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BibleProject Luke-Acts Series - Lesson 9

Bound for Rome (Acts 21-28) - BibleProject

In this lesson, you will explore the final video in the Acts series, focusing on Paul's journey to Jerusalem and Rome. Discover how the book of Acts, written by Luke, tells the story of Jesus' followers spreading the good news of his kingdom, facing both opposition and acceptance. Learn about the transformation of Saul of Tarsus into Paul after an encounter with the risen Jesus, and how he started Jesus communities throughout the Roman Empire. Understand the importance of unifying these diverse communities under Jesus' rule. Delve into Paul's trials and imprisonments, which resemble Jesus' own experience, and see how following Jesus' way comes with a cost. Finally, examine the open-ended conclusion of Acts, highlighting the ongoing spread of Jesus' kingdom and inviting readers to participate in its growth.

Lesson 9
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Bound for Rome (Acts 21-28) - BibleProject

BP160-09: In the final video in our Acts series

I. Overview of the Book of Acts

A. Written by Luke as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke

B. Jesus' followers spreading the good news about his kingdom

C. Opposition and acceptance of the message

II. The Transformation of Saul to Paul

A. Encounter with the risen Jesus

B. Starting Jesus communities across the Roman Empire

C. Unifying diverse communities

III. Paul's Journey to Jerusalem and Rome

A. Fundraising project for Jerusalem's relief

B. Risking his life in Jerusalem

C. Arrest and trials

IV. Luke's Portrayal of Paul's Trials and Imprisonments

A. Resembling Jesus' trials and imprisonment

B. Following the way of Jesus

V. Paul's Journey to Rome and House Arrest

A. Shipwreck and survival

B. Hosting groups and sharing the good news

VI. The Open-Ended Conclusion of Acts

A. The message spreading to the ends of the earth

B. Participating in Jesus' kingdom that is still spreading


Transcription
Lessons

BP160-09 - Bound for Rome (Acts 21-28)

We have been exploring the book of Acts which was written by a man named Luke as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke. Acts began with Jesus telling his followers to spread the good news about his kingdom. They would start in Jerusalem then go out to the neighboring regions, and from there, to the ends of the earth. In Jerusalem, their message was received by many . . . and opposed by many, especially by the leaders of the temple. They were scandalized by this new claim that the whole story of Israel had been fulfilled by Jesus' life, death and resurrection. One of these leaders was a man named Saul of Tarsus who worked tirelessly to stop the movement. That is, until he met the risen Jesus himself. This encounter transforms Saul from an enemy of Jesus into a herald of his kingdom. For years he traveled about the Roman Empire using his Roman name, Paul, starting Jesus communities all over. One of Paul's greatest desires was that all of these diverse communities would see themselves as one unified people, regardless of their differences: Jew or non-Jew, male or female, slave or free. Jesus was creating one unified family of equals living together under his rule. This brings us to the final section of Acts. Back in Jerusalem, where the movement began, the Jewish followers of Jesus were suffering from a drought and food shortage. Paul was so passionate about the church's unity that he began a major fundraising project among the diverse churches he had started. They would pool their money together so he and a group of representatives could take it as a relief gift to Jerusalem. But it is not safe for Paul in Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders there dislike him so much, they want him dead. Paul knew he was walking into a trap. His friends all begged him not to go. But no one could stop him. Why would Paul risk his life to bring this gift? Couldn't he have sent someone else? Well, for Paul, this was personal. Jerusalem was where he used to participate in the murder Jesus' followers. Now he gets to serve them. It is also where Jesus himself was executed. So, for Paul, it would be an honor to suffer there alongside his king. Paul goes to Jerusalem and, as expected, he is found by his enemies. A mob forms and they try to kill him. But Roman soldiers save his life by taking him into custody. The Jewish leaders are accusing Paul of starting a revolt against Rome. But they cannot prove it. The Romans don't know what to do with him. Yeah, they can see Paul's not a criminal. But his claim that a crucified Jewish man is the risen king of the world keeps getting him into trouble. So Paul gets transferred from one court to another... Until he demands that his case be tried before the court of Caesar in Rome. So they happily ship him off. Throughout this section of Acts, Luke, the writer of the story, has portrayed Paul's trials and imprisonments so that they resemble his previous stories of Jesus' trials and imprisonment. Luke is making an important point. When the people of Jesus follow the way of Jesus, their stories will begin to look like his story which is beautiful, but it also comes with a cost. On the way to Rome, the boat carrying Paul is hit by a violent storm and everyone freaks out. Except for Paul. He is below deck hosting a meal, just like Jesus did the night before his trial. Paul blesses and then breaks the bread, promising that God is with them through the storm. The next day the ship hits and then breaks apart on the rocks. But everyone is washed safely ashore. Which is amazing. But Paul is not out of trouble. He is taken to Rome and put under house arrest. But it 's not so bad. In his house, he can host groups of Jews and non-Jews, sharing with them the good news about Jesus, the risen king. This is a bold move. In Rome, the center of power where Caesar rules the world as king. Yes. You have Jesus' alternative, upside-down kingdom now growing in the very heart of the world's most powerful empire, all through the suffering of a prisoner. With this contrast between kingdoms, Luke ends his story. That is a great image. But the story is supposed to be about this message spreading to the ends of the earth. So, shouldn't it continue? Of course! Luke has left the story open-ended on purpose so that his readers would know that the story isn't over and that they can participate in Jesus' kingdom that is still spreading to this day.  

 

  • In this lesson, you learn about the events surrounding Jesus' birth in the Gospel of Luke, the humble beginnings that foreshadow his kingdom, and how his arrival signifies a world order turned upside down, exalting the poor and humble.
  • In this lesson, you gain insight into Jesus' ministry, his teachings on freedom and radical living, the appointment of his twelve disciples, and his role as the ultimate prophet, as portrayed in the Gospel of Luke.
  • Through Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, you learn how his teachings and parables challenge traditional values, create communities of love and forgiveness, and demonstrate God's mercy for all, even those who have strayed from the path.
  • Through Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, you'll discover his prophetic protest, arrest, and crucifixion, highlighting his innocence and unwavering love for humanity, as he ushers in a new future for Israel and all people.
  • In this lesson, you learn about Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension as depicted in Luke's Gospel, revealing the transformative power of his message and the necessity for a new understanding of his kingdom, ultimately setting the stage for the continuation of the story in the Book of Acts.
  • In the Book of Acts, you learn about the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus, the significance of Pentecost, and the challenges faced by early followers of Jesus. As you explore the events and stories in Acts, you will gain insight into how Jesus' kingdom continued to grow despite persecution and adversity.
  • Through the stories of unexpected converts, Saul's transformation, and the formation of the church in Antioch, you'll learn how the Jesus movement expanded from a small group of Jewish followers to a multi-ethnic community spreading throughout the world.
  • By studying the Apostle Paul's life and travels, you'll gain insight into his dedication to spreading Jesus' message throughout the Roman Empire, despite facing opposition and hardship, and how his teachings transformed people's lives and created new communities of believers living under Jesus' rule.
  • This lesson explores Paul's journey to Jerusalem and Rome, where he faced trials and imprisonment but continued to spread the good news of Jesus' kingdom. You will gain insight into the transformation of Saul into Paul, his mission to unify diverse communities, and the open-ended conclusion of Acts, which invites participation in the ongoing growth of Jesus' kingdom.

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