Copyright © S P Townsend
WCF - THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Study Number 38 Acts 21 v 37 - 23 v 11
28 Jan 1990
Last week we considered the dangers that Paul was heading into, the way the Lord warned him and the other disciples, and the reasons for the warning. We saw the importance of being open and ready to hear what the Lord says to His people, and the importance of a close walk with Him and knowledge of His ways in order to rightly understand and act upon the things He reveals.
This week the passage we are looking at speaks of Paul's arrest and imprisonment, and his defence. The events proceed as follows.
1. The church elders in Jerusalem are alarmed about the potential for disturbance in the church because of Paul's arrival.
2. They suggest a plan to de-fuse the situation; for nearly a week things proceed smoothly.
3. But then zealous Jews from Asia seize the opportunity to arouse the crowd against Paul, using half-truth and untruth.
4. Paul is almost lynched. He is rescued by the Romans just in time, and is led off under arrest.
5. Paul gets permission to speak to the crowd. He gives his testimony, but when he speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles they howl him down.
6. The Roman commander is just prevented from beating Paul by learning that he is a Roman. He releases him, and arranges for him to speak before the Sanhedrin (top Jewish court) in an attempt to find the reason for the accusations against him.
7. The High Priest is prejudiced against Paul, and has someone strike him. Paul deliberately speaks of the resurrection, knowing it will divide the assembled company.
8. The court breaks up in disarray, and once more the Roman commander rescues Paul.
9. The Lord appears to Paul, urging him to take courage, promising he will one day testify in Rome.
Because of his message. Luke records the essential components in Acts 13:38-41,46-47.
1. The Law of Moses cannot justify you.
2. Everyone (Jew or Gentile) who believes in Jesus is justified.
3. Those who reject Him will be rejected.
4. Paul's calling from the Lord was to explain this to the Gentiles.
Many of the devout Jews could quite happily hear about Jesus' death and resurrection, but couldn't accept that Gentiles could be saved.
He trusted the Lord totally. In spite of his fears, and the very real dangers, he continued with the task Jesus had given him.
1. He went to Jerusalem, knowing it would be like stirring up a hornet's nest.
2. He tried as often as possible to speak for Jesus, and he didn't water-down the sensitive parts either.
3. He needed encouragement, and the Lord provided it.
• Have you heard the Lord call you? The important thing for Paul was not that he was a pharisee, or had training, or whatever. The important thing was that Jesus had died for him, Jesus loved him, and Jesus had called him to obey.
• Are you fearful of what following Jesus will mean? Paul teaches us to oppose fear with love and boldness. But more than this, it is in those times when we are most aware of our need that the Lord comes to us to encourage and strengthen. He is our deliverer (2 Cor 1:10).
• Will you dare to live dangerously for Jesus? Paul could have turned back. His friends begged him to. But for Paul, to turn back would have meant to stop following.
Copyright © S P Townsend