Lesson 38: Acts 21-28

Consider ponderizing Acts 23:11. “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.’”

After completing his third mission, Paul went to return to Jerusalem to report to his priesthood leaders and to deliver offerings for the poor members in Jerusalem. Acts 21:10–12) Why did Paul’s friends try to stop him from going?

Acts 21:13) What did Paul say in response to his friends’ warnings?

President Ezra Taft Benson said that those who are converted to Christ “not only would . . . die for the Lord, but more important they want to live for Him” (See October 1985 Conference Report; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson, 100).

Acts 21:17–19) What did Paul do the day after he reached Jerusalem?

Many Jewish Christians worried that Paul was rejecting all they had been taught.  To reassure them, the Brethren asked Paul to participate in a temple ordinance. (Acts 21:27–32) What happened as Paul was trying to follow his Priesthood leader's instruction?

Acts 22:22-23)  How did the crowd outside the temple respond to Paul’s testimony?

re: Acts 22:20, 23  "raiment", "clothes" (himat'ion [Greek]: cloaks, coats). Compare 2 Samuel 16:13
"And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side ... and cursed [David] as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust." (Acts 22:24-25) How did Paul escape?

What did Paul say first when he was brought before the Sanhedrin?

(See Acts 23:1; compare D&C 135:4; Joseph Smith-History 1:24-25)

Acts 23:6) How did Paul escape unanimous condemnation by the Sanherin?

Acts 23:11) What did the Lord say when he appeared to Paul that evening?               

Acts 23:12–23) How did Paul escape a plot to assassinate him?

Acts 24 and 26 tell how Paul was next sent to Felix, the Roman governor, and testified before him. Paul remained a prisoner for two years while Felix hoped to receive a bribe to free him. Felix’s successor, Festus, was asked by Jewish leaders to send Paul to Jerusalem for trial. Paul appealed to be judged by Caesar instead. Festus agreed to send Paul to Rome, but Paul first had to appear before Herod Agrippa, the Jewish ruler appointed by the Romans.

Acts 26:24, 28) How did Festus’s & Agrippa’s reactions to Paul’s testimony differ? 

       How were they similar?

President Harold B. Lee taught, “[Agrippa] knew the truth but he lacked the courage to [act on it].…  In response to the [Savior] some members [seem to say] ‘Thou persuadest me to be honest almost, but I need extra help to pass a test.’…  ‘Almost thou persuadest me to love my neighbor, but he is a rascal; to be tolerant of others’ views, but they are wrong; … to go home teaching, but it’s so cold [or wet or hot] out …; to [give fast] offerings, but I need a new . . . ’” (April 1964 CR.) 

Elder Bruce C. Hafen has said, “If we almost keep the commandments, we almost receive the blessings” (April 2004 Conference Report).

re: Acts 27:9  The public fast prescribed by the Mosaic Law was kept yearly the latter part of our September (and hence, incidentally, when navigation was usually dangerous on account of storms).
Acts 27:11–12) Why do you think the centurion disregarded Paul’s counsel to wait?   

      Do we ever think that way?

President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Sometimes there are those who feel their earthly knowledge on a certain subject is superior to the heavenly knowledge which God gives to His prophet on the same subject. They [hesitate to] accept anything the prophet has to say that might contradict their earthly schooling. . . .  The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject … temporal or spiritual.” (See Brigham Young University Speeches 1980, 3–4.)

Acts 28:7–9) How did Paul use his priesthood while on Melita (aka Malta)?

Acts 28:23-24, 30–31) How did Paul fulfill his mission while imprisoned in Rome?

What can we learn from Paul about being a faithful witness of Jesus Christ?

President Monson has said: “The moral footings of society continue to slip, while those who attempt to safeguard those footings are often ridiculed …. Wars, natural disasters, and personal misfortunes continue to occur. …  [Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ] will not remove our troubles from us but rather will enable us to face our challenges … and to emerge victorious. … [O]ur knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us…. My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.” (See April 2009 Conference Report.)