Acts (19)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

The video for lesson 19 is the same as for lesson 17. You can view it by clicking here (scroll down to Lesson 17).

Read and meditate on Acts 21.37-40.
Most men would have simply given up at this point, relieved to have been delivered from an irrational mob. But Paul is not most men. He’s Paul, and he’s always thinking: mission, mission, mission! Paul had the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2.16). Do we?

For reflection
1.  So, bloodied, bruised, and borne away by Roman soldiers, he wanted an opportunity to defend himself before his fellow Jews. His courtesy toward the tribune is almost unbelievable. No ranting, no threats, no demanding his rights; he just asks permission, based on his status as a Roman citizen. Paul recognized the man’s authority and respected it accordingly. His heart for his people is evident. What can we learn from Paul here about how to respond when people treat us harshly because of the Gospel? How can believers encourage one another at such times?

2.  His asking in Greek surprised the Roman, who had obviously heard wild and crazy rumors about Paul (the enemies of the Gospel will stop at nothing to discredit faithful witnesses). Again, Paul played his citizenship card. As before in Philippi, he appealed to Roman protocol in order to continue his mission in the face of a mob that had been beating him to death. So he stood to speak – this time in Hebrew (Aramaic) – always thinking about the best way to fulfill his mission. Never-say-die Paul was always looking to give it one more try. How would you describe your plan for working your Personal Mission Field? Is it as determined and consistent as Paul’s was?

3.  These are the kind of people who turn the world rightside-up for Jesus Christ, people who will not stop seeking ways to proclaim the Lord until they’ve breathed their last. Paul commands us to imitate him (1 Cor. 11.1). What’s one way you could imitate Paul in your Personal Mission Field today?

4.  By the way, how do you think that mob must have felt, seeing Paul – battered and bloodied – standing up and gesturing to them, seeking to get their attention? Notice how they responded (v. 40). Do you think if we were bolder and more determined in sharing Christ with people, we might gain a similar hearing? Explain.

5.  Agabus was right. The plan of James and the elders was good, but it failed. Paul was beaten within an inch of his life and taken captive by Rome. Who knows where that would lead? Was his journey to Jerusalem a mistake? Was he failing to discern the leading of the Spirit? Explain.

Summary
God was not finished with Paul yet – not by a long shot. Paul understood that suffering was part of the ongoing work of the Lord. But neither suffering nor captivity would keep him from seeking ways to fulfill his calling. How can believers encourage one another by the example of Paul?

Closing Prayer
My enemies reproach me all day long;
Those who deride me swear an oath against me.
For I have eaten ashes like bread,
And mingled my drink with weeping,
Because of Your indignation and Your wrath;
For You have lifted me up and cast me away.
My days are like a shadow that lengthens,
And I wither away like grass.
But You, O LORD, shall endure forever,
And the remembrance of Your name to all generations.
You will arise and have mercy on Zion;
For the time to favor her,
Yes, the set time, has come.

Psalm 102.8-13

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

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