The Heart and History of Abundant Life Academy
Miracles, Provisions from Heaven, Persecution, Betrayal, and
Opposition, and ultimately faith that has been tried…
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony
of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering
for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved
us and called us with a holy calling, not according tot our
works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was
granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…”
2 Timothy 1:8-9
Abundant Life Academy began as a “calling” of
Craig and Wendy Rogers. This calling was to create a Christian
alternative to the secular-based therapeutic boarding school/program
for troubled teens. At that time of ALA’s conception
there were very few Christ-based programs and Christian parents
had little to no choice but to place their troubled teen in
a secular program or school. The Rogers, who had built a successful
career through various secular-based schools and programs,
stepped out in faith and obediently created Abundant Life
Academy. Five hard years later Abundant Life Academy is enjoying
its third expansion and growth phase and we are honored to
share our experience and testimony of God’s love and
provision. To say the least this journey has not been easy,
and has been forged by faith, in tears and in persecution.
However, may God get all the glory as He reveals His love
for us in our tribulations and trials.
“For I consider that the sufferings of
this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory
that is to be revealed to us.” Romans
8:18
Craig and Wendy Rogers started Abundant Life Academy (December
2000) with absolutely no financial backing, no property, and
no material support of any kind. They stepped out in faith
and believed that God would prevail with His promises. At
the time Craig and Wendy lived in a one-bedroom basement apartment
with no furniture. There was no startup capital, no employees,
no web site, and most importantly, no students. There was
only a vision mixed with faith. To the outside world Abundant
Life Academy looked like a pipe dream and a failure waiting
to happen. When it comes to the ways of God, the outside world
always has it wrong.
“…that I may know Him and the power
of His resurrection and the power of His resurrection and
the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;”
Philippians 3:10-11
Three months after Craig and Wendy left their secular jobs
and stepped out in faith God miraculously provided Abundant
Life Academy a fully furnished Victorian home, three vehicles,
full cupboards/refrigerator, and four students. Literally,
all the Rogers did to move Abundant Life Academy from vision
to reality was to pray and trust God. Along with the miracle
provisions came tremendous opposition and persecution.
“Blessed are you when people insult you
and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against
you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward in
heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets
who were before you.” Matthew 5:11
Right from the beginning the Rogers’ own family members
came against them, vehemently opposing the project. Craig
and Wendy Rogers had built successful careers and had three
young children to raise. Craig’s parents, who are believers,
doubted the Rogers’ decision to follow such a wild dream.
Besides the opposition from the Rogers kin, the local body
of believers failed to stand behind the Rogers, instead choosing
to watch the development of the ministry from afar. Lastly,
the city that the school was first located also opposed the
project and were successful in stopping the first attempt
of ALA to expand beyond four students. Thus, the pattern of
opposition and persecution began.
“Simmon, Simmon, behold, Satan has demanded
permissions to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for
you that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have
turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:32
Had the Rogers realized the depth of the opposition and persecution
they would face over the next five years they might not have
stepped out in blind faith and started ALA. Right from the
beginning the opposition and persecution pattern begun. Opposition
came from family, fellow believers, as well as local authorities
(same pattern developed for the apostles as recorded in the
Book of Acts). In the second attempt to expand Abundant Life
Academy the Rogers were met with tremendous opposition from
neighbors who lived in the vicinity. The Rogers expected the
opposition from the neighbors, but they did not expect the
persecution from the church (local congregation that the Rogers
attended). The Rogers’ describe this opposition as betrayal
from those who stated publicly that they support the ALA ministry,
but behind the scenes worked to undermine the project. The
Rogers’ testify that the hurt and pain that came with
the betrayal was immense to say the least, but that God’s
grace and peace followed them every step of the way.
“Having been prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give
me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.’
Although he was grieved, the commanded it to be given because
of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests. He sent and
had John beheaded in the prison. And his head was brought
on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to
her mother. His disciples cams and took away the body and
buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus.” Matthew
14:8-12
Eventually, by fighting for the very life of ALA the Rogers
prevailed in their second attempt to expand the ministry,
experiencing miracle after miracle. Additionally, the peace
of God did go beyond all understanding. The Rogers will state
that the most amazing thing about their early experience of
ALA is that God moved through the most unusual ways, where
in the end the only person that could receive the glory and
praise for the accomplishments was God Himself! But again,
the persecution had only just begun and the road ahead had
wind’s that were contrary to the vision.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the
midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as
doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the
courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even
be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony
to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over,
do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will
be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not
you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks
in you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father
his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause
them to be put to death. You will be hated by all because
of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who
will be saved. But whenever they persecute you in on city,
flee to the next; for I truly say to you, you will not finish
going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.”
Matthew 10:16-23
In June of 2002 Abundant Life Academy expanded into Mexico,
near Guadalajara. The vision of the Mexico campus was to provide
an opportunity for “entitled” American teens to
serve in the mission field; building houses and churches for
the poor, feeding the hungry, clothing the homeless, and participating
in other worth outreach projects. The school grew from 6 students
to 70 students in just under one year. The opposition from
the Mexican government was nothing compared to the opposition
from US Citizens who lived near the ALA campus in Lake Chapala,
Mexico. The US Citizens, mostly retirees, came against Abundant
Life Academy with a vengeance. They used the corruption within
the Mexican government to constantly harass ALA, bringing
false claims at every turn. ALA weathered the storm and prevailed
for a season.
“… He stretched it out, and it was
restored to normal, like the other. But the Pharisees went
out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy
Him. But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed
Him, and He healed them all, and warned them not to tell who
He was. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet…”
Matthew 12:13-17
Soon thereafter, ALA was struck from within, experiencing
the first of several betrayals from employees of ALA. These
betrayals were from people who were born again believers who
supposedly loved Jesus. The inside betrayals were the hardest
to endure. By this time ALA was much more then just the Rogers
as God had sent many Spirit-led believers to the ministry.
All those in leadership suffered the blow of being betrayed
and persecuted by the very people they had grown to love and
trust. However, with each betrayal or persecution, the leadership
of Abundant Life Academy grew stronger, operating with more
resolve and commitment then ever before.
“Then the chief priests and the elders
of the people were gathered together in court of the high
priest, named Caiaphas; and they plotted together to seize
Jesus by stealth and kill Him. But they were saying, ‘Not
during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the
people. From then on he began looking for a good opportunity
to betray Jesus…” Matthew 26:3-5,
16
The Leadership of ALA will admit that many times individuals
within the strong group wavered. At times these trials and
testing were horrific. Operating a ministry for rebellious
teens takes it toll after a while, and what we have found
is that only those who are truly “called” will
be able to withstand the storms and battles. The faith it
takes to stand firm and wear the Armour of God can only come
from God… as the pretenders fall away and run at the
first glimmer of opposition. As the opposition came, several
buckled under the weight and turned against us. ALA had its
Judas. If it could happen to Jesus then it could happen to
any ministry. However, what the enemy meant for destruction
God allowed to bring about His glory!
“For this reason therefore the Jews were
seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was
breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father,
making Himself equal with God.” John 5:18
It would be nice to stay that the persecution and opposition
to the Abundant Life Academy “calling” ended in
Mexico, but it did not. Eventually, the persecution from the
corrupt Mexican governmental officials grew to the point that
it was in everyone’s best interest to close down the
Mexican campus and relocate all the students to the United
States. We just could not trust that the Mexican government
would act in good faith and we did not want to put the students
safety at risk. We made the move to relocate our base campus
back within the US in December 2004. Unfortunately, we left
behind many awesome ministries that we either started or supported.
It seemed like a tremendous disappointment at the time, but
in the effort to secure the students safety we felt as though
we had no other choice. The retreat against the opposition
was painful and disappointing.
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted
for the same of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of
Heaven.” Matthew 5:11-12
In January of 2005 ALA also had a very productive program
in the Czech Republic. At the time we relocated the Mexico
campus we also had 12 students in Liberec, Czech Republic,
a small town north of Prague, in the heart of Europe. After
much prayer the leadership of ALA decided to bring all the
students and staff under one roof, including those who were
in Europe. Thus, we relocated all the Abundant Life Academy
students from Mexico and Europe to a 384-acre ranch in Nevada
known as “Hidden Canyon Ranch”. Our renewed vision
was to train the students up at Hidden Canyon Ranch and then
send them on short-term mercy ministry projects to Mexico
and abroad. This way, we could continue supporting the ministries
we started in Mexico and Europe and ensure the safety of the
students.
“So, having obtained help from God, I stand
to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing
but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place
that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection
from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both
to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”
Acts 26:22-23
Craig and Wendy Rogers had first looked at Hidden Canyon
in April 2001 as a possible site for future growth. The Rogers
kept in contact with the owners of Hidden Canyon over the
next few years. Finally, in December 2004, with the pressure
building from the Mexican authorities, Abundant Life Academy
was relocated to the beautiful Hidden Canyon Ranch. Immediately,
the leadership of ALA began to set a course to develop the
HCR campus and plans were underway to build a 20,000 sq ft
school to provide for 80 additional students. HCR seemed to
be the ideal place for our permanent campus site (Leadership
Training Center), where we could then send out short-term
student led missionary trips to Mexico and Europe. We called
our Nevada campus the Abundant Life Academy Leadership Training
Center and our mission was to restore the troubled teen through
advanced Christ-based leadership curriculum and prepare the
student to serve in the mission field, participating in substantial
mercy ministry projects to poor and impoverished countries.
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted
for the same of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of
Heaven.” Matthew 5:11-12
6 months later Abundant Life Academy was hit with the biggest
attack of all to date. Child Protective Services of Nevada
had received a false report of neglect and abuse from a former
disgruntled parent of ALA (late April of 2005). For whatever
reason, this parent submitted several false claims (totally
fabricated) to CPS of Nevada, who then launched an attack
of epic proportion against Abundant Life Academy. On May 2nd,
2005, CPS illegally, without investigating the false allegations,
removed 33 ALA students from Hidden Canyon Ranch. Due to the
uproar from the ALA parents CPS immediately launched a strategy
to cover up their actions. To justify their illegal actions
CPS filed a series of false reports against Abundant Life
Academy that were eventually found to be unsubstantiated.
“Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled,
which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning
Judas, who because a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For
he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.”
Acts 1:16
In early June of 2005, at the White Pine County Courthouse,
Abundant Life Academy valiantly defended itself (as led by
the Holy Spirit) and the judge who proceeded over the case
ruled from the bench that Child Protective Services failed
to conduct an investigation of the false allegations and acted
in an improper/hasty manner by removing the ALA students.
However, by removing the ALA students from the campus CPS
effectually, albeit temporarily, closed down Abundant Life
Academy. The damage was already done.
The ALA attorney’s were able to prove that CPS was
not concerned about the validity of the false allegations
that came from the disgruntled parent, and they were not concerned
about the safety and welfare of the ALA students. The attorney’s
were able to show that from the first moment CPS received
the complaint from the disgruntled parent they acted with
an agenda. CPS took advantage of the false allegations used
their authority to exercise their political agenda. What the
ALA attorney’s were able to show is that CPS acted under
the agenda to shut down ALA’s Christ-centered school.
The judge also stated that CPS acted was reckless in their
actions. Through interactions with the highest ranking CPS
department heads the Leadership of ALA believes that CPS acted
with an extreme political agenda and committed itself to stop
the development of a faith-based program for troubled teens
regardless the cost. CPS of Nevada clearly defended their
interpretation of Nevada’s “child’s rights”.
CPS of Nevada believed that they were justified in taking
the students out of ALA because no parent has the right to
expose children to Christian teaching when it is not the child’s
desire to do so.
“Now the chief priests and the whole Council
kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that
they might put Him to death. They did not find, any though
many false witnesses came forward.” Matthew
26:59-60
“So a division occurred in the crowd because
of Him. Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid
hands on Him.” John 7:43
“Therefore they picked up stones to throw
at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.”
John 8:59
“The Jews picked up stones again to stone
Him. Jesus answered them, ‘I showed you many good works
form the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?”
John 10:31
However, it is our pleasure to report that there was a small
miracle that helped ALA fight against the reckless and illegal
actions of CPS. One of the CPS workers left behind their entire
case file they had built against Abundant Life Academy. In
the file were all the notes of all the conversations between
the various department heads of DCFS (CPS). This case file
was admitted into evidence during the hearing and with it
ALA was able to show that CPS acted with an agenda to shut
down Abundant Life Academy before any investigation. Within
the file there was no discussion about the allegations from
the disgruntled parent, the discussions focused on closing
the school down.
Furthermore, Abundant Life Academy attorneys were able to
prove that CPS ignored mounds evidence that would have led
to a favorable outcome for ALA had CPS actually conducted
an investigation. As all the facts were presented it was clear
that almost every person from CPS who took the witness stand
lied and distorted the facts. Each of these CPS witness were
impeached as they were caught in one lie after another. The
Leadership of ALA believes that CPS workers lied to cover
up and justify their illegal actions. It was also clear that
CPS purposefully rejected any evidence that would have hindered
their agenda to shut the school down. In the end CPS offered
no explanation for their illegal actions and failed to make
any apologies to ALA, the students, or the parents.
“As they were speaking to the people, the
priest and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees
came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were
teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection
from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in
jail until the next day, for it was already evening. But many
of those who had heard the message believed; and the number
of the mend came to be about five thousand.”
Acts 4:1-4
With this latest attack of persecution it would have been
easy to quit. It would have been justifiable to state that
ALA had lost the favor of God, and it would be time to retreat
and give up. However, through prayer, the leadership of Abundant
Life Academy decided that God had not removed His favor and
that the adversity that we endured was meant to build our
faith and strengthen our resolve. After dealing with the devastating
loss from CPS’s actions we went to our knees seeking
God’s will. What we came out of that time of prayer
is that God’s favor would grow and He would led us to
greater and grandeur levels of anointing. We are now more
committed to the ministry of ALA then ever before. We are
committed to restoring troubled teens to their destiny in
Christ, to their families, and to their future. We are not
ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and will not be deterred
by those who persecute, betray, or oppose our calling.
“The power or piety we had made him walk?
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers,
has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered
and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided
to release Him. But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One
and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to
death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the
dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. And on the basis of
faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened
this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes
through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence
of you all.” Acts 3:12-16
Thus, in faith, Abundant Life Academy committed to re-establish
our campus in Kanab, Utah. In doing so, in stepping out in
faith to continue the work and ministry given to us, the leadership
of Abundant Life Academy learned a valuable lesson that very
few have the honor to realize. What we discovered is that
any ministry willing to be totally obedient to the calling
of God, serving Jesus Christ as Lord, Master, and Savior,
will go through tremendous opposition, betrayal, and persecution.
What we learned is that God is calling us to be “overcomers”.
He is not promising us a walk in the park, He is promising
us death to ourselves and life through the Spirit. What we
learned is that this trail should be no surprise, and that
this persecution could be noted as our “validation”
from God. Through the trials God is validating the ministry,
trying our faith, and bringing forth sanctification. God loves
those who are humble and those who obey. Because of these
trials we are truly humble and ready to follow Him to our
death if need be. This persecution, which was good enough
for His Son Jesus, is good enough for us!
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery
ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as
though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the
degree that you share the sufferings of Christ of Christ,
keep on rejoicing, so that also a the revelation of His glory
you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the
name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of Glory
and of God rests on you.” 1 Peter 4:12-13
“But so that it will not spread any further
among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any
man in this name. And when they had summoned them, they commanded
then mot to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus…
Whether it is right in sight of God to give heed to you rather
than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking
about what we have seen and heard. When they had threatened
them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which
to punish them) on account of the people, because they were
all glorifying God for what had happened..”
Acts 4:17-22
Additionally, we discovered that every man and woman of God
(described in the Bible) who served God went through what
we went through, and much more. They (Abel, Noah, Abraham,
Joseph, Moses, the Prophets, David, Esther, Ruth, Jesus, Peter,
John the Baptist, John, Paul, Stephen, Phillip, Timothy, etc.)
all dealt directly with persecution, betrayal, and opposition.
What we discovered is the fact that people who submit completely
and fully to God’s call on their life are sure to face
persecution, betrayal, and opposition. These three events
are actually looked upon as “approval” from God
as He allows these events in our life to shape and mold us,
try us, and to bring about His Holiness and Righteousness.
Through persecution, betrayal, and opposition we will find
God’s favor, His Spirit, and His triumph!
In February 2008, Abundant Life Academy won its suit against the State of Nevada. You may view the verdict by simply clicking on this link.  Thank you for your prayers.
This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance
with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by
them you fight the food fight, keeping faith and good conscience,
which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard
to their faith.” 1 Timothy 1:18
“this Man, delivered over by the predetermined
plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the
hands of godless men and put Him up death.”
Act 2:23
Please enjoy the following Scriptures as they relate to the
persecution, betrayal, and opposition that Peter, Paul, and
Stephen went through in the pursuit of the call of God upon
their life. In trying their faith, God was pleased…
without faith it is impossible to please Him! We believe that
after reading about the persecution, betrayal, and opposition
that the disciples went through (as recorded in the Book of
Acts) you will see the pattern of the “approved ministries”
and how the men and women of God are tested, tried, and then
honored in their faith to stay the course, even unto death.
“For truly in this city there were gathered
together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed,
both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and
the people of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose
predestined to occur. And now, Lord, take note of their threats,
and grant that Your bondservants may speak Your word with
all confidence, so while You extend Your had to heal, and
signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy
servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place where they
had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled
with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with
boldness.” Acts 4:27-31
“…Multitudes of men and women, were
constantly added to their number, to such an extent that they
even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on
cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his
shadow might fall on any on of them. Also the people from
the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together,
bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirit,
and they were all being healed. But the high priest rose up,
along with all his associates (that is the sect of Sadducees)”
Acts 5:14-18
“Now when the high priest and his associates
came, they called the Council together, even all the Senate
of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house
for them to be brought. But the officers who came did not
find them in the prison.” Acts 5:22-23
“The men whom you in prison are standing
in the temple and teaching the people! Then the captain went
along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without
violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might
be stoned). “When they had brought them, they stood
them before the Council. The high priest questioned them,
saying ‘We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching
in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your
teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’
But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God
rather then men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom
you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the
one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior,
to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And
we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit,
whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Act 5:27
“After this man, Judas of Galilee rose
up in the days of the census and drew away some people after
him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were
scattered. So in the present case, I say to you, stay away
for these men and let them alone, for it this plan or action
is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you
will not be able to over throw them or else you may even be
found fighting against God. They took his advice; and after
calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them
not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council,
rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame
for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house
to house, the kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as
the Christ.” Acts 5:37-42
“..The word of God kept on spreading; and
the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly
in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priest were becoming
obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power,
was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But
some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen,
including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some for Cilicia
and Asisa, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were
unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he
was speaking. Then they secretly induced men to say, ‘We
have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against
God.’ And they stirred up the people, the elders and
the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away
and brought him before the Council. They put forward false
witnesses who said, ‘This man incessantly speaks against
this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that
this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the
customs which Moses handed down to us. And fixing their gaze
on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like
the face of an angel.” Acts 6:7-15
“The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph
and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him into Egypt.
Yet God was with him, and rescued him from all his afflictions,
and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh,
king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all
his household.” Acts 7:9-10
“when they had driven him out of the city,
they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their
robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on
stoning Stephen as the called on the Lord and said, ‘Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit!’ ” Acts
7:58-60
“Saul was in hearty agreement with putting
him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against
the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout
the regions of Judea and Samaria, expect the apostles. Some
devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over
him. But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after
house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in
prison.” Acts 8:1-3
“Now Saul, still breathing threats and
murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high
priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at
Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both
men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem…”
Acts 9:1-2
“So, then those who were scattered because of the persecution
that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to
Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no
one except to Jews alone… And for an entire year they
met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the
disciples were first called Christians in Antioch…”
Acts 11:19, 25
“Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some
who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them. And
he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword.
When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest
Peter also… When he had seized him, he put him in prison,
delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending
after the Passover to bring him out before the people. So
Peter was kept in prison, but prayer for him was being made
fervently by the church to God.” Acts 12:1-5
“And the word of the Lord was being spread through
the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of
prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated
a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out
of their district. But they shook off the dust of their feet
in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples
were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 13:49-52
“And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles
and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them,
they because aware of it and fled to the cites of Lycaonia,
Lystra, and Derbe, and the surrounding region; and there they
continued to preach the gospel.” Acts 14:5-7
“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having
won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out
of the city, supposing him to be dead. But while the disciples
stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next
day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. After they had preached
the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they
returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening
the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in
faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must
enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:19-22
“Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the
brethren, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the
custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ And, when Paul
and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the
brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others
of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders
concerning this issue…. After there had been much debated,
Peter stood up and said to them, ‘Brethren, you know
that in the early days God mad a choice among you, that by
my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and
believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving
them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made
no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts
by faith. Now, therefore why do you put God to the test by
placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither
our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe
that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in
the same way as they also are.” Acts 15:1-2, 7-11
“But when her masters saw that their hope of profit
was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into
the market place before the authorities, and when they had
brought them to chief magistrates, they said, ‘These
men are through our city into confusion, being Jews, an d
are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept
or to observe, being Roman. The crowd rose up together against
them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them
and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. When they
had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison,
commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having
received such a command, threw them into the inner prison
and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight
Paul and Silas were praying to God, and the prisoners were
listening to them;” Acts 16:19-25
“But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some
wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the
city in an uproar; and attaching the house of Jason, they
were seeking to bring them out to the people. When they did
not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren
before the city authorities, shouting, ‘These men who
have upset the world have come here also; and Jason has welcomed
them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar,
saying that there is another king, Jesus.’ They stirred
up the crowd and the city authorities that heard these things.
And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others,
they released them.” Acts 17:5-9
“But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the
word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they
came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds.
Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as
the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there.” Acts
17:13-14
“But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews
with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before
the judgment seat, saying, ‘this man persuades men to
worship God contrary to the law.” Acts 18:12-13
“About that time there occurred no small disturbance
concerning the Way. For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith,
who made shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business
to the craftsmen; these he gathered together with the workmen
of similar trades, and said, ‘Men, you know that our
prosperity depends upon this business. You see and hear that
not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul
has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people,
saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all. Not only
is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute,
but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded
as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship
will even be dethroned from her magnificence… the city
was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord
into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus. Paul’s
traveling companions from Macedonia.” Acts 19:23-27,
28-29
“When he had gone through those districts and had given
them much exhortation, he came to Greece. And there he spent
three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the
Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to
return through Macedonia.” Acts 20:2-3
“…Serving the Lord with all humility and with
tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots
of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything
that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house
to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance
toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold,
bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing
what will happen to me there, except that they Holy Spirit
solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds
and afflictions await me.” Acts 20:19-23
“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole
purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the
flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers,
to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His
own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will
come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your
own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw
away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert,
remembering that night and day for period of three years I
did not cease to admonish each one with tears.” Acts
20:27-31
“And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound
his own feet and hands, and said, ‘This is what the
Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem
will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into
the hands of the Gentiles. When we had heard this, we as well
as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and
breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but
eve to dies at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 21:11-14
“…Began to stir up all the crowd and laid hands
on him, crying out, ‘Men of Israel, come to our aid?
This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere against
our people and the Law and this place; and besides he has
even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy
place… Then all the city was provoked, and the people
rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him
out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. While
they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander
of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. At
once he took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down
to them; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers,
they stopped beating Paul. Then the commander came up and
took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains;
and he began asking who he was and what he had done. But among
the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and
when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar,
he ordered him to be brought into the barracks…”
Acts 21:27-34
“When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and
bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither
eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. There were more
then forty who formed this plot. They came to the chief priests
and the elders and said, ‘We have bound ourselves under
a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.
Now therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to
bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine
his case by a more thorough investigation and we for our part
are ready to slay him before he comes near the place.”
Acts 23:12-15
“When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the
letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. When
he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when
he learned that he was from Cilicia, he said, ‘I will
give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also, giving
orders for him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium. After
five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders,
with an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges
to the governor against Paul. After Paul had been summoned,
Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor, ‘Since
we have through you attained much peace, and since by your
providence reforms are being carried out for this nation,
we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent
Felix, with all thankfulness. But, that I may not weary you
any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief
hearing. For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow
who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the
world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. And
he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested
him…. By examining him yourself concerning all these
matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which
we accuse him. The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting
that these things we so. When the governor had nodded for
him to speak, Paul responded: Knowing that for many years
you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my
defense, since you can take note of the fact that no more
then twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Neither
in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself
did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing
a riot. Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they
now accuse me. But this I admit to you, that according to
the Ways which they call a sect I do serve the God of our
fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the
Law and that is written in the Prophets; having a hope in
God, which these men cherish themselves that there shall certainly
be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In
view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless
conscience both before God and before men. Now after several
years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings;
in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been
purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some
Jews from Asia – who ought to have been present before
you and to make accusation, if they should have anything against
me. Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they
found when I stood before the Council, other than for this
one statement which I shouted out while standing among them,
‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before
you today.” Acts 24:1-9, 10-22
“Festus then, having arrived in the province,
three days later went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the
chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges
against Paul, and they were urging him, requesting a concession
against Paul, that he might have him brought to Jerusalem
(at the same time, setting an ambush to kill him on the way).
Festus then answered that Paul was being kept in custody at
Caesarea and that he himself was about to leave shortly…
he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he took his
seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. After
Paul arrived, the Jews who has come down from Jerusalem stood
around him, bringing may and serious charges against him which
they could not prove, while Paul said in his own defense,
‘I have committed no offense either against the Law
of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
Acts 25:1-4, 6-8
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