Monthly Archives: August 2021

Acts 22- Paul’s Deliverance

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And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: Acts 22:17-19

As we read in the past Chapters, God has been warning Paul about coming to Jerusalem, yet he insisted on going there anyway. However now The Lord decided to step in and tell Paul, “Get out of Jerusalem”! I think Paul finally got the message, however now God is gonna have to save him from the Romans and the Jews, as Paul has the whole city of Jerusalem stirred up for preaching the gospel

Can we relate to this? When the Holy Spirit keeps telling us to do this or not do this, but we don’t listen, we end up creating a disaster for ourselves. God knows alot more than we can ever know, we need to be obedient and put our faith and trust in Him

And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. Acts 22:20-22

Paul still felt guilty for the murder of Stephen, he still takes the blame for his death. However we must all remember , that God has forgiven us of our sins through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes its harder to forgive ourselves than for God to forgive us. But God had a bigger plan for Paul, to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, the New Covenant!

And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. Acts 22:23-26

 While things looked bad for Paul, God still had a plan for his life and delivered him. Even though Paul was a Jew , he was also a Roman Citizen, this actually saved his life. Once the centurion realized Paul was a Roman Citizen they saved him from being killed by the Jews

God works in mysterious ways, even when we don’t see a way, God can make a way. God had a bigger plan for Pauls life and used him as a vessel to preach the gospel to the Gentiles Amen!

Acts 22- Paul’s Testimony

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I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. Acts  22:2-6

One of the strongest pieces of evidence for God is our personal testimony. Most of us have a testimony how they came to Christ and he changed their life. Well here in Chapter 22 , Paul is sharing his testimony, how he literally saw the light, had a “come to Jesus” moment, and his life was transformed forever.

One reason Paul was so successful in his evangelism , is his educational background. As Paul shares, he was trained in the Torah by a Rabbi named Gamaliel. Now according  to Jewish historian Josephus, also the Talmud, and the New Testament, Rabbi Gamaliel was well respected among the Jewish community, and he  was the grandson of other famous Jewish Rabbis. Point is Paul was training to be a Pharisee, and was trained by some of the best Rabbis of the time. Because of Pauls extensive knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures, he was able to effectively display how Jesus was the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies throughout the Bible

And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. Acts 22:7-10

When we have a “Come to Jesus” moment, our lives are never the same. We can’t encounter Christ and not be changed, our soul has longed for reconciliation with God, and only Jesus can provide this. Notice Pauls response “Lord what shall I do”? Are we asking Jesus, how can I serve you? What can I do for your Kingdom? 

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. Acts 22:11-14

Before Paul could be restored , he first needed to be broken! Many of us also need to be broken before we can be fixed by Jesus. Paul was blinded by The Light, and then the scales fell off his eyes and now he can see through the eyes of God. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Paul had the head knowledge about God, but he didn’t have the Holy Spirit. Now he’s become Born Again and become a new creation for Christ!

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:15-16

One of the great evidences of Christ’s resurrection is the testimony of Paul’s life. A devout Pharisee , saw the Risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and was transformed forever, taking the gospel to the unclean Gentiles. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can transform a life like this!

As Jesus said to Paul “Arise , be baptized and wash away your sins in the name of The Father, Son , and Holy Spirit” Amen!

Acts 21- The Gospel Rejected

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And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. Acts 21:27-30

As was prophesied earlier in the book of Acts by the Holy Spirit, Paul was going to be persecuted when he came to Jerusalem. Now as we see , over and over again, the Jews are persecuting Paul and rejecting Christ, because they don’t understand the gospel. They keep accusing Paul of blaspheming The Torah, but they don’t understand it was Moses himself who prophesied about Jesus coming

The orthodox Jews clearly didn’t understand the prophecies of the New Covenant foretold by Moses, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. So because of their lack of understanding , they rejected Christ and tried to kill off the Christians including Paul. If only they allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal who Jesus truly is, but they hardened their hearts!

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. Acts 21:31-33

Jerusalem was in total chaos because of the gospel of Christ, this is the reaction you will get when the light is shed into the darkness. The Jews were about to kill Paul, but once Rome heard of the chaos, they came to restore order. Paul was now bound in chains, just as prophesied by the Holy Spirit in the earlier chapter

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. Acts 21:34-36

This scene reminds you of when Jesus was on trial, the Jews were crying out to have Paul killed off, because they rejected the gospel. But Paul knew this going to Jerusalem , he was prepared to lay down his life for Christ, in fact he considered a great honor to die for The Lord

It’s interesting to think about , the Orthodox Jews were zealous for God, yet their actions were in opposition to God. Are you like Paul, ready to be in Chains for The Lord? Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ, if its your time? Press on to our higher calling Amen!

Acts 21- The Gentiles Grafted In

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And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: Acts 21:17-20

Paul finally reached Jerusalem and the Christians received him with open arms. Its interesting to note that the Apostle James oversaw the Church in Jerusalem. So when Paul came to Jerusalem , of course he came to speak to James and the other Christians. Paul shared with James how the Gentiles have been grafted into the family of God through Jesus Christ

Of course the orthodox Jews were not happy with the new Gentile believers, because they wanted them under The Law instead of under Grace. If you remember the Council of Jerusalem , back in Acts 15, the Apostles already established that Gentiles did not have to live under the Torah. But again we are going to see this debate again, as we still see this  debate today

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. Acts 21:21-24

The orthodox Jews were accusing Paul of teaching the Gentiles to forsake the teachings of Moses. These Jews didn’t understand that Moses taught about the coming of Jesus, and they God would raise up someone greater than Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15) The Jews were trying to keep the Gentiles bound to The Law, the same yoke that they were unable to bear themselves

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.  Acts 21:25-26

Paul taught that the Gentiles are not under The Torah, the Christian Gentiles are to just avoid sexual immorality and not eat any sacrifices to idols. Why? Because Christians live under Grace and are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Law of God is written in our hearts not of stone anymore

Many still today don’t understand that Jesus paid it all, that Jesus fulfilled The Law (Matthew 5:17) so that we can be set free from the penalty of the Law , which is death Amen!

Acts 21- City of God

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And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:8-12

While Paul was on his journey to Jerusalem, he stopped and visited Philip the evangelist. While he was staying there a prophet named Agabus, stopped and gave Paul a prophecy that he would be taken prisoner by the Jews and handed over to the Gentiles. The Christians who heard this pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem.

Earlier in this chapter when Paul was visiting Christians in Tyre, by the Holy Spirit they pleaded with him also to not go to Jerusalem. It’s interesting though Paul still continued his journey despite several warnings by the Holy Spirit. Was Paul really doing the will of God or was God testing Paul? Its interesting to ponder, but Paul kept saying “Let the will of The Lord be done”

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.Acts 21:13-16

Paul didn’t want anyone to weep over him, because Paul was ready to die for the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul ran his race and now was ready to finish his work, but it was only by the will of The Lord and not his own. Its amazing how focused Paul was on God’s eternal kingdom and not focused on this temporary world

Notice also how Jerusalem is the center of the world in Paul’s eyes. Even though Paul evangelized all throughout Asia Minor, he wanted to end his ministry in Jerusalem, the city of God. Just as the Bible said Jesus would return on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4) It’s interesting Jerusalem has and always will be the City of God and the center of prophecy

Acts 20- Paul Heads to Jerusalem

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And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Acts 20:18-22

 Paul was now saying farewell to the Church of Ephesus, as Paul’s mission was to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost. As we know from the Epistle of Ephesians and the book of Acts, Paul spent a great deal of time there, and made alot of relationships as the Church. Paul declared he had taught them all the doctrines of God that he knew and didn’t hold anything back

 One of the interesting references here is Paul said he taught from “house to house”. Displaying that the early Church worshipped in houses before Church buildings were established. This is another interesting fact about how today’s Church differs from the early Church. With all the pressures of mortgages of large buildings and budgets, could this issue easily be resolved if we used our houses as a place of worship?

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. Acts 20:23-26

Paul is declaring to the Ephesians that he fulfilled his purpose by Christ to preach the gospel, and the Holy Spirit is his witness that he did all things with purity and there was no deceit or corruption with his ministry. He also makes the sad announcement that the Church of Ephesus will never see him again, as Paul knows he is probably going to die in Jerusalem.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Acts 20:27-31

Paul reveals he was in Ephesus for 3 years, preaching the gospel and building the Church. As Paul declared, Christ purchased the Church with his own blood! As he reminded them to watch over the flock and feed them with the Word of God

Paul also gave a final warning about false prophets and teachers coming in to deceive the Church when he leaves. Remember Jesus warned his Apostles about the same thing, even today false prophets and teachers continue to invade the Church and lead many astray. 

Before Paul left the entire Church prayed together and wept, what a beautiful sight of unity and love with the Body of Christ!