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Post by Admin on Oct 26, 2019 21:46:00 GMT -6
Study Begins: October 27, 2019
Discussion Begins: November 03, 2019
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Acts 21:1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” 15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. 17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. 27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” 37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
Acs 22:1 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” 2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ 17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” 22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him. 30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them. |
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John R
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Post by John R on Oct 28, 2019 6:04:45 GMT -6
Being a follower of Jesus was dangerous business in the early days of the Church. The people of the Way were disruptive, they had to depend on one another for not only fellowship but safety and "daily bread." I can't imagine, getting on an airplane and flying to Ohio and when I landed in Dayton, my first thought being where are the disciples here, I need to find them. I can't imagine either them helping me and warning me not to go to Pittsburg for fear of my life.
In modern, western Christianity we don't generally refer to fellow believers as disciples; it has too much of a committed feel to it! Perhaps we need a little persecution in our experience, to make disciples rather than church attendees!
In addition to their fellowship and, why Luke referred to them as disciples, these believers passionately prayed and heard from the Holy Spirit warning their brother Paul in love not to go to Jerusalem. Disciples of Christ, hear from the Holy Spirit, they receive divine revelation. And by definition we know they were prophesying because in just a few verses later Paul would be taken captives by the church leadership in Jerusalem.
to be continued
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JB
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Dedicated TruthSeeker
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Post by JB on Nov 3, 2019 6:35:45 GMT -6
21:1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
These brethren were sincere. But Paul had already said that the Holy Spirit compelled him to go to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22). There was no turning back.
Paul's opponents – and there were a lot of them – chased him all over the known world as he spread the gospel. Wherever he went, he stood straight up against fierce opponents – almost entirely Jewish authorities – who were determined to stop his evangelism, whether that meant beating him, imprisoning him, or murdering him. Paul was the spiritual Rambo of Acts, fully armed and dangerous to his opposers and always ready to pull out the best weapon for the job.
He described his weapons in a letter he wrote to the Ephesian Christians from a within a Roman prison just a few years after these events: "truth… righteousness… the gospel of peace… faith… salvation… the word of God… praying at all times in the Spirit… perseverance… praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:14-18).
The attacks of the enemies over and over again served to scatter the believers, and nothing could have been more fortunate for the church as it resulted in the gospel spreading like a California wildfire throughout the world and exponential growth of the Kingdom.
Now Paul has come to the end of his 20-year evangelistic career, which lasted from around 37AD to 57AD. He is about to walk right into the fire pit – Jerusalem itself – in order to take a collection from the other churches to help the poor saints living there in their desperate needs (see Roman 15:26).
He knew he would die there. If he knew in no other way, he at least knew because the Prophet Agabus prophesied it to him in 21:11. Agabus is the same prophet who correctly prophesied in Acts 11:27-30 that there would be a great famine in the land, which there was.
But that was not important to him. Paul's focus never shifted off of God and God's people to himself. To live was Christ, to die was gain (Philippians 1:21).
I would guess that never has another man lived with such a stubborn focus upon advancing the gospel to the lost than Paul. If any other has in fact lived with such focus it undoubtedly was because of Paul's example – which Paul himself repeatedly encouraged us to mimic (1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:9).
If you are fully committed to a mission –you and I have a massive mission – nothing will deter us. No obstacle will slow us down.
That is how Paul lived his post-salvation life.
That is how you should as well.
And me.
15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. 17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.
They've finally arrived! Paul is in Jerusalem!
James, the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15), challenged Paul's loyalties. "All you have to do, Paul, is do this one very Jewish thing to show you are still a faithful Jew."
There's no record that Paul did or didn't respond to this request, but it's a shame that James still didn't understand how to lead without capitulating.
27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him,
Note that these were Jews from Asia, not from Jerusalem. Remember back in Acts 19-20 when Paul was still in Ephesus? Paul was leading so many people to Christ that the silversmiths who made idols were going out of business. Christianity was destroying their sinful economy and there was a riot. [Wouldn’t that be great if modern Christians were reaching the world so effectively that the bars and pornographers were going out of business??] Well, Ephesus was the capital of Asia. The Jews from Asia here in chapter 21 had followed him to stir up more trouble.
28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.
31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” 37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?”
Another day, another mob riot and persecution based upon false claims.
39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
22:1 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” 2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet.
Paul addressed them in Hebrew to connect with them.
And he said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
Paul's message is basically, "I was just like you. The way you are treating me right now because I am part of The Way is the way I once treated others like me. But something happened, and you need to hear it. And don't just take my word for it. The Elders can attest to the integrity of my story."
6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ 17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” 22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.”
The Jews listened to him until he said that God sent him to the Gentiles.
Some Jews and Gentiles in that day got along and had mutual respect on a daily basis. Earlier in Acts, for instance, we read that Cornelius and Ananias were respected by all the Jews where they lived. But the claim that God would send a Jew to bring salvation to the Gentile nations through a Jewish Messiah was blasphemy to their ears – so much so that after Paul said this their hearts were on fire with anger against him and they demanded that he be killed – saying that he wasn’t fit to live!
23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him. 30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
The Roman commander, seeing the riot, ordered that Paul be flogged. Paul pulled a legal loophole – he was born in Rome and was a Roman citizen. It was illegal for the Roman government to flog a Roman citizen without a trial.
Paul told his conversation story – how he became a Christian.
You and I have stories to tell about our conversions. They may not have been so dramatic as Paul's, but they are precious to the ears of those unsaved who know they have no hope. Can you tell yours? Do you tell it?
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Post by Admin on Nov 4, 2019 10:11:49 GMT -6
Being a follower of Jesus was dangerous business in the early days of the Church. The people of the Way were disruptive, they had to depend on one another for not only fellowship but safety and "daily bread." I can't imagine, getting on an airplane and flying to Ohio and when I landed in Dayton, my first thought being where are the disciples here, I need to find them. I can't imagine either them helping me and warning me not to go to Pittsburg for fear of my life.
In modern, western Christianity we don't generally refer to fellow believers as disciples; it has too much of a committed feel to it! Perhaps we need a little persecution in our experience, to make disciples rather than church attendees!
Excellent insights, John. Quote:
You wrote:"Being a follower of Jesus was dangerous business in the early days of the Church."
You know, with a few exceptions like Corinth - which was very much like the current Western world - the environment Paul and the rest of the early church evangelized was largely spiritually minded, largely religious, and generally moral. In fact, as we've seen, Jews seemed to be everywhere. though they were ready to torment or even kill Paul, who was one of their own.
So why isn't 21st Century America more of a dangerous business for Christians? What's different?
In addition to their fellowship and, why Luke referred to them as disciples, these believers passionately prayed and heard from the Holy Spirit warning their brother Paul in love not to go to Jerusalem. Disciples of Christ, hear from the Holy Spirit, they receive divine revelation. And by definition we know they were prophesying because in just a few verses later Paul would be taken captives by the church leadership in Jerusalem.
to be continued
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JB
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Dedicated TruthSeeker
Posts: 308
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Post by JB on Nov 4, 2019 20:03:40 GMT -6
21:1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
These brethren were sincere. But Paul had already said that the Holy Spirit compelled him to go to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22). There was no turning back. Paul's opponents – and there were a lot of them – chased him all over the known world as he spread the gospel. Wherever he went, he stood straight up against fierce opponents – almost entirely Jewish authorities – who were determined to stop his evangelism, whether that meant beating him, imprisoning him, or murdering him. Paul was the spiritual Rambo of Acts, fully armed and dangerous to his opposers and always ready to pull out the best weapon for the job. He described his weapons in a letter he wrote to the Ephesian Christians from a within a Roman prison just a few years after these events: " truth… righteousness… the gospel of peace… faith… salvation… the word of God… praying at all times in the Spirit… perseverance… praying for all the saints" (E phesians 6:14-18). The attacks of the enemies over and over again served to scatter the believers, and nothing could have been more fortunate for the church as it resulted in the gospel spreading like a California wildfire throughout the world and exponential growth of the Kingdom. Now Paul has come to the end of his 20-year evangelistic career, which lasted from around 37AD to 57AD. He is about to walk right into the fire pit – Jerusalem itself – in order to take a collection from the other churches to help the poor saints living there in their desperate needs (see Roman 15:26). He knew he would die there. If he knew in no other way, he at least knew because the Prophet Agabus prophesied it to him in 21:11. Agabus is the same prophet who correctly prophesied in Acts 11:27-30 that there would be a great famine in the land, which there was. But that was not important to him. Paul's focus never shifted off of God and God's people to himself. To live was Christ, to die was gain (Philippians 1:21). I would guess that never has another man lived with such a stubborn focus upon advancing the gospel to the lost than Paul. If any other has in fact lived with such focus it undoubtedly was because of Paul's example – which Paul himself repeatedly encouraged us to mimic (1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:9). If you are fully committed to a mission –you and I have a massive mission – nothing will deter us. No obstacle will slow us down. That is how Paul lived his post-salvation life. That is how you should as well. And me.
15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. 17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.
They've finally arrived! Paul is in Jerusalem! James, the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15), challenged Paul's loyalties. "All you have to do, Paul, is do this one very Jewish thing to show you are still a faithful Jew." There's no record that Paul did or didn't respond to this request, but it's a shame that James still didn't understand how to lead without capitulating.
27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him,
Note that these were Jews from Asia, not from Jerusalem. Remember back in Acts 19-20 when Paul was still in Ephesus? Paul was leading so many people to Christ that the silversmiths who made idols were going out of business. Christianity was destroying their sinful economy and there was a riot. [Wouldn’t that be great if modern Christians were reaching the world so effectively that the bars and pornographers were going out of business??] Well, Ephesus was the capital of Asia. The Jews from Asia here in chapter 21 had followed him to stir up more trouble.
28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.
31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” 37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?”
Another day, another mob riot and persecution based upon false claims.
39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
22:1 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” 2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet.
Paul addressed them in Hebrew to connect with them.
And he said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
Paul's message is basically, "I was just like you. The way you are treating me right now because I am part of The Way is the way I once treated others like me. But something happened, and you need to hear it. And don't just take my word for it. The Elders can attest to the integrity of my story."
6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ 17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” 22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.”
The Jews listened to him until he said that God sent him to the Gentiles.
Some Jews and Gentiles in that day got along and had mutual respect on a daily basis. Earlier in Acts, for instance, we read that Cornelius and Ananias were respected by all the Jews where they lived. But the claim that God would send a Jew to bring salvation to the Gentile nations through a Jewish Messiah was blasphemy to their ears – so much so that after Paul said this their hearts were on fire with anger against him and they demanded that he be killed – saying that he wasn’t fit to live!
23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him. 30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
The Roman commander, seeing the riot, ordered that Paul be flogged. Paul pulled a legal loophole – he was born in Rome and was a Roman citizen. It was illegal for the Roman government to flog a Roman citizen without a trial. Paul told his conversion story – how he became a Christian. You and I have stories to tell about our conversions. They may not have been so dramatic as Paul's, but they are precious to the ears of those unsaved who know they have no hope. Can you tell yours? Do you tell it? It occurred to me that you and I can learn things from Paul regarding how to tell our own stories of salvation and how God saved us to unbelievers.
Here's a stab at listing some of them: 1. HE ASKED THEIR PERMISSION
- "As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, "May I say something to you?" (Acts 21:37)
- "Having received the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd." (Acts 21:40)
- LESSON: There’s no sense in speaking about the Good News where it is not welcome.
2. HE SPOKE THEIR LANGUAGE
- "Do you speak Greek?" (Acts 21:37)
- "When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic… "When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet."" (Acts 22:2)
- LESSON: Speak plain language. Don’t use words or words that only mean something to Christians. Speak the language of the unbeliever. Even words like “gospel” or “salvation” don’t mean anything to people who weren’t raised in Christian homes. We take words like these for granted, and we should certainly use them among ourselves, but to the lost they can be turnoffs. Find other words to describe the same things in ways that are meaningful to them.
3. HE IDENTIFIED HIMSELF WITH THE CROWD
"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today." (Acts 22:3)- LESSON: Being real with people about your past helps break down their defenses.
4. HE DESCRIBED WHO HE WAS BEFORE CHRIST – WHAT GOD SAVED HIM FROM
- "I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as also the high priest and all the Council can testify. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished" (Acts 22:4-5)
- LESSON: Let people know who you were before Christ so they can see how He changes people
5. HE DESCRIBED THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS CONVERSION, PAINTING A VIVID PICTURE OF THE SCENE: HOW HE HEARD GOD, AND HOW GOD SHOWED HIM THE FUTILITY OF HIS THINKING- "About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?' 8 " 'Who are you, Lord?' I asked. " 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me (Acts 22:6-9).
- LESSON: Help bring an awareness of God alive in their hearts! He's not some fictional character, nor is He Santa Clause. Help them know who you hope they will worship.
6. HE DESCRIBED HOW GOD FOUND HIM
- "'What shall I do, Lord?' I asked. " 'Get up,' the Lord said, 'and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.' (Acts 22:10)
- LESSON: Those you witness to need to understand that He draws us but we must respond.
7. HE DESCRIBED WHAT HAPPENED AFTERWARD
- "My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. 12 "A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14 "Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth." (Acts 22:11-14)
- LESSON: Help people know that in a unique way, God will confirm His acceptance of them into the kingdom.
8. HE DESCRIBED HIS CALLING INTO MINISTRY
- "You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard." (Acts 22:15)
- LESSON: All of us are called into ministry. That is the only reason God would leave us on this earth after we're saved. Do you know your ministry?
9. HE DESCRIBED HIS OBEDIENCE- "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'" (Acts 22:16)
- LESSON: Help new believers know what is in store for them up ahead, using your own story as an example.
10. HE DESCRIBED HOW HIS LIFE CHANGED AFTERWARD- 17 "When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking. 'Quick!' he said to me. 'Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 " 'Lord,' I replied, 'these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.' 21 "Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" (Acts 22:17-21)
- LESSON: Communicate clearly the radical change that they can expect when the Holy Spirit changes them.
Paul didn't paint Christianity as a cushy life. He didn't say “ Man, you should see how my tentmaking business took off after I started giving God the credit for it!” No. He was realistic. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “When Jesus calls a man, He bids him to come and die.” There’s no sense in making people think that Christianity is a life free from problems. But it is a life of incredible purpose and fulfillment in the midst of the same sufferings all people face! Paul gave complete credit to the Lord. Throughout his Acts story, we see a Paul who is nothing but weak and helpless, completely at the mercy of the Savior |
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John R
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Dedicated TruthSeeker
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Post by John R on Nov 5, 2019 6:44:46 GMT -6
JB,
You ask a very good question. The answer my friend is both complicated and simple at the same time. Just like this bible study, our responses can be long and complicated and short and simple. I will look squarely in the mirror as I answer, most American Christians (so-called) do not invest any or at best minimal time in what they claim is the most important relationship they have, their one with Jesus Christ. Not enough time to read and think and reflect on this most precious of things, our Christian faith. John McArthur said, (I paraphrase) Christianity should be a thinking activity. We do not spend enough time dissecting the word of God himself and reflect on what is saying. We take large swaths of the bible and write two paragraphs not even considering the level of complexity and depth before us.
I include my own meager participation in bible "study" when I say, 21st Century Christians are ignorant and apathetic (for the most part) of and toward their beliefs. Christians don't challenge the culture for fear (from other Christians) for being "haters," when in fact they are demonstrating the greatest love by attempting to rescue other believers and non-believers from hell and a life of pain (Jude 1:23). Take any topic in our modern world (abortion, homosexuality, pre-marital sex, divorce, idol worship, greed, etc), if I pass along what God says about these things I am full of hate. Why should a modern Christian in America be in danger; he or she looks like the rest of the world, for the most part.
We have become the lukewarm church of Revelation Chapter 3. I have repented of this and continue to grow, as God allows, in my boldness to proclaim the Truth in love to my brothers and sisters in Christ. The Church will be the first to receive Jesus' wrath when he returns because we ought know better. We are bewitched (Galatians 3 and 4). We will not be persecuted in great manner because we are impotent and influential in the culture. If we want to see God move across America, we will put down our remotes and study our bibles and take a stand in our families, our schools and our country for the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God in the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks for your dedication to Truthseekers JB. You have been a blessing to me.
Be courageous! John
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Post by Admin on Nov 5, 2019 11:07:03 GMT -6
JB,
You ask a very good question. The answer my friend is both complicated and simple at the same time. Just like this bible study, our responses can be long and complicated and short and simple. I will look squarely in the mirror as I answer, most American Christians (so-called) do not invest any or at best minimal time in what they claim is the most important relationship they have, their one with Jesus Christ. Not enough time to read and think and reflect on this most precious of things, our Christian faith. John McArthur said, (I paraphrase) Christianity should be a thinking activity. We do not spend enough time dissecting the word of God himself and reflect on what is saying. We take large swaths of the bible and write two paragraphs not even considering the level of complexity and depth before us.
I include my own meager participation in bible "study" when I say, 21st Century Christians are ignorant and apathetic (for the most part) of and toward their beliefs. Christians don't challenge the culture for fear (from other Christians) for being "haters," when in fact they are demonstrating the greatest love by attempting to rescue other believers and non-believers from hell and a life of pain (Jude 1:23). Take any topic in our modern world (abortion, homosexuality, pre-marital sex, divorce, idol worship, greed, etc), if I pass along what God says about these things I am full of hate. Why should a modern Christian in America be in danger; he or she looks like the rest of the world, for the most part.
We have become the lukewarm church of Revelation Chapter 3. I have repented of this and continue to grow, as God allows, in my boldness to proclaim the Truth in love to my brothers and sisters in Christ. The Church will be the first to receive Jesus' wrath when he returns because we ought know better. We are bewitched (Galatians 3 and 4). We will not be persecuted in great manner because we are impotent and influential in the culture. If we want to see God move across America, we will put down our remotes and study our bibles and take a stand in our families, our schools and our country for the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God in the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks for your dedication to Truthseekers JB. You have been a blessing to me.
Be courageous! John
Amen, John. Very well stated. I stand convicted as well. As I often sign off, I will again here for this context:
Seeking his truth, His whole truth, and nothing but His truth,
jb
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elacey
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Dedicated TruthSeeker
Posts: 121
Likes: 8
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Post by elacey on Nov 10, 2019 13:58:56 GMT -6
Jews rioted and started beating Paul.
Paul stood up... witnessed to them (told his testimony)
When he mentioned going to live among Gentiles they became enraged.
--
In a recent bible study in my city at a Lutheran church (I formerly attended this church)...
We were talking about heaven and eschatology.
I stated that I believe our spirit goes to Heaven (without our physical body).
They quoted scripture indicating there is a physical place that our physical body goes.
I stated that I believe this is not literal but rather figurative. I also referenced Luke when Jesus was asked about the Kingdom of God. He said its not here or there... but that the kingdom is among us. Again stating this is a spiritual place and not a physical place.
One man became visibly upset (angry)
I see this as an example of how religious Christians today can be very much like the Jews were back then.
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Post by Admin on Nov 10, 2019 14:16:44 GMT -6
Jews rioted and started beating Paul. Paul stood up... witnessed to them (told his testimony) When he mentioned going to live among Gentiles they became enraged. -- In a recent bible study in my city at a Lutheran church (I formerly attended this church)... We were talking about heaven and eschatology. I stated that I believe our spirit goes to Heaven (without our physical body). They quoted scripture indicating there is a physical place that our physical body goes. I stated that I believe this is not literal but rather figurative. I also referenced Luke when Jesus was asked about the Kingdom of God. He said its not here or there... but that the kingdom is among us. Again stating this is a spiritual place and not a physical place. One man became visibly upset (angry) I see this as an example of how religious Christians today can be very much like the Jews were back then. Here's a similar example, very recent. I was visiting my parents and sibs in the town where I grew up in WV. I know their pastor at a high level... we've had a few friendly discussions in the past, and he knows my family very well. I like him as an individual and think he's a gifted preacher.
No need to go into detail here, but I have talked with him about my views on the end times (millennium, tribulation, rapture) - which are very different different than his.
In the pulpit during the following Sunday while I was visiting, he described my viewpoint (he didn't call me out) and strongly suggested that no one who is saved believes that way. Anyone who believes that way doesn't care about the Bible.
That Sunday afternoon I tried calling him, didn't get an answer, and left a voice mail. He has not returned my call 2 weeks later.
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elacey
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Dedicated TruthSeeker
Posts: 121
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Post by elacey on Nov 10, 2019 15:19:42 GMT -6
Jews rioted and started beating Paul. Paul stood up... witnessed to them (told his testimony) When he mentioned going to live among Gentiles they became enraged. -- In a recent bible study in my city at a Lutheran church (I formerly attended this church)... We were talking about heaven and eschatology. I stated that I believe our spirit goes to Heaven (without our physical body). They quoted scripture indicating there is a physical place that our physical body goes. I stated that I believe this is not literal but rather figurative. I also referenced Luke when Jesus was asked about the Kingdom of God. He said its not here or there... but that the kingdom is among us. Again stating this is a spiritual place and not a physical place. One man became visibly upset (angry) I see this as an example of how religious Christians today can be very much like the Jews were back then. Here's a similar example, very recent. I was visiting my parents and sibs in the town where I grew up in WV. I know their pastor at a high level... we've had a few friendly discussions in the past, and he knows my family very well. I like him as an individual and think he's a gifted preacher.
No need to go into detail here, but I have talked with him about my views on the end times (millennium, tribulation, rapture) - which are very different different than his.
In the pulpit during the following Sunday while I was visiting, he described my viewpoint (he didn't call me out) and strongly suggested that no one who is saved believes can that way. Anyone who believes that way doesn't care about the Bible.
That Sunday afternoon I tried calling him, didn't get an answer, and left a voice mail. He has not returned my call 2 weeks later.
JB that is really sad. In my example the man is around 70 and lost his wife a few years back. I give him leeway to be not on point. Maybe his sadness is blocking him right now. But a gifted and respected preacher. I can't even imagine that. |
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Post by Admin on Nov 11, 2019 8:20:42 GMT -6
Here's a similar example, very recent. I was visiting my parents and sibs in the town where I grew up in WV. I know their pastor at a high level... we've had a few friendly discussions in the past, and he knows my family very well. I like him as an individual and think he's a gifted preacher.
No need to go into detail here, but I have talked with him about my views on the end times (millennium, tribulation, rapture) - which are very different different than his.
In the pulpit during the following Sunday while I was visiting, he described my viewpoint (he didn't call me out) and strongly suggested that no one who is saved believes can that way. Anyone who believes that way doesn't care about the Bible.
That Sunday afternoon I tried calling him, didn't get an answer, and left a voice mail. He has not returned my call 2 weeks later.
JB that is really sad. In my example the man is around 70 and lost his wife a few years back. I give him leeway to be not on point. Maybe his sadness is blocking him right now. But a gifted and respected preacher. I can't even imagine that. Fortunately I am well established in my faith and have been a believer for decades. Can you imagine, though, the impact something like this could have on a new believer or a weak believer? |
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John R
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Dedicated TruthSeeker
Posts: 182
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Post by John R on Nov 12, 2019 6:20:08 GMT -6
All
Two examples point toward the problem we have in our Christian circles. Disagreements over eschatology, causing division among believers is exactly as it is described by Paul in our new study in Acts 23 between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. I find it interesting that these differences begin with the religious leadership and because most in the pews fail to read and study the scriptures, each pastor develops his following. Lemmings, are lead over the cliff because they do not care enough about the Lord Jesus Christ to understand who He is and why he came. Shameful, and certainly divisive, brought about by laziness. Relationships require each party desiring to know the other with deep passion and longing. I believe this relationship bond is directly pointed out by Jesus when he said to those on his left, "depart from Me, I never knew you."
Matthew 7: 21-23.
Blessings to you both!
John |
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