Why or why not? We dont want to do that. The disciples would soon acknowledge that it was the Lord's will for Paul Coming unto Christ requires a complete and steadfast commitment to Him and His gospel (see Acts 21:1014; see also Omni 1:26). This is condensed historynot an exhaustive story. Whether he was preaching or debating on the largest and greatest stages of the day, or in a one-on-one Gospel conversation, he was unapologetic and unwavering in his commitment to preach Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Thus the purpose of the tutor is done away with (Gal. Paul's spirit was unconquerable. Their focus should have been on Christ as the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Rom. At the end of the day, Pauls hope was placed in Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth of this Gospel. So they propose this political scheme that will spin Paul in a different light. Luke himself was present at this meeting, and he mentions the warm welcome (21:17-18). Actions change. ]. Then they propose their scheme, which obviously they had concocted beforehand. ( Acts 2:1-4a) The disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit. Herod had just initiated an intense persecution of the church. But even so, I believe that Paul made a major mistake here. Part 2, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Boldness, like Stephen, to witness to those persecuting us and face even death with joy (, Willingness, like Peter, to release our religious ideals, embrace Gods plan, and walk in obedience (, Absolute confidence in God, like Paul, even when those around us are afraid (. King Jehoshaphat was a godly leader of Judah who sincerely wanted to bring about an alliance with the separated northern kingdom. Testify of the importance of following the Lord in spite of any opposition we receive from other people. Why did he quietly go along with their scheme? When the Power of God came down on the disciples at Pentecost, I believe God was saying that this is the beginning of the spiritual harvest - a harvest which is still going on today almost 2000 years later. Christians need to live and teach so as to be ". ACTS 21:4-6 4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. So we need to be careful about judging someone who made a mistake in the midst of such pressure. Not only that, but the leaders themselves probably would have been uncomfortable with Pauls view that Jewish Christians are free from the ceremonial aspects of the Law (Bruce, Paul, p. 347). Our text offers three lessons for us who are seeking to follow the Lord, when we err: Paul and his delegation from the Gentile churches arrived at Jerusalem, bearing the gift for the poor that had been collected from the Gentile churches. A date preceding these events is more likely unless Luke left out certain details to focus on his true purpose for writing the book. 3. 9:20). What did the Lord tell Saul to do? Do we make the same decisions that we would normally make when under duress? One day, our King is returning to make all things new, judge every deed, word and thought. The book of Acts is a story about God's grace flooding out into the world through the gospel. As James Boice argues (p. 364), the greatest proof that Paul was wrong was that God, who is sovereign over the details of our lives, intervened before Paul was able to offer the sacrifice in the temple and prevented him from doing it. This hope gave Paul boldness in proclaiming the Gospel (2 Corinthians 3:12). We can disagree with people without being disagreeable. Sometimes we disobey God and life seems to go well for a while. PDF Lessons & Observations from Acts 20 - Bible Charts The work of the church was spiritual but also encompassed the entire life of each member. The Book of Acts can be divided into two Parts: Peter's works in the first twelve chapters, Paul's works in chapters thirteen through twenty-eight. He was trying to unify the Jewish and Gentile Christians and be a witness to the unbelieving Jews. Paul told his story, but when he got to the part about Jesus telling him to go to the Gentiles, the mob began to yell and scream. The Big Picture of Acts. Having said that, it must have then been bizarre to the disciples that Jesus gave them very clear instructions as when they were to start fulfilling the Great Commission. Their open acceptance into the faith makes it clear that there is nothing (outside of our own unbelief) that can separate us from Christ. On one occasion, after years of being hounded by Saul, David said, I will perish one day by the hand of Saul (1 Sam. Let me summarize the importance of Acts in three simple statements: A. In the words of Peter, I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him(Acts 10:34-35). But to bring about this noble aim, he allied himself with the wicked northern king, Ahab. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was . . There were two primary reasons, and both of them are good motives. He was never a leader that held his friends at arms length. Here's how you compare to other students and how many colleges you are competitive for: Percentile: 56th. I love this verse. The disciples. This is our list for SWO22 Summer Camp and we couldnt be more excited Continue reading, Our Favorite Books On Family & Biblical Parenting. We must cultivate an attitude of tolerance and respect for the beliefs and rights of others. He married his son to Ahab and Jezebels daughter, Athaliah. The apostles and other followers of Christ boldly proclaimed the Gospel and their words were empowered by the Holy Spirit. Part 2, How Can Christians Knock Down Fear of the Future? As long as you are building yourself up, you will turn out just fine. Some examples of people with Nazirite vows from scripture would be Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. Paul himself got beat up and almost killed. Click here to see all the lessons in this curriculum series. Ask students to consider the training athletes undergo to become competitive at a world-class level. They do matter, and inevitably both we and others get hurt by our errors. Excerpted from "The Adventure Begins: How Jesus Works Through Ordinary People" fromKeep Believing Ministries (used by permission). 3) The medical terminology used in Acts indicates knowledge that Luke would have had as a doctor (Colossians 4:14). He was not ashamed of his background and he knew that Jesus had transformed him into a new man. So what was this event at Pentecost in AD 29 all about? It presents Christianitys victory in continuing to flourish despite fierce opposition. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. Paul worked hard, served well, and preached passionatelybut he lived by faith. ( Acts 19:5-7) The twelve Ephesian disciples believe on Jesus, are baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit with His gifts. He released Paul, but commanded the Chief Priests and the counsel to appear before him and Paul was to stand before them. . Acts 8:26-40: A great story of witness and personal evangelism. Acts 1:1 also references a previous book written about all that Jesus began to do and to teachuntil the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosena description that matches Lukes gospel. How Should Christians View the Quiverfull Movement? He knew prayer was critical not only for his own personal faithfulness but also for the growth and mission of the Church. (Im combining here the arguments of Stanley Toussaint in The Bible Knowledge Commentary [Victor Books], p. 416; and, John MacArthur, Jr., Acts 13-28 [Moody Press], p. 254). Where do motives fit in? Any decision that comes out of such unclear witness is suspect at best. How did Paul respond to his friends? What languages could Paul speak? Ask: What could you do to show tolerance and charity toward this individual? It is, at the very least, a debatable matter that he was right to do so. It would be unhealthy for one man to talk about the things he doesnt like about another mans wife. We should submit humbly to the trials that may be in our lives as a consequence of our mistakes and sins. What kinds of preparation might be different for each of us? (Invite any who wish to share such experiences to do so.). What teachings or practices of the Church do you think new converts might have the hardest time adjusting to? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the RighteousOne, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it."-. Are we guided by the same Christian values that we hold to in good times when our world gets turned upside down? Paul was always ready to tell how Jesus had changed his life. The Commander ordered Paul to be brought into the barracks and whipped. If he criticized her openly, complained about her to his friends and talked ugly about her in general, the husband of the woman would be compelled to defend her name and honor. It is one thing for Paul to set aside his freedom in Christ and to adopt some neutral Jewish customs that might be a hindrance to the gospel. (tell the truth, be courageous, share the gospel message even if there is some . When Paul was younger, he studied under the Pharisee Gamaliel. have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome'. With that in mind, here are some lessons that mean a lot to me as I read this book. This Bible study will help you set a steady pace to study the book of Colossians over 12 days. How can we help others discover and prepare for their future in the Church? He eventually got an all-expenses paid trip to Rome and was able to witness to many in Caesars household. Write the following questions on the board: What was Pauls occupation? He knew who he was. Acts 20:27 19. He walked through the valley of death so that we can rise again victoriously with Him. Have students take turns reading verses from Acts 23:1131. "through" (Acts 21:4), is a preposition whose many meanings include "on account of." Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1). Acts 21 Lesson - Virtual Bible Study The account of Pauls third missionary journey to the Gentiles ends with Acts 21:16. The book of Acts is addressed to Theophilus. Acts also expresses Gods insistence that Gentiles no longer be shunned. I would not agree with Donald Grey Barnhouse (Acts) that Paul deliberately sinned by going to Jerusalem and cooperating with this scheme. Ask:}. 1. 5. Acts 21 Lesson Staying Faithful During Times Of Adversity GRACE UNDER PRESSURE Does adversity affect our decision-making process? Invite students to read Acts 21:117. Here are 14 lessons from the life of Paul that Brody Holloway shared in a recent sermon at Red Oak Church: Courage is the execution of the mission and the calling and responsibility given by God even in the presence of fear. Since Paul was "hurrying to be at Jerusalem" As Paul was leaving, the crowd began to say, Away with him!. Even the most godly of men err. His testimony is different because he didnt physically meet Jesus, but he was told the gospel and he knew he needed to repent. [Allow for answers; discuss a court case and that the witnesses give their testimonies. Acts is a sure witness to the reality of Christs power in believers. why did the power of God come down on the disciples at Pentecost? [Paul is a Roman citizen], How did the Centurion become a Roman? At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prisonthat I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:24). What Can We Learn from the Book of Acts? - Christianity What did the Lord tell Ananias about His purpose in calling Saul to the ministry? I find it surprising that many commentators defend Pauls actions here. Who is Agabus in the book of Acts and what can we learn from him? Paul shows us that God is sovereign but demands everything from us in our pursuit of personal holiness, the execution of the Great Commission and the building of the Church. (see vv.4, 1012). What does that show about Pauls testimony? [He paid a large sum of money. [Allow for answers], What did Paul do after he met Jesus? They should have been in the process of educating these Jewish believers that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile (Gal. These vows were probably Nazirite vows which Jews would take periodically for different reasons. Why didnt Paul confront these church leaders? Second, it is arguable that Pauls actions compromised or, at the very least, clouded some crucial biblical truths. Love you, Sis. TGC Course | Knowing the Bible: Acts Ask: Why is it sometimes difficult to follow the promptings of the Spirit? Navigating Lifes Storms - 3 Lessons from Pauls Acts 27 Voyage Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. (Acts 2:32-33), Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for youeven Jesus(Acts 3:19-21), Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:11-12), Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Since they boarded "the ship" (Acts 21:6), it most likely To avoid a backlash from the Jewish faction of the church on account of the leaders welcoming Paul and his Gentile converts and accepting their gift, they propose that Paul join these four men in their Jewish vow and sacrifice. 50 miles southeast of Cos. Patara is a port on the mainland (Turkey) about 50 miles east of Rhodes. and instead passed south of it. So the first and major lesson of our text is that even the most godly of men can err, and so we must be on guard against making serious mistakes, especially when were under pressure. How did Pauls friends react to his commitment? Lebanon is today. Answer. We all err in our personal lives. Now in its 14 th year, What Will They Learn? What is a testimony? The work of the church is, first of all about the word of God and prayer. This passage goes on the detail their activities including meeting daily. Anglican. We must long for Him to manifest Himself in our midst (vv.1-3). God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. Sometimes we act in obedience and suffer terribly. Paul had been stoned at Lystra and left, presumed dead, but he went right back into Lystra when God revived him (Acts 14). He should have used this as an opportunity to educate the Jerusalem leaders that in Christ we are not under the Law, but under grace. Ironically, Paul was falsely accused of bringing a Gentile inside this wall, leading to the riot and his arrest (Acts 21:28). For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:1114). See how many lessons you can find to help yourself grow in your faith through the reading and study of this great book. Why did Jesus make such a fuss about the timing? to solve a problem we need to do more than pray. When we hear about Paul meeting Jesus, hold up the cross. During the roughly ten years of his three journeys Paul traveled many thousands of miles and boldly testified of Jesus "before the Gentiles and the children of Israel" ( Acts 9:15 ). Maybe his aura is just too great to dare to suggest that he blew it. Paul invested deeply in the development of young pastors like Timothy, Titus and John Mark. Primacy Preaching is a primary function of the local church. To start saving items to a SermonFolder, please create an account. Acts is a fascinating look into the lives of the early Christians that were closest to Jesus! Cancel, 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, Experiencing the mercy of God in our lives, Looking to Jesus for help now and hope in the future, Help your church understand God's plan in pain. In what ways could we follow his example? Why do friends sometimes try to keep you from doing something you feel you should do? Weve made major decisions that turned out to be major mistakes. Here are some points that stick out to me. New Testament Video presentation 12, PaulA Chosen Vessel (11:34), can be used in teaching Acts 2128(see New Testament Video Guide for teaching suggestions). Why should believers in Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses us from all sin, go through a ritual of purification involving animal sacrifice under the priestly system that put the Savior to death? [Allow for answers; consider the disciples, Stephen, Lydia, Timothy, the Centurion after the earthquake, etc], What about you? Prayer was central and powerful. Some professing Christians try to defend racism biblically. Why deforestation mattersand what we can do to stop it Ask: Who can help me get better grades? Get resources, podcast episodes, and SWO updates sent directly to your inbox. Tell students that certain people helped Paul accomplish something that Heavenly Father had in mind for him. His offering animal sacrifices here did not deny the finished work of Christ, but were only memorials. We have to raise them at a time when we have no experience raising children. Paul and his delegation from the Gentile churches arrived at Jerusalem, bearing the gift for the poor that had been collected from the Gentile churches. Paul asked the Commander if he could speak to the crowd. He didn't explain to them why - though we can now see why with hindsight. It must have been very daunting for the disciples, when they first heard the Great Commission. He faced tremendous hostility from the Jewish religious leaders and Paul met them with a grace that exemplified mature godliness. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2002, All Rights Reserved. Just thinking it so does not make it so. When Gods people enthusiastically give themselves to the work of Gods kingdom, their whole world changes. The next day, they met with James and the elders from the Jerusalem church. Choose from the following ideas, or use some of your own, as you prepare lessons for Acts 2123. What happened next demonstrated the power of prayer. Paul would write in one of his letters, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). There is much we can learn from Pauls faithful example in Acts. These two thingsbold witness and visible lovehave been the hallmark of the church in every age of persecution and hostility. Paul knew that the Spirit of God dwelled in him, richly. Peter was rescued by and angel and hidden from Herods grasp and soon Herod was struck by God and died (12:20-23). There is some conjecture that Acts may have been intended as a powerful, convicting defense for Pauls trial. Others suggest AD 70 or even later. It is the historical link that joins the life of Christ with the growth of the Christian church. Consider sharing the gospel with them. {The children you are teaching may or may not have a Jesus Story or testimony. In Acts 27:10, Paul warned Julius and the officials of the danger of continuing, saying, "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." The crew nevertheless opted to continue to Phoenix, believing it to be a better location to spend the winter season. The early disciples had witnessed the power of God to heal and they considered it natural that Gods power was not diminished just because Jesus was no longer with them. Elisha and the Shunammite Woman Object Lesson, Construction Paper (2 sheets of the same color, and one sheet that is red), (Optional) Make sign sets for each child by creating the signs above in a smaller format and tape them onto Popsicle sticks, What is a testimony? During the roughly ten years of his three journeys Paul traveled many thousands of miles and boldly testified of Jesus before the Gentiles and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). 5:1, 6). pure from the blood of all men." Acts 20:36 22. The ship He shared his testimony in front of everyone in the temple. Invite the class to pretend that you are a student who wants to get better grades in school. As the author of Hebrews argues, Christ is the sum of everything that the Jewish sacrificial system pointed forward to. Sometimes there seems to be the misconception that if we hold to a higher view of the sovereignty of God, then we dont have to do much work. In Ephesus he survived a huge riot (Acts 19) and when he came to Jerusalem and Caesarea later in his ministry to face Roman governors and Jewish kings not once did he ever shrink back (Acts 21-28). {Cut the shape of a cross out of the red sheet of paper. Competitive For: 469 Schools. Acts 8:26-40: 5 Lessons from Philip - God Centered Life What is the difference between a mistake and a sin? Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. God has an inheritance prepared for us. Paul and Silas are imprisoned and then freed. What Will They Learn? - American Council of Trustees and Alumni Where are "Cos Rhodes, and Patara" (Acts 21:1) The fourth argument is that Pauls motives were pure. Pentecost was a harvest festival - at the beginning of the wheat harvest - when the first fruits of the wheat harvest were presented to God. He exhorts the Galatians, It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. He goes on to tell them that in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love (Gal. We must cultivate an increased spirit of civility among people in their expressions one to another, and toward the beliefs and practices of others. Paul knew that suffering was going to take place in Jerusalem. (Acts 23:11, see Christians should keep their commitments. We can learn from Paul what it looks like to speak with authority. These are four simple and powerful lessons that we can use today to help us in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. When people choose to follow Jesus there is a spiritual change inside of them. It was an example of unity at the expense of holiness, and it had disastrous consequences. We can all be instructed if we learn how prone we all are to make mistakes when were under pressure, and thus to be on guard. List answers on the board, and encourage students to follow Pauls example of respecting the feelings of new converts. And what should the result of this assurance and acceptance be? Acts 2:1-21 What is more frustrating than being told to do something you are not. Healing Prayers to Heal the Body, Mind, and Soul. If you have a Jesus Story then you had a new beginning as well. The disciples consulted with and obeyed, 2. I have been there, I must also see Rome", "So when he would not be persuaded, we These changes dont necessarily happen fast. There were needs in the church. What can we learn from it? I have been there, I must also see Rome" (Acts Second, Pauls participation did not compromise any biblical truth, but was a matter of Christian liberty. 2023jimthefollower.com. Paul and Silas are first mentioned together after the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, as both men were part of the group that took the council's decision back to Syrian Antioch (verse 22). But its an altogether different matter to be the guy down on the field, making split-second decisions under incredible pressure. 4 Practical Life Lessons from Acts - jimthefollower.com Scripture Focus: Acts 21:14 - 22:30 Materials: Construction Paper (2 sheets of the same color, and one sheet that is red) As a sequel to the gospel of Luke, Acts picks up after Christs ascension and carries us through the developmental years of Christianity. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. A. We err in our ministries, sometimes misjudging people or situations.

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