Acts 21:1-3 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos and the day following unto Rhodes and from thence unto Patara. And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard and set forth. Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand and sailed into Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days, who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city and we kneeled down on the shore and prayed.

Acts 21:6,7 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship and they returned home again. And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais and saluted the brethren and abode with them one day.

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed and came unto Caesarea. And we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist.(Acts 8:4,40; Ephesians 4:11), which was one of the seven.(of those with Paul; who were the others?.Acts 6:5).and abode with him.

Acts 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Acts 21:10,11 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus...And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle and bound his own hands and feet and said, Thus says the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Acts 21:12-16 And when we heard these things, both we and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Emmanuel. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, The will of the Lord be done. And after those days we took up our carriages and went up to Jerusalem. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Acts 21:17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

Acts 21:18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the elders were present.

Acts 21:19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Acts 21:20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord and said unto him, You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe and they are all zealous of the law.

These new converts had yet to come to an understanding, yet alone the overstanding, of the Old Testament Mosaic Law that was a trust and tradition for thousands of years before, was now defunct. These thousands of Jews who were now believers in the truth of what's called the gospel, before were zealous about the tradition of their fathers, that of, being punctilious about every aspect of the Mosaic Law.

Acts 21:21 And they are informed of you.(Paul), that you teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses.(meaning the Mosaic Law), saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.(the customs based on the tenets of the Mosaic Law).

Acts 21:23-26 Do therefore this that we say to you. We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take and purify yourself with them and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads. And all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning you, are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols and from blood and from strangled.(Acts 15:20).and from fornication. Then Paul took the men and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

Acts 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him.(Paul).in the temple, stirred up all the people and laid hands on him, 

Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help. This is the man, that teaches all men every where against the people and the law and this place and further brought Greeks also into the temple and has polluted this holy place.

These accusers knew nothing of love and figured that these Greeks, these Gentiles, by their presence in the temple, that was heretofore only for those that considered themselves God's people, had defiled the temple. Such is religion! See also verses 21,22 above.

Acts 21:29 For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.

They weren't sure, but leaned in the direction that it was probably true, How many people today also are like that toward others? The low consciousness of man continues to wallow in the depths of its moral corruption.

Acts 21:30-40 And all the city was moved and the people ran together and they took Paul and drew him out of the temple and forthwith the doors were shut. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions and ran down unto them and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near and took him and commanded him to be bound with two chains and demanded who he was and what he had done. And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude. And when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto you? Who said, Can you speak Greek? Are not you that Egyptian, which before these days made an uproar and led out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean.(not of some obscure, insignificant city, verse 3 just below).city and I beseech you, suffer.(allow me).me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him licence.(allowed him), Paul stood on the stairs and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts 22:1 Men, brethren and fathers, hear you my defence which I make now unto you.

Acts 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day.

Acts 22:4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Acts 22:5 As also the high priest does bear me witness and all the estate of the elders, from whom also I received letters unto the brethren and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Acts 22:6,7 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecute me?

Acts 22:8 And I answered, Who are you, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Emmanuel of Nazareth, whom you persecute.

Acts 22:9,10 And they that were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid, but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise and go into Damascus and there it shall be told you of all things which are appointed for you to do.

How does God get the information to others of this sort of thing?

Acts 22:11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

Acts 22:12-14 And one Ananias.(not the Ananias who was corrupt), a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, came unto me and stood and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive your sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know his will and see that Just One.(verses 6-10 above).and should hear the voice of his mouth.

How does one hear the 'voice' of God?

Acts 22:15 For you shall be his witness unto all men of what you have seen and heard.

Acts 22:16 And now why do you tarry? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of Christ.

Acts 2:21.

Acts 22:17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

Acts 22:18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste and get you quickly out of Jerusalem for they will not receive your testimony concerning me.

Acts 22:19,20 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on you. And when the blood of your martyr.Stephen was shed, I also was standing by and consenting unto his death and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

Comprised with.Barnes Notes: The outer robes or garments were usually laid aside when someone engaged in running or labor of some kind, such as in this case of Stephen's martying. Paul held the clothes of those killing Stephen, which Paul was in favor of, because his pathway up to now was all about wiping out any new competition to what he believed still true at that time and that was the legalistic Old Testament Mosaic Law:.Acts 26:10-12.

Acts 22:21 And he said unto me, Depart, for I will send you far hence unto the Gentiles.

Acts 22:22-27 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what you do, for this man is a Roman. Then the chief captain came and said unto him, Tell me, are you a Roman? He said, Yes.

Paul used legal means he knew of in standing up for himself. Paul's various circumstances continually put him in front of others (Acts 9:15), where he willingly took any opportunity that opened up to speak the truth of God (Romans 11:14), all within the context of what he had been accused of. He didn't go out to 'beat others over the head' with some kind of a religious message:.Ecclesiastes 4:6 "Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit." Isaiah 30:15 "For thus says God, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall you be saved and in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..." Isaiah 32:17 "And the work of righteousness shall be peace and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever."

Do you know what your rights are where you live in this world? The criminal governments all over the world have been keeping them from you (controlling the media, controlling the educational system; lies everywhere). No, it's not that big, it's way, way bigger. Do you want to learn what your rights are that were kept away from you and your children?

Acts 22:28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

Paul was a Roman from birth.

Acts 22:29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman and because he had bound him.

Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear and brought Paul down and set him before them.

Acts 23:1,2 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Acts 23:3,4 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite you, you whited wall, for sit you to judge me after the law and command me to be smitten contrary to the law.(at this time the Old Testament Mosaic Law had been abolished and the high priest should have known that, probably did, but refused the change and continued to sit as he had before, in charge of the priesthood {how men will hang onto their positions no matter what; obviously not a truth person}:.Leviticus 19:35-37)? And they that stood by said, Revile you God's high priest?

Acts 23:5 Then said Paul, I wist not.(I didn't know), brethren, that he was the high priest, for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Paul quoting from the Old Testament, from.Exodus 22:28. In Paul's time here, the chief magistrate was also the high priest. It is always good to show respect, even if they are corrupt.

Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. Of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Acts 23:7,8 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. And the multitude was divided...For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees confess both.

Acts 23:9 And there arose a great cry. And the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man, but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him by force from among them and to bring him into the castle.

Acts 23:11 And the night following, the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer Paul, for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem so must you bear witness also at Rome.

Acts 23:12-15 And when it was day, certain of those calling themselves Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. And they came to the chief priests and elders and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now therefore you with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though you would enquire something more perfectly concerning him.(Hey Paul, we'd like to know more about all the good things you talk about).and we if ever he come near are ready to kill him..(Psalms 102:8)

Acts 23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle and told Paul.

Acts 23:17-20 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain, for he has a certain thing to tell him. So he took him and brought him to the chief captain and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who has something to say unto you. Then the chief captain took him by the hand and went with him aside privately and asked him, What is that you have to tell me? And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire you that you would bring down Paul tomorrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

Acts 23:21 But do not you yield unto them. For there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

Acts 23:22-26 So the chief captain then let the young man depart and charged him, See you tell no man that you have showed these things to me. And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea and horsemen threescore and ten and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night. And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. And he wrote a letter after this manner: Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sends greeting. 

Acts 23:27 This man was taken of the Jews and should have been killed of them, then came I with an army and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

Acts 23:28-34 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council, whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to you and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before you what they had against him. Farewell. Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him and returned to the castle, who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia he said,

Acts 23:35 I will hear you, when your accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

Acts 24:1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse Paul, saying first to Felix, Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by your providence,

Acts 24:3 We accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

Acts 24:4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto you, I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words.

Acts 24:5 For we have found this man to be a pestilent fellow and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

Acts 24:5 For we have found this man.(the 'we' was the demons appearing as humans {*} who hate anything to do with the true God that Paul was telling them about, see verse 16 just above:.Revelation 12:10).a pestilent.(tending to cause death; deadly).fellow and a mover of sedition.(conduct or language inciting rebellion; insurrection; violent party strife {someone using tactics to split up, say, a political party}, to separate thus splitting up; how many severed families do you know?).among all the Jews throughout the world.(this corrupt religiot was saying that Paul is the worst of the worst:.Revelation 12:10).and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

Acts 24:6 Who also has gone about to profane the temple, whom we took and would have judged according to our law.

Acts 24:7-9 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us and with great violence took him away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come unto you by examining of whom yourself may take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

How a cabal sticks up for one another; collusion.

Acts 24:10-14 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that you have been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself. Because that you may understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people.(raising the ire of the people), neither in the synagogues, nor in the city; neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto you, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.

Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Doesn't matter which one you were, you'll be back again to continue learning lessons in this school of Earth.(*), always inching up to the example of love of God until.1Corinthians 2:9.

Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men.

Romans 14:16,19; Luke 2:52; 1Corinthians 10:32.

Acts 24:17-21 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Who ought to have been here before you and object, if they had anything against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Acts 24:22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. 

Acts 24:23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

Acts 24:24 And after certain days, when Felix.(verse 26).came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered, Go your way for this time. When I have a convenient season, I will call for you.

Acts 24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul.(Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea {map} wanted a bribe to release Paul; a corrupt man of greed Felix was; like many people today, Hey!, there's money here), that he might loose him. Wherefore he sent for him the oftener and communed with him.

Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Acts 25:1-3 Now when Festus.(Festus was a Roman Governor of Judea:.Acts 24:27).was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem...Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul and besought him...And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. 

Acts 25:4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

Acts 25:5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

Acts 25:7-10 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar have I offended any thing at all. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul and said, Will thou go up to Jerusalem and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews have I done no wrong, as you very well know.

Acts 25:11 For if I be an offender or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die.(Barnes Notes: Paul was saying."I have no wish to escape justice. I do not wish to evade the laws or to take advantage of any circumstances to screen me from just punishment. Paul's whole course showed that this was the noble spirit which actuated him. No true Christian wishes to escape from the laws. He will honour them and not seek to evade them. But, like other men, he has rights and he may and should insist that justice should be done."). But if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them, I appeal unto Caesar.

Acts 25:12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

Acts 25:13,14 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix.

Acts 25:15-27 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face and have licence to answer for himself concerning what he is accused of doing. Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things.(satanists are always lying accusers:.John 8:44).as I supposed. But had certain questions against him of their own superstition and of one Emmanuel, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these matters. But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow, said he, you shall hear him. And on the morrow, when Agrippa and Bernice were come with great pomp and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth. And Festus said, King Agrippa and all men which are here present with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews.(these Jews were satanists, never looking for any good in anyone).have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death and that he himself has appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you and specially before you, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For it seemed to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

....continues to Chapter 26

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