Copyright © S P Townsend
WCF - THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Study Number 37 Acts 21 v 1 - 36
21 Jan 1990
Last week we thought about Paul's final words to the elders of the church at Ephesus. The important lessons were
to recognise and watch out for the dangers continually facing the church and its leaders, and
to know and use the resources we have to overcome these dangers.
Paul and the church leaders grieved as they parted company. Paul and his companions then commenced their voyage to Caesarea, from which they would travel overland to Jerusalem. Wherever there were disciples at their stopping places they would fellowship with them until the ship continued its way. At each place Lord showed the disciples that Paul was heading into danger. Most of these Christians, along with Paul's travelling companions, tried to persuade him not to proceed, but Paul insisted on continuing to Jerusalem.
In Jerusalem Paul's group was welcomed by the church. They praised God for all that was happening amongst the Gentiles. But then they raised a serious problem; many Jews were being upset by rumours and exagerated claims about Paul's teaching. Something had to be done to calm things down, and the elders suggested that Paul should carry out a particular Jewish religious ritual, along with other Jews, in order to dispel fears that he no longer lived in obedience to the law. But the plan back-fired, and hostile Jews stirred up a riot in an attempt to have Paul killed. Paul was saved by the Roman guard, who arrested him for his own safety.
1. To deliver the collection for God's people in Judea. Wherever he went, Paul alerted the new churches to the needs of the Christians in and around Jerusalem (ref 1 Cor 16: 1-4). The churches had collected money, and had arranged for men to travel with it to Jerusalem. When Paul commenced his trip his party included many (perhaps all) of these men (ref Acts 20: 4-6) - Paul had at least eight companions.
2. It was part of his strategy of evangelism and church growth. Paul's great desire was to preach about Jesus in Rome (Acts 19:21) He had matters to attend to first, visits to the Christians in Macedonia, Achaia and Jerusalem, to encourage them and deliver reports of all that God was accomplishing (Acts 21: 18,19). Once this was accomplished he planned to proceed to Rome.
3. He was compelled by the Holy Spirit. Acts 20: 22. It wasn't just his own idea. The Lord was urging him on.
See how often the Holy Spirit warned him: Acts 20:23; 21:4; 21:10-11. Was this to tell him not to go to Jerusalem? The other disciples and his companions thought so (Acts 21:4,12). But look carefully at what Agabus says (v11). The gift of prophecy was flourishing in all these scattered communities of Christians, but wisdom and understanding of the Lord's purposes was essential in order to interpret and act upon the prophecies correctly (1 Cor 14:29).
1.
The Holy Spirit warned him to prepare him, so that he would not be taken
unawares, so that he would not feel abandoned by the Lord.
He would have been reminded of that first prophetic word spoken to him when
he was converted (Acts 9:16).
2. The Lord warned in every place, so that each community of God's people would sense the urgency for prayer on Paul's behalf (Ref Acts 20:36, Acts 21:5). Wouldn't the Lord have this need so close to His own heart (Mark 14:32-40)? The prophecies were probably more for the other disciples than for Paul. "Look," the Lord was saying, "this man is about to suffer much for My name's sake. Pray for him, encourage him and strengthen him."
1. Am I, and are we, open to, listening for, and ready to share the words He gives us to instruct, prepare, comfort, encourage and build up His people? (Ref 1 Cor 14:1.)
2. Am I, and are we, sufficiently aware of God's purposes, grounded upon His Word, close to His heart, and filled with His Spirit, that we rightly understand and act upon prophetic words?
Let us be ready, willing and quick to share as God leads us, to be His mouthpiece for the blessing of others. But let us take care not to form quick opinions, make snap judgements and hasty decisions based on our own interpretations. Submit everything carefully to God's word, expect Him to confirm what He says, seek wisdom from Him, allow His peace to guard you, and then be obedient.
1. What encouragements did Paul receive on his trip to Jerusalem?
2. What discouragements did he receive?
3. What decisions could I make right now to help me be an encourager and not a discourager?
1. Pray for those who are suffering for Jesus' name's sake. Those who are oppressed by alien ideologies - Islam, Communism. Those who have lost good jobs, or the opportunity for education, because they are Christians. Those who have lost loved-ones through service for the Lord.
2. Pray for those strategies God has laid on our hearts for the advancement of the gospel. Pray for work amongst young people. Pray for Scripture Union. Pray for Aberdeen and District Youth For Christ. Pray for our Youth Group and for other youth groups. Pray for the local Academy. I believe God has confirmed to us that these are areas in which we will see Him work out His purposes and will have much for which to praise Him in days to come.
3. Pray for boldness, that God may send His Spirit mightily upon us, so that we may speak out His word at every opportunity for His glory. Pray that He would equip us for the task before us. Pray for evangelists. Pray for pastors. Pray for prophets. Pray for His gifts, to His people, for His work, in His time and for His glory.
4. Pray that we might all cast aside discouragement, whether giving or receiving, so that, like Barnabas, we might be known as "children of encouragement" - whatever trials and tests might come out way.
Copyright © S P Townsend