Acts 21:27-29
Men probably came from Ephesus (served many idols, had the Artemesian Games) was a big riot when Paul was there.
They accused Paul of having contempt for the Jewish people, the Law, the Temple. False witness. Accused him of taking a Gentile (non-Jew) into the temple which had a penalty of death. They wanted to have Paul killed.
Acts 21:30-32 - he was rescued by Gentiles. Similar to Jesus, other prophets - beaten, etc. by Jewish mob. Was not lawful for Paul to be beaten as he was a Roman citizen.
Compare to Matt. 23:37 - Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem
Acts 21:33-38 Josephus records an Egyptian Jew names Sikarios who led a revolt in Jerusalem against the Romans. Had Roman sympathizers. Paul = not me. I want out.
Acts 21:39-40 - takes a heart and a love for the people. God works through adversities.
Refer to Gen. 50:20 (Jerusalem persecution) - caused people to flee - and they spread the gospel out away from Jerusalem. See Rom. 8:28
When in the midst of adversity, pray: God how can I serve you in this? What are you trying to teach me? Lord, use me in this? Work this out for our good.
Acts 22:1-2 - Paul = affection, desires salvation, forgives them like Jesus on the cross.
Question: Do you love those who hate you like that?
Acts 22:3-5 - Paul shares his testimony, who he was. Like them but better at it. Continues testimony in Acts 22:6-19 - He was zealous for God.
Testimonies are powerful when played out in the life of a Christian.
You have a testimony. Share it. ie. Luke 8:39 - man with demons Psm. 107:1-2 - God has been good to you. Share it!
Acts 22:21-24 - Wanted to stone Paul. Romans just want to know what's going, decided to flog it out of him.
Find out about Paul's citizenship.
Acts 23:1 - Paul's greeting: brothers - informal, affectionate, familiar faces.
Acts 23:2-3 - High priest wanted more respect. Broke the law. Deut. 26:1-2 - only the guilty are to be beaten. This installed by Herod.
Paul sounds like Jesus in Matt. 28:37 - No high priest would defy the Law this way. Sort of apologizes in vs. 5
Acts 23:4-5 - Quotes Ex. 22:28 - back in apology.
Summarize Acts 23:6-12 - divides pharisees (phonies - honor me with their lips) Matt. 1:8 vs. Sadducees (liberals on resurrection)
Rom. 9:1-3 - broke Paul's heart.
God meets us in our lowest moments. Acts 23:11 Heb. 4:14-16
The Lord met with Paul and promised to give the desire of his heart. Rom. 1:9-11 - Paul's heart.
Ananias = God is gracious
Three Ananias s here. (1) a corrupt high priest (2) & Sapphira pretending, played church, were phonies
(3) led Paul to the Lord.. Risked all to be obedient - we don't know what became of that Ananias.
God can do a great work in you and through you!!
No comments:
Post a Comment