Acts 21:1-25 | Part 43
Acts Part 43
To risk is to take a chance. Something can great may be accomplished, but all could be lost
A huge victory could be won, but defeat is a potential
Risk is to move yourself out of a comfortable place into an uncomfortable position. You could gain, but you could also lose
Sometimes the gain is found in the loss
Risk is a must in the Christian’s life
because sin exists. If sin were not present, there would be no need for risk
No need for war
No need for politicians
No need for police
No need for laws
No need for borders
No need for constant oversight over those who are preyed upon
No need bombs and defense systems
Today we see Paul continue a life of risk, but with purpose
That’s the difference.
As Christians there is a PURPOSE to our risk. It is to bring God’s glory. It is to see others come to a saving knowledge of King Jesus! It is for marriages to be saved, and children to have safe environments where they can thrive, not just exist
Acts 21:1-25
After we tore ourselves away from them, we set sail straight for Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded and set sail. 3 After we sighted Cyprus, passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria and arrived at Tyre, since the ship was to unload its cargo there. 4 We sought out the disciples and stayed there seven days. Through the Spirit they told Paul not to go to Jerusalem.
Paul is headed back to Jerusalem
Interesting passage
Paul was called to go to Jerusalem or was he?
5 When our time had come to an end, we left to continue our journey, while all of them, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach to pray, 6 we said farewell to one another and boarded the ship, and they returned home.
Saying goodbye to someone for the last time
Outside of Christ, no hope.
Because of Christ, still hard, but not forever
Arnold Schwarzenegger this week about heaven
7 When we completed our voyage from Tyre, we reached Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. 8 The next day we left and came to Caesarea, where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him. 9 This man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
Remember Philip?
He led the Ethiopian Eunuch to Christ and baptized him (Acts 8:40)
10 After we had been there for several 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 belt and deliver him over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, both we and the local people pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Prophecy of hardship. Pain. Imprisonment
Don’t go, Paul!
Paul was not only encouraged not to go by the residents, but also by Dr Luke himself and their traveling companions
13 Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Paul is called regardless of the outcome
You are called regardless of what could happen
The call of Christ is beyond any pain
or persecution. The blessing of the call is the presence of Christ, not the comfort of the Christian
14 Since he would not be persuaded, we said no more except, “The Lord’s will be done.”
God’s will be done!
Your will be done, Lord!
John 5:30
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
Luke 22:42
Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
15 After this we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us and brought us to Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to stay.17 When we reached Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters welcomed us warmly. 18 The following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
Paul has been gone for a while
He has been sent out, now comes back to share with those he had been sent by
His home church
20 When they heard it, they glorified God and said, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law. 21 But they have been informed about you—that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to live according to our customs. 22 So what is to be done? They will certainly hear that you’ve come. 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay for them to get their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that what they were told about you amounts to nothing, but that you yourself are also careful about observing the law. 25 With regard to the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter containing our decision that they should keep themselves from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
Paul’s actions:
The law was not bad, just impossible to obey
Grace was what saved you through Christ, not your imperfect keeping of the law
Paul desired to meet ALL people in their need.
1 Corinthians 9:19-20a
Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law.