Paul's Story

Acts 22:11-21

Reference Acts 9 and Galatians 1

Paul is continuing his defense to the people by telling more from his life story. He identified himself with the Jews he addressed. He stressed to the people that he had not come to destroy his ancestral law, but to fulfill it. Paul found it frustrating that the chosen people had rejected God’s son and was also rejecting the message Paul was bringing to the people.

Paul’s basic story recounted in Acts 9 and also in Galatians 1. The two accounts were told from different points of view. We find out that he came back to Jerusalem after about three years and still had organized opposition to his message. Our study of Acts 9 told us that Paul left Jerusalem because he was in danger. The Jews were not happy with offering privileges to gentiles without first becoming a proselyte Jew, then accepting Christ.

Verse 14 has the summary of what Paul is trying to convey to the people. Paul’s audiences were chosen as the nation of Israel to know His will, see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. We have access to all of this through the Bible. In Galatians 1:12, Paul tells the Galatians that Paul’s message came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul then lets the people know that since his people has not accepted the message, then mercy has been offered to the gentiles. In the next passage, Paul met with intense opposition when he mentioned the gentiles.

What do we do when we are met with such opposition? It's so easy just to turn and run or run and hide. It is so easy to take it, bottle it, and swallow it until there is only numbness left. Keep a healthy outlook and continue to study the word. God has a plan and a purpose for you to stand and be counted among His children.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

The Defense of Paul, Part 1

Acts 22:1-21

Paul made an amazing request when he asked the guard if he could speak to the people. He stated his credentials and it was apparent to the Roman officer, he knew that Paul was not a revolutionary thug. Paul was facing his accusers and not backing down from the shouting, but answers with experience and scripture proof.
First, Paul stressed that he is Jewish and rose with respect to the Jewish beliefs. He never forgot his roots and reminds the crowds of this fact often (2 Corinthians 11:22; Philippians 3:4-5). He was from Tarsus. He is a rabbi. He had the same background and training as the audience he was addressing at this time.
Paul was trying to convince the people to accept God’s authority accept Jesus as the Messiah. They were having trouble accepting the proof that Paul and the other Christian teachers were providing.
Second, what was different was that he accepted Jesus Christ as the savior of all. God sent Jesus to all people and loves all people. The chosen status being lost to the Jews was hard for so many to swallow.
He was with them and separated from them. As a Christian, we live in the world, but God has separated us from the world for His special purpose consecrating us for the task he has assigned us.
What has God separated you away from the world? Have you accepted his authority completely or are you hanging on to some baggage from tradition or your past?

Have a Great Week!
Brad

Paul's Farewell and Trip

Acts 20:17-38

Paul spoke to the elders with an emotional farewell speech that touches everyone who was there to hear. He recounts that he has spoken with boldness – fearless, he has worked independently, and following the Holy Spirit which caused him to follow fruitful path that was not always pleasant to follow. They have all been through so much together.

Paul also encouraged his friends to in a few areas. He reminded them that they have the duty to oversee the flock to continue the work of Christ. He reminded them that they would be vulnerable to attack from evil, so they need to be watchful because they are in danger. Where truth is falsehoods are bound to attack. If love dries up in any church its spirit will inevitably dry up and die as well.

Acts 21:1-16

The narrative is speeding up through this passage. Paul’s trip back to Jerusalem continues to build suspense through the foreboding of what is awaiting him there. He is determined to face whatever awaits him for the ministry of Jesus.

Two things really stand out in this passage. First, Paul is determined to face what is waiting for him. He is willing to be bound in prison and ultimately die for the advancement of the gospel. Agabus, the prophet from Caesarea, warned Paul using his belt that he would be bound hand and foot by the Jews in Jerusalem who are determined to stomp out the truth that Jesus is the Messiah. How do we show our determination to continue the ministry of Christ in our lives?

Second, Paul is encouraged and pleased that everywhere he goes on his journey to Jerusalem that there are Christians (disciples) there to welcome him. These disciples are strong and zealous to continue the work Jesus began and Paul continued. When do we encourage those who are determined to continue their ministry for the glory of God?