Mistaken Identity
37 As he was about to be brought into the barracks, Paul said to the commander, “Am I allowed to say something to you?” He replied, “Do you know Greek?38 Aren’t you the Egyptian who raised a rebellion some time ago and led 4,000 Assassins into the desert?”39 Paul said, “I am a Jewish man […]
I Am Third
Acts 21:21-26 (NLT) 21 But the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They’ve heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs.22 What should we do? […]
Confident
Acts 21:17-21 (HCSB) 17 When we reached Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly.18 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 what God did among the Gentiles through his ministry.20 When they heard it, they glorified God and said, […]
Friendliness is next to Godliness
Acts 21:17 (HCSB) 17 When we reached Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly. I remember years ago, before we were in our church building, Christine and I were sitting with a college girl at the Rangers game on a church outing. In the course of our conversation she told us that our church wasn’t a […]
Legacy
Acts 21:10-14 (HCSB) 10 While we were staying there many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.11 He came to us, took Paul’s belt, tied his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this […]
On Thanksgiving
Acts 21:4-6 (HCSB) 4 So we found some disciples and stayed there seven days. They said to Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem.5 When our days there were over, we left to continue our journey, while all of them, with their wives and children, escorted us out of the city. After kneeling […]
People: Good, Bad, Ugly
36 After he said this, he knelt down and prayed with all of them.37 There was a great deal of weeping by everyone. And embracing Paul, they kissed him,38 grieving most of all over his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.1 After we tore ourselves […]
Ministry and Money
As part of Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian Elders, the Apostle feels the need to give a financial accounting of his ministry. Luke records his words: 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.34 You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my needs, and for those who were with […]
A Window to the World
In his final words to the Ephesian elders, Paul makes several statements I would like to highlight: Acts 20:27 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Acts 20:29-30 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the […]
Finish Strong
Acts 20:22-24 (NIV) 22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may […]
Don’t Shrink Back
When it was time for Paul to head to Jerusalem, he had a sense that “this was it.” And so, in a very touching moment, Luke records for us his farewell to the Ephesian elders. Paul was connected to lots of churches in the mid-east and Asia minor, but he was closest to the people […]
You are getting very sleepy…
Acts 20:7-12 (HCSB) 7 On the first day of the week, we assembled to break bread. Paul spoke to them, and since he was about to depart the next day, he extended his message until midnight.8 There were many lamps in the room upstairs where we were assembled,9 and a young man named Eutychus was […]
