Time: 60-61AD. Paul’s journey to Rome, winter 60AD.

Epistle: Titus – Paul on his way to Rome, leaves Titus in Crete, writes to Him. He wrote to Titus about appointing elders, bishops, and pastors, to teach sound doctrine, and maintain good works. Titus became the bishop of Crete and died there of old age.

Time:61-63AD. Paul in Rome for 2 years.

Epistle: Hebrews – written from Rome, Pauline Epistle. Written to believers in Jerusalem who were about to be driven out by the Roman army. It was to reassure them that their faith was in Jesus Christ, not in the temple or the sacrifices. It is about the Person of Jesus Christ, the work of Calvary and the elements of the Faith Life.

Epistle: 1 Timothy – Pastoral Letter. Paul sent Timothy to pastor the Church at Ephesus. The Church was made up of hundreds of Home Churches. During the 1st Century, Ephesus was the center of Christianity. There were hundreds of pastors and leaders. Paul wrote this letter for Timothy to instruct all of these pastors.

Gospel: Mark – 62 AD. – written by John Mark in Rome with Paul in prison.

Paul wasn’t the only apostle, he did evangelize the Romans empire and write many books of the bible. Peter came to Rome to see about Paul. John Mark traveled with him and stayed in Rome with Paul. James the elder was killed in Jerusalem by Herod. His brother John was the bishop of Jerusalem. Doubting Thomas went to India. Philip went to Asia Minor. Matthew went to Africa. James the lesser became bishop of Jerusalem after John went to Ephesus. Judas Thaddeus went to Armenia. Each man was called of God and went where God planned. All the apostles were martyred except John, the son of Zebedee. Each person was called and equipped by God to work in the kingdom of Heaven. So, what are you called to do for God?

Crain Blanchard.

http://www.joseph1637.com

Time: 58-60AD. Paul in Caesarea, summer 58 to fall 60AD.

Gospel: Luke – 60AD. written by Luke with Paul in Caesarea.

Gospel: Matthew – 60 AD. written by Matthew in Persia.

Epistle: James – 60AD. James, brother of Jesus, Pastor of Judean church, writes to believing Jews scattered abroad. He wrote about the proofs of faith, faith justifies the man and works justify the faith. It is about trials, tribulation, faith, works, the tongue and godliness in all things. James was killed shortly before the Romans took Jerusalem.

Ch.27:1-44;28:1-15 Paul’s journey to Rome, shipwrecked.
Ch.28:16-31 Paul in Rome.

Time: 60-61AD. Paul’s journey to Rome, winter 60AD.

Epistle: Titus – Paul on his way to Rome, leaves Titus in Crete, writes to Him. He wrote to Titus about appointing elders, bishops, and pastors, to teach sound doctrine, and maintain good works. Titus became the bishop of Crete and died there of old age. Paul made his way to Rome. Where he was housed by himself with a soldier. Believers, when they found out that Paul was in Rome, came to him. Paul preached the kingdom to everyone, including Caesar himself.

Crain Blanchard.

http://www.joseph1637.com

Paul and his companions boarded the ship with a Roman Centurion, soldiers and the rest of the prisoners. There were 296 people on the small sailing ship. They sent out in the middle of winter in the Mediterranean sea. At first, the weather was accommodating. Then the winds blow contrary. They sailed close to land as possible. Paul spoke to the captain and centurion that they should winter in Crete. He said there is a real possibility of losing the ship and lives. Both the captain and centurion disagreed. They sailed on. Then arose a storm. The bible calls it a tempest called Euroclydon. The storm lasted 14 days. They couldn’t sail but let the ship be driven by the wind. They came close to land and the crew wanted to jump ship. Paul told the Centurion. He stopped them. Paul told them that they must all stay together if they are to survive. They headed to shore and ran aground on Malta. There they wintered. Even if you are doing the will of God, it doesn’t mean that you will not go through trials. Paul knew where he was going and it did bother him how he got there. God was in control and would take care of him. (Acts 27).

Crain Blanchard.

Www.joseph1637.com

Paul was still in Caesarea. King Agrippa had come there for a meet and greet. Festus had asked Agrippa to hear this Paul, because he had no accusations against him. He couldn’t send Paul to Caesar without them. Festus, Agrippa and the whole entourage came to listen to Paul. He began to speak and tell his story from the beginning. As Paul talked about Jesus, His death and resurrection, Festus jumped up as said, Paul you are mad and beside yourself. When Jesus is preached, people react differently. You never know what they will do. Because when God touches your heart, it will shakes you to your core. King Agrippa said, Paul you almost persuade me to be a Christian. Afterward, Festus and Agrippa talked. They both said Paul has done nothing worthy of death. He would be free except he appealed to Caesar. Paul knew he would stay in captivity if he appealed to Caesar. The plan of God in your life is more important than what you think or say. We sing that old song, I surrender all. Would to God that everyone would.

Crain Blanchard.

Www.joseph1637.com

Luke has been traveling with Paul for several years. Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles. He has been at Paul’s side all the time. Paul has been held at Caesarea since he was captured in Jerusalem. No one has been able to prove that he did anything but teach the word of God. The Jewish religious leaders hate Paul because he is a follower of Jesus and was one of them before. A new governor comes to the land of Israel. Festus went to Jerusalem and the chief priest immediately went to Festus and told him of Paul. They wanted him to send Paul to Jerusalem, so they could kill him. Festus said they had to come to Caesarea to face Paul and talk to him about it. As soon as Festus returned, the religious leaders were before him. After everybody spoke, Festus asked Paul if he would go to Jerusalem. Paul appealed to Caesar. Festus said, to Caesar you will go. Paul had done nothing wrong, but God had a plan for him. He was going to preach the gospel before kings. Paul stayed in captivity at Caesarea for about 2 years. God’s plan will lead you from here to there to accomplish what God wants. If you are willing the kingdom of heaven will unfold before you. And God will be glorified.

Crain Blanchard.

http://www.joseph1637.com

Paul was taken to Caesarea by the Romans. The Jewish leaders want to kill Paul. Felix waited until the religious leaders came to him. Felix was married to Drucilla, a Jewess. She had told him about the followers of the Way, Jesus. So he understood some what. They all gathered in the judgement hall. Felix let the religious leaders speak first. They accused Paul of everything they could. When Paul spoke, he explained that he wasn’t guilty of anything, except that he believed in the resurrection of the dead. Felix said he would wait for the Captain of the Garrison to come and tell his side. Paul remained a captive, but was free to have any visitors. During this time, Felix and his wife had Paul to come and talk to them about Jesus. Paul was there by the plan of God. The plan was working exactly like God wanted. Paul was going to preach the gospel to kings and rulers. Sometimes we are in the oddest plan to preach the gospel. If we forget about ourselves and let God lead us wherever, the gospel will be preach to the uttermost parts of the world. Acts 24.

Crain Blanchard.

http://www.joseph1637.com

Paul went to Jerusalem. He was taken captive. The Romans stopped the riot that was caused when Paul was in temple. The Romans took Paul into fortress because the Jews wanted to kill Paul. About 40 men brought a plan to the religious leaders, saying they wouldn’t eat or drink until the killed Paul. They wanted the religious leaders to have the Romans bring Paul to the Council. Paul’s nephew found out about it and told the Romans. The chief captain of the Romans had about 500 men take Paul to the governor Felix at Caesarea. He wrote to the governor and told him about Paul being a roman. Paul didn’t know that it would be this entailed. But he was going to follow the plan no matter what. When things blow up in our lives, what do we do? Are we willing to follow the plan of God or do we have to do it? Paul knew that there was a real possibility that he could be killed. But he choose God’s plan. Acts 23.

Crain Blanchard.

http://www.joseph1637.com

Paul knew if he went to Jerusalem, he was going to be captured by the Jews. God told him to go. Paul arrived in Jerusalem and greeted the saints. He told them about his missionary trips, how God had moved and built churches in every city. Everyone was concerned for Paul’s safety. Paul knew that he was supposed to do this. He didn’t care what was going to happen, because God had a plan. Sure enough, Paul went to the temple. People recognized him and threw him out of the temple. They tried to kill him. The Romans stopped them. Paul on the steps of the Roman fort, spoke to the people. He gave his defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The people tried to take Paul from the Romans. The Romans moved Paul inside the fort. That is when they found out that Paul was a Roman citizen. As bad as it got, Paul was still ready and willing to defend the gospel. He would go anywhere to preach the good news. Jesus’s last command to the disciples was, go into all the world and preach the gospel. All the apostles did that very thing, including Paul. What does that say to you?

Crain Blanchard.

http://www.joseph1637@juno.com

Acts20:13 “Then Paul answered, What mean ye 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 Jesus.” Everyone can talk a good game, but how many are ready? Several times in Paul’s letters, he talks about being dead in Christ. But like Paul it became real in his life when he had to face it. Self preservation is a strong desire in us. We don’t want to die. This is why the Children of Israel didn’t want to met God in the Sinai desert. They were going to die to themselves and live for God. Every person in this world has to face their mortality and know that they will die. Paul wrote, I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ who lives in me. Jesus had to come to grips with His own death. In the garden of gethsemane, He asked God to let it pass from Him. When He accepted God’s will, Jesus was able to face the cross with joy. Paul knew that this was the will of God. He was going to Jerusalem, whether or not he died.

Crain Blanchard.

http://www.joseph1637.com

Luke 12:48 “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” Paul sailed from Ephesus to Miletus. He called for all the elders from Ephesus. He meet with all of them to tell them goodbye without any disturbances. Paul told them,

Acts 20:19 “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Paul didn’t know what the future would hold, but God was directing him to go to Jerusalem. And he was going, no matter what happened. Everyone was telling this man who lead them to the Lord and care for them, goodbye. They cried and couldn’t stop. They hugged his neck and didn’t want to let go. Finally, Paul got on the boat.

Crain Blanchard.

http://www.joseph1637.com