poolsandpastures
Thoughts on the Gospel, Life, and Ministry
The NT365 Experiment: Acts 21-26
At the conclusion of chapter 21, the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem seize Paul and drag him before the Roman Tribune in hopes of executing him. Over the next five chapters Luke tells the story of Paul’s various trials before various the judges of the different government structures in the region.
My plan is to comment on all of these chapters together on Monday, March 17. Until then, I will encourage you to notice four themes as you read chapters 22, 23, and 24. They are:
- God Directs Paul’s Life — Notice the number of times Luke tells us that Paul “follows the Lord” or “the Holy Spirit leads”. God is in complete control of Paul’s life. This theme has continually risen to the forefront throughout our time in Acts.
- Paul Follows God’s Direction Obediently — Paul does not waver in his commitment and obedience to the will of his Father. Paul knows that he will face great personal danger if he follows God’s call; yet, he goes wherever the Lord leads him.
- The Opposition is Great — Jesus said, “Blessed are you when other revile and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:11-12). Paul faced much persecution as did the other Apostles and Christ-followers.
- Paul Uses “His Testimony” in Defense of His Ministry — Paul is not afraid to share his testimony, the story of how the Lord Jesus transformed his life by grace through faith. And, he does this the right way. He doesn’t focus on his life; rather, he focuses on the life and work of Christ in his life. In other words, God is the hero of Paul’s story, not Paul himself.
May the Lord bless you read these chapters in his Holy and inspired Word. I pray the Holy Spirit will speak clearly to you through you time in His Word of truth.
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