we talk about Jesus establishing a new covenant and replacing the law and Levitical systems, we must be careful not to dismiss the faith of those living under that system.

[READ Heb. 11:1-40]

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was approved as being righteous -- God approving his gifts -- and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for prior to being taken up, he was approved as being pleasing to God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise, 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she regarded Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore there were born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been remembering that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now, they aspire to a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He prepared a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only son, 18 to whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” 19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he also received him back. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave commands concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 regarding the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the rage of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land, and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after welcoming the spies in peace.
32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I recount Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, as well as David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, performed righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong from weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others experienced mockings and floggings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword. They went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, mistreated 38 (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in desolate places and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

* Were any of these examples of faith unfamiliar to you? Most of the examples in verses 1-31 are main characters in the history recorded in Genesis. The Hebrews would have been very familiar with these ancestors.

* Are you surprised to find any of these examples included in this list? Although most of these examples are expected, there may be some surprise over Jephthah (who made a foolish vow), Gideon (who needed many signs of God’s favor), or Samson (who was not very faithful to God’s call). Also surprising may be the fact that Moses is described as considering the reproach of Christ greater than the wealth of Egypt.

* Can you think of any additional accounts that provide an example of faith? The Bible is full of people demonstrating great faith. The writer of Hebrews was focusing on those who lived before the time of Christ, but we also find great examples of faith in the NT.

* How many allusions in verses 33-38 can you identify? Some of the items are general and hard to identify as referring to a specific individual, but some are clear. Joshua conquered kingdoms, David and the faithful kings of Judah enforced justice, Daniel stopped the mouths of lions, Daniel’s three friends quenched the power of fire in Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, Gideon was made strong out of weakness, Elijah and Elisha both raised children from the dead, Zechariah was stoned for speaking the Lord’ message to Joash, Jeremiah was imprisoned, Isaiah is traditionally believed to have been sawn in two, Uriah and others were killed by the sword.

* In all of these examples, what was the object of their faith? These faithful men and women believed that God would fulfill His promises of redemption and reconciliation. They had faith that God had a better home in mind for them; they sought a heavenly country (vv. 13-16). Although their faith was placed in a different direction (in a future hope rather than an accomplished event), they still placed their faith in the redemptive work of the Messiah.

Conclusion: When we are reminded of the many men and women who endured so much for the sake of Christ – for the hope of a Messiah who had not yet come – we should be greatly encouraged and strongly challenged. They trusted in the promises of God with no guarantee but the trustworthiness of God. They had faith that God would fulfill His promises. Through 4,000 years, they lived and died in the faith and hope of a coming Messiah, of reconciliation, and consummation. They trusted God to restore His kingdom. And one after another, they died without seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises.

How much stronger should our faith be? We have seen the coming of the Messiah. We have the more complete revelation of God’s redemptive plan. We have a new and better covenant. The writer of Hebrews made this same connection in chapter 12.

[READ Heb. 12:1-2]

1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

EXAMPLES OF FAITH - Study Guide

EXAMPLES OF FAITH

Answers (Lesson 176) - Aug. 6, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: The writer of Hebrews wrote to encourage Christians in a time of trial and persecution. The book focuses on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, in contrast to the imperfect system that the people could never perfectly fulfill, Jesus ushered in a new covenant, a new order of priesthood that was better in every way. Because of this incredible salvation, the writer of Hebrews encouraged and exhorted believers to live in faith, imitating the example given to us by Christ and those whose faith is recorded for us in the OT.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

Due to early tradition and the content of Hebrews, most scholars agree that the letter was written to Jewish Christians. Scholars disagree, nevertheless, on authorship.

On one side is Satan and his demonic forces. Satan was originally one of the chiefs of God’s heavenly beings; he was a creature of beauty and gave praise to God. However, Satan became jealous, desired to become God, and rebelled, along with other angels, against the Almighty. Let’s check out a couple of Scriptures that describe this rebellion. The vocabulary, style, and literary characteristics are not sufficient to support a definite author. Many have denied Pauline authorship since the author seemed to have included himself as a secondhand witness to the gospel.

Hebrews 2:3

The author was very familiar with Jewish history, though he
tended to quote from the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew text.

Additionally, the writer of Hebrews acknowledged that Timothy had just been released from prison.

Hebrews 13:23

He also alludes to severe persecutions, which suggests that the book was written in the late AD 60s.

Hebrews 10:32-35

Most difficulties in interpreting Hebrews are resolved when the text is read in light of the historical context of the OT. The Levitical system is a shadow of Christ’s new priestly system, and Melchizedek is a type of Christ’s priesthood. Though Melchizedek was just a man, his record survived without allusion to lineage or death. In this way, he represented a priest who was appointed based on merit and was never eliminated from office by death.

There is much more we can glean from the in-depth discussion throughout the book of Hebrews. In short, Jesus is the better priest of the better covenant and serves in a more perfect temple.

II. EXAMPLES OF FAITH

* Were any of these examples of faith unfamiliar to you?

* Are you surprised to find any of these examples included in this list?

* Can you think of any additional accounts that provide an example of faith?

* How many allusions in verses 33-38 can you identify?

* In all of these examples, what was the object of their faith?

These faithful men and women believed that God would fulfill His promises of redemption and reconciliation. They had faith that God had a better home in mind for them; they sought a heavenly country (vv. 13-16). Although their faith was placed in a different direction (in a future hope rather than an accomplished event), they still placed their faith in the redemptive work of the Messiah.

CONCLUSION: When we are reminded of the many men and women who endured so much for the sake of Christ – for the hope of a Messiah who had not yet come – we should be greatly encouraged and strongly challenged. They trusted in the promises of God with no guarantee but the trustworthiness of God. They had faith that God would fulfill His promises. Through 4,000 years, they lived and died in the faith and hope of a coming Messiah, of reconciliation, and consummation. They trusted God to restore His kingdom. And one after another, they died without seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises.
How much stronger should our faith be? We have seen the coming of the Messiah. We have the more complete revelation of God’s redemptive plan. We have a new and better covenant. The writer of Hebrews made this same connection in chapter 12.

Hebrews 12:1-2

CALLED TO HOLINESS (to be like Jesus)

CALLED TO HOLINESS
(to be like Jesus)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: As we were learning on Sunday, Peter contrasts holiness with being conformed to former passions (1 Pet. 1:14). Peter gives us several examples of holy conduct – submission to authority, honorable relationships, unity among believers, faithfulness in suffering so that others might glorify God (1 Pet. 1:12). We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt. 22:36-40).

The pursuit of holiness is a process that requires us to be prepared for action at all times (1 Pet. 1:13) since we are in a battle against the devil himself (Eph. 6:11-13). But God equips us with spiritual armor to withstand in the evil day.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND
The Bible tells us that there is an unseen world in which we live. There are spiritual forces that affect our world and wage constant battle in and around human society.

[READ Ezek. 28:12-15]

12 “Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh,
“You had the seal of perfection,
Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13 You were in Eden, the garden of God;
Every precious stone was your covering:
The ruby, the topaz, and the diamond;
The beryl, the onyx, and the jasper;
The lapis lazuli, the turquoise, and the emerald;
And the gold, the workmanship of your settings
And sockets, was in you.
On the day that you were created
They were prepared.
14 You were the anointed cherub who covers,
And I placed you there.
You were on the holy mountain of God;
You walked in the midst of the stones of fire.
15 You were blameless in your ways
From the day you were created
Until unrighteousness was found in you.

[READ Isa. 14:12-15]

12 How you have fallen from heaven,
O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations!
13 But you said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’
15 Nevertheless you will be brought down to Sheol,
To the recesses of the pit.

To this day these demonic forces – the fallen angels – long to prevent people from seeing the light of the gospel and to harass, attack, and corrupt Christians.

On the other side of this eternal conflict is God and His holy angels. The angels are perfect, sinless, powerful creations of God. They are ministering spirits that carry out God’s plan, and they work for the benefit of God’s people. Their goal is to serve and glorify God. The people of God (born again believers in Christ) are included as part of this angelic army, while also being protected by its hosts.

In the church today, there seem to be two extreme views on this cosmic conflict with a minority taking the middle ground. Some ignore the spiritual conflict altogether. Others see a demon under every bush, equating sins with specific demons (such as “a demon of lust”) and “binding Satan” on a regular basis. I believe the biblical truth about spiritual warfare lies between these two extremes.

[READ Dan. 10:12-14]

12 Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you gave your heart to understand this and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing against me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. Now I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the last days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”

While most of these spiritual battles are fought out of our sight, Christians still have a part in them. Our Responsibility in SW Scripture commands us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil (Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9); we are to destroy strongholds in the minds and hearts of people and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-6); we are to take the Word of God to all the world and make disciples (Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Thes. 1:8), delivering people from the dominion of Satan to God (Acts 26:18); we are to continually study to show ourselves approved by God (2 Tim. 2:15). This is how Christians war – we fight with the gospel!

In Ephesians 3, Paul wrote about the mystery of the gospel that was accomplished in Christ Jesus. And that plan is being made known to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:9-10) through the church. The existence, growth, preservation, and work of the church are the evidence to the heavenly enemies of God that God has won the victory through Jesus Christ. When Paul calls us to spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6, and to put on the armor of God, he is calling us to faithfulness in the Christian life. As we carefully fasten on this armor, we enter the battle and participate with God’s holy angels in the warfare that will rage until Christ returns in glory.

II. TO BE LIKE JESUS

Since the Bible calls us to be holy just like God is holy, we need to know what that looks like. We cannot strive to reach a standard if we don’t know what that standard is.

As believers in the new covenant, we are not bound to the broad set of laws given to the Israelites under the old covenant. So, how do we know what the standard of obedience to God in holiness looks like? As we look at the following references, I think it will become evident to you.

[READ Rom. 8:28-30]

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29 Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

Though we are called by God and seek to love God, the trials in our lives are working to conform us into the image of Jesus. Jesus is the standard to which we are to look as we grow in holiness.

[READ 2 Cor. 3:14-18]

14 But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is brought to an end in Christ. 15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart, 16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are being transformed into the image of the Lord Jesus.

[READ Eph. 4:11-16]

11 And He Himself gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the full knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming, 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being joined and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the properly measured working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

The saints are being taught by those appointed by Christ (through gifts of the Holy Spirit) to be conformed through the knowledge of the Son of God into the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” growing up in all things to be like Christ.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:2-10]

2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not been manifested as yet what we will be. We know that when He is manifested, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
4 Everyone who does sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested in order to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or has come to know Him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 The one who does sin is of the devil, because the devil sins from the beginning. The Son of God was manifested for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Everyone who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifested: everyone who does not do righteousness is not of God, as well as the one who does not love his brother.

Children of God hope in the promise of being made like Christ when He appears. This leads us to purify ourselves as He is pure, putting away the practice of sinning, practicing righteousness, and loving the brethren.

[READ Titus 3:3-8]

3 For we ourselves also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and affection of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be intent to lead in good works. These things are good and profitable for men.

Because of the mercy Christ has shown, those who have believed God should be careful to devote themselves to good works, things that are excellent and profitable. These good works are contrasted with the former ways and divisiveness.

But when we stumble and fall in those valleys, we must remember that we do not make the climb in our own strength – we do it knowing that Christ has already made the journey for us and that His Spirit is in us. Knowing what Jesus has done for us gives us motivation to continue to strive to put away our own desires while we rest in the work He has done for us. As we walk up the mountain, we must keep the truths of the gospel in mind lest we become discouraged in our own efforts.

CALLED TO HOLINESS - Study Guide

CALLED TO HOLINESS
Answers (Lesson 173) -- July 9, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: Peter contrasts holiness with being conformed to former passions (1 Pet. 1:14). Peter gives us several examples of holy conduct – submission to authority, honorable relationships, unity among believers, faithfulness in suffering – so that others might glorify God (1 Pet. 1:12). We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt. 22:36-40).

I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & REVIEW

The Bible tells us that there is an unseen world in which we live. There are spiritual forces that affect our world and wage constant battle in and around human society.

Ezekiel 28:12-15 & Isaiah 14:12-15

To this day these demonic forces – the fallen angels – long to prevent people from seeing the light of the gospel and to harass, attack, and corrupt Christians.

Daniel 10:12-14

While most of these spiritual battles are fought out of our sight, Christians still have a part in them. Scripture commands us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil (Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9); we are to destroy strongholds in the minds and hearts of people and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-6); we are to take the Word of God to all the world and make disciples (Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Thes. 1:8), delivering people from the dominion of Satan to God (Acts 26:18); we are to continually study to show ourselves approved by God (2 Tim. 2:15). This is how Christians war – we fight with the gospel!

the victory through Jesus Christ. When Paull calls us to spiritual warfare, he is calling us to faithfulness in the Christian life. As we carefully fasten on this armor, we enter the battle and participate with God’s holy angels in the warfare that will rage until Christ returns in glory.

II. TO BE LIKE JESUS

Since the Bible calls us to be holy just like God is holy, we need to know what that looks like. We cannot strive to reach a standard if we don’t know what that standard is. As believers in the new covenant, we are not bound to the broad set of laws given to the Israelites under the old covenant. So, how do we know what the standard of obedience to God in holiness looks like? As we look at the following references, I think it will become evident to you.

Romans 8:28-30

Though we are called by God and seek to love God, the trials in our lives are working to conform us into the image of Jesus. Jesus is the standard to which we are to look as we grow in holiness.

2 Corinthians 3:14-18

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are being transformed into the image of the Lord Jesus.

Ephesians 4:11-16

1 John 3:2-10

Children of God hope in the promise of being made like Christ when He appears. This leads us to purify ourselves as
He is pure, putting away the practice of sinning, practicing righteousness, and loving the brethren.

Titus 3:3-8

Therefore, rather than a what, as the standard for our obedience, we have a who. As believers, we are called to follow and imitate Jesus Christ. He is the only person who has lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father’s commands and God’s will. While we walk as Christians, we can think of it as a climb to the top of a hill resulting in holiness and conformity to the character of Jesus. We can see that peak in the distance as we walk. There may be some dips and valleys we pass through, but our goal should be to grow in holiness and to be like Christ in all we do. As we look back, we can see our former ignorant conduct below us and the progress that we have made toward being like Christ. As we look forward, we can see that we still have a long way to go before we are like Him. Ultimately, that will only be fulfilled when we are glorified with Him in eternity. But when we stumble and fall in those valleys, we must remember that we do not make the climb in our own strength – we do it knowing that Christ has already made the journey for us and that His Spirit is in us. Knowing what Jesus has done for us gives us motivation to continue to strive to put away our own desires while we rest in the work He has done for us. As we walk up the mountain, we must keep the truths of the gospel in mind lest we become discouraged in our efforts.

PAUL’S PRISON EPISTLES (Put off the old self, put on the new.)

PAUL’S PRISON EPISTLES
(Put off the old self, put on the new.)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: Let’s review what we’ve been learning for a few minutes.

While Paul was under house arrest in Rome, he had many freedoms and privileges. He was free to have visitors and to send messages, and he made full use of this allowance. For two years, he welcomed all who could come to him, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to them (Acts 28:31). But another benefit of this arrangement was that he continued to hear reports of the churches around Asia and Macedonia and could continue to encourage and exhort them through his letters.

A common theme in Paul’s letters is the contrast between death and life. In his letter to the Ephesians, he explained that they had been dead in their trespasses, following the world and influence of Satan. In living according to passions and worldly desires, they were children of wrath (Eph. 2:1-3). But God graciously saved them, making them alive with Christ (Eph. 2:4-5).

Now that they were saved by the grace of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, they were made alive with Him and were to live for Him. As Paul explained to the Colossians, we have been buried with Christ and raised to life with Him (Col. 2:12). Our old selves have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but the life we now live should be lived for Christ (Gal. 2:20). In this way, sin no longer enslaves the believer.

Paul went on to exhort the Ephesians and Colossians to be transformed and renewed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:23) through the effort of sanctification. He warned them not to walk in the ways of the Gentiles as they once did, but to put off the old self with all its deceitful desires (Eph. 4:22). Instead, they were to put on the new self, reflecting the righteousness and holiness of God (Eph. 4:24) and to seek the things above (Col. 3:1).

Although the believer is a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), Christians still struggle with sin in this life. But we are called to struggle against it, claim victory over it, and strive toward righteousness. Paul gave the saints in these two churches some practical instruction toward that end. Paul challenged them to put off the old ways and replace them with new ways, and he gave some specific examples. The liar should speak truth, the angry should let go of their grudge, the thief should share his own belongings with those in need, and the one who speaks corruptly should speak graciously to build up fellow believers (Eph. 4:25-29).

I. OFF & ON
It is hard to stop doing something that is a habit or that you enjoy, even when you know it’s bad for you. If all you think about is not doing the things you shouldn’t be doing, you are bound to fail. It is when you find a positive redirection for that focus that it becomes easier to succeed. It’s easier to avoid eating that cookie when you have some delicious fruit to eat instead.

On Sunday, we were learning about the put off/put on principle. We’re going to take a few minutes now to match put off items with put on items.

[READ Col. 3:5-11]

5 Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, lay them all aside: wrath, anger, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you put off the old man with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new man who is being renewed to a full knowledge according to the image of the One who created him -- 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and freeman, but Christ is all and in all.

According to this passage, what are the things we should put off with the old self?

Col. 3:5-9
5 Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, lay them all aside: wrath, anger, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you put off the old man with its evil practices,

Things to put off: Verse 5 -- sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, idolatry; Verse 8 -- wrath, anger, malice, slander, abusive speech (obscenities), and Verse 9 -- lying.

[READ Gal. 5:19-21]

19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

According to this passage, what are the additional works of the flesh we are to put off?

Things to put off: Verse 20 – sorcery, enmities, strife, angry ranting, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions; Verse 21 – envy, drunkenness, and carousing.

[READ Eph. 5:25-32]

25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 He who steals must steal no longer, but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. 29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for building up what is needed, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and anger and wrath and shouting and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Instead, be kind to one another, tender-hearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you. Eph. 4:25-28

For each item Paul said to put off, what did he offer as the alternative put-on item?

Instead of falsehood, speak the truth. Be angry, but do not sin or let the sun go down on your wrath. Rather than steal, work to provide for yourself and be generous with what you have.

Eph. 4:29-32
29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for building up what is needed, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and anger and wrath and shouting and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Instead, be kind to one another, tender-hearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you.

Don’t speak corruptly but use your speech to build up others. Put off bitterness, wrath, anger, shouting, slander, and malice and instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.

[READ Col. 3:12-17]

12 So, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and graciously forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord graciously forgave you, so also should you. 14 Above all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratefulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Col. 3:12-15
12 So, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and graciously forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord graciously forgave you, so also should you. 14 Above all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful.

According to these verses what should we put on?

We should put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, and thankfulness.

[READ Gal. 5:22-23]

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

While there is a lot of overlap between these two passages, in the Galatians passage we find the entire list of the fruit of the Spirit, which adds joy, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Here are the answers we came up with: Col. 3 ~ Things to put off: Verse 5 -- sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, idolatry; Verse 8 -- wrath, anger, malice, slander, abusive speech (obscenities), and Verse 9 -- lying. Gal. 5 ~ Verse 20 – sorcery, enmities, strife, angry ranting, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions; Verse 21 – envy, drunkenness, and carousing.

Put on self-control put off impurity and sexual immorality; put on love put off passion; put on generosity put off covetousness; put on patience put off anger; put on peace put off malice, enmity, or strife; put on forgiveness put off wrath; put on gracious speech put off obscenities; put on unity, peace, and gentleness put off dissentions and divisions; and be filled with the Spirit rather than drunk with alcohol.

The put off/put on principle is evident throughout Scripture, even in passages that do not use this terminology. The Bible clearly teaches that Christians are transformed upon conversion, and we ought to live differently than the world does. Paul gave the Ephesians some very practical examples of how to put off the old self and put on the new self, but this was not a new idea.

Consider that John the Baptist told his hearers to bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Lk. 3:8) and went on to give practical examples to those who asked (Lk. 3:10-14). Jesus also called sinners to repentance (Lk. 5:32) and instructed His followers to seek first His kingdom (Mt. 6:33). Paul lived life with a heavenly focus, and he called his fellow believers to do the same.

As children of God, we are sanctified or set apart. We are called to be different than the world around us, to live according to the hope of God’s promises, striving to honor Him with our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. The put off/put on principle gives us a practical way of thinking about the ongoing sanctification process taking place within each of us.

II. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & REVIEW

As Paul traveled on his missionary journeys, he established churches in every city he ministered it. Most of his epistles were sent back to these churches. But although Paul gets much credit for establishing and growing their churches, there were many others involved in this spread of the gospel and the spread of the church. We see evidence of this in the letter to the Colossians.

There is no evidence that Paul had visited Colossae before writing the epistle, though he may have visited later (Philemon 22). Colossae was a city in Asia about 10 miles from Laodicea, where Paul visited during his third missionary journey. Although Colossae had once been a major city on the east-west trade route from Ephesus to Syria, the city declined drastically after the main road was moved to the prosperous Laodicea. During the time of Paul, Colossae would have been a small agrarian town.

The church at Colossae was likely founded during Paul’s extended stay in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. Epaphras may have been instrumental in establishing the church in Colossae (Col. 1:7). Epaphras was a Colossian believer who brought a report of the church to Paul (Col. 1:8). While with Paul, Epaphras was fervently prayerful for the saints in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, another nearby city.

Paul instructed the Colossians to pass the epistle to the church in Laodicea when they were finished reading it, and to read the letter from Laodicea. The letter to Laodicea was not preserved or included in the canon of Scripture. We would not consider this a missing letter, however, because we know God was faithful to preserve His Word. Paul likely wrote many letters to the churches in many cities, dealing with specific issues in that context or repeating the same truths that God preserved for us in the canonical epistles.

Paul also sent Onesimus back to Colossae (Col. 4:9); Philemon 12), where he was once a bondservant to Philemon. Onesimus had run away from Philemon but had come to know Christ. Paul sent a letter to Philemon encouraging him to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ, not punishing him as a runaway slave, but forgiving his debt. Paul even offered to pay for any charge against Onesimus (Philemon 18).

Paul continued to instruct, exhort, and encourage even while imprisoned far from home. He may not have been free to travel as he had done for years, but God sovereignly brought him to a place where he could minister to those in Rome while also penning epistles that have challenged believers for millennia. Just as Paul wrote to the churches in Ephesus and Colossae to strengthen their faith and encourage them in their sanctification, so we can be strengthened by the Spirit as we put off the old self and put on the new self.

PAUL’S PRISON EPISTLES - Study Guide

PAUL’S PRISON EPISTLES

Answers (Lesson 171) - June 25, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: While Paul was under house arrest in Rome, he had many freedoms and privileges. He was free to have visitors and to send messages, and he made full use of this allowance. For two years, he welcomed all who could come to him, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to them (Acts 28:31). But another benefit of this arrangement was that he continued to hear reports of the churches around Asia and Macedonia and could continue to encourage and exhort them through his letters.

Although Paul is known for proclaiming the gospel, he also taught the believers many things about how they ought to live as children of God. For example, justification is not the end of the gospel; the gospel results in life, victory, and ultimately glorification. He often wrote about these topics to the churches.
A common theme in Paul’s letters is the contrast between death and life. In his letter to the Ephesians, he explained that they had been dead in their trespasses, following the world and influence of Satan. In living according to passions and worldly desires, they were children of wrath (Eph. 2:1-3). But God graciously saved them, making them alive with Christ (Eph. 2:4-5).

I. OFF & ON

It is hard to stop doing something that is a habit or that you enjoy, even when you know it’s bad for you. If all you think about is not doing the things you shouldn’t be doing, you are bound to fail. It is when you find a positive redirection for that focus that it becomes easier to succeed. It’s easier to avoid eating that cookie when you have some delicious fruit to eat instead.

On Sunday, we were learning about the put off/put on principle. We’re going to take a few minutes now to match put off items with put on items.

Colossians 3:5-11

According to this passage, what are the things we should put off with the old self? Things to put off: Verse 5 -- sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, idolatry; Verse 8 -- wrath, anger, malice, slander, abusive speech (obscenities), and Verse 9 -- lying.

Galatians 5:19-21

According to this passage, what are the additional works of the flesh we are to put off? Things to put off: Verse 20 – sorcery, enmities, strife, angry ranting, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions; Verse 21 – envy, drunkenness, and carousing.

Ephesians 5:25-32

For each item Paul said to put off, what did he offer as the alternative put-on item? Instead of falsehood, speak the truth. Be angry, but do not sin or let the sun go down on your wrath. Rather than steal, work to provide for yourself and be generous with what you have. Don’t speak corruptly but use your speech to build up others. Put off bitterness, wrath, anger, shouting, slander, and malice and instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.

Colossians 3:12-17

According to these verses what should we put on? We should put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, and thankfulness.

Galatians 5:22-23

While there is a lot of overlap between these two passages, in the Galatians passage we find the entire list of the fruit of the Spirit, which adds joy, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Going back to the first two questions I asked, first, about the old self that should be put off in Colossians 3:5-11, and second, the works of the flesh we need to be rid of in Galatians 5:19-21, what are some alternate actions and attitudes could we use? We should put on self-control put off impurity and sexual immorality; put on love put off passion; put on generosity put off covetousness; put on patience put off anger; put on peace put off malice, enmity, or strife; put on forgiveness put off wrath; put on gracious speech put off obscenities; put on unity, peace, and gentleness put off dissentions and divisions; and be filled with the Spirit rather than drunk with alcohol.

As children of God, we are sanctified or set apart. We are called to be different than the world around us, to live according to the hope of God’s promises, striving to honor Him with our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. The put
off/put on principle gives us a practical way of thinking about the ongoing sanctification process taking place within each of us.

II. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & REVIEW

Paul instructed the Colossians to pass the epistle to the church in Laodicea when they were finished reading it, and to read the letter from Laodicea. The letter to Laodicea was
not preserved or included in the canon of Scripture. We would not consider this a missing letter, however, because we know God was faithful to preserve His Word. Paul likely wrote many letters to the churches in many cities, dealing with specific issues in that context or repeating the same truths that God preserved for us in the canonical epistles.

PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME (God protects Paul so the gospel can spread.)

PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME
(God protects Paul so the gospel can spread.)

\Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: As we have seen in our study of the book of Acts, Paul had desired to go to Rome for a long time (19:21). In fact, it was the Lord Himself who assured Paul that just as he had testified for Jesus in Jerusalem, he would also bear witness at Rome (23:11). And by the amazing providence of God, he would soon be on his way. Of course, the journey to Rome was not an easy one for Paul, and the amazing providence of God was clearly displayed in the way the events unfolded. Paul endured arrests, beatings, murder plots, trials, and imprisonment before leaving the shores of Syria.

I. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY / MAN’S RESPONSIBILITY

Speaking of God’s providence, have you ever thought about what would have happened if Adam had not sinned or if Noah had refused to build the ark? Those are the kinds of thought experiments we can do to help us explore some tough theological ideas, but these kinds of questions can’t really be answered since they didn’t happen.

While Paul was on the ship journeying to Rome, he faced some pretty amazing obstacles. In the face of these hardships, Paul also knew the promise Jesus had given to him – that he would testify of Jesus in Rome. This was confirmed by the angel who appeared to him on the ship. But how did Paul respond when it seemed like God’s promise would not be fulfilled?

I want you to take a few minutes to look over the scripture passages and questions asked in today’s study guide, which wrestle with the idea of God’s sovereign plans coming to pass and man’s responsibility to act within those plans. We will discuss your answers in a few minutes.

[READ Acts 27:31]

31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”

What action did Paul take, and was this a necessary thing for him to do?

Paul stopped the sailors from escaping. Had he not acted, the men would have died, even though it had been revealed to Paul that no harm would come to them. We must accept this question as a paradox. There may have been another way for this to come about, but Paul took the responsibility of action to bring God’s plan to pass.

[READ Acts 27:42-43]

42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan.

What action did the centurion take, and was this a necessary thing for him to do?

The centurion stopped the soldiers from killing the prisoners. This was necessary since Paul’s life had to be spared for him to appear before Caesar, and the men of the ship had to arrive ashore without a hair on their heads being harmed to fulfill God’s promises.

[READ Acts 9:17-19]

17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And he laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me -that is Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming -- so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he rose up and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened.

What action did Ananias take? Would Saul have received his sight if Ananias had not gone and prayed for him?

Ananias went to Saul and prayed for him to receive his sight. Against, to answer the question is to deny what God had ordained to take place. In some sense, Ananias “could have” disobeyed God’s command, but God would have brought his plans for Saul to pass regardless of Ananias’ actions.

[READ Rom. 10:9-15]

9 … That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, leading to righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, leading to salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes upon Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him, 13 for “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim good news of good things!”

What is the connection between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man in sharing the gospel?

God has ordained that many would come to know Him through the truth of the gospel, but He has also ordained that the main way that will happen is through believers preaching the gospel to others. Man has a responsibility to preach the gospel to bring about God’s plan to save people of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.

Write a one-sentence summary describing the connection between God bringing about His sovereign plans and man participating in those plans.

Discuss class’s summary statements.

“God uses people to accomplish His purposes on the earth,” is a good, broad description of how God generally works in the world, especially to reconcile sinners to Himself and build the kingdom of God.

It’s important for us to remember that there is a degree of tension as we seek to understand the mind of God. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.

[READ Isa. 55:8-9]

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares Yahweh.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

The plans and decrees of God generally come to fruition through the actions of people who acknowledge their responsibility to act to bring about those plans. It should humble us to think that the all-powerful God chooses to use weak creatures to bring His plans to pass.

[READ 2 Cor. 4:7]

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
The fact that God works through jars of clay shows that the power is of God and not of ourselves.

II. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & REVIEW

Writing to the Corinthian church, Paul summed up his own contribution to the faith, perhaps better than anyone else could.

[READ 1 Cor. 15:9-10]

9 For I am the least of the apostles, and not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

Wherever Paul carried the gospel, despite the intense opposition he faced, the church put down deep roots.

Paul was ideally equipped for the role God gave him. As a Roman citizen, Paul understood and had entry to the entire Roman world. Steeped in Greek culture, he could relate and communicate to these people throughout the area. And as a strict Pharisee, he was an expert in Mosaic law and, no doubt, had important contacts in the synagogues of the empire. Paul’s fourth journey brought him to Rome as a prisoner at the beginning of AD 61. And since his confinement in Rome continued only two years (Acts 28:30), he must have been freed in the early part of AD 63. Nero had not yet instigated his infamous persecution of the church; the burning of Rome took place in the summer of AD 64.

While we don’t know for sure what happened after Paul’s release from prison, it is probable that he accomplished his wish of visiting Spain (Rom. 15:28). In all likelihood, he again headed toward Jerusalem by way of Corinth, Philippi, and Troas, where he left his cloak with Carpus (2 Tim. 4:13). Passing from there to Colossae, he may have visited Antioch in Pisidia and other cities of Asia Minor, where he had ministered previously. Paul must have headed to Rome by sea, leaving Trophimus sick at Miletus (2 Tim. 4:20).

Upon his return to Italy around the year AD 66, Paul seems to have been immediately imprisoned again. This time he was deserted by his friends and treated as a criminal. Although he narrowly escaped martyrdom (2 Tim. 4:16-17), he had no hope of ultimate escape. In anticipation of his condemnation, he wrote these words:

[READ 2 Tim. 4:6-8]

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 8 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.

According to church tradition, Paul was beheaded with a sword in Rome sometime between AD 65 and 68. We don’t know the exact date of his death, but we do know that this great apostle gave his life for the faith he had once persecuted.

III. APPLICATION

How does your confidence in the plans of God compare to Paul’s confidence even in the midst of a violent storm at sea? Why is there a difference? Paul had received direct revelation from Jeus and an angel about his safe arrival in Rome. We also have many promises written in Scripture. These are the words breathed out by God (2 Tim. 3:16), and we should trust them and act on them in the same way we would if God gave us a direct revelation. Our confidence is in the perfect character of God.

Have you ever heard someone say something like, “We’d better proclaim the gospel while we still have the freedom to do so”? How might we respond to such a claim in light of Paul’s example for us? We always have freedom to proclaim the gospel because our right to do so has nothing to do with the statutes or commands of men but the responsibility we have been given by God to proclaim his truths. There may be man-made consequences for proclaiming the gospel, but we can never be stopped from proclaiming it unless those persecuting us cut out our tongues or lop off our fingers. Even if we are imprisoned, beaten, and tortured, we can still proclaim the truth in chains.

PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME - Study Guide

PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME

Answers (Lesson 170) - June 18, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: The journey to Rome was not an easy one for Paul, and the amazing providence of God was clearly displayed in the way the events unfolded. Paul endured arrests, beatings, murder plots, trials, and imprisonment before leaving the shores of Syria.

I. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY/MAN’S RESPONSIBILITY

Take a few minutes to look over the scripture passages and questions in your study guide. They wrestle with the idea of God’s sovereign plans coming to pass and man’s responsibility to act within those plans. We will discuss your answers in a few minutes.

Acts 27:31 -- What action did Paul take, and was this a necessary thing for him to do?

Acts 23:42-43 -- What action did the centurion take, and was this a necessary thing for him to do?

Acts 9:17-19 -- What action did Ananias take? Would Saul have received his sight if Ananias had not gone and prayed for him?

Rom. 10:9-15 -- What is the connection between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man in sharing the gospel?

Write a one-sentence summary describing the connection between God bringing about His sovereign plans and man participating in those plans.

It’s important for us to remember that there is a degree of tension as we seek to understand the mind of God. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (see Isa. 55:8-9).

The fact that God works through jars of clay shows that the power is of God and not of ourselves.

II. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

Writing to the Corinthian church, Paul summed up his own contribution to the faith, perhaps better than anyone else could.

1 Corinthians 15:9-10

Paul’s fourth journey brought him to Rome as a prisoner at the beginning of AD 61. And since his confinement in Rome continued only two years (Acts 28:30), he must have been freed in the early part of AD 63. Nero had not yet instigated his infamous persecution of the church; the burning of Rome took place in the summer of AD 64.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

III. APPLICATION
How does your confidence in the plans of God compare to Paul’s confidence even in the midst of a violent storm at sea? Why is there a difference?

Have you ever heard someone say something like, “We’d better proclaim the gospel while we still have the freedom to do so”?

PAUL IS ARRESTED - Part 3

PAUL IS ARRESTED
(Who was Claudius Lysias?)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: Over this last two weeks, we’ve been learning about Paul’s arrest when he visited Jerusalem after his third missionary journey. It would be over two more years before Paul made his way to Rome (Acts 24:27) during which time God allowed him to have liberty to see his friends and all who would come to visit him (Acts 24:23). Of course, Paul continued to boldly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ of which he was not ashamed.

In today’s study we are going to look more closely at a man who unknowingly and without intention helped Paul move forward in his goal to proclaim the gospel in Rome.

I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & REVIEW
God used Paul to preach the gospel to three influential leaders on his way to Rome. At the same time, God used the rulers to protect Paul and to direct his path toward Rome. When the tribune Claudius Lysias, the commander of a thousand troops in Judea, saw that Paul was in danger, he sent him to Caesarea, which was the seat of Roman power in the region.

Felix was appointed as governor, or procurator, of Judea from AD 52-60. Since Paul was kept in custody for two years before Felix was recalled, we can place his arrest around AD 58. Felix was generally cruel and oppressive in his rule. Tacitus, a Roman historian, wrote that “with savagery and lust he exercised the powers of a king with the disposition of a slave” (Histories 5:9). Felix had three wives, one being Drusilla, who left her husband to marry Felix. Felix’s disregard for justice is clear in his dealings with Paul. He kept Paul in custody for two years, despite the evidence that he was falsely accused, hoping for a bribe. Then, upon leaving office, he left Paul in prison to gain favor with the Jews. When Paul spoke to him about faith in Christ, and specifically about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed (Acts 24:25). He recognized that his behavior was unrighteous and he lacked self-control, but he was not willing to repent.

After Emperor Claudius died, Nero came to power and replaced Felix with Festus. According to Josephus, Festus ruled wisely and justly, though he could not entirely reverse the damage done during the preceding governors. The Jews approached him with the case against Paul, so he returned to Caesarea and allowed Paul to make his defense. When Festus suggested a trial be held in Jerusalem, Paul appealed to Caesar, which would transfer his case from the local jurisdiction to the supreme tribunal in Rome. Festus had little knowledge of Jewish customs and beliefs, so when King Agrippa arrived, he asked for help in understanding what to write to Caesar when he sent Paul to Rome. Agrippa II, the great grandson of Herod the Great, became king of Judea and most of Herod’s old kingdom. Like Herod, he ruled on behalf of Rome but had some claim of Jewish lineage and knowledge of Jewish customs. He was brother to Felix’s wife Drusilla, and he married his other sister, Bernice.

Paul was given the opportunity to speak before Festus, Agrippa,
Bernice, and many who were with them. So, Paul shared the gospel. Festus, who knew little about the Jews, thought that Paul was out of his mind (Acts 26:24), but Agrippa understood the message Paul delivered. He asked Paul if he was trying to persuade him to be a Christian in such a short amount of time (Acts 26:28). Paul responded that he wished everyone would come to know the truth as he knew it (Acts 26:29). Festus and Agrippa agreed that Paul did not deserve to be imprisoned or put to death. But he had appealed to Caesar, a right of any Roman citizen, and so to Caesar he would go.

II. THE TRIBUNE CLAUDIUS LYSIAS

Now, let’s go back to the beginning of these events. You will recall a riot broke out in Jerusalem, and the angry Jews were beating Paul with the full intention of killing him as soon as they removed him from the temple grounds. During this uprising, Paul was swiftly arrested by the commanding officer of the Jerusalem garrison, a man named Claudius Lysias. This police action saved Paul’s life.

Claudius Lysias’ complete description as found in the book of Acts is “the tribune of the cohort” in Jerusalem, which resided in nearby “barracks” (Acts 21:34, 37; 22:24, 23:10, 16, 32). Okay … so what does this mean? Well, it takes ten cohorts to make up a legion, and each legion had six tribunes each with a thousand men (soldiers and centurions, Acts 21:32). Consequently, Claudius Lysias was part of a larger military force. The exact numbers in his cohort may never be known, however he had sufficient men to spare two centurions, two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to accompany Paul to Caesarea (Acts 23:23-24). Furthermore, when the security detail arrived in Antipatris (Acts 23:31), Lysias’ centurions dismissed most of his soldiers to return to Jerusalem, but ordered the seventy horsemen to go on with them and Paul to Caesarea, where the headquarters of the Procurator Felix was located (Acts 23:32-35).

The “barracks” referenced in Acts (21:34, 37; 22:24; 23:10, 16, 32), in connection to Claudius Lysias and his cohort were located in the Tower of Antonia, which Herod the Great rebuilt from a previous structure and named it after Marc Antony. The Antonia was added on to the NW side of the Temple facilities, “from which stairs descended into the outer court of the temple” (Acts 21:32, 35, 22:30). For this reason, the Roman soldiers could both see and hear the commotion caused by the confusing riot over Paul’s presence in the Temple and respond with speed to quell the riot (Acts 21:27-32).

Tribune Claudius Lysias enters the New Testament narrative when he protects the Apostle Paul from a hostile Jewish mob on the outside of the Temple grounds in Jerusalem (Acts 21:30-32). The Acts text does not explicitly state why the tribune arrested Paul aside from him asking “who he was and what he had done” (Acts 21:33); consequently, it appears Paul is detained for questioning as reflected later in Paul’s interrogation in the Antonian barracks since he was the cause of instigation among the Jews. (Acts 22:23-24).

Claudius Lysias was surprised when Paul spoke to him in Greek asking permission to speak to the shouting Jewish mob (Acts 21:37). Paul, as a controversial Greek-speaking Hebrew, apparently met some of the criteria for Lysias to conclude he was a Jewish revolutionary. It appears that Lysias suspected Paul of being “the Egyptian” who “stirred up a revolt and led four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness” (Acts 21:38). This individual operated around AD 53, and his revolution amounted to amassing those four thousand men, who positioned themselves upon the Mount of Olives outside of Jerusalem. The Egyptian believed the walls of Jerusalem would collapse at his command. However, the Romans attacked, and the Egyptian lost six hundred of his men in battle and fled into the wilderness where he disappeared waiting for further revelation from his god. Evidently, the Egyptian was still on the run and was wanted by the Roman military. The tribune was trying to discern if Paul was this anarchist.

Paul was able to persuade Claudius Lysias that he was not an agitator by providing him with his credentials as being from Tarsus, in the province of Cilicia (Acts 21.39). This was not an “obscure city” suggesting that his identity and citizenship could be easily authenticated. Paul’s point was clear, he was not the Egyptian; so, the tribune accepts Paul’s defense and grants him an opportunity to speak to the Jews from the steps that adjoined the Antonian fortress to the outer court of the temple (Acts 21:39-40).

The Jews did not respond peaceably to Paul’s speech requiring Lysias to save Paul again. He then decided to take Paul into the barracks of Antonia and “examine” him through the process of flogging him (Acts 22:22-24). Upon receiving the report that Paul was indeed a Roman citizen as well as making a personal inquiry, Lysias was afraid of having violated the rights of a Roman by having him bound.

Claudius Lysias wanted to arrive at the truth concerning the Jews case against Paul, so he commanded the Sanhedrin to assemble. Dissension among the Sanhedrin towards Paul arose once more, and Lysias ordered his men to take Paul back to the safety of the Antonian barracks (Acts 22:30 - 23:10).

Upon learning of a murder plot against Paul, Claudius Lysias summoned two of his army officers (centurions) and commanded them to make ready 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to leave for Caesarea Maritima. In compliance with Roman law, he also sent a statement of the case to the Roman procurator Antonius Felix. Let’s look at the content of his letter.

[READ Acts 23:23-30]

26 “Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings.
27 “When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.
28 And wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin;
29 and I found him to be accused over questions about their Law, but under no accusation deserving death or imprisonment.
30 “And when I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to speak against him before you.”

While an interesting specimen of Roman military correspondence, the letter was not altogether factual. Although he acknowledges Paul’s innocence, Claudius Lysias gives the impression that he had rescued Paul from the mob because he learned that the apostle was a Roman citizen (v. 27).

Acts 23:27
27 “When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.
The truth is Lysias had violated Paul’s citizenship rights by having him bound, and by ordering that he be examined under scourging, although he did not proceed with it once he learned Paul was a Roman citizen.

[READ Acts 23:30-32]

30 “And when I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to speak against him before you.”
31 So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks.
According to verse 30, Claudius Lysias was planning to inform the Jews that they must go to Caesarea and state their charges against Paul before Governor Felix.

Verses 31-32 inform us that the soldiers did as they were commanded, taking Paul out of Jerusalem by night, traveling until they reached the city of Antipatris, located 40 miles northwest of Jerusalem and 2 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea.

Considering verse 32, why did most of the soldiers return to Jerusalem once they reached Antipatris? The real danger for an ambush was along the meandering road through the rough terrain from Jerusalem down to the coastal plains. However, a Roman road connected Antipatris to Caesarea, which was a straight shot along the coast. Here the possibility of an ambush was greatly diminished, and the infantry would only slow down the horsemen (v. 32), who could get there much faster without the foot soldiers.

[READ Acts 23:33-35]

33 When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 And when he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also,” giving orders for him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.

When the soldiers arrived in Caesarea, they delivered Lysias’ letter to the governor and presented Paul to him (v. 33). In verse 34, we learn that when Felix had read Lysias’ letter, he asked Paul what province he was from. When he understood that Paul was from Cilicia, in verse 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing after your accusers have arrived.” Then Felix commanded his officers to keep Paul in Herod’s Praetorium.

So, why did the governor ask Paul “what province he was from” (Acts 23:34)? Some, but not all, Roman provinces required their accused natives to be repatriated (returned) so they could be tried locally. Cilicia wasn’t one of the provinces with a repatriation requirement, so Felix agreed to hold a trial when Paul’s accusers arrived in Caesarea (Acts 23:35).

What was Herod’s Praetorium in Acts 23:35? Herod the Great had built several massive palaces. The one he built in Caesarea had been turned into a praetorium, or the official residence of the Roman governor.

Speaking of great, whatever happened to those Jews who swore the “great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul” (Acts 23:14)? Since Paul stayed alive for a few more years, I guess they either starved to death, or had to eat their own words and begin to eat food again.

III. APPLICATION

It would be over two years before Paul made his way to Rome (24:27) during which time God allowed Paul to have liberty to see his friends and all who would come to visit him (24:23). Of course, Paul continued to boldly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ of which he was not ashamed!

As we’ve studied these passages from Acts over the past two weeks, what have you found encouraging?

I also want to mention how Paul’s approach to sharing the gospel informs our own evangelism practices. We can emulate Paul’s desire to proclaim the gospel in any circumstance. Even when defending himself against false claims, he bridged to the gospel. We can also look at his method of connecting the OT law to the good news of Jesus, who came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.

How about Paul’s perspective on life and death? Many times, we do not look forward to heaven as much as we ought to because we fear death, because we love temporal things, or because we allow ourselves to get distracted by this life. How can we refocus our lives in light of eternity?

PAUL IS ARRESTED - Pt. 3 - Study Guide

PAUL IS ARRESTED

Answers (Lesson 169) - June 11, 2025 - Character Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: In today’s study we are going to look more closely at a man who unknowingly and without intention helped Paul move forward in his goal to proclaim the gospel in Rome.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

God used Paul to preach the gospel to three influential leaders on his way to Rome. At the same time, God used the rulers to protect Paul and to direct his path toward Rome. When the tribune Claudius Lysias, the commander of a thousand troops in Judea, saw that Paul was in danger, he sent him to Caesarea, which was the seat of Roman power in the region.

Paul was given the opportunity to speak before Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, and many who were with them. So, Paul shared the gospel. Festus, who knew little about the Jews, thought that Paul was out of his mind (Acts 26:24), but Agrippa understood the message Paul delivered. He asked Paul if he was trying to persuade him to be a Christian in such a short amount of time (Acts 26:28). Paul responded that he wished everyone would come to know the truth as he knew it (Acts 26:29). Festus and Agrippa agreed that Paul did not deserve to be imprisoned or put to death. But he had appealed to Caesar, a right of any Roman citizen, and so to Caesar he would go.

II. THE TRIBUNE CLAUDIUS LYSIAS

Acts 23:23-30

The truth is Lysias had violated Paul’s citizenship rights by having him bound, and by ordering that he be examined under scourging, although he did not proceed with it once he learned Paul was a Roman citizen.

Acts 23:30-32

According to verse 30, Claudius Lysias was planning to inform the Jews that they must go to Caesarea and state their charges against Paul before Governor Felix.

Acts 23:33-35

III. APPLICATION
It would be over two years before Paul made his way to Rome (24:27) during which time God allowed Paul to have liberty to see his friends and all who would come to visit him (24:23). Of course, Paul continued to boldly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ of which he was not ashamed!
As we’ve studied these passages from Acts over the past two weeks, what have you found encouraging?