Bible Chapter: Acts 21

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Chapter 20 ended with Paul’s tearful farewell to the Ephesian elders.  Chapter 21 begins with “After we had torn ourselves away from them . . .”  That must have been quite a scene and difficult for the traveling party to actually leave.  As Paul was wrapping up this third journey, with his goal to reach Jerusalem, he was hearing several warnings about the persecution that awaited him.  Believers were strongly encouraging him to change his plans.  He refused to do so believing that it was God’s will for him to return to Jerusalem.
    Paul understood the risk he was taking.  He persisted in pursuing his goal of reporting to the church in Jerusalem.  Paul did not get caught up with the concept of “personal prophecies” where he made decisions based on what people told him.  The Spirit was guiding Paul and he understood the risks.  He was ready for whatever happened as he continued to preach the message of Jesus.
    Paul finally made it back to Jerusalem and had a good reunion with the church there as he reported all the amazing things God was doing among the Gentiles.  Part of their discussion focused on the thousands of Jews who were believers in Jesus.  The issue that Paul faced was the rumors floating around that Paul was speaking against the Jews and the Law.  This was not true.  There were many parts of the law that believers were following as an expression of their faith in Jesus.  Paul wanted to show that.
    There is a phrase in verse 27 that shows what Paul was facing.  “They stirred up the whole crowd . . .”  There were often people who used this tactic to whip up a mob frenzy, since they really had no facts to back up their claims.  This almost brought Paul’s death, but he was rescued by the military commander.  This chapter ends as Paul was about to address the crowd.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Paul had learned to hear from the Lord.  He had experience in hearing the direction of the Holy Spirit and applying it in his life.  This is why he continued on his journey when he heard several times that persecution awaited his arrival.  Because he knew he was following God’s direction, he continued.  Learning (and continuing to learn) how to hear from God is critical.  One of the challenges of the modern world is the proliferation of communication.  It is easy to get a message out and there is no lack of “experts” telling us what God is saying.  We need to learn to hear from the Bible and the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.  Paul learned that.  I must always strive to apply the same in my life.
    Paul didn’t show signs of being selfish or defensive.  If he had, he would have changed his plans and stayed in places where he was well-received.  Eternity was his focus and that’s where he was headed.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Wherever Paul went he was telling the good things that God was doing.  Often I find that people give strange and even uncomfortable reactions when I talk about things that God has done.  (We prayed for this and . . . )  They won’t specifically say it, but I often pick up reactions of doubt to examples of things God is doing.  I can help people by not being afraid to tell of God’s power and intervention in life.