September 7, 2014
Evening Service

In Paul’s many travels he was able to create some very deep and lasting relationships.  He not only preached to others but served, suffered, toiled and ministered with them.  It was indeed a sad scene we witnessed this morning as Paul bid farewell to his spiritual family that he loved greatly from Ephesus.  What a beautiful testimony he shares with them.  He has been faithful to speak the truth to them and has “kept back nothing that was profitable” to them. He knows that bondage and affliction await him at the end of this journey, yet he longs to finish his course with joy.

God also has a plan for each of us.  It is not always an easy road, but very rewarding.    

Gal 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.

 

Act 21:1-6  And it happened when it was time to sail, we having been torn away from them, running direct we came to Cos; and on the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.  (2)  And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, going on board, we set sail.  (3)  And sighting Cyprus, and leaving it on the left, we sailed into Syria, and came down to Tyre. For the ship was to unload its cargo there.  (4)  And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days; who said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem.  (5)  But when it was time to finish the days, going out, we traveled on. And they with all the women and children went with us as far as outside the city. And we kneeled down on the shore and prayed.  (6)  And giving parting greetings to one another, we went up into the ship; and they returned to their own things.

·         Paul’s journey has him hopping along the coast headed for Jerusalem.  At the lay over in Tyre, he finds disciples there and is again warned of what lies ahead.  We see true Christian love again displayed as the whole congregation gathers together and kneel in prayer together, no doubt strengthening Paul’s spirit to endure the coming persecution.

 

Act 21:7-9  And finishing the voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais. And greeting the brothers, we stayed with them one day.  (8)  And the next day those around him going out, Paul came to Caesarea. And entering the house of Philip the evangelist, he being of the seven, we stayed with him.  (9)  And there were four virgin daughters to this one, who prophesied.

·         This is the same Philip who was appointed one of the seven deacons in chapter 6 and preached a revival and witnessed to the Ethiopian in chapter 8. Notice how everyone’s story intermingles with each other.  All who are called continue to work and do their part for the kingdom.

 

 

Act 21:10-16  And as we stayed more days, a certain prophet from Judea named Agabus came down.  (11)  And coming to us, and taking Paul's belt, and binding his hands and feet, he said, “The Holy Spirit says these things: So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man whose belt this is, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”  (12)  And when we heard these things, both we and those of the place begged 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 bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”  (14)  And he not being persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”  (15)  And after those days, making ready, we went up to Jerusalem.  (16)  Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing Mnason, a certain Cypriot, an old disciple with whom we were to lodge.

·         Agabus, who we met in chapter 11, reiterates Paul’s future of imprisonment.  Luke and the others plead with him not to go, but his resolve is set (verse 13).

·         We aren’t given the privilege, or curse, to know our future, yet our resolve needs to be set just as strong as Paul’s.  He told the Galatian church:

Gal 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ, and I live; yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me. And that life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith toward the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself on my behalf.

·         It is not about me, it is all about Christ.

 

Act 21:17-26  And we being in Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.  (18)  And on the next day Paul went with us to James. And all the elders were present.  (19)  And having greeted them, he related one by one what things God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry.  (20)  And hearing, they glorified the Lord, and said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who believe, and they are all zealous of the Law.  (21)  And they are informed concerning you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, nor to walk after the customs.  (22)  What is it therefore? At all events a multitude will come together, for they will hear that you have come.  (23)  Therefore do this, what we say to you: We have four men who have a vow on themselves;  (24)  taking them, be purified with them, and be at expense for them, so that they may shave their heads. And all may know that what they have been told about you is nothing, but you yourself also walk orderly and keep the Law.  (25) And as to the Gentiles who believe, we joined in writing, judging them to observe no such things, except only that they keep themselves from both idol sacrifice, and blood, and a thing strangled, and from fornication.”  (26)  Then taking the men on the next day, being purified with them, Paul went into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of the purification, until an offering should be offered for each of them.

·         We see again the unity of the church Paul reports to the leadership of the church.  They are thrilled with his news of his Gentile ministry, but they have a plan to try to satisfy the Jews who are complaining that Paul teaches all to forsake the Law of Moses.

·         They went him to take a Jewish vow and go through the ritual of purification to prove to those complaining that he is still keeping the law.  This again is an effort to “become all things to all men that I might by all means save some.”  (I Cor. 9:23)   I is again reinforce of what guidelines these men gave to the Gentiles (verse 25).

·         Paul goes above and beyond what he is required to attempt to minister to those who need the Lord.  Is that part of our walk with the Lord?  Do we go above and beyond to try to represent our Savior well to others?

Act 21:27-40  And when the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews who were from Asia, having seen him in the temple, stirred up all the crowd and laid hands on him,  (28)  crying out, “Men, Israelites, help! This is the man who teaches all everywhere against the people and the Law and this place. And even he brought Greeks into the temple and has polluted this holy place.”  (29)  (For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city before, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)  (30)  And the entire city was moved, and the people ran together. And laying hands on Paul, they drew him outside of the temple. And immediately the doors were shut.  (31)  And as they were seeking to kill him, the news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.  (32)  He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And seeing the commander and the soldiers, they quit beating Paul.  (33)  Then going near, the commander laid hold on him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains. And he demanded who he was and what he had done.  (34)  And others cried something else in the crowd, and not being able to know the certainty on account of the uproar, he commanded him to be carried into the fortress.  (35)  And when he came on the stairs, it happened that he was carried by the soldiers, because of the violence of the crowd.  (36)  For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, “Away with him!”  (37)  And as Paul was about to be led into the fortress, he said to the commander, “Is it lawful for me to say a thing to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek?  (38) Then are you not the Egyptian who before these days caused a riot, and led four thousand men of the assassins out into the wilderness?”  (39)  But Paul said, “I am a man, a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no small city. And I beseech you, allow me to speak to the people.”  (40)  And he allowing him, standing on the stairs, Paul signaled with his hand to the people. And much silence taking place, he spoke in the Hebrew dialect, saying:

·         The prophecies quickly come true as Paul is beaten and taken prisoner while in the temple. 

·         It is amazing to witness Paul’s resolve.  In spite of the beating he just received and the hatred that was hurled upon him, he still seeks to maximize another opportunity to share the message of salvation to the very ones who seek to murder him.  This love comes only through divine intervention, just as Jesus asked for forgiveness for the ones who placed Him upon the cross.

·         What about us?  Are we looking upon every situation as an opportunity to glorify God?  Do we love those around us enough to share the greatest news of all time with them?  We too often get caught up in ourselves and lose sight of the purpose of our journey.  

·         Next week we will see Paul address this angry mob in the spirit of love.

 

These early writings about our church leaders are here for our examples.  They proved over and over that our God is a faithful and loving God who seeks the best for us.

 

Lord, may we be aware of every opportunity to glorify your Name.