Stand Strong In The Word

In chapter 28, we get the final stories about Paul from Luke.

In the remaining two chapters (27 & 28), Luke records in great detail Paul’s treacherous journey to Rome. He will face a shipwreck, a poisonous snake, and large crowds of Jews disputing his claims that Jesus is the Messiah.

Paul takes a measured approach and reworks his defense by sharing his personal testimony before a mixed audience of Jews and royalty.

Paul faces three accusations and defends himself before royalty.

Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin to give a defense for his actions. In his presentation, Paul argues that Christianity is rooted in Judaism, Jesus Christ is the Messiah, and through his death and resurrection—he offers new life for Jews and Gentiles.

Paul boldly shares his testimony before a mob of Jews seeking to kill him.

Paul wraps up his third missionary journey (18:23-20:14), as he proceeds to Jerusalem despite the desperate pleads for him not to go (AD 57). Most scholars mark this stage of Paul’s life as his fourth missionary journey.

In Acts 20, Paul lays out the qualities of a true spiritual leader.

How sensitive are you to demonic warfare? Or to counterfeit teachers of the gospel? In Acts 19, Paul encounters a culture in Ephesus deep in sorcery and false teaching.

Paul is on the verge of wrapping up his second missionary journey, and despite the attacks, God provides him with mighty protection.

In Acts 17, Paul encounters three uniquely different cultures, and yet, is able to reason and debate with the Jews, Greeks, and philosophers. Learn how he was able to do this.

A year or so after Paul completed his first missionary journey, Paul launched his second missionary journey (15:36-18:22) along with Timothy, Silas, and Luke. In late AD 50, Paul will take Silas with him to Tarsus, Derbe, and Lystra—where they will meet Timothy. The team will deliver the Jerusalem Council’s decision to churches in Galatia (Iconium) and Phrygia (Antioch). After traveling from the region of Mysia to Troas, it is here Luke unites with the team.

In today's episode, Jason reveals some of the great challenges and divisions Satan attempted to use to end the vibrancy of the early church. Yet, despite the attacks, the Holy Spirit prevailed and strengthened the unity among Jews and Gentiles.

How courageous and gracious are you when sharing your faith? In this episode, we learn how bold Paul was in spreading the gospel to a paganistic and violent culture.

Today, on Stand Strong in the Word podcast, we dive into Acts 13 and learn about Paul's first missionary journey to pagans.

When was a time in your life God came through in a miraculous way? In this episode, we learn about Peter being freed from prison and the judgment of death that fell on Herod after claiming to be a god.

In Acts 11, God uses Peter to stand his ground for sharing the gospel to Gentiles, Agabus foretells of a coming famine to prepare the churches, and God brings together Barnabas and Saul (Paul) to strengthen the churches in the love of Christ.

Has God ever used you to reach a person you had very little in common? In today's episode, Peter is called by God to share the gospel with a Gentile family he knew nothing about. Instead of rejecting the call, Peter went in obedience and his experience opened his eyes to the greater things of God and the power of the gospel.

In today's episode of Stand Strong in the Word Podcast, we get into the conversion story of Paul in Acts 9.

There will always be opposition to the gospel. However, the gospel will always prevail. We see that with a man named Philip. Philip was an unlikely character that God used to spread the gospel in very diverse and hostile environments.