Genesis 1:1-2:25  |  Creation Part 1

Genesis 1:1-2:25  |  Creation Part 1

Genesis 1:1-2:25  |  Creation Part 1: Walkthrough the Text | June 14, 2026

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Genesis 1:1-2:25  |  Creation Part 1
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Genesis 1:1-31 ESV

(1) In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (2) The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (3) And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. (4) And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. (5) God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. (6) And God said, "Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters." (7) And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. (8) And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. (9) And God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. (10) God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. (11) And God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth." And it was so. (12) The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (13) And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. (14) And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, (15) and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth." And it was so. (16) And God made the two great lights--the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night--and the stars. (17) And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, (18) to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. (19) And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. (20) And God said, "Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens." (21) So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (22) And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." (23) And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. (24) And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds--livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds." And it was so. (25) And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (26) Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." (27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (28) And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (29) And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. (30) And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food." And it was so. (31) And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Genesis 2:1-25

(1) Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (2) And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. (3) So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. (4) These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens. (5) When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up--for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, (6) and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground-- (7) then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (8) And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. (9) And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (10) A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. (11) The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. (12) And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. (13) The name of the second river is the Gihon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Cush. (14) And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. (15) The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (16) And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, (17) but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (18) Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." (19) Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. (20) The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. (21) So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. (22) And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. (23) Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." (24) Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (25) And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

PABST: Prayer

PABST: Prayer

PABST | Week 1: Prayer | April 12, 2026

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PABST | Week 1: Prayer
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Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

(18) And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (19) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Matthew 28

Matthew 28

Matthew 28 | The Resurrection and the Mission of God | April 5, 2026

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Matthew 28
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Matthew 28:1-20 ESV

(1) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. (2) And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. (3) His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. (4) And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. (5) But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. (6) He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. (7) Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." (8) So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. (9) And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. (10) Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."

(11) While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. (12) And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers (13) and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' (14) And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." (15) So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

(16) Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. (17) And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. (18) And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (19) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Acts 28:11-31

Acts 28:11-31

Acts 28:11-31 | Rome and The End | March 22, 2026

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Acts 28:11-31
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Acts 28:11-31 ESV

(11) After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. (12) Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. (13) And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. (14) There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. (15) And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. (16) And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. (17) After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. (18) When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. (19) But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar--though I had no charge to bring against my nation. (20) For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain." (21) And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. (22) But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against." (23) When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. (24) And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. (25) And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: (26) "'Go to this people, and say, "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive." (27) For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.' (28) Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." (29) (30) He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, (31) proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Acts 27:39-28:10

Acts 27:39-28:10

Acts 27:39-28:10 | Shipwreck | March 15, 2026

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Acts 27:39-28:10
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Acts 27:39-44 ESV

(39) Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. (40) So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. (41) But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. (42) The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. (43) But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, (44) and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

Acts 28:1-10 ESV

(1) After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. (2) The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. (3) When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. (4) When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." (5) He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. (6) They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. (7) Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. (8) It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. (9) And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. (10) They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Acts 27:1-38

Acts 27:1-38

Acts 27:1-38 | Stormy Seas | March 8, 2026

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Acts 27:1-38
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Acts 27:1-38 ESV

(1) And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. (2) And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. (3) The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. (4) And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. (5) And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. (6) There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. (7) We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. (8) Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. (9) Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, (10) saying, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives." (11) But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. (12) And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. (13) Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. (14) But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. (15) And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. (16) Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. (17) After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. (18) Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. (19) And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. (20) When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. (21) Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. (22) Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. (23) For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, (24) and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' (25) So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. (26) But we must run aground on some island." (27) When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. (28) So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. (29) And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. (30) And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, (31) Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." (32) Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go. (33) As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. (34) Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you." (35) And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. (36) Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. (37) (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) (38) And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

Acts 26

Acts 26

Acts 26 | Both Small and Great | March 1, 2026

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Acts 26
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Acts 26:1-32 ESV

(1) So Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: (2) "I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, (3) especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. (4) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. (5) They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. (6) And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, (7) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! (8) Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? (9) "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. (10) And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. (11) And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

(12) "In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. (13) At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. (14) And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' (15) And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. (16) But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, (17) delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you (18) to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

(19) "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, (20) but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. (21) For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. (22) To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: (23) that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles."

(24) And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind." (25) But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. (26) For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. (27) King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." (28) And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?" (29) And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am--except for these chains."

(30) Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. (31) And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, "This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment." (32) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

Acts 24:22-25:27

Acts 24:22-25:27

Acts 24:22-25:27 | Festus and Babylon | February 22, 2026

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Acts 24:22-25:27
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Acts 24:22-27 ESV

(22) But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case." (23) Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. (24) After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. (25) And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you." (26) At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. (27) When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Acts 25:1-27 ESV

(1) Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. (2) And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, (3) asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem--because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. (4) Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. (5) "So," said he, "let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him." (6) After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. (7) When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. (8) Paul argued in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense." (9) But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?" (10) But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. (11) If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar." (12) Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, "To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go." (13) Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. (14) And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man left prisoner by Felix, (15) and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. (16) I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. (17) So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. (18) When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. (19) Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. (20) Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. (21) But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar." (22) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," said he, "you will hear him." (23) So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. (24) And Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. (25) But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. (26) But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. (27) For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him."

Acts 23:12-24:21

Acts 23:12-24:21

Acts 23:12-24:21 | Paul Taken to Caesarea | February 15, 2026

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Acts 23:12-24:21
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Acts 23:12-35 ESV

(12) When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. (13) There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. (14) They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. (15) Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near." (16) Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. (17) Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him." (18) So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, "Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you." (19) The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?" (20) And he said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. (21) But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent." (22) So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, "Tell no one that you have informed me of these things." (23) Then he called two of the centurions and said, "Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. (24) Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor." (25) And he wrote a letter to this effect: (26) "Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. (27) This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. (28) And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. (29) I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. (30) And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him." (31) So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. (32) And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. (33) When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. (34) On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, (35) he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.

Acts 24:1-21 ESV

(1) And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. (2) And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, (3) in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. (4) But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. (5) For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. (6) He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. (7) (8) By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him." (9) The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so. (10) And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. (11) You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, (12) and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. (13) Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. (14) But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, (15) having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. (16) So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. (17) Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. (18) While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia-- (19) they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. (20) Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, (21) other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: 'It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.'"

Acts 22:23-23:11

Acts 22:23-23:11

Acts 22:22-23:11 | Paul before the Sanhedrin | February 8, 2026

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Acts 22:22-23:11
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Acts 22:22-30 ESV

(22) Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live." (23) And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, (24) the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. (25) But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?" (26) When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen." (27) So the tribune came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" And he said, "Yes." (28) The tribune answered, "I bought this citizenship for a large sum." Paul said, "But I am a citizen by birth." (29) So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him. (30) But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

Acts 23:1-11

(1) And looking intently at the council, Paul said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day." (2) And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. (3) Then Paul said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?" (4) Those who stood by said, "Would you revile God's high priest?" (5) And Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" (6) Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial." (7) And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (8) For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. (9) Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, "We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?" (10) And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks. (11) The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome."

Acts 22:1-22

Acts 22:1-22

Acts 22:1-22  |  Paul’s Temple Sermon | February 1, 2026

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Acts 22:1-22
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Acts 22:1-22 ESV

(1) "Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you." (2) And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: (3) "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. (4) I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, (5) as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. (6) "As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. (7) And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' (8) And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' (9) Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. (10) And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.' (11) And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. (12) "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, (13) came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. (14) And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; (15) for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. (16) And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.' (17) "When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance (18) and saw him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' (19) And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. (20) And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.' (21) And he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" (22) Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live."

Acts 21:17-40

Acts 21:17-40

Acts 21:17-40  |  Arrested in the Temple | January 11, 2026

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Acts 21:17-40
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Acts 21:17-40 ESV

(17) When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. (18) On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. (19) After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. (20) And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, (21) and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. (22) What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. (23) Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; (24) take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. (25) But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality." (26) Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. (27) When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, (28) crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." (29) For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. (30) Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. (31) And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. (32) He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. (33) Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. (34) Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. (35) And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, (36) for the mob of the people followed, crying out, "Away with him!" (37) As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek? (38) Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?" (39) Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people." (40) And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: