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!

Acts 20 – The Long Church Service

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And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. Acts 20:7-9

There are many who will incorrectly claim that the Catholic Church changed the Sabbath to Sunday. First off the Sabbath will always be Friday evening to Saturday evening, but secondly we see the 1rst Century Christians worshipping on Sunday (the first day of the week)  This is documented multiple times throughout the New Testament. Why do Christians worship on Sunday? Because Jesus rose on Sunday morning, period. Put all the conspiracy theories to rest, its that simple

Now if someone fell asleep while you were preaching, don’t feel bad , it happened to Paul also. While Paul was preaching for a long time, a young man named Eutychus, fell asleep and fell off an upper level and died. Talk about a dramatic Church service!

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. Acts 20:10-12

This event of the young man Eutychus, coming back to life, is very interesting and mysterious. It doesn’t say that Paul resurrected the man or even prayed over him, just says Paul embraced (held) the man and he was alive. Did the man die at all? We don’t know for sure, but a miracle happened that day and prayers were answered

Secondly we see Paul and the Christians “broke bread” before the service and the next day before he left. Having communion together was alot different back in the 1rst Century. Typically the Christians would have a meal together called an “Agape Feast” and have communion during that time. It would be nice to see the modern day Church get back to this practice of having “Agape Feasts” instead of just lining up to take the sacraments

When we study the book of Acts and other books of the New Testament, we get an idea of how the early Church worshipped…however we worship make sure Christ is the center of it all and the foundation Amen!

Acts 19- The Great Disturbance

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And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. Acts 19:23-27

During the 1rst Century, Christianity was known as “The Way”, and as we read today, Christianity was starting to cause a stir in the city of Ephesus. Why? Because there were many who made alot of money selling statues of false gods. As the scripture said “Paul turned away many people” meaning he converted alot of people in Ephesus to Christianity , as we have evidence with the Epistle of Ephesians.

But notice nobody really cared until it challenged their “way” of life. Once people’s money and lifestyle were threatened , they turned on Christianity. This is still the same today, many people reject Christ, not because of lack of evidence or desire, but because they love their life more than they love God

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. Acts 19:28-30

The entire city of Ephesus was in chaos, and they were looking to take it out on Gaius and Aristarchus. Paul wanted to go and help them but the disciples wouldn’t allow him in fear of his safety. But once everyone realized the Christians havent done anything to harm their temple or religion, they eventually settled down and let them go

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. Acts 19:40-41

Once the Ephesians understood the situation, they realized they were not justified in their hatred towards the Christians. This is the same in our world today, many people label Christians as hateful or bigots, however most of those people don’t understand God or Christianity at all

Through the chaos, great things were accomplished in the name of Jesus. The Church of Ephesus was born, and led many people to Christ through The Way Amen!

Acts 19- Do They Know You?

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Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? Acts 19:13-15

Again we see people trying to replicate the power of the Holy Spirit and use it for their own fame and glory. We seen this earlier with Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8) and we still see this today, many false prophets trying to replicate the power of God, however this is blasphemy and comes at a serious price. But notice when these men tried to exercise demons in the name of Jesus, the demons said to them “Who are you”?

The question today is “Do the demons know your name”? Sounds like a strange question, but as the old saying goes “Know your enemy” When your a soldier for Christ, the demons will know your name because you are a threat to their kingdom. Don’t be surprised the more you are faithful and loyal to God, the more the demons will come after you and make your life miserable

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Acts 19:16-18

The demons attacked the false prophets and wounded them. Let this be a warning to everyone, messing with demons is serious! If you are not covered by the blood of Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit, you too can become overpowered by demonic forces. This is why playing with tarot cards and weegie boards is dangerous and should not be taken lightly.

If your going to battle with demons, you need to be equipped by God, otherwise you will be devoured like a lamb to the slaughter!

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. Acts 19:19-20

When the people of Ephesus witnessed all this, they burned all their evil books and items. The word of God prevailed and the name of Jesus was magnified according to the scriptures!

Be equipped to battle the spiritual warfare we are in today, get Born Again and covered by the blood of Jesus Amen!