“Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy — The Great Transition, The Glorious Sweep of God’s Abundant Grace — Part 30 Onward in the Book of Acts to the End of the Great Transition"

If I were to put a title on today’s lesson, I guess it might be this: “Paul’s Defense (or should I say, Testimony) Against Jewish Leaders in Jerusalem, Acts Chapter 22”.  We began with a little review of why we had departed from our studies on the Great Transition to look at Paul’s letters to the Ephesians and Colossians.  Our main point was that after the “to the Jews first” outreach of Paul before the end of the Book of the Acts, Paul was taught further by the ascended Christ regarding the fullness of grace poured out on Gentiles independently of his people Israel and apart from the promises given to them.  That was the completed teaching which he calls “the Mystery”.  Then, after the apostle had formally set Israel and the Jews of the dispersion aside, even as far away as Rome, Paul was not only taught by Christ but also released from the limitations formerly imposed upon him.  The prison letters which we looked at included those glorious teachings.   But today and next time, Lord willing, we return to the book of Acts and begin in chapter 22 where we find his testimony before the Jews in Jerusalem that sought to take his life with the false charges of idolatry and heresy.  He focuses on the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ which all Jews must surely receive if they are to be saved — and that is the unbelieving Jews great stumbling block along with the works requirements of the Mosaic Law.