A Study of Acts: Summary of Acts 21 - Acts 28

Each devotional reference has a title, a synopsis, a lesson and my prayer.

Mar 11, 2025

Welcome to this summary of my Acts 21-28 devotionals! If you wish to read any of the individual posts in their entirety, go to the Heaven On Wheels Home Page, then use the search “magnifying glass” icon (🔍) to search for either the chapter and verse (Acts 21:1-6 for example) or the title (“The Group Sails from Miletus to Tyre”). I pray that this and the previous summaries serve you well in your study of God’s Word!

Acts 21:1-6 - The Group Sails from Miletus to Tyre

Synopsis: The missionary group sails from Miletus (near Ephesus) to Tyre and meets with some disciples in that town for a week.

Lesson: Discerning the will of God requires knowing the Bible, praying, being in fellowship, using common sense, and having the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Dear Lord - I pray that I can discern Your secret will, Your revealed will, the perils of Your permissive will and my sin life, and Your directive will. Amen.

Acts 21:7-14 - Paul Visits Philip the Evangelist

Synopsis: The group sails from Tyre to Ptolemais, meets briefly with brethren, then continues to Caesarea to the home of Philip the Evangelist. Although he has four daughters who are prophetesses, another prophet, Agabus, sees the fate in store for Paul in Jerusalem.

Lesson: The Will of the Lord is of paramount importance, even if friends are concerned about the path we might take in this life.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please guide me, every day, into aligning with Your will for my life. Grant me courage and conviction, just like Paul, to move forward even if the path appears difficult. Amen.

Acts 21:15-26 - Paul Arrives in Jerusalem

Synopsis: Paul arrives in Jerusalem and meets with the church leaders and elders. He tells them about the many great things that have happened with Gentiles. There are rumors flying that Paul has told Jews who believe to forego the law and circumcision. The church elders ask him to pay the expenses for purification rites for four men and participate with them to appease the Jewish believers.

Lesson: Flexibility is for responding to the Will of God and not to the concerns of humans.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please help me to be flexible in responding to Your will for me. I am so joyful to be doing these things for You in the last years of my life. Amen.

Acts 21:27-40 - Paul is Seized in the Temple

Synopsis: As Paul finishes the purification rites, the Jewish leaders see him and restrain him. As they try to figure out a way to kill him, the Roman cohort and their commander rescues him and carries him away. He asks their permission to speak to the crowd.

Lesson: Doubt comes to half-hearted believers when they think about how they would react to mob hysteria. Paul demonstrates his passion and his strength in this situation.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Each day, gently remind me of the incredible power of the Holy Spirit and the passion and courage that come from being a bearer of the Gospel. Amen!

Acts 21 Summary: Paul and the other missionaries arrive in Tyre, then travel on to Caesarea to meet with Philip the Evangelist. A prophecy about Paul’s fate is told to him. He continues to Jerusalem, meeting with the church leaders and elders and agreeing to be part of a purification rite for four Jewish believers to quell rumors. He is seized in the temple by a mob but is rescued by the Roman cohort and its commander and they allow him to speak to the group.

Acts 22:1-30 - Paul’s Defense, Avoiding a Scourging

Synopsis: Paul addresses the mob at the temple, telling them the story of his conversion and his ministry to the Gentiles. The mob demands that Paul die. The Romans want to scourge him to find out why the crowd is so angry. Paul tells them he is a Roman citizen and the commander releases him and brings him before the Council.

Lesson: Humble believers should share their testimony with love, optimism and gratitude, three things that are sorely missing in this world.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please help me to develop an effective apology strategy for reaching nonbelievers, based on love, optimism and gratitude (and patience!). Please help me to avoid both rage and indifference and to share blessings. Amen.

Acts 22 Summary: Paul addresses the mob, is whisked away by the Romans and avoids a scourging by telling the Romans he is a Roman citizen.

Acts 23:1-11 - Paul Before the Council

Synopsis: Paul attempts to address the Council but Ananias tells those near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul reacts with anger, but then tries to reason with the Pharisees about preaching about the hope of the resurrection. There is a great uproar amongst the council members and the Romans remove Paul before he is torn apart and put him in the barracks. That night he has a vision from the Lord about being of good cheer and going to Rome to witness for Him.

Lesson: Is the window of your conscience full of God’s light? In the darkest night, God knows where you are! Be of good cheer!

Prayer: Dear Lord - I learned so much from this passage: First, on having a conscience that is a window to Your precepts; second, on seeing that even a great spiritual leader like Paul stumbles in difficult situations; and, third, knowing that in the darkness times in a believer’s life You stand with them and tell them to be of “good cheer”. Thank you, Lord! Amen!

Acts 23:12-22 - A Conspiracy to Kill Paul

Synopsis: Forty of the Jews form a conspiracy to kill Paul and vow not to eat or drink until this is done , but Paul’s nephew hears about the plot and informs the Roman commander.

Lesson: Sometimes a bit player will enter the scene to preserve the promise of God. Don’t underestimate His Will!

Prayer: Dear Lord - Thank you for the interventions that You make in our lives to guide our sanctification and purposes for You! You use events, other people and even Angels to help us! Amen.

Acts 23:23-35 - Paul is Moved to Caesarea

Synopsis: Paul is moved in the middle of the night by a large contingent of Roman soldiers and horsemen to Caesarea to have a hearing before Felix, the governor.

Lesson: God obviously works details in human history. Is your heart right before God or are you moving ahead and stepping out of His purposes?

Prayer: Dear Lord - I pray that I am always sensitive to the warnings of the Holy Spirit and walk in Your Will. Amen.

Acts 23 Summary: Paul is brought before the Council and preaches about the resurrection. The group is in a great uproar and they plot to kill Paul. The Roman commander is warned about the plot by Paul’s nephew. Paul is taken away from Jerusalem by a large contingent of Roman soldiers to Caesarea.

Acts 24:1-9 - Paul’s Accusers Arrive in Caesarea

Synopsis: Ananias and others from the Council travel to Caesarea with a lawyer, Tertullus, to make their case against him before Felix.

Lesson: Avoid flattery and avoid people who practice flattery. Also, the truth does not always win out in a court of law.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please keep me from being a person who resorts to flattery to impress others. Make me an “pest” for spreading Your word to others. Also keep me strong in the event of a trial of my belief, knowing that the truth is not always found or understood. Amen.

Acts 24:10-23 - Paul Responds to the Accusations

Synopsis: Paul responds to the accusations, telling Felix that he is blameless and is on trial for preaching the resurrection of the dead. He notes that his presence in Jerusalem was for charitable reasons and he was undergoing a purification ritual when he was attacked. Felix knows something about the Way.

Lesson: An apt description of conscience is that it is two warring dogs inside us (good and bad). Which side will win?

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please continue to sculpt my conscience to conform to Your Will and Your Word. Amen.

Acts 24:24-27 - Felix and Drusilla Listen to Paul and Keep him Imprisoned

Synopsis: Paul preaches about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come to Felix and his wife Drusilla. They are frightened and keep Paul imprisoned for two years, although Felix converses with him often.

Lesson: The time is NOW to repent and believe, not at some future and uncertain date and time.

Prayer: Dear Lord - I am grateful beyond measure that I was given the opportunity in this life to repent of my ways and turn to You. Help me to treat others with that same sense of urgency about eternity. Amen.

Acts 24 Summary: Paul’s accusers arrives in Caesarea. Paul responds to the accusations. Felix keeps Paul imprisoned for two years but also wants to hear him speak about the Way.

Acts 25:1-12 - Paul Before Festus

Synopsis: Porcius Festus replaces Felix as the governor and travels to Jerusalem to consult with the chief priests. They want charges brought against Paul but plan to ambush him and kill him when he is brought from Caesarea. Festus returns and summons Paul; a group of Jews have come there to make their case. Paul again says that he has done nothing wrong and makes an appeal to Caesar.

Lesson: God’s higher Will may move things in ways that are mysterious to us at the time, but then become clear to us later as the perfect path.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please help me to know that Your ways are always much higher than ours and the mystery of Your Will becomes clear to us as we finally see the perfect path. Amen.

Acts 25:13-22 - Agrippa and Bernice Visit Festus

Synopsis: King Agrippa II and Bernice come to pay a formal visit to Festus. They hear about Paul and the dilemma of his guilt or innocence and his appeal to Caesar. The king and his consort (sister) want to hear Paul speak.

Lesson: Is the word and message of the cross and a “certain Jesus” foolishness or is it your hope and salvation?

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus - I used to think the cross was foolishness, but I now know that my eternal life with You is certain because of the cross and Your resurrection. Please help me to keep that message in front of me at all times. Amen.

Acts 25:23-27 - An Entourage Comes to Hear Paul

Synopsis: A large entourage accompanies King Agrippa and Bernice and Festus addresses them about the charges that he should bring against Paul.

Lesson: Are you blind to Paul’s message, like Festus? Are you looking up at His Truth?

Prayer: Dear Lord - I pray that I do not let the pomp and circumstance of this life interfere with my focus on Your Truth and Your Salvation. Amen.

Acts 25 Summary: Festus replaces Felix. He immediately looks into the charges against Paul by traveling to Jerusalem. Another plot is underway to kill Paul if he returns to Jerusalem. Paul makes his case in front of Felix and appeals to his rights as a Roman to bring his case before Caesar. King Agrippa visits and wants to hear what Paul has to say.

Acts 26:1-8 - Paul Begins His Apologia to the Entourage

Synopsis: Agrippa signals to Paul that he may speak. Paul begins his sermon talking about how he was a devoted Pharisee but now knows that God can raise the dead.

Lesson: Believe in the ultimate power of God to overcome death!

Prayer: Dear Lord - Thank You for guiding me to an understanding that You, the creator of the Universe, can easily overcome those physical things that we consider “permanent”, like the death of our bodies. Amen.

Acts 26:9-11 - Paul Describes His Persecution of Christians

Synopsis: Paul talks about his hostility to the name of Jesus and his persecution of Christians, causing some to blaspheme to avoid punishment. He admits he was enraged by followers of the Way.

Lesson: Are you relying on dead reckoning or divine reckoning? Look to Paul as a reason for hope in your salvation!

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please guide me to rely on divine reckoning and not dead reckoning to steer my life. I also am eternally grateful that even the worst sinner, like Paul, was saved, so I am also saved! There is hope for all who come to You! Amen.

Acts 26:12-18 - Paul Describes His Experience on the Road to Damascus

Synopsis: Paul recounts the extraordinary encounter with Jesus as he raced to Damascus to persecute Christians. Paul “changes his mind”!

Lesson: Open your eyes, turn towards the light, leave behind the things of the enemy, find forgiveness for sin and claim your inheritance because of your faith!

Prayer: Dear Lord - Help me to use this template that You provided to Paul for my testimony that I give to others, so that they can open their eyes, turn towards the light, put the things of the enemy behind, receive forgiveness for their sins and claim their inheritance of faith. Amen. Also add link to “I Saw the Light” by Hank WIlliams

Acts 26:19-23 - Paul’s Obedience to the Heavenly Vision

Synopsis: Paul describes his obedience to the vision of Jesus and how he preached to many, both Jews and Gentiles, about His Resurrection. This obedience led to the hatred directed towards him from the Jews.

Lesson: What Gospel are you writing for others to read?

Prayer: Dear Lord - I am in awe of the courage and strength of Paul as he preaches the Gospel again and again. Please help me to write my devotionals as a way of demonstrating my gospel to others. Amen.

Acts 26:24-32 - Festus Speaks Out and Agrippa is Nearly Persuaded

Synopsis: Festus accuses Paul of being out of his mind. Paul responds by saying he is preaching the sober truth. Agrippa confesses that he is nearly convinced. Paul is brought out of the room and the gathering agrees that he has done nothing wrong and would be free except he appealed to Caesar.

Lesson: Does your character, passion, and reason help to persuade others to come to Christ?

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please help me to keep three things in mind: My character (through the guidance of the Holy Spirit), my passion (properly channeled emotions that are concerns for the souls of others), and my reason (using those gifts You have given me to solve the problem of disbelief in others). Amen.

Acts 26 Summary: Paul speaks before a large entourage that includes King Agrippa II and Bernice and Festus. He describes his devotion as a Pharisee, his persecution of the Christians, his vision on the way to Damascus and his preaching to many, both Jews and Gentiles, about Jesus and His Resurrection. Festus declares that Paul is mad, but Agrippa is nearly persuaded. They all agree that he is innocent but Paul wanted an appeal before Caesar.

Acts 27:1-8 - The Voyage to Rome Begins

Synopsis: The details of the voyage from Caesarea to Fair Havens on Crete are described in this passage.

Lesson: Even the voyages described in Acts can bring a person to faith. Thank the Lord for Luke’s attention to detail.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Thank you for giving us an author like Luke, who had incredible attention to detail and also knew something about how sea voyages were conducted back in Paul’s time. Even the details of this voyage can lead skeptics to faith! Amen.

Acts 27:9-13 - Paul Recognizes the Danger of Delay

Synopsis: Paul realizes that the voyage is now in danger because of the delays, but the ship captain and crew sail away from Fair Havens anyway, hoping for favorable winds.

Lesson: Sometimes the best advice in a situation does not come from subject matter experts, but from a person who is obedient to God’s will.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please help me to know when I am taking steps away from You if I unconsciously let the enemy take a tiny piece away from my progress as a believer. Amen.

Acts 27:14-26 - The Ship is Blown Off Course and Paul has a Vision

Synopsis: The ship is blown off course, heading towards dangerous shallow waters. Ballast is off-loaded and the crew and ship’s complement are fearful. But Paul tells them that he has had a vision from the Lord that shows that all will live through the dangers but they will have to run aground. Paul knew he would reach Rome but he also had assurance from God that no one else on the ship would die.

Lesson: BELIEVE God when you are caught in the storms of life. And pray for others (loved ones, friends, strangers and enemies) because God will hear!

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please help me to believe, pray and be encouraged by Your steadfastness and love for Your sheep. Amen.

Acts 27:27-44 - The Shipwreck

Synopsis: The ship approaches land, more ballast and the cargo are off-loaded, some try to escape but Paul tells them they must stay. The ship breaks apart off the island of Malta and the soldiers want to kill Paul and the other prisoners but Justius, the Centurion, stops them. Everyone on-board is brought safely to land.

Lesson: Biblical leadership relies on trust, initiative, good judgment, authority, strength, no compromise on absolutes, and setting an example to others.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please help me to cultivate those attributes of leadership that I can use in my roles as a Bible devotional writer, prayer warrior, and wife of a believer. Amen.

Acts 27 Summary: Paul and his companions and other prisoners journey towards Rome but the weather and the time of year are not appropriate for a smooth journey. Paul has a vision that all will survive but the ship will be wrecked. The shipwreck occurs off the coast of Malta, but all do survive.

Acts 28:1-6 - Kind Natives of Malta; A Viper Incident

Synopsis: The natives of Malta respond and are kind and helpful to the shipwreck victims. Paul brings wood to the fire and is bitten by a venomous viper hiding in the sticks. He is unaffected and is viewed by the natives first as a guilty person, then as a god.

Lesson: God’s intent for Paul will be fulfilled. Our proper place in this world is as a redeemed servant of the Lord, following His will and not caring about what others think about us.

Prayer: Dear Lord - Please help me to turn away from controversies and opinions of others and turn to You as a humble, redeemed servant. Amen.

Acts 28:7-10 - Healings on Malta

Synopsis: Paul and his companions are brought to the home of Publius. Paul heals his father and also heals others on the island.

Lesson: Malta becomes one of the first Christian countries in Europe because of the time spent there by Paul and his friends.

Prayer: Dear Lord - I believe that You can heal anyone at any time. However, I also believe that healings are not common or widespread and the actions can be used to mislead believers. I thank You for healing Steve. I also thank You for the opportunity we had to see a little bit of the island of Malta on our travels. Amen.

Acts 28:11-16 - Traveling to Rome

Synopsis: The group departs Malta after three months and sails without any issues to Puteoli, the closest port to Rome. As they walk to Rome, they are greeted by brothers and sisters of the faith. Paul is allowed to rent a home in Rome, guarded by a single soldier.

Lesson: Encouragment can come from being with many brothers and sisters in Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord - I thank you for the details of Paul’s journey, even at the end of Acts. I also pray that I am encouraged by other brothers and sisters of the faith. Amen.

Acts 28:17-22 - Paul Summons the Jewish Leaders to Meet with Him.

Synopsis: While Paul awaits his hearing before Caesar, he summons the local Jewish leaders to him. He proclaims his innocence because of his belief in the hope of Israel and asks if they have received any letters from Jerusalem. They do not know about the issues and ask Paul to address them.

Lesson: Our hope in God’s gift of His Son is the most vital ingredient for our lives. Don’t hope for fulfillment in this world, but look to the next.

Prayer: Dear Lord - My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and His death for my sins and His Resurrection, creating my hope beyond this life. Amen.

Acts 28:23-31 - Paul Preaches to the Jewish Leaders, The Book of Acts Ends

Synopsis: Paul attempts to persuade the Jewish leaders about the Kingdom of God and Jesus. Some are persuaded, but others would not believe. Paul preaches from Isaiah to them and they leave, arguing amongst themselves. Paul pivots to the Gentiles again and spends the next two years in his house, preaching the Kingdom of God.

Lesson: Is your heart receptive, are you seeing clearly, are you listening carefully? Then the arc of God’s promises will make perfect sense!

Prayer: Dear Lord - You have guided me through this study of Acts and have revealed to me the truth of Your Word and Your promises. I anticipate a reunion with the Saints that came before me in Your heavenly realm! Amen!

Acts 28 Summary: Paul and the others are treated kindly on Malta and Paul shakes off a bite from a deadly viper. Paul heals the father of Publius and many others and the group finally departs for Rome after three months. Christian brethren greet them on the road to Rome. Paul is allowed to rent a house. He summons the Jewish leaders to him to describe his innocence and the reason for his belief in the Hope of Israel. Some Jews believe, but others don’t. Paul pivots to the Gentiles again and spends two years preaching at his home in Rome.

Thank you for being with me as I journeyed through the Book of Acts!

My next devotional series will explore the Book of Daniel. The first devotional will be an overview of the historical perspective of Daniel.