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In Acts 22:7, Paul speaks about that specific day when he met Jesus Christ, and the very time of day. There was this great light. I fell to the ground, and as I lay on the ground I heard a voice - such detail - and clear convictions. This was no dream.

Verse 10 gives us that vital question, which can continue to trouble people!

Jesus speaks to him directly, and he follows Christ's instructions from the very beginning. Then Ananias came to him - sent by Jesus - to deal with other areas of his life, which had to be dealt with right away.

Verse 14. Ananias…  ( Click for more )

We are studying Acts Chapter 22, where the apostle Paul gives his testimony, and I deliberately use the word 'study' because it is so vitally important that we study the Scriptures - not just read them - but 'study'. There are times when we will read them, but there should be times when we 'study' them.

It always amazes me when scholars become so excited on finding an ancient document.

We have The Word of God - the Word of our Creator God, our gracious merciful loving Saviour - and these documents in the Bible should be read and studied…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 22, where Paul gives his testimony before a howling mob, God is using this situation to teach us to use each opportunity with which we are presented. These opportunities may not always be in a pulpit, or quiet Bible Study setting, or a pleasant conversation in someone's home!

God had been saying something to this previously zealous and deeply religious man, and sometimes it is hard even for God to get through to religious people. But some 25 years later, Paul never forgot that day. He had done a lot during these past 25 years, but he never forgot that day…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 21 Paul is almost mugged by a religious gang. Roman soldiers rescue him for his own safety, because God still has vital work for him to do. But Paul's desire and longing is to speak to these people and when given permission he addresses them and shares his very real testimony. He says to these religious bigots, "I too am a Jew. I am one of you. I had the finest theological training available, at that time, sitting in the class of Professor Gamaliel. I am as zealous as you are. I was as dedicated to God as you are."

You can be religious and dedicated to…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 21:35, Luke describes a wild scenario. Here we see mob violence as serious as we read about today. The crowd follow the soldiers, who arrested Paul for his own safety, shouting - "Away with him!" This is how a faithful servant of the living God can be treated at times, even while in the place of prayer.

There are many similarities to the arrest of Jesus, Who said, "Follow Me", but we very seldom consider this aspect as even one of the possibilities.

Once Paul gets his breath back, he asks the Commanding Officer - "Can I have a word with you?" The officer…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 21 verse 27, we read of trouble in the Temple. Following 5 or 6 years travelling all over the Middle East, and having been forewarned of trouble in Jerusalem, Paul like Jesus Christ His Saviour had set his face determinedly to go to Jerusalem. Within 10 days or so of his arriving in the city, a riot breaks out in the Temple.

Paul is falsely accused of bringing Greeks - non-Jews - Gentiles - into the Temple. There had been rumours going around that Paul has been preaching and teaching to turn away from Moses - not to have their children circumcised - and not…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 21, there are so many vital lessons for the Church of Jesus Christ. The situation in Jerusalem is now critical as Paul seeks to allay the accusations surrounding his preaching and teaching. These Jews who oppose him are so prejudiced. The riot, which arises suddenly, becomes very serious. They people got hold of Paul and dragged him out of the Temple. He had been falsely accused of polluting the House of God, but who was really polluting the House of God? It is an essential question which needs to be asked - occasionally. Who is really causing the trouble? …  ( Click for more )

In Acts 21 we have been studying this very difficult situation from verse 20 onwards, where Paul was being falsely accused regarding what he was teaching. That remains something which we continue to face and carry today. There will always be those who will try to put words in your mouth. That is why we must be careful as to what we say and how we conduct our lives.

If you do what is right in the sight of God, that does not mean you can avoid trouble. If you do what people ask you to do, even in a situation like this, there can still be gossip, anger, rage, uproar, riot.…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 21:20, when these Jerusalem elders learned how Paul had been so blessed and used, they praised God. His testimony rang true. It was so very real.

They worshipped God and gave Him all the glory. They saw the Hand of God upon his ministry, but then, they reveal something that is on their heart. They are apprehensive. Why?

Verse 20. "We have a problem here in Jerusalem. You see brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. Now, some of these Jewish disciples of Jesus Christ have been led to believe…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 21:17, Paul and Luke and a few others arrive in Jerusalem - "and the brothers received us warmly". The next day Paul meets with the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. It is around the year 60 AD. Again we see the pattern of one city, one church, one group of elders. One leadership - there was still such wonderful unity in the Church of Jesus Christ, despite the various serious attacks.

Paul goes on to describe in detail what God has been doing among the Gentiles through his ministry. It is right and good to tell the leadership of the local…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 21, we saw how these disciples of Jesus Christ in Caesarea were persuaded that God was in this cautionary prophetic warning as to what Paul is about to face when he returns to Jerusalem. They agree to stand by, and alongside Paul, and support and encourage this man who is so determined to remain faithful to his calling in Christ.

Peer pressure, of which we hear so much today, does not cause Paul to compromise.

What his concerned colleagues had been urging, did not make him cave in or give up. He was determined to remain in the centre of the will of God. It…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 21 we read of Paul arriving in Jerusalem at the end of what has been called his Third Missionary Journey.

We have read of two groups who tried to dissuade Paul from going to Jerusalem - but Paul would not be put off - because he had a word from God, through the prophet Agabus. God had spoken prophetically. Jesus had revealed through a man something of what was going to happen to His servant Paul - called, chosen and anointed - but having to face being bound and imprisoned in the city of Jerusalem.

Do not be overly surprised when persecution confronts you.…  ( Click for more )

Acts 21:7. Paul and his missionary colleagues sail homewards, visiting groups of disciples, ministering as they travelled, and on arriving at Caesarea, they lived in the home of Philip the evangelist.

Philip had four daughters who prophesied. Let's just remind ourselves - prophesying is not the same as preaching. God had given these four girls an ability to speak forth specific words to build up and encourage and comfort the church. A word of prophecy can be so very refreshing - as it flows from God. It is new and has a dynamic and relevance about it for the people…  ( Click for more )

Acts 21:4. There are times when we have to take people through the Word of God slowly, because there is so much to learn and understand. These believers in Jesus Christ at Tyre knew that many Jews hated Paul. This news had travelled fast, and they say to Paul - "Paul, you should not go on to Jerusalem." These men and women are genuinely and sincerely concerned for Paul's physical welfare, but Paul knows the will of God and he will not be diverted and sidetracked. They cannot persuade him.

Once the ship was ready to leave - once the seven days were up - all the…  ( Click for more )

At the end of Acts 20, we read of this moving scene, as Paul has this final meeting with these leaders of the Ephesian Church. He speaks of what he had done and how he ministered during his time in Ephesus. He gives us the core - the heart of his preaching.

He speaks about what he thinks is going to happen to him. Then Paul exhorts them to look after themselves - 'watch over yourselves' - 'be shepherds' - attacks will come from the outside - people on the inside will attempt to undermine - and he speaks with tears.

They part on the beach.…  ( Click for more )

Acts Chapter 20:29. Paul the servant of the Lord Jesus Christ is addressing his final word to the elders of the Church in Ephesus. I know this - after I depart wolves will infiltrate the flock and seek to devour the sheep, and also from among you some shall arise and speak false and dangerous things. They will persist in this, and they will draw away disciples after them. One group of elders in a town can prevent that happening.

Wherever there are sheep there are wolves. That is a spiritual theorem - a spiritual truth - a spiritual reality.

Watch - pay attention…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 20:27 we are taught how God used Paul to proclaim the whole Word of God - to share the whole Will of God - without withholding challenging truths which might at first appear unpalatable and could cause you to become unpopular in certain circles. As you minister in such a way, you will have a clear conscience. Of course that means believing it and obeying it first. People need the lot - all that God has for them. We need all the equipment which God provides, and we see that so clearly in those verses. Omit nothing! Is this too challenging for you? I hope not! …  ( Click for more )

In Acts 20 we are studying the tremendous detail which God gives us where Paul has this final and quite moving meeting with the elders of the Church in Ephesus. He is indicating to these elders how they are to serve in the Church of Jesus Christ. Paul is not afraid to show his emotions - as he shares how he wept - and by the end of the passage they are all weeping. These are first century men of God - apostles - prophets - elders.

In verse 22, he opens his heart some more. He is making his way towards Jerusalem and he knows there is going to be trouble. Courageously,…  ( Click for more )

Acts 20:17. Paul is speaking for the final time in his life with these elders from Ephesus, in western Turkey. Final words are important.

This was the man who spoke about joy and rejoicing. Ah, there can be rejoicing and peace - with tears flowing down one's cheeks - only - only - the disciple of Jesus Christ experiences that spiritual reality. And, suffering is the balancing factor.

There are times when God comes and drops a little suffering into our lives. We may think we do NOT need THAT, but HE sees that we do.

Paul wept often. He is so honest…  ( Click for more )

Acts 20:16f. Paul wanted to be back in Jerusalem for Pentecost, one of the most overlooked seasons of the year in the Church of Jesus Christ. It is significant to read of what the New Testament regards as important - Passover - Pentecost - bread and wine - do this in remembrance of ME.

Paul realises that he is not going to be able to re-visit the Ephesian Church, so he sends for the elders, and the come immediately. O, for men like this - sent for - and appearing - laying aside whatever other commitments they might have had. There is the note of urgency and immediacy.…  ( Click for more )

Acts 20:8. Paul is preaching and teaching in Troas and he continues speaking right up to midnight. Some no doubt might wish to criticise Paul for going on so long - but Jesus was pleased - and that is what really matters. There are times when we have to let people say what they want to - and when we are pleasing the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not have to pay too much attention to their comments and criticisms.

Nobody was concerned too much that he was long preaching. Nobody would be bored - wandering in their mind - looking out the window - (although on this occasion…  ( Click for more )

We move on into Acts 20, where Paul is preparing to leave Ephesus. Look closely at him as he is with these disciples of Jesus. He calls for them to come around him. He wants to encourage them and strengthen them, after what they had witnessed and been through - that riot - that civil disorder in cultured and well-read Ephesus. They loved Paul and Paul loved them.

Throughout these past two years they had been through a lot together. This happens - doesn't it? When we are thrown together in Christ Jesus we go through a lot together.

They had come to know…  ( Click for more )

In Acts 19, we have been studying the various consequences of Paul' s powerful ministry in Ephesus. At verse 34, we read of an uproar, as people shouted and chanted slogans for some two hours. When people's pockets are touched they invariably react angrily. Ask a religious person to tithe, before he is a disciple of Jesus Christ, and he will rise up in anger. Once a man is born again, then he is in a position to submit to the truth of the word of God - and only then.

As long as 'religion' remains within a building, or private and quiet and so…  ( Click for more )

We continue our studies in Acts 19, where we read of Paul's comprehensive ministry in Ephesus. We have a duty and a responsibility to exercise a full wholesome ministry in line with our calling.

When Paul arrives and meets with these disciples of Jesus, he discerns that something is missing, and Paul is concerned that these disciples of Jesus Christ have everything God wants them to have - as early on as possible. These were important crucial areas - Baptism in water - and - Baptism in the Holy Spirit - areas which are frequently overlooked or ignored today, for fear…  ( Click for more )