Sermons from August 2016
Paul’s Defense (Acts 21:37-22:21)
Introduction Certain Jews from Asia (v.27) accused Paul of “teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place” (v.28). In Paul’s defense he will address each one of these charges, but it is cleverly included in a testimony of God’s transforming work in his life. Read Acts 21:37-22:21 Paul’s speech was a very personal testimony (“I”/“me” with reference to himself more than 30x). His defense would not be a canned presentation. He doesn’t take time to develop points of…
Take Him Away (Acts 21:27-36)
Introduction We are nearing the end of the first apostolic movement of Jesus under the New Covenant Church. It is a significant period in which much of the New Testament was being written! This section focuses primarily upon Paul’s imprisonment. He will be in chains by the end of this passage and he will remain in chains until the end of the book. Read Acts 21:27-36 In Acts 9:15-16, Jesus told Ananias that Paul’s testimony would go before Gentiles and…
Greetings and Accusations (Acts 21:17-26)
Introduction We have been shocked by Paul’s perseverance. He has been resilient in the face of constant suffering and threats of death. He has come to Jerusalem having been spent for the kingdom, but fully expecting more suffering to come his way. Read Acts 21:17-26 What in the world is going on here? Is somebody doing something wrong? Is Paul acting like a hypocrite as one prominent commentator suggests? Great pastoral heroes of mine have disagreed about how to understand…
I Am Ready…to Die (Acts 21:1-16)
Introduction Paul has been hastening to get to Jerusalem, constrained by the Holy Spirit. He has an unnamed burden to get there by Pentecost. Luke seems to be copying notes from his travel journal adding details about what was happening at some of those stops. Read Acts 21:1-16 Have you ever heard of Walter Houston? “Man, 91, Dies Waiting for Will of God” Tupelo, Miss. – Walter Houston, described by family members as a devoted Christian, died Monday after waiting…