July 5
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PAUL REVEALS HIS ROMAN CITIZENSHIP
A poem by ILMA
The commander ordered Paul to be lashed with whips to make him confess his crime
When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer standing there
“Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?” Paul asked
Officer asked the commander “What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!”
So the commander went over and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a citizen of Rome?”
“Yes, I certainly am,” Paul replied. “I am, too,” the commander muttered
The officer said that it cost him plenty to be a Roman national
Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!” in response to the commander.
The soldiers quickly withdrew when they heard of Paul’s citizenship
The commander was frightened for he had ordered him bound and whipped
The next day he called the leading priests into session with the high council
He wanted to find out what the trouble was so he released Paul to face them.
Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”
Instantly the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth
Paul said to them, “What kind of judge orders me to be struck like that?”
Those standing near Paul said, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”
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MEMORY VERSE
So, the commander went over and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I certainly am,” Paul replied. – Acts 22:27
Read: Acts 22:24-23:3
It was interesting to find out what the commanding officer who was in charge of arresting Paul did when he found out that Paul was a Roman citizen by birth. He summoned the leading Jewish leaders and the high priest to investigate what really was their complaint about Paul who was legitimately a Roman citizen.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the commanding officer started to fear when he realized the Paul was a Roman citizen by birth?
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PAUL SPEAKS TO THE CROWD Poem Devotional
July 4
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PAUL SPEAKS TO THE CROWD
A poem by ILMA
Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet
Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he talked to them in Aramaic
When they heard him speaking Aramaic, the silence was even greater
Paul said “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus and educated by Gamaliel.”
He continued “As Gamaliel’s student, I was trained in Jewish laws and customs
I became very zealous to honor God in everything, just like all of you today
I persecuted the followers of the Way, killing them and throwing some in prison
The leaders could attest to this as they authorized me to bring in the followers of the way.
Paul related how he was blinded on the road approaching Damascus and heard a voice
He fell on the ground and the voice said “Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
He also said how a man named Ananias healed him and made him see again
He told them how the Lord chose him to be one of his own witnesses.
Paul was instructed by God to go and travel and reach out to the Gentiles
The crowd listened intently but until Paul said those words
They yelled “Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!”
They threw off their coats and tossed handfuls of dust into the air.
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MEMORY VERSE
But the Lord said to me, “Go for I will send you far away to the Gentiles. – Acts 22:21
Read: Acts 22:1-23
It is an amazing reaction of the people in Jerusalem as Paul witnessed to how God changed his life from being a persecutor to a believer and a preacher of the Good News. The leaders of the Jewish laws could not believe because that placed them on a spot. They will never acknowledge the miracles of Jesus, even if they saw it in their own eyes. There is just so much unbelief and legalism to let them see it for what it really is.
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REFLECTION
• Why did Paul have to talk to the people of Jerusalem even though he was already arrested? What good will it do him to explain to those who have no ears to hear?
PAUL ROCKS JERUSALEM Poem Devotional
July 2
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PAUL ROCKS JERUSALEM
A poem by ILMA
Some believers from Caesarea packed their things and left for Jerusalem
They went to the home of Mnason, who is from Cyprus and one of the early believers
When they arrived, the brothers and sisters welcomed them warmly
The next day, Paul met with James and all the church elders were present.
After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of what they’ve accomplished
He reminded them that God’s Spirit was constantly with them as they preached
The leaders confronted Paul telling him that in Jerusalem they heard his teaching
That Paul was making the Jewish custom of circumcision removed from their practice.
They instructed Paul to go with four men who have completed their vow
They should ritually shave their heads and go through purification
Paul went to the Temple the next day with the four men
He announced publicly the date when their vows would end.
The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from Asia roused a mob
They grabbed Paul and started yelling “This is the man who preaches against the law.”
The whole city was rocked by these accusations and a great riot followed.
The Roman regiment came to stop the uproar and the crowds beating on Paul.
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MEMORY VERSE
The whole city was rocked by these accusations and a great riot followed. Paul was grabbed and dragged out of the Temple and immediately the gates were closed behind him. – Acts 21:30
Read: Acts 21:15-32
This story of Paul arriving at Jerusalem and being questioned by the elders about him dissolving the law concerning circumcision almost reminds me of Jesus’ trial. They were both publicly questioned and because of people’s bondage to the law, they wanted to kill Paul, just like they did with Jesus as well.
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REFLECTION
• Why do people get into legalism? Why do you think Paul was persecuted like Jesus?
UNSTOPPABLE PAUL Poem Devotional
July 1
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UNSTOPPABLE PAUL
A poem by ILMA
After saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul sailed to island of Cos
The next day they reached Rhodes and then headed to Patara
They boarded a ship headed to Phoenicia and landed in Tyre in Syria
The ship unloaded its cargo and they went ashore and found local believers.
Paul and the rest stayed with the believers and they told him a prophecy
They prophesied through the Holy Spirit that he shouldn’t go to Jerusalem
When they returned to the ship at the end of the week, everyone left
They came down to the shore with the apostles, prayed and bid them goodbye.
The next stop after leaving Tyre was Ptolemais, where they stayed a day
The next day they went to Caesarea and stayed at Philip the Evangelist
Philip had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy
Several days later, Agabus who had the same prophecy begged Paul to stay.
Paul reminded all the believers that there is no need for weeping
He said that they are breaking his heart for he is ready for anything
He is willing not only to be jailed but also to die for the Lord’s sake
When Paul couldn’t be convinced, they let the Lord’s will be done.
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MEMORY VERSE
I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. – Acts 21:13
Read: Acts 21:1-13
There is no one who can surpass the passion and faithfulness that Paul had to bring the Good News to both Jews and Gentiles alike. He was willing risk everything to continue his journey to Jerusalem even to be a prisoner or to die for Jesus.
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REFLECTION
• Will you be willing to take all the risk even your own life for the sake of Jesus?
• Why do you think Paul was unstoppable to go to Jerusalem despite knowing all the danger and risks?
PAUL BIDS THE EPHESIAN LEADERS FAREWELL Poem Devotional
June 30
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PAUL BIDS THE EPHESIAN LEADERS FAREWELL
A poem by ILMA
Paul went by land to Assos, where he had arranged others to join him
The believers sailed with Paul and traveled by ship to Mitylene
The next day they sailed to the island of Kios to Samos to Miletus
Paul decided to sail on past Ephesus and didn’t want to stay in Asia.
Paul was rushing to get to Jerusalem for it was almost Pentecost Festival
When he landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders at Ephesus
He asked them to come and meet him and started telling them of his work
He reminded them doing the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears.
Paul said that he has one message for Jews and Greeks alike
The message is that they must repent from sin and turn to God
He told them that he is bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem
Paul emphasizes to them that he will finish the work assigned by Christ.
He reminds them to guard themselves and feed God’s people
He mentioned how he is not scared to die for he has done his work
He finished speaking and prayed with them and bid them goodbye
They were sad most of all then they escorted him down to the ship.
MEMORY VERSE
They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. – Acts 20:37
Read: Acts 20:13-38
When Paul was about to proceed to Jerusalem, he met up with all the Ephesian elders. We can witness how the Spirit of the Lord has used Paul to bring the Good News to the Ephesians and how these elders and leaders looked up to him who followed the call of the Lord to spread the Good News. It was a heart-warming farewell as Paul reminded them of all the things he has done for the Lord and pleaded them to continue the work he has started as he goes to Jerusalem.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the elders treasured Paul’s ministry in Ephesus?
• Why was Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian leaders significant in his journey?
PAUL’S JOURNEY TO MACEDONIA Poem Devotional
June 29
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PAUL’S JOURNEY TO MACEDONIA
A poem by ILMA
When the uproar was over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them
Then he started for Macedonia and heartened believers in all towns he passed by
He travelled down to Greece where he stayed for three months
Then he prepared to sail back to Syria but discovered a plot so he went back.
Several men traveled with him namely Sopater, Aristarchus and Secundus
Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, Trophimus from the province of Asia joined him too
Then he went ahead and waited at Troas and after Passover, they boarded a ship
They headed to Philippi in Macedonia and five days later joined them in Troas.
The first day, they gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper
Paul was preaching to them and the next day, he talked till midnight
Then Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy
Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death.
Paul went down, bent over him and took him in his arms
“Don’t worry,” he said “he’s alive!”, then they all went back upstairs
They shared in the Lord’s Supper and ate together and he continued
The young man was taken home alive and all were greatly relieved.
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MEMORY VERSE
Meanwhile, the young man was taken home alive and well, and everyone was greatly received. – Acts 20:12
Read: Acts 20
Paul’s journey to Macedonia happened just after the riot in Ephesus. We still see how he continued to encourage believers and preached the Good News. In this journey, he miraculously brought back to life Eutychus who fell from the windowsill.
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REFLECTION
• What kind of a disciple Paul was?
• Would you go all the way to risk your life as a believer just to preach the Good News?
RIOT IN EPHESUS Poem Devotional
June 28
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RIOT IN EPHESUS
A poem by ILMA
When the story of Paul’s miracles and casting out demons spread in Ephesus
A solemn fear descended on the city and Jesus’ name was greatly honored
Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices
A number of them who was doing sorcery burned their books in public.
Afterward Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia
Then he decided to go to Rome and sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia
About that time serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way
It began with Demetrius the silversmith who made shrines of goddess Artemis.
Demetrius kept many craftsmen busy and he called them together
He told them that wealth comes from this business of doing shrines
He told many that Paul convinced people that their handmade gods are fake
He also convinced that the goddess Artemis will be robbed of her prestige.
The Ephesians were angered and started to declare how great Artemis is
Everyone rushed to the amphitheatre and dragged Paul’s companions
Paul wanted to go in too but the believers warned him how dangerous it is
Some friends of Paul sent him a message begging him not to risk his life.
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MEMORY VERSE
Paul wanted to go in too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. – Acts 19:30
Read: Acts 19
When Paul reached Ephesus, the Holy Spirit was with him so he was able to do a lot of miracles. Because Ephesus was a city of idols and the Ephesians worship Artemis as their goddess, there were shrines everywhere in the city. Paul preaching about the Good News have stirred so much opposition in the people of Ephesus and threatened to kill Paul and his followers. Paul wasn’t scared of anything but the other believers warned him.
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REFLECTION
• Has God given you courage amidst opposition and antagonism to preach the Good News?
PAUL IN EPHESUS Poem Devotional
June 27
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PAUL IN EPHESUS
A poem by ILMA
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled until he reached Ephesus
He found several believers and asked if they received the Holy Spirit
And they said that they haven’t heard who is this person he is mentioning
He also asked the people what kind of baptism they have experienced.
They told Paul that they have received John’s baptism
He reminded them that John talked about the baptism of Jesus
As soon as the people heard it, they were baptized in his name
The Holy Spirit came upon them when Paul laid his hands on them.
Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next months
He argued persuasively about the kingdom of God but some were stubborn
They rejected his message publicly speaking against the Way
Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him.
He held the daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus for the next two years
The people throughout the province of Asia both Greeks and Jews heard the truth
God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracle even with objects he touched
Some Jews tried to do what Paul did, but was attacked by the evil spirits themselves.
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MEMORY VERSE
But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” – Acts 19:15
Read: Acts 19
Ephesus was considered the second largest populated area of the Roman Empire. In the first century B.C. the city had a population of more than 250,000, making Ephesus the second largest city in the known world. It was famous for possessing a Temple dedicated to a pagan goddess named Diana. Wasn’t it amazing to know that Paul did many unusual miracles in a city where they were idolizing other gods? Many people became believers.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think God used Paul to do unusual miracles in a city where much idolatry and unbelief prevailed?
PAUL IN CORINTH Poem Devotional
June 26
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PAUL IN CORINTH
A poem by ILMA
When Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, he met a Jew named Aquila
He was born in Pontus and had recently arrived with his wife Priscilla
They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome
Paul lived and worked with them for they were tentmakers just as he was.
Each Sabbath, Paul went to the synagogue to convince both Jews and Greeks
After Silas and Timothy came, all his time was spent preaching the word
Paul taught and testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah
But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook the dust off.
Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus who was a Gentile
He worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue
Crispus, the synagogue leader and all his household were believers
Many others in Corinth who heard Paul also became followers.
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him
“Don’t be afraid. Speak out. Don’t be silent For I am with you
No one will harm you, many people in the city belong to me.”
Paul stayed there for the next year and a half teaching God’s word.
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MEMORY VERSE
Don’t be afraid. Speak out. Don’t be silent. For I am with you and no one will attack and harm you. – Acts 18:9-10
Read: Acts 18
In this part of Paul’s journey, he was assured by God that he didn’t have to fear any resistance or opposition. His Spirit was always with him and Paul was comforted about the believers in that place. Because of such confirmation from the Lord himself, he stayed in that place for a year and a half, preaching the word of God with much confidence.
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REFLECTION
• Have you ever had such positive reassurance when God gives you a new assignment in your life?
PAUL PREACHES IN ATHENS
June 25
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PAUL PREACHES IN ATHENS
A poem by ILMA
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was troubled by the idols around
He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles
Paul relentlessly spoke daily to whoever was present in the public square
He had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.
When Paul told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they questioned him
They asked him to tell them about this new teaching as they are into latest ideas
Paul addressed and spoke to them their religiosity displayed in their many shrines
“One of the altar’s inscription said ‘To an Unknown God’. This is my God.
Paul continues “He is the God who made the world and everything in it
Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples
Human hands can’t serve his needs-for he has nothing of those needs
He himself gives life and breath to everything and satisfies every need.”
When they heard Paul about the resurrection, some laughed in contempt
Others said, “We want to hear more about this later,” and some became believers
Among those who joined Paul and became believers were Dionysius, from the council
Another woman named Damaris and others with her also became believers.
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MEMORY VERSE
His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him-though he is not far from any one of us. – Acts 17:27
Read: Acts 17
In this account, we witness Paul’s boldness to address idolatry in Athens. He wasn’t intimidated by the people who laughed at his preaching when he talked about the resurrection of Jesus. He continued to make Jesus and the God he loves to be known to these people who was all so full of themselves.
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REFLECTION
• Can you be bold enough when people resist the truth that you are presenting to them?