July 31–August 6

Acts 22–28

“A Minister and a Witness”

Impressions from the Holy Ghost are often quiet and sometimes fleeting. Recording your impressions allows you to reflect on them more deeply. As you read Acts 22–28, write down the thoughts and feelings that come to you, and take time to ponder them.

Record Your Impressions

“When we are on the Lord’s errand,” President Thomas S. Monson promised, “we are entitled to the Lord’s help” (“To Learn, to Do, to Be,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 62). We are not entitled, however, to a smooth road and an endless stream of successes. For proof of this, we need look no further than Paul the Apostle. His errand from the Savior was “to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). In chapters 22–28 of Acts, we see Paul fulfilling this errand and facing great opposition—chains, imprisonment, physical abuse, a shipwreck, and even a snake attack. But we also see that Jesus “stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul” (Acts 23:11). Paul’s experiences are an inspiring reminder that the Lord’s call to “declare [His] gospel with the sound of rejoicing” comes with this promise: “Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst” (Doctrine and Covenants 29:4–5; see also Matthew 28:19–20).

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Acts 22:1–21; 26:1–29

Disciples of Jesus Christ share their testimonies boldly.

When Paul delivered the powerful testimonies recorded in Acts 22 and 26, he was being held prisoner by Roman soldiers. The people he spoke to had the power to condemn him to death. Yet he chose to boldly bear witness of Jesus Christ and “the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19) he had received. What inspires you about his words? Consider the opportunities you have to share your testimony. For example, do your friends know how you feel about Jesus Christ? Or when was the last time you told your family how you gained your testimony of the gospel?

When young Joseph Smith was ridiculed for telling about his First Vision, he was inspired by the way Paul testified of his vision (see Joseph Smith—History 1:24–25). How would you summarize what Joseph Smith learned from Paul? What do you learn from these two witnesses of Jesus Christ?

See also Neil L. Andersen, “We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 88–91.

Acts 23:10–11; 27:13–25, 40–44

The Lord stands by those who strive to serve Him.

As Paul’s ministry clearly shows, difficulties in our lives are not a sign that God disapproves of us or the work we are doing. In fact, sometimes it is during the difficulties that we feel His support most strongly. It might be interesting to review what you’ve read recently about Paul’s ministry and list some of the things he endured (see, for example, Acts 14:19–20; 16:19–27; 21:31–34; 23:10–11; 27:13–25, 40–44). How did the Lord stand by him? How has He stood by you?

Acts 24:24–27; 26:1–3, 24–29; 27

There is safety and peace in heeding the words of God’s servants.

Throughout his ministry, Paul bore powerful testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Many people accepted his witness, but not everyone did. As you read Acts 24:24–27 and Acts 26:1–3, 24–29, look for words and phrases that show how the following Roman rulers in Judea reacted to Paul’s teachings:

• Felix

• Festus

• King Agrippa

While sailing to Rome to be tried by Caesar, Paul prophesied that “hurt and much damage” would come to the ship and its passengers (Acts 27:10). Read chapter 27 to find out how Paul’s shipmates reacted to his warnings. Do you find any lessons for yourself in their experience?

Have you ever reacted like any of these people when you heard the teachings of Church leaders? What are some possible consequences of reacting in these ways? What do you learn from these accounts about heeding the counsel of the Lord through His servants?

See also 2 Nephi 33:1–2; D. Todd Christofferson, “The Voice of Warning,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 108–11; “Follow the Living Prophet,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson (2014), 147–55.

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Acts 24:16.Before his conversion, Paul had a long history of offenses toward God. But because he was willing to repent, he was able to say, “Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (see also Doctrine and Covenants 135:4–5). How can we rid our conscience of offenses toward God and others?

Acts 26:16–18.In these verses, what did the Lord call Paul to do? What opportunities do we have to do similar things?

Acts 28:1–9.Does anyone in your family like snakes? You may want to ask that person or another family member to tell the stories found in Acts 28:1–9. Your children might enjoy drawing a picture of these stories or acting them out. What lessons can we learn from these accounts? One might be that the Lord fulfills His promises to His servants. For example, you could compare the promises made in Mark 16:18 with their fulfillments in Paul’s experiences. You could also find in a recent general conference address a promise made by one of the Lord’s servants—perhaps one that is meaningful to your family—and display it in your home. How can we show our faith that this promise will be fulfilled?

God protected Paul when a venomous snake bit him.

Acts 28:22–24.Like the Church in Paul’s day (called a “sect” in verse 22), the Church today is often “spoken against.” When people spoke against the Savior and His Church, how did Paul respond? What can we learn from Paul’s experience?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested hymn: “My Redeemer Lives,” Hymns, no. 135.

Improving Our Teaching

Focus on principles that will bless your family. As you study the scriptures, ask yourself, “What do I find here that will be especially meaningful to my family?” (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 17.)

Paul before King Agrippa. Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus Christ, by Daniel A. Lewis