Jehovah’s People Made Firm in the Faith

“The congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number from day to day.”​—ACTS 16:5.

1. How did God use the apostle Paul?

JEHOVAH GOD used Saul of Tarsus as “a chosen vessel.” As the apostle Paul, he ‘suffered many things.’ But through his work and that of others, Jehovah’s organization enjoyed unity and wonderful expansion.​—Acts 9:15, 16.

2. Why will it be beneficial to consider Acts 13:1–16:5?

² Gentiles were becoming Christians in growing numbers, and a vital meeting of the governing body did much to promote unity among God’s people and make them firm in the faith. It will be highly beneficial to consider these and other developments recorded at Acts 13:1–16:5, for Jehovah’s Witnesses are now experiencing similar growth and spiritual blessings. (Isaiah 60:22) (In private study of the articles on Acts in this issue, we suggest that you read the passages from the book indicated by boldface type.)

Missionaries Go Into Action

3. What work was done by “prophets and teachers” at Antioch?

³ Men sent out by the congregation in Antioch, Syria, helped believers to become firm in the faith. (13:1-5) In Antioch were the “prophets and teachers” Barnabas, Symeon (Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul of Tarsus. Prophets explained God’s Word and foretold events, while teachers gave instruction in the Scriptures and in godly living. (1 Corinthians 13:8; 14:4) Barnabas and Saul received a special assignment. Taking along Barnabas’ cousin Mark, they went to Cyprus. (Colossians 4:10) They preached in synagogues in the eastern port of Salamis, but there is no record that the Jews responded well. Since such ones were well-off materially, what need did they have for the Messiah?

4. What happened as the missionaries continued to preach in Cyprus?

⁴ God blessed other witness work in Cyprus. (13:6-12) At Paphos, the missionaries encountered the Jewish sorcerer and false prophet Bar-Jesus (Elymas). When he tried to prevent Proconsul Sergius Paulus from hearing God’s word, Saul became filled with holy spirit and said: ‘O man full of fraud and villainy, you son of the Devil, you enemy of everything righteous, will you not quit distorting the right ways of Jehovah?’ At that, God’s hand of punishment blinded Elymas for a time, and Sergius Paulus “became a believer, as he was astounded at the teaching of Jehovah.”

5, 6. (a) When Paul spoke in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, what did he say about Jesus? (b) What effect did Paul’s talk have?

⁵ From Cyprus, the party sailed to the city of Perga in Asia Minor. Paul and Barnabas then went northward through mountain passes, likely ‘in dangers from rivers and highwaymen,’ to Antioch, Pisidia. (2 Corinthians 11:25, 26) There Paul spoke in the synagogue. (13:13-41) He reviewed God’s dealings with Israel and identified David’s descendant Jesus as the Savior. Though Jewish rulers had demanded Jesus’ death, the promise to their forefathers was fulfilled when God resurrected him. (Psalm 2:7; 16:10; Isaiah 55:3) Paul warned his hearers not to scorn God’s gift of salvation through Christ.​—Habakkuk 1:5, Septuagint.

⁶ Paul’s speech aroused interest, as do public talks given by Jehovah’s Witnesses today. (13:42-52) The next Sabbath nearly all the city gathered to hear Jehovah’s word, and this filled the Jews with jealousy. Why, in just one week, the missionaries had apparently converted more Gentiles than those Jews had all their life! Since the Jews blasphemously contradicted Paul, it was time for spiritual light to shine elsewhere, and they were told: ‘Since you are thrusting God’s word away and do not judge yourselves worthy of everlasting life, we turn to the nations.’​—Isaiah 49:6.

7. How did Paul and Barnabas react to persecution?

⁷ Now the Gentiles began to rejoice, and all those rightly disposed for everlasting life became believers. As the word of Jehovah was carried throughout the country, however, the Jews stirred up reputable women (likely to pressure their husbands or others) and principal men to persecute Paul and Barnabas and throw them outside their boundaries. But that did not stop the missionaries. They simply “shook the dust off their feet against them” and went to Iconium (modern Konya), a major city in the Roman province of Galatia. (Luke 9:5; 10:11) Well, what about the disciples left in Pisidian Antioch? Having been made firm in the faith, they “continued to be filled with joy and holy spirit.” This helps us to see that opposition need not hamper spiritual progress.

Firm in the Faith Despite Persecution

8. What happened as a result of successful witnessing in Iconium?

⁸ Paul and Barnabas themselves proved firm in the faith despite persecution. (14:1-7) In response to their witnessing in the synagogue in Iconium, many Jews and Greeks became believers. When unbelieving Jews incited the Gentiles against the new believers, the two laborers spoke boldly by God’s authority, and he showed his approval by empowering them to perform signs. This split the mob, some being for the Jews and others for the apostles (ones sent forth). The apostles were not cowards, but when they learned of a plot to stone them, they wisely left to preach in Lycaonia, a region of Asia Minor in southern Galatia. By being prudent, we too can often remain active in the ministry despite opposition.​—Matthew 10:23.

9, 10. (a) How did inhabitants of Lystra react to the curing of a lame man? (b) How did Paul and Barnabas react at Lystra?

⁹ The Lycaonian city of Lystra next got a witness. (14:8-18) There Paul cured a man lame from birth. Not realizing that Jehovah was responsible for the miracle, the crowds cried out: “The gods have become like humans and have come down to us!” As this was said in the Lycaonian tongue, Barnabas and Paul did not know what was occurring. Since Paul took the lead in speaking, the people viewed him as Hermes (the eloquent messenger of the gods) and thought that Barnabas was Zeus, the chief Greek god.

¹⁰ The priest of Zeus even brought bulls and garlands in order to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. Likely speaking commonly understood Greek or using an interpreter, the visitors quickly explained that they also were humans with infirmities and that they were declaring the good news so that people would turn from “these vain things” (lifeless gods, or idols) to the living God. (1 Kings 16:13; Psalm 115:3-9; 146:6) Yes, God formerly allowed the nations (but not the Hebrews) to go their own way, though he did not leave himself without witness to his existence and goodness ‘in giving them rains and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts to the full with food and good cheer.’ (Psalm 147:8) Despite such reasoning, Barnabas and Paul scarcely restrained the crowds from sacrificing to them. Yet, the missionaries did not accept homage as gods, nor did they use such authority to found Christianity in that area. A fine example, especially if we are inclined to crave adulation for what Jehovah allows us to accomplish in his service!

11. What can we learn from the statement: “We must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations”?

¹¹ Suddenly, persecution reared its ugly head. (14:19-28) How so? Persuaded by Jews from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium, the crowds stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. (2 Corinthians 11:24, 25) But when the disciples surrounded him, he rose up and entered Lystra unnoticed, possibly under cover of darkness. The next day, he and Barnabas went to Derbe, where quite a few became disciples. Upon revisiting Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, the missionaries strengthened the disciples, encouraged them to remain in the faith, and said: “We must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations.” As Christians, we also expect to undergo tribulations and should not try to escape them by compromising our faith. (2 Timothy 3:12) At that time, elders were appointed in congregations to which Paul’s letter to the Galatians was written.

12. When Paul’s first missionary journey ended, what did the two missionaries do?

¹² Going through Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas spoke the word in Perga, a prominent city of Pamphylia. In time, they returned to Antioch, Syria. Paul’s first journey now over, the two missionaries informed the congregation of “the many things God had done by means of them, and that he had opened to the nations the door to faith.” Some time was spent with the disciples in Antioch, and this undoubtedly did much to make them firm in the faith. Visits by traveling overseers today have similar spiritual effects.

A Vital Question Is Resolved

13. If Christianity was not to be split into Hebrew and non-Jewish factions, what was needed?

¹³ Firmness in the faith called for unity of thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10) If Christianity was not to be split into Hebrew and non-Jewish factions, the governing body needed to decide whether Gentiles streaming into God’s organization had to keep the Mosaic Law and get circumcised. (15:1-5) Certain men from Judea had already traveled to Syrian Antioch and had begun teaching Gentile believers there that unless they got circumcised, they could not be saved. (Exodus 12:48) Hence, Paul, Barnabas, and others were sent to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. Even there, believers who had once been legalistically minded Pharisees insisted that Gentiles had to get circumcised and observe the Law.

14. (a) Though disputing took place at the conference in Jerusalem, what good example was set? (b) What was the essence of Peter’s reasoning on that occasion?

¹⁴ A conference was held to ascertain God’s will. (15:6-11) Yes, disputing took place, but there was no strife as men of strong convictions expressed themselves​—a fine example for elders today! In time Peter said: ‘God chose that through my mouth Gentiles [such as Cornelius] should hear the good news and believe. He bore witness by giving them holy spirit and made no distinction between us and them. [Acts 10:44-47] So why are you testing God by imposing a yoke [an obligation to keep the Law] upon their neck that neither we nor our forefathers could bear? We [Jews according to the flesh] trust to get saved through the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus in the same way as those people.’ God’s acceptance of uncircumcised Gentiles showed that circumcision and keeping the Law were not required for salvation.​—Galatians 5:1.

15. What basic points did James make, and what did he suggest writing to Gentile Christians?

¹⁵ The congregation became silent when Peter concluded, but more was to be said. (15:12-21) Barnabas and Paul told about the signs God performed through them among the Gentiles. Then the chairman, Jesus’ half brother James, said: ‘Symeon [Peter’s Hebrew name] has related how God turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.’ James indicated that the foretold rebuilding of “the booth of David” (reestablishment of kingship in David’s line) was being fulfilled in the gathering of Jesus’ disciples (Kingdom heirs) from among both Jews and Gentiles. (Amos 9:11, 12, Septuagint; Romans 8:17) Since God purposed this, the disciples should accept it. James advised writing Gentile Christians to abstain from (1) things polluted by idols, (2) fornication, and (3) blood and what is strangled. These prohibitions were in Moses’ writings that were read in synagogues every Sabbath day.​—Genesis 9:3, 4; 12:15-17; 35:2, 4.

16. On what three points does the letter of the first-century governing body give guidance down to this day?

¹⁶ The governing body now sent a letter to Gentile Christians in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. (15:22-35) Holy spirit and the letter writers called for abstinence from things sacrificed to idols; blood (regularly consumed by some people); things strangled without draining their blood (many pagans viewing such meat as a delicacy); and fornication (Greek, por·neiʹa, denoting illicit sex relations outside of Scriptural marriage). By such abstinence, they would prosper spiritually, even as Jehovah’s Witnesses now do because they comply with “these necessary things.” The words “Good health to you!” amounted to saying “Farewell,” and it should not be concluded that these requirements primarily had to do with health measures. When the letter was read in Antioch, the congregation rejoiced over the encouragement it provided. At that time, God’s people in Antioch were also made firm in the faith by the encouraging words of Paul, Silas, Barnabas, and others. May we too seek ways to encourage and upbuild fellow believers.

Second Missionary Tour Begins

17. (a) What problem arose when a second missionary tour was proposed? (b) How did Paul and Barnabas handle their dispute?

¹⁷ A problem arose when a second missionary journey was proposed. (15:36-41) Paul suggested that he and Barnabas revisit the congregations in Cyprus and Asia Minor. Barnabas agreed but wanted to take along his cousin Mark. Paul disagreed because Mark had abandoned them in Pamphylia. At that, “a sharp burst of anger” occurred. But neither Paul nor Barnabas sought personal vindication by trying to involve other elders or the governing body in their private affair. What a fine example!

18. What resulted from the separation of Paul and Barnabas, and how can we benefit from this incident?

¹⁸ This dispute caused a separation, however. Barnabas took Mark with him to Cyprus. Paul, with Silas as his associate, “went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the congregations.” Barnabas may have been influenced by family ties, but he should have acknowledged Paul’s apostleship and selection as “a chosen vessel.” (Acts 9:15) And what about us? This incident should impress us with the need to recognize theocratic authority and to cooperate fully with “the faithful and discreet slave”!​—Matthew 24:45-47.

Progress in Peace

19. What example do present-day Christian youths have in Timothy?

¹⁹ This dispute was not allowed to affect the peace of the congregation. God’s people continued to be made firm in the faith. (16:1-5) Paul and Silas went to Derbe and on to Lystra. There lived Timothy, a son of the Jewish believer Eunice and her unbelieving Greek husband. Timothy was young, for even 12 to 15 years later, he was still told: “Let no man ever look down on your youth.” (1 Timothy 4:12) Since he “was well reported on by the brothers in Lystra and [some 18 miles [29 km] away in] Iconium,” he was well-known for his fine ministry and godly qualities. Christian youths today should seek Jehovah’s help to build up a similar reputation. Paul circumcised Timothy because they would be going to the homes and synagogues of Jews who knew that Timothy’s father was a Gentile, and the apostle wanted nothing to bar access to Jewish men and women who needed to learn about the Messiah. Without violating Bible principles, Jehovah’s Witnesses today also do what they can to make the good news acceptable to all sorts of people.​—1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

20. Compliance with the first-century governing body’s letter had what effect, and how do you think this should affect us?

²⁰ With Timothy as an attendant, Paul and Silas delivered to the disciples for observance the decrees of the governing body. And what resulted? Apparently referring to Syria, Cilicia, and Galatia, Luke wrote: “The congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number from day to day.” Yes, compliance with the governing body’s letter resulted in unity and spiritual prosperity. What a fine example for our critical times, when Jehovah’s people need to remain unified and firm in the faith!

Jehovah’s Word Prevails!

“In a mighty way the word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing.”​—ACTS 19:20.

1. What will be covered in this study of the Bible book Acts of Apostles?

JEHOVAH was opening a door to activity. Especially would Paul, “an apostle to the nations,” spearhead that work. (Romans 11:13) Indeed, our continuing study of Acts of Apostles finds him engaged in thrilling missionary travels.​—Acts 16:6–19:41.

2. (a) How did the apostle Paul serve as a divinely inspired penman from about 50 C.E. to 56 C.E.? (b) What happened as God blessed Paul’s ministry and that of others?

² Paul was also a divinely inspired penman. From about 50 C.E. to 56 C.E., he wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians from Corinth, Galatians from that city or from Syrian Antioch, 1 Corinthians from Ephesus, 2 Corinthians from Macedonia, and Romans from Corinth. And as God blessed Paul’s ministry and that of others, “in a mighty way the word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing.”​—Acts 19:20.

From Asia to Europe

3. How did Paul and his companions set a fine example in connection with direction by holy spirit?

³ Paul and his associates set a fine example in accepting direction by holy spirit. (16:6-10) Perhaps by audible revelations, dreams, or visions, the spirit prevented them from preaching in the district of Asia and the province of Bithynia, later reached with the good news. (Acts 18:18-21; 1 Peter 1:1, 2) Why did the spirit block earlier entry? Laborers were few, and the spirit was guiding them into more fruitful fields in Europe. So today, if the way is blocked into one territory, Jehovah’s Witnesses preach elsewhere, sure that God’s spirit will lead them to sheeplike ones.

4. What was the response to Paul’s vision of a Macedonian man pleading for help?

⁴ Paul and his associates then ‘passed by’ Mysia, a region in Asia Minor, as a missionary field. In a vision, however, Paul saw a Macedonian man pleading for help. So the missionaries promptly went to Macedonia, a region of the Balkan Peninsula. Similarly, many Witnesses are directed by holy spirit to serve now where the need for Kingdom proclaimers is great.

5. (a) Why can it be said that Jehovah’s word prevailed in Philippi? (b) In what way are many present-day Witnesses like Lydia?

⁵ Jehovah’s word prevailed in Macedonia. (16:11-15) Philippi, a colony inhabited mostly by Roman citizens, apparently had few Jews and no synagogue. So the brothers went to “a place of prayer” beside a river outside the city. Among those found there was Lydia, possibly a Jewish proselyte from Thyatira, a city in Asia Minor known for its dyeing industry. She sold purple dye or fabrics and clothes colored with it. After Lydia and her household got baptized, she offered hospitality so earnestly that Luke wrote: “She just made us come.” We are grateful for sisters of that kind today.

A Jailer Becomes a Believer

6. How did demon activity lead to the imprisonment of Paul and Silas at Philippi?

⁶ Satan must have been enraged over spiritual developments in Philippi, for demonic activity there led to the imprisonment of Paul and Silas. (16:16-24) For days they were followed by a girl who had “a demon of divination” (literally, “a spirit of python”). The demon may have impersonated Pythian Apollo, a god that supposedly killed a serpent named pyʹthon. The girl brought her masters much gain by practicing the art of prediction. Why, she may have told farmers when to plant, maidens when to marry, and miners where to look for gold! She kept following the brothers and crying out: “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who are publishing to you the way of salvation.” The demon may have made her say this to make it seem that her predictions were divinely inspired, but demons have no right to make proclamations about Jehovah and his provision for salvation. When Paul got tired of the harassment, he expelled the demon in Jesus’ name. Their business ruined, the girl’s masters dragged Paul and Silas into the marketplace, where they were beaten with rods. (2 Corinthians 11:25) Then they were jailed and their feet put in stocks. Such devices could be adjusted so as to force one’s legs apart, causing great pain.

7. For whom and how did the imprisonment of Paul and Silas at Philippi lead to blessings?

⁷ This imprisonment led to blessings for the jailer and his family. (16:25-40) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and praising God in song, sure that he was with them. (Psalm 42:8) Suddenly, an earthquake threw open the doors and loosened all bonds as fetters became detached from beams or walls. The jailer was fearful of suffering the death penalty because his prisoners had escaped. He was about to commit suicide when Paul called out: “Do not hurt yourself, for we are all here!” Bringing Paul and Silas outside, the jailer asked how he could get saved. “Believe on the Lord Jesus,” was the reply. Upon hearing the word of Jehovah, “he and his were baptized without delay.” What joy that brought about!

8. What action was taken by Philippi’s civil magistrates, and what might be achieved if they acknowledged their error publicly?

⁸ The next day, civil magistrates sent word to release Paul and Silas. But Paul said: ‘They flogged us uncondemned, men who are Romans, and threw us into prison. Are they throwing us out secretly? Let them come and bring us out.’ If the magistrates acknowledged their error publicly, they might be reluctant to beat and imprison other Christians. Unable to expel Roman citizens, the magistrates came and asked the brothers to leave, but these did so only after encouraging fellow believers. Such interest now moves members of the Governing Body and other traveling representatives to visit and encourage God’s people earth wide.

Jehovah’s Word Prevails in Thessalonica and Beroea

9. By what method, still used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, did Paul ‘explain and prove’ that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead?

⁹ God’s word next prevailed in Thessalonica, Macedonia’s capital and main seaport. (17:1-9) There Paul reasoned with Jews, “explaining and proving” that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. (Paul did so by comparing prophecies with events in fulfillment, as Jehovah’s Witnesses do.) Thus, some Jews, many proselytes, and others became believers. When some jealous Jews formed a mob but were unable to find Paul and Silas, they took Jason and other brothers to the city rulers and accused them of sedition, a false charge still leveled against Jehovah’s people. However, the brothers were released after giving “sufficient security.”

10. In what sense did Jews in Beroea ‘carefully examine’ the Scriptures?

¹⁰ Paul and Silas next went to the city of Beroea. (17:10-15) There the Jews ‘carefully examined’ the Scriptures, as Jehovah’s Witnesses encourage people to do today. Those Beroeans did not doubt Paul but did research to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. The result? Many Jews and some Greeks (perhaps proselytes) became believers. When Jews from Thessalonica agitated the masses, the brothers escorted Paul to the coast, where some of his party may have boarded a ship for Piraeus (modern-day Piraiévs), the port city of Athens.

Jehovah’s Word Prevails in Athens

11. (a) How did Paul witness boldly in Athens, but who spoke with him controversially? (b) What did some imply when they spoke of Paul as a “chatterer”?

¹¹ A bold witness was given in Athens. (17:16-21) Because of Paul’s words about Jesus and the resurrection, philosophers spoke with him controversially. Some were Epicureans, who emphasized pleasure. Others were Stoics, stressing self-discipline. ‘What would this chatterer like to say?’ asked some. “Chatterer” (literally, “seedpicker”) implied that Paul was like a bird picking up seeds and doling out bits of knowledge but lacking wisdom. Others said: “He seems to be a publisher of foreign deities.” This was serious, for Socrates lost his life on such a charge. Soon Paul was taken to the Areopagus (Mars’ Hill), possibly where the open-air supreme court met near the Acropolis.

12. (a) What aspects of good public speaking are evident in Paul’s talk on the Areopagus? (b) What points did Paul make regarding God, and with what results?

¹² Paul’s talk on the Areopagus was an excellent example of one having an effective introduction, logical development, and convincing argument​—as taught in the Theocratic Ministry School of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (17:22-34) He said that the Athenians were more religious than others. Why, they even had an altar “To an Unknown God,” perhaps to avoid slighting any deity! Paul spoke of the Creator who “made out of one man every nation of men” and “decreed the appointed times and the set limits of the dwelling of men,” such as when to uproot the Canaanites. (Genesis 15:13-21; Daniel 2:21; 7:12) This God can be found, “for we are also his progeny,” said Paul, alluding to man’s creation by Jehovah and quoting their poets Aratus and Cleanthes. As God’s progeny, we should not think the perfect Creator is like an idol made by imperfect man. God once overlooked such ignorance but was now telling mankind to repent, for he had set a day to judge people by his Appointee. Since Paul had been “declaring the good news of Jesus,” his audience knew he meant that Christ would be that Judge. (Acts 17:18; John 5:22, 30) Talk of repentance irked the Epicureans, and Greek philosophers could accept remarks about immortality but not death and resurrection. Apparently, like many who now shrug off the good news, some said: ‘We will hear you another time.’ But the judge Dionysius and others became believers.

God’s Word Prevails in Corinth

13. How did Paul sustain himself in the ministry, and what modern-day parallel do we find?

¹³ Paul went on to Corinth, capital of the province of Achaia. (18:1-11) There he found Aquila and Priscilla, who had come there when Claudius Caesar ordered Jews who were not Roman citizens to leave Rome. To sustain himself in the ministry, Paul made tents with this Christian couple. (1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Corinthians 11:9) Cutting and sewing stiff goat-hair cloth was hard work. Similarly, Jehovah’s Witnesses provide for their material needs through secular work, but their vocation is the ministry.

14. (a) Faced with persistent opposition by Jews in Corinth, what did Paul do? (b) How was Paul assured that he should remain in Corinth, but how are Jehovah’s people directed today?

¹⁴ Corinth’s Jews kept speaking abusively as Paul proclaimed Jesus’ Messiahship. So he shook out his garments to disclaim responsibility toward them and began to hold meetings in the house of Titius Justus, likely a Roman. Many (including the synagogue’s former presiding officer Crispus and his household) became baptized believers. If Jewish antagonism made Paul wonder about remaining in Corinth, doubt vanished when the Lord told him in vision: ‘Have no fear. Keep on speaking, for I am with you and no man will do you injury. I have many people in this city.’ So Paul kept on teaching the word of God there, altogether for a year and six months. Though Jehovah’s people do not now receive visions, both prayer and direction by holy spirit help them to make similar wise decisions affecting Kingdom interests.

15. What happened when Paul was taken before Proconsul Gallio?

¹⁵ Jews led Paul to Proconsul Junius Gallio. (18:12-17) They implied that Paul was proselytizing illegally​—a false charge Greek clerics now make against Jehovah’s Witnesses. Gallio was aware that Paul was not guilty of villainy and that Jews cared little about the welfare of Rome and its law, so he drove them away. When onlookers beat Sosthenes, the synagogue’s new presiding officer, Gallio did not interfere, perhaps thinking that the apparent leader of mob action against Paul was getting what he deserved.

16. Why was it acceptable for Paul to have his hair clipped short in connection with a vow?

¹⁶ Paul sailed from the Aegean port of Cenchreae to Ephesus, a city in Asia Minor. (18:18-22) Before that trip ‘he had the hair of his head clipped short, for he had a vow.’ It is not said whether Paul made the vow before becoming Jesus’ follower or if this was the start or the end of the vowed period. Christians are not under the Law, but it was God-given and holy, and there was nothing sinful about such a vow. (Romans 6:14; 7:6, 12; Galatians 5:18) In Ephesus, Paul reasoned with the Jews, promising to return if God was willing. (That promise was fulfilled later.) His return to Syrian Antioch ended his second missionary tour.

Jehovah’s Word Prevails in Ephesus

17. Regarding baptism, what instruction did Apollos and some others need?

¹⁷ Paul soon began his third missionary trip (c. 52-56 C.E.). (18:23–19:7) Meanwhile in Ephesus, Apollos taught about Jesus but knew only of John’s baptism in symbol of repentance for sins against the Law covenant. Priscilla and Aquila “expounded the way of God more correctly to him,” likely explaining that being baptized as Jesus was included a person’s undergoing water immersion and receiving the outpoured holy spirit. After baptism with holy spirit occurred at Pentecost 33 C.E., anyone baptized with John’s baptism needed to be rebaptized in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 3:11, 16; Acts 2:38) Later in Ephesus, about 12 Jewish men who had undergone John’s baptism “got baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” in the only rebaptism recorded in the Scriptures. When Paul laid his hands upon them, they received holy spirit and two miraculous indications of heavenly acceptance​—speaking with tongues and prophesying.

18. Where did Paul witness while in Ephesus, and with what results?

¹⁸ Paul was certainly kept busy in Ephesus, a city of some 300,000 residents. (19:8-10) Its temple of the goddess Artemis was one of the ancient world’s seven wonders, and its theater could seat 25,000. In the synagogue, Paul ‘used persuasion’ by presenting convincing arguments but withdrew when some spoke abusively about The Way, or manner of life based on faith in Christ. For two years, Paul spoke daily in the school auditorium of Tyrannus, and “the word” spread throughout the district of Asia.

19. What took place in Ephesus that caused ‘Jehovah’s word to keep growing and prevailing’ there?

¹⁹ God showed approval of Paul’s activity by enabling him to perform cures and expel demons. (19:11-20) But the seven sons of the chief priest Sceva failed to expel a demon by the use of Jesus’ name because they did not represent God and Christ. They were even wounded by the demon-possessed man! This made people fearful, and “the name of the Lord Jesus went on being magnified.” Those who became believers denounced their occult practices and publicly burned their books that apparently contained incantations and magic formulas. “Thus,” wrote Luke, “in a mighty way the word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing.” Today, too, God’s servants help to free people from demonism.​—Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

Religious Intolerance Does Not Succeed

20. Why did the silversmiths of Ephesus foment a riot, and how was it ended?

²⁰ Jehovah’s Witnesses have often faced angry mobs, and so did Christians in Ephesus. (19:21-41) As believers multiplied, Demetrius and other silversmiths lost money because fewer people bought their silver shrines of the many-breasted fertility goddess Artemis. Incited by Demetrius, a mob took Paul’s associates Gaius and Aristarchus into the theater, but the disciples did not let Paul go inside. Even some commissioners of festivals and games pleaded that he not take that risk. For about two hours, the mob shouted: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Finally, the city recorder (who headed the municipal government) said that the craftsmen could present their charges to a proconsul, authorized to make judicial decisions, or their case might be decided in “a regular assembly” of citizens. Otherwise, Rome could charge those in this irregular assembly with rioting. With that, he dismissed them.

21. In what way did God bless Paul’s work, and how does he bless that of Jehovah’s Witnesses today?

²¹ God helped Paul to face various trials and blessed his efforts to help people reject religious error and embrace the truth. (Compare Jeremiah 1:9, 10.) How thankful we are that our heavenly Father similarly blesses our work! Thus, now as in the first century, ‘the word of Jehovah is growing and prevailing.’

Boldly Proclaim Jehovah’s Kingdom!

“He would kindly receive all those who came in to him, preaching the kingdom of God to them.”​—ACTS 28:30, 31.

1, 2. What evidence of divine backing did the apostle Paul have, and what example did he set?

JEHOVAH always upholds Kingdom proclaimers. How true that was of the apostle Paul! With divine backing, he appeared before rulers, endured mob action, and boldly proclaimed Jehovah’s Kingdom.

² Even as a prisoner in Rome, Paul “would kindly receive all those who came in to him, preaching the kingdom of God to them.” (Acts 28:30, 31) What a fine example for Jehovah’s Witnesses today! We can learn much from Paul’s ministry as reported by Luke in the final chapters of the Bible book of Acts.​—20:1–28:31.

Fellow Believers Upbuilt

3. What happened at Troas, and what parallel may be drawn with our day?

³ After the riot in Ephesus subsided, Paul continued his third missionary tour. (20:1-12) When about to sail for Syria, however, he learned that Jews had plotted against him. Since they may have planned to board the same ship and kill Paul, he went through Macedonia. At Troas, he spent a week upbuilding fellow believers as traveling overseers among Jehovah’s Witnesses now do. On the night before his departure, Paul prolonged his speech until midnight. Eutychus, seated at a window, was apparently weary from the day’s exertions. He collapsed in sleep and fell to his death from the third floor, but Paul restored him to life. What joy this must have caused! Think, then, of the joy that will result when many millions are resurrected in the coming new world.​—John 5:28, 29.

4. As regards the ministry, what did Paul teach the Ephesian elders?

⁴ En route to Jerusalem, at Miletus, Paul met with the elders of Ephesus. (20:13-21) He reminded them that he had taught them “from house to house” and that he “thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.” Those who ultimately became elders had repented, and they possessed faith. The apostle also had been training them to proclaim the Kingdom boldly to unbelievers in a house-to-house ministry like that performed by Jehovah’s Witnesses today.

5. (a) How was Paul exemplary in regard to direction by holy spirit? (b) Why did the elders need counsel to ‘pay attention to all the flock’?

⁵ Paul was exemplary in accepting direction by God’s holy spirit. (20:22-30) “Bound in the spirit,” or feeling obligated to follow its lead, the apostle would go to Jerusalem, though bonds and tribulations awaited him there. He valued life, but maintaining integrity to God was the most important thing to him, as it should be to us. Paul urged the elders to ‘pay attention to all the flock among which the holy spirit had appointed them overseers.’ After his “going away” (apparently in death), “oppressive wolves” would “not treat the flock with tenderness.” Such men would arise from among the elders themselves, and less discerning disciples would accept their twisted teachings.​—2 Thessalonians 2:6.

6. (a) Why could Paul confidently commit the elders to God? (b) How did Paul follow the principle of Acts 20:35?

⁶ The elders needed to remain alert spiritually to guard against apostasy. (20:31-38) The apostle had taught them the Hebrew Scriptures and Jesus’ teachings, which have sanctifying power that could help them to receive the heavenly Kingdom, “the inheritance among all the sanctified ones.” By working to provide for himself and his associates, Paul also encouraged the elders to be hard workers. (Acts 18:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 2:9) If we pursue a similar course and help others to gain eternal life, we will appreciate Jesus’ words: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” The sense of this statement is found in the Gospels but is quoted only by Paul, who may have received it orally or by inspiration. We can enjoy much happiness if we are as self-sacrificing as Paul was. Why, he had given of himself so much that his departure saddened the Ephesian elders greatly!

Let Jehovah’s Will Take Place

7. How did Paul set an example in submitting to God’s will?

⁷ As Paul’s third missionary trip neared its end (c. 56 C.E.), he set a fine example in submitting to God’s will. (21:1-14) In Caesarea he and his companions stayed with Philip, whose four virgin daughters “prophesied,” foretelling events by holy spirit. There the Christian prophet Agabus bound his own hands and feet with Paul’s girdle and was moved by the spirit to say that Jews would bind its owner in Jerusalem and deliver him into Gentile hands. “I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus,” said Paul. The disciples acquiesced, saying: “Let the will of Jehovah take place.”

8. If we sometimes find it hard to take good advice, what might we remember?

⁸ Paul told the elders in Jerusalem what God did among the Gentiles through his ministry. (21:15-26) If we ever find it hard to take good advice, we can recall how Paul accepted it. To prove that he was not teaching Jews in Gentile lands “an apostasy from Moses,” he heeded the elders’ counsel to undergo ceremonial cleansing and cover the expenses for himself and four other men. Though Jesus’ death moved the Law out of the way, Paul did no wrong by carrying out its features regarding vows.​—Romans 7:12-14.

Mobbed but Undaunted

9. As to mob violence, what parallel is there between the experiences of Paul and those of Jehovah’s Witnesses today?

⁹ Jehovah’s Witnesses have often maintained integrity to God in the face of mob violence. (For example, see the 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pages 180-90.) Jews from Asia Minor similarly fomented mob action against Paul. (21:27-40) Seeing Trophimus the Ephesian with him, they falsely accused the apostle of defiling the temple by taking Greeks into it. Paul was about to be killed when Roman tribune Claudius Lysias and his men quelled the riot! As foretold (but caused by the Jews), Lysias had Paul put in chains. (Acts 21:11) The apostle was about to be taken into the soldiers’ quarters adjoining the temple court when Lysias learned that Paul was not a seditionist but a Jew allowed to enter the temple area. Getting permission to speak, Paul addressed the people in Hebrew.

10. How was Paul’s speech received by the Jews in Jerusalem, and why was he not scourged?

¹⁰ Paul gave a bold witness. (22:1-30) He identified himself as a Jew instructed by highly respected Gamaliel. The apostle explained that en route to Damascus to persecute followers of The Way, he had been blinded upon seeing the glorified Jesus Christ, but Ananias had restored his sight. Later the Lord had told Paul: “Get on your way, because I shall send you out to nations far off.” Those words fell like a spark in a forest. Shouting that Paul was not fit to live, the crowd threw their outer garments about and tossed dust into the air in anger. So Lysias had Paul taken to the soldiers’ quarters for examination under scourging to learn why the Jews were against him. A scourging (with a device having leather thongs with knots or embedded pieces of metal or bone) was prevented when Paul asked: ‘Is it lawful to scourge an uncondemned Roman?’ Learning that Paul was a Roman citizen, Lysias became fearful and took him before the Sanhedrin to learn why he was being accused by the Jews.

11. In what respect was Paul a Pharisee?

¹¹ When Paul opened his defense before the Sanhedrin by saying that he had “behaved before God with a perfectly clear conscience,” High Priest Ananias ordered that he be struck. (23:1-10) Paul said, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall.” “Are you reviling the high priest?” some asked. Because of poor eyesight, Paul may not have recognized Ananias. But noting that the council was made up of Pharisees and Sadducees, Paul said: ‘I am a Pharisee being judged over the resurrection hope.’ This split the Sanhedrin, for Pharisees believed in resurrection and Sadducees did not. So much dissension arose that Lysias had to rescue the apostle.

12. How did Paul escape a plot on his life in Jerusalem?

¹² Paul next escaped a plot on his life. (23:11-35) Forty Jews had sworn not to eat or drink until they had killed him. Paul’s nephew reported this to him and to Lysias. Under military guard, the apostle was taken to Governor Antonius Felix at Caesarea, the Roman administrative capital of Judea. After promising Paul a hearing, Felix kept him under guard in the Praetorian palace of Herod the Great, the governor’s headquarters.

Boldness Before Rulers

13. About what did Paul witness to Felix, and with what effect?

¹³ The apostle soon defended himself against false charges and boldly witnessed to Felix. (24:1-27) Before Jewish accusers, Paul showed that he had not incited a mob. He said that he believed the things set forth in the Law and the Prophets and hoped in “a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” Paul had gone to Jerusalem with “gifts of mercy” (contributions for Jesus’ followers whose poverty may have resulted from persecution) and had been ceremonially cleansed. Though Felix postponed judgment, Paul later preached to him and his wife Drusilla (daughter of Herod Agrippa I) about Christ, righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. Frightened by such talk, Felix dismissed Paul. Later, however, he sent for the apostle often, hoping in vain for a bribe. Felix knew that Paul was innocent but left him bound, hoping to gain favor with the Jews. Two years later, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus.

14. Of what legal provision did Paul avail himself when he appeared before Festus, and what parallel do you find in this?

¹⁴ Paul also made a bold defense before Festus. (25:1-12) If the apostle was deserving of death, he would not beg off, but no man could hand him over to the Jews as a favor. “I appeal to Caesar!” said Paul, availing himself of a Roman citizen’s right to be tried in Rome (at that time before Nero). The appeal granted, Paul would “bear witness in Rome,” as foretold. (Acts 23:11) Jehovah’s Witnesses also avail themselves of provisions to ‘defend and legally establish the good news.’​—Philippians 1:7.

15. (a) What prophecy was fulfilled when Paul appeared before King Agrippa and Caesar? (b) How did Saul ‘kick against the goads’?

¹⁵ King Herod Agrippa II of northern Judea and his sister Bernice (with whom he had an incestuous relationship) heard Paul when paying Festus a visit at Caesarea. (25:13–26:23) By witnessing to Agrippa and Caesar, Paul fulfilled the prophecy that he would bear the Lord’s name to kings. (Acts 9:15) Telling Agrippa what had happened on the road to Damascus, Paul remarked that Jesus said: “To keep kicking against the goads makes it hard for you.” As a stubborn bull hurts itself in resisting the prickings of a goad, Saul had hurt himself by fighting against Jesus’ followers, who had God’s backing.

16. How did Festus and Agrippa react to Paul’s testimony?

¹⁶ How did Festus and Agrippa react? (26:24-32) Unable to understand the resurrection and amazed at Paul’s conviction, Festus said: “Great learning is driving you into madness!” Similarly, some now accuse Jehovah’s Witnesses of being mad, though they really are like Paul in “uttering sayings of truth and of soundness of mind.” “In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian,” said Agrippa, who ended the hearing but acknowledged that Paul could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.

Dangers at Sea

17. How would you describe the dangers encountered at sea during Paul’s trip to Rome?

¹⁷ The trip to Rome exposed Paul to “dangers at sea.” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27) An army officer named Julius was in charge of the prisoners sailing from Caesarea to Rome. (27:1-26) When their ship landed at Sidon, Paul was allowed to visit believers, who refreshed him spiritually. (Compare 3 John 14.) At Myra in Asia Minor, Julius made the prisoners board a grain ship bound for Italy. Despite strong headwinds, they made it to the harbor of Fair Havens, near the Cretan city of Lasea. After leaving there en route to Phoenix, a northeasterly gale seized the ship. Fearful of running aground on the Syrtis (quicksands) off north Africa, the sailors “lowered the gear,” perhaps the sails and masts. Ropes had been run around the hull so that the ship’s seams would not part. Still tempest-tossed the next day, the ship was lightened by throwing freight overboard. The third day, they threw away the tackling (sails or spare gear). As hope seemed to fade, an angel appeared to Paul and told him not to be fearful, for he would stand before Caesar. What a relief it was when the apostle said that all the travelers would be cast ashore on a certain island!

18. What finally happened to Paul and his fellow voyagers?

¹⁸ The voyagers did survive. (27:27-44) At midnight on the 14th day, the sailors perceived that land was near. Soundings confirmed this, and anchors were lowered to escape disaster upon the rocks. At Paul’s urging, all 276 men partook of food. Then the ship was lightened by throwing the wheat overboard. At daybreak, the sailors cut away the anchors, unlashed the oars, and hoisted the foresail to the wind. The vessel lighted upon a shoal, and the stern began to be broken to pieces. But everyone made it to land.

19. What happened to Paul on Malta, and what did he do for others there?

¹⁹ Soaked and weary, the shipwreck victims found themselves on Malta, where the islanders showed them “extraordinary human kindness.” (28:1-16) As Paul laid sticks on a fire, however, the heat revived a dormant viper that fastened itself on his hand. (There are now no poisonous snakes on Malta, but this was a “venomous creature.”) The Maltese thought Paul was a murderer that “vindictive justice” would not allow to live, but when he did not drop dead or swell up with inflammation, they said he was a god. Paul later cured many, including the father of Publius, Malta’s chief official. Three months thereafter, Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus departed on a ship with the figurehead “Sons of Zeus” (Castor and Pollux, twin deities supposedly favoring mariners). Landing at Puteoli, Julius moved on with his ward. Paul thanked God and took courage when Christians from the Roman capital met them at the Marketplace of Appius and Three Taverns along the Appian Way. Finally, in Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, though guarded by a soldier.

Keep on Proclaiming Jehovah’s Kingdom!

20. With what activity did Paul keep busy in his quarters in Rome?

²⁰ In his quarters in Rome, Paul boldly proclaimed Jehovah’s Kingdom. (28:17-31) He told principal Jewish men: “Because of the hope of Israel this chain I have around me.” That hope involved accepting the Messiah, something for which we must also be willing to suffer. (Philippians 1:29) Though most of those Jews did not believe, many Gentiles and a Jewish remnant had the right heart condition. (Isaiah 6:9, 10) For two years (c. 59-61 C.E.) Paul received all who came in to him, “preaching the kingdom of God to them and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with the greatest freeness of speech, without hindrance.”

21. To the end of his earthly life, what example did Paul set?

²¹ Nero apparently pronounced Paul innocent and released him. The apostle then renewed his work in association with Timothy and Titus. However, he was again imprisoned in Rome (c. 65 C.E.) and likely suffered martyrdom at Nero’s hands. (2 Timothy 4:6-8) But to the end, Paul set a fine example as a courageous Kingdom proclaimer. With the same spirit in these last days, may all those dedicated to God boldly proclaim Jehovah’s Kingdom!