1. The Journey to Rome Acts 21:17-28:31 54-59 A.D.

2. Paul’s Arrest in Jerusalem Paul makes a report to the Church leaders Paul makes a report to the Church leaders They praise his ministry & report rumors They praise his ministry & report rumors Paul joins others for vow ceremonies Paul joins others for vow ceremonies Agitators from “Asia” stir riot Agitators from “Asia” stir riot Roman soldiers arrest Paul Roman soldiers arrest Paul

4. Paul’s Two Testimonies To Jews at Temple (Acts 22; 54 A.D.) To Jews at Temple (Acts 22; 54 A.D.) –Imprisoned in Jerusalem –Testifies before Sanhedrin (Pharisee support!) –Assassination plot uncovered, transfer to Caesarea –Testifies before Governor Felix –Political tensions keep Paul in prison 2 years To Romans in Caesarea (Acts 26; 56 A.D.) To Romans in Caesarea (Acts 26; 56 A.D.)

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

8. Voyage to Rome From Caesarea to Malta (fall 56 A.D.) From Caesarea to Malta (fall 56 A.D.) Shipwrecked on Malta (winter 56-57 A.D.) Shipwrecked on Malta (winter 56-57 A.D.) Journey to Rome (spring 57 A.D.) Journey to Rome (spring 57 A.D.) Under house arrest while waiting to appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.) Under house arrest while waiting to appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.)

9. Life While Waiting in Rome Under house arrest while waiting to appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.) Under house arrest while waiting to appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.) Paul sends Timothy to Philippi: Good News! Paul sends Timothy to Philippi: Good News! Paul writes letter to Philippians (58 A.D.) Paul writes letter to Philippians (58 A.D.)

10. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians Praise & Thanksgiving from prison (1) Praise & Thanksgiving from prison (1) Great hymn of Jesus’ humility & witness, plus the ministry of Timothy & Epaphroditus (2) Great hymn of Jesus’ humility & witness, plus the ministry of Timothy & Epaphroditus (2) Paul’s old testimony and his new one (3) Paul’s old testimony and his new one (3) Much joy and much appreciation (4) Much joy and much appreciation (4)

11. Life While Waiting in Rome Under house arrest while waiting to appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.) Under house arrest while waiting to appear to Caesar (57-59 A.D.) Paul sends Timothy to Philippi: Good News! Paul sends Timothy to Philippi: Good News! Paul writes letter to Philippians (58 A.D.) Paul writes letter to Philippians (58 A.D.) Onesimus comes to Rome (58 A.D.) Onesimus comes to Rome (58 A.D.) Paul writes letters to Philemon, Colossians & ? Paul writes letters to Philemon, Colossians & ?

12. Paul’s Letter to Philemon Greetings, old friend! Greetings, old friend! I’m sending “Useful” back to you as a brother, not a slave I’m sending “Useful” back to you as a brother, not a slave I hope to visit you soon I hope to visit you soon

13. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians You are great and Jesus rules! (1) You are great and Jesus rules! (1) Some of you are putting too much emphasis on rituals & disciplines; trust Christ! (2) Some of you are putting too much emphasis on rituals & disciplines; trust Christ! (2) Get the view from above in order to set your values and practices in order (3:1- 17) Get the view from above in order to set your values and practices in order (3:1- 17) Treat one another with respect (3:18-4:6) Treat one another with respect (3:18-4:6) Final Greetings (4:7-18) Final Greetings (4:7-18)

14. Paul’s Letter to the ? 1:1 – oldest manuscripts do not have “in Ephesus” 1:1 – oldest manuscripts do not have “in Ephesus” Letter is magnificent, but lacks personal references Letter is magnificent, but lacks personal references Colossians 4:16 – “After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.” Colossians 4:16 – “After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.” Early church testimony that “Ephesians” is “Laodiceans” Early church testimony that “Ephesians” is “Laodiceans” Ephesus became operational center of church in Asia Minor, and many documents were collected there, including Paul’s letters Ephesus became operational center of church in Asia Minor, and many documents were collected there, including Paul’s letters

15. Paul’s Letter to the “Ephesians” Jesus is Lord of All! (1) Jesus is Lord of All! (1) Jesus has broken down the barrier between God & us (2:1-10), and between Jews & Gentiles (2:11-22), uniting all by grace Jesus has broken down the barrier between God & us (2:1-10), and between Jews & Gentiles (2:11-22), uniting all by grace Paul’s Gentile ministry explained (3:1-13) Paul’s Gentile ministry explained (3:1-13) Paul’ magnificent prayer (3:14-21) Paul’ magnificent prayer (3:14-21) Building up Christ’s body (4:1-16) and living as witnesses of God’s goodness (4:17-5:20) Building up Christ’s body (4:1-16) and living as witnesses of God’s goodness (4:17-5:20) Respecting one another in social relationships (5:21-6:9) Respecting one another in social relationships (5:21-6:9) Putting on the “Armor of God” (6:10-20) Putting on the “Armor of God” (6:10-20) Final greetings (6:21-24) Final greetings (6:21-24)

16. Ephesians & Colossians: Parallels In both letters Paul commended his readers for their faith and love (Ephesians 1:15; Colossians 1:4, 8). The Colossians seem to have also been commended for their hope, whereas the Ephesians were not (Colossians 1:5). Instead, they were encouraged to take hold of hope (Ephesians 1:18; 2:12; 4:4). In both letters Paul commended his readers for their faith and love (Ephesians 1:15; Colossians 1:4, 8). The Colossians seem to have also been commended for their hope, whereas the Ephesians were not (Colossians 1:5). Instead, they were encouraged to take hold of hope (Ephesians 1:18; 2:12; 4:4). Paul prayed for or wished that believers would grow in knowledge of the Lord, and receive spiritual wisdom and understanding (Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9-10). He also desired that they know the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 1:9). Paul prayed for or wished that believers would grow in knowledge of the Lord, and receive spiritual wisdom and understanding (Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9-10). He also desired that they know the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 1:9). Paul mentioned the salvation Christ provided, emphasizing that it was gained for them through Jesus' blood (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). Both letters identify the power of redemption as the forgiveness of sins. Paul mentioned the salvation Christ provided, emphasizing that it was gained for them through Jesus' blood (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). Both letters identify the power of redemption as the forgiveness of sins. Christ is pictured as the head of the church, which is his body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18, 24). The body consists of many members all under the authority of Jesus Christ. These members function like a human body in that each member is needed for the body to operate properly (Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). The body receives its instruction from the Head, but carries out that instruction through the joint-workings of every part, as they contribute their gifts to the nurture of the whole. Christ is pictured as the head of the church, which is his body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18, 24). The body consists of many members all under the authority of Jesus Christ. These members function like a human body in that each member is needed for the body to operate properly (Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). The body receives its instruction from the Head, but carries out that instruction through the joint-workings of every part, as they contribute their gifts to the nurture of the whole.

17. Ephesians & Colossians: Parallels Not only is Jesus the head of the church, but he is also above all principalities, dominions, authorities, powers, might, and thrones (Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16-17). While both letters emphasized Jesus’ dominance over these things, Colossians tells the reason why: Jesus is above them because He is their creator and sustainer. He is Lord over everything. Not only is Jesus the head of the church, but he is also above all principalities, dominions, authorities, powers, might, and thrones (Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16-17). While both letters emphasized Jesus’ dominance over these things, Colossians tells the reason why: Jesus is above them because He is their creator and sustainer. He is Lord over everything. Another of Paul's themes is deliverance from darkness into the kingdom of God (Ephesians 2:2, 4-6; Colossians 1:13). Although Gentiles were once controlled by the powerful prince of the air, they are now in the kingdom of Christ and free from sin and punishment (Ephesians 2:1). Ephesians and Colossians both explain the process by which God transitioned alienated Gentiles to becoming God's children (Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 1:21-22). Once they were enemies, disobedient and evil, but now they have been brought close to God and made holy. Another of Paul's themes is deliverance from darkness into the kingdom of God (Ephesians 2:2, 4-6; Colossians 1:13). Although Gentiles were once controlled by the powerful prince of the air, they are now in the kingdom of Christ and free from sin and punishment (Ephesians 2:1). Ephesians and Colossians both explain the process by which God transitioned alienated Gentiles to becoming God's children (Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 1:21-22). Once they were enemies, disobedient and evil, but now they have been brought close to God and made holy. Paul also briefly mentioned the “Law,” explaining its limitations (Ephesians 2:14-15; Colossians 2:14-16). In Ephesians Paul uses this to demonstrate that all barriers were eliminated between Jews and Gentiles, and in Colossians he shows how this eliminates feelings of superiority or judgmentalism on the part of Jewish Christians. Paul also briefly mentioned the “Law,” explaining its limitations (Ephesians 2:14-15; Colossians 2:14-16). In Ephesians Paul uses this to demonstrate that all barriers were eliminated between Jews and Gentiles, and in Colossians he shows how this eliminates feelings of superiority or judgmentalism on the part of Jewish Christians.

18. Ephesians & Colossians: Parallels Prominent in both letters is a call to holiness. Paul commands believers to shed works of “darkness” (Ephesians 4:17-5:13; Colossians 3:1-17). Sins listed include fornication, evil speaking, wrath, and impurity. In both Paul used the same analogy: put off the old man and put on the new man, being renewed in the mind in true righteousness and holiness according to Christ, and being strengthened by God's Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16; 4:23-24; Colossians 3:9-10). Prominent in both letters is a call to holiness. Paul commands believers to shed works of “darkness” (Ephesians 4:17-5:13; Colossians 3:1-17). Sins listed include fornication, evil speaking, wrath, and impurity. In both Paul used the same analogy: put off the old man and put on the new man, being renewed in the mind in true righteousness and holiness according to Christ, and being strengthened by God's Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16; 4:23-24; Colossians 3:9-10). Part of this holiness involved forgiving others, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). This forgiveness would flow out of their love for one another (Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14). Part of this holiness involved forgiving others, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). This forgiveness would flow out of their love for one another (Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14). Paul spoke of submission at length in both letters (Ephesians 5:21-6:9; Colossians 3:18-4:1). Relationships explored were those between husband and wife, father and child, and master and slave, with these teachings more fully developed in Ephesians. Paul spoke of submission at length in both letters (Ephesians 5:21-6:9; Colossians 3:18-4:1). Relationships explored were those between husband and wife, father and child, and master and slave, with these teachings more fully developed in Ephesians. Tychicus was the bearer of both letters (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7). When delivering them, he was to inform the churches of Paul's current situation. Tychicus was the bearer of both letters (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7). When delivering them, he was to inform the churches of Paul's current situation. At the conclusion of both letters Paul requested prayer so that he might be able to preach the gospel of Christ (Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3). In Ephesians he asked them to pray for boldness, while in Colossians he prayed for the doors for preaching to open. At the conclusion of both letters Paul requested prayer so that he might be able to preach the gospel of Christ (Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3). In Ephesians he asked them to pray for boldness, while in Colossians he prayed for the doors for preaching to open.

19. Ephesians & Colossians: Differences Paul's main emphasis in Ephesians is the mystery of the church age where God has chosen both Jews and Gentiles to become one body, equal before God. There are clues in the epistle that Jew/Gentile contentions might have been a problem, but that wasn't Paul's primary focus. Rather, he explored the mystery of the church and its implications for those in it. Paul's main emphasis in Ephesians is the mystery of the church age where God has chosen both Jews and Gentiles to become one body, equal before God. There are clues in the epistle that Jew/Gentile contentions might have been a problem, but that wasn't Paul's primary focus. Rather, he explored the mystery of the church and its implications for those in it. Colossians, however, was written to deal with a specific problem in the congregation (especially chapter 2). While we are not given the exact nature of the “heresy,” it appears to have included the worship of angels, certain forms of asceticism, possibly a unique version of keeping parts of the Law. Colossians, however, was written to deal with a specific problem in the congregation (especially chapter 2). While we are not given the exact nature of the “heresy,” it appears to have included the worship of angels, certain forms of asceticism, possibly a unique version of keeping parts of the Law. Whereas Ephesians emphasizes the unity of the body of Christ, Colossians emphasizes the supremacy of Christ over all things and more dimensions of the Christian life. Whereas Ephesians emphasizes the unity of the body of Christ, Colossians emphasizes the supremacy of Christ over all things and more dimensions of the Christian life.

20. Abrupt Ending for Acts Was Luke planning to write volume 3? Was Luke planning to write volume 3? –The later mission journeys of Paul Was there a more complete ending to Acts that has been lost over time? Was there a more complete ending to Acts that has been lost over time? –No evidence is found in any manuscript tradition –No such testimony comes from the early church Is the current ending the way Luke intended? Is the current ending the way Luke intended? –Remember the literary structure of the book:  Expanding waves of gospel influence  Now the gospel has penetrated the heart of Rome  This is the center of the “world”  But the task of transforming the world is on-going  So there can be no “progress report” of completion at this point  In fact, we are the living testimony of Acts “29”  We continue to write the story!