Study Desk

So Paul and Barnabas stayed for a long time, speaking boldly and confidently for the Lord, who continued to testify to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders (attesting miracles) be done by them.

Now at Lystra a man sat who was unable to use his feet, for he was crippled from birth and had never walked.

When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they believed [and joyfully accepted as the Messiah].

From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work which they had now completed.

"Simeon (Simon Peter) has described how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name [to honor Him and be identified with Him].

"Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble and make it difficult for those who are turning to God among the Gentiles [by putting obstacles in their way],

"For from ancient generations [the writing of] Moses has been preached in every city, since he is read aloud in the synagogues every Sabbath."

men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place on you any greater burden than these essentials:

As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decrees decided on by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for the churches to observe.

and from there [we came] to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony. We stayed on in this city for several days;

She continued doing this for several days. Then Paul, being greatly annoyed and worn out, turned and said to the spirit [inside her], "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ [as His representative] to come out of her!" And it came out at that very moment.

"They are publicly teaching customs which are unlawful for us, as Romans, to accept or observe."

Then the jailer called for torches and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas,

And Paul entered the synagogue, as was his custom, and for three Sabbaths he engaged in discussion and friendly debate with them from the Scriptures,

explaining and pointing out [scriptural evidence] that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you, is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed)."

Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens; and [after] receiving instructions [from Paul] for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible, they left.

Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was greatly angered when he saw that the city was full of idols.

"For you are bringing some startling and strange things to our ears; so we want to know what they mean."

"This was so that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grasp for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.