Sermons on The Disciples
Jesus Saw
Luke 5:27-39 Jesus of Nazareth was drawing crowds with his teaching and miracles, and the religious leaders, suspicious of a man with no formal training, began investigating him. Everything that follows flows from one moment: passing a tax office, Jesus saw Levi — later known as Matthew — a tax collector despised as a traitor and a cheat who had grown rich by overcharging his own people. Ignoring the scandal, Jesus simply said, “Follow me.” Levi left everything, rose, and…
I Am Willing: Strange Things in Luke 5
After a night of fruitless fishing on the Lake of Gennesaret, Peter is asked by Jesus to push into deep water and let down the nets once more. The request seems senseless – the work is done, the nets are being washed, and fishing is best at night. Yet at Jesus’ word, the nets fill to breaking, and Peter falls to his knees: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Even doubt, when it yields to trust, opens…
Paul’s Witness in Rome
Acts 28:17-31 Paul in Rome under house arrest; calls Jewish leaders, explains he is imprisoned for “the hope of Israel” (the Messiah). Jewish leaders curious, having heard of Christianity as a controversial “sect.” Paul teaches from the Law and Prophets about Jesus from morning to evening; some believe, some reject. Response echoes prophecy in Isaiah 6: some hear but don’t understand. Paul declares salvation has also gone to the Gentiles. Paul remains imprisoned for two years (AD 60–62), welcoming all,…
Trusting God Through Every Trial
Acts 28:1-16 Paul and his companions were shipwrecked on the island of Malta around 58 AD, but all survived. Despite cold and rain, the locals showed kindness by building a fire. As Paul helped, a viper bit him. The locals assumed he was a criminal being punished by fate, but when he remained unharmed, they changed their minds and called him a god. This shift highlights how quickly people judge based on appearances. The lesson drawn is to avoid snap…
Trusting God in Life’s Storms
Acts 27:21-44 Faith and trust in God — believing He will fulfill His promises, has things under control, and will guide our path. The core question is: How does God use challenges to prepare us for life’s storms? Paul’s journey in Acts 27, from Crete to the shipwreck at Malta, shows that despite dangerous storms and loss of cargo, Paul’s faith and God’s promise assured all 276 aboard would survive. Paul relied on God’s word over visible circumstances, prayed for…
Sailing against the Wind
Acts 27:1-20 Paul, after being in Caesarea for two years, appeals to Caesar to avoid danger in Jerusalem. Festus arranges for his journey to Rome. Purpose of the journey: to witness to Gentiles, Caesar, and the Roman Empire, establishing the Christian Church in Rome. In Acts 25–26, Paul defends himself before Festus and King Agrippa, almost persuading Agrippa. Luke, Aristarchus, and other companions travel with Paul, providing support through hardships. Timothy is notably absent, possibly on another mission. Paul travels…
Called to Testify
Acts 26:1-32 Paulo voltou a Israel após suas viagens missionárias e foi preso em Cesareia por dois anos. Festo substituiu Félix como governador. Félix, apesar de sua corrupção, evitou punição por causa de conexões em Roma. Paulo está em julgamento novamente. Festo consulta o rei Agripa e Berenice, que visitam Cesareia. Festo não sabe o que escrever a César sobre Paulo, o que leva à realização dessa audiência pública. Agripa e Berenice, irmãos e em um relacionamento imoral, fazem parte…
Trial before Festus
Acts 25:1-27 Acts 25 outlines the political and religious tensions the Apostle Paul faced in Caesarea under Roman rule, and the gospel opportunities that arose. Governor Felix delayed Paul’s trial for two years, hoping for a bribe, and left him imprisoned to appease the Jewish leaders when he was removed by Emperor Nero. Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor. Shortly after assuming office, he visited Jerusalem, where Jewish leaders requested Paul be brought there, intending to ambush and kill him.…
Paul’s First Trial
Acts 23:1-35 Background Recap: Paul completes his 3rd missionary journey, heading to Jerusalem despite warnings of danger. At the Temple, he testifies until he mentions “Gentiles,” which incites the crowd. Roman commander Claudius intervenes, rescues Paul, and prevents his scourging after learning of his Roman citizenship. Sanhedrin Trial (Acts 23:1-5): Paul begins by declaring he has lived in good conscience, referring to life after his conversion. His bold statement prompts Ananias, the high priest, to order him struck. Paul rebukes…
Paul in Jerusalem
Acts 21:24-40 Paul arrives in Jerusalem and helps four Jewish men complete their Nazirite vows to show he respects Jewish customs. This act is costly, costing Paul about €4560. Despite his efforts, Jews from Asia falsely accuse Paul of bringing Gentiles into the temple, inciting a violent mob. The mob seizes Paul, drags him from the temple, and shuts the doors. The temple leadership rejects the truth Paul brings. Roman soldiers from the nearby Antonia Fortress intervene just in time…
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