The Acts in the Epistles

The book of Acts provides the sweeping history of the early ecclesia, while the epistles of Paul often give the personal, practical details that accompany it. In this series, Brother Len Richardson draws together these two perspectives, showing how the great missionary journeys, trials, and triumphs recorded in Acts are reflected and expanded upon in the letters Paul wrote to the early ecclesias. The result is a living portrait of faith, struggle, and perseverance that connects history with exhortation for believers today.

Saul of Tarsus

The series opens with a look at Saul, the zealous Pharisee who fiercely persecuted the early church. Brother Len traces Saul’s privileged background, his relentless opposition to the disciples, and his dramatic transformation on the road to Damascus. By connecting Acts with Galatians and Philippians, the class highlights the immense cost of his conversion and the total devotion that marked his new life in Christ.

The First Missionary Journey

This class follows Paul and Barnabas on their first great journey from Antioch through Cyprus and into Asia Minor. Along the way, the challenges of persecution, the dispute with John Mark, and Paul’s bold speech at Psidian Antioch are linked to passages in the epistles. The study shows how Paul’s early preaching laid the foundation for his later letters, and how the struggles of that journey shaped his message.

The Second Missionary Journey

Paul’s second journey is marked by his separation from Barnabas, the addition of Silas and Timothy, and the crossing into Europe in response to the vision of the Macedonian man. At Philippi, Lydia and the jailer are converted, and Paul’s later letters recall these experiences with warmth and exhortation. The class emphasizes God’s guiding hand, even through imprisonment and hardship.

The Apostles at Corinth

Focusing on Paul’s extended stay in Corinth, this class explores his relationship with the ecclesia there and the letters that grew out of it. By comparing Acts with the Corinthian epistles, the study highlights themes of labor, generosity, and the challenges of ecclesial life. Paul’s heartfelt concern for the Corinthians, despite their failings, provides a model of pastoral care and perseverance.

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

Moving from history to personal struggle, this study examines Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” as described in 2 Corinthians. Brother Len considers how Paul’s physical weakness became the backdrop for God’s strength, and how his letters reveal both his vulnerability and his faith. The message is one of encouragement for all who carry personal burdens while serving God faithfully.

The Collection for Saints and Journey to Rome

The series concludes with Paul’s determined effort to gather a collection for the poor believers in Jerusalem, a work that dominated his later journeys. His farewell to the Ephesian elders and his long desire to reach Rome are tied to the exhortations found in Corinthians and Romans. The study leaves listeners with Paul’s enduring example of love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the gospel.

This description has been generated by AI and lightly edited.