Acts 21

Much like Jesus was appealed to by his disciples to not go into Jerusalem, Paul faced that same appeal. his disciples knew his life was in danger. But Paul had insight--his intention was not suicide but to stop the division of the church in Jerusalem.

How quick are we to squelch gossip in our own church? Do we face social suicide by standing up to those who would disturb the unity of Christ's church?

The People's New Testament says, "There can be no doubt that he braved the danger in order to prevent a schism that threatened the church. False reports were circulated at Jerusalem concerning his teaching to Jewish Christians; the church there was filled with prejudice against him; from thence Judaizing teachers went forth to interfere with his work. Hence, in a loving spirit, filled with that charity that suffers all things, and carrying large offerings gathered in the Gentile churches for the poor at Jerusalem, he came to disarm prejudice and show the falsehood of the stories alleged about his teachings."

We should also not be afraid when persecution arises. Ask God to show you the path to take, surround yourself with reliable prayer partners and forge ahead!

Always look to older, wiser disciples to rest and refresh with. What wisdom and encouragement we miss out on when we bypass that older saint for a book or music.

The James mentioned in verses 18-27 is Jesus' brother James. He is now a church administrator. Paul gives a report to him and the elders. They praise God and report to him that "10s of thousands" of Jews believe but are still zealous for the law. It seems they are outnumbered by those that are enraged due to Paul's teaching regarding circumcision. They thought the Gentile Christians had to convert to Judaism, then become Christian.

Again, the PNT says, "They believed upon Christ as the Messiah, but did not understand that the Old Covenant had passed away to give place to the New (Heb. 8:13). Hence, while they observed the Christian rites, they still kept up the forms of Judaism. It took a direct interposition of the Spirit to teach that Gentiles were entitled to baptism without circumcision. It required a council in Jerusalem to settle the question that Gentile Christians were not to keep the Jewish law. God taught the church, lesson by lesson, but up to this time that at Jerusalem had not yet learned that they were freed from the obligation to keep the law of Moses. "

What do you think Paul was up to?

He takes a vow and is found in the temple. They grab him and assume he brought a Greek Christian into the temple for purification--thereby making the Temple unclean. He is dragged out and the doors shut. (They didn't want to defile the Temple with a man's blood--but they didn't mind committing murder outside the doors!)

Roman troops intercede--a riot is boiling and Paul is getting a beating. He is bound with chains, just as Agabus had prophesied. They cannot hear him for the crowd, so they take him off to the barracks. They ended up carrying him because the crowd pressed in. Paul speaks to the commander, who assumes he is an Egyptian and is surprised he speaks Greek.

Josephus speaks of the notorious Egyptian, a pretend prophet and leader of Sirarii or assassins. But he would've been illiterate and not known a second language. (Maybe we all need to consider a second and third language!)

Paul receives permission to speak. he stands on the stairs above the crowd and speaks in Hebrew.

Matthew Henry said, "But God seasonably interposes for the safety of his servants, from wicked and unreasonable men; and gives them opportunities to speak for themselves, to plead for the Redeemer, and to spread abroad his glorious gospel."

When we are obedient and keep God's will of unity in mind, the opportunities to preach Christ will astound you. I can only imagine how many of those thousands of Jewish Christians stood to hear this message from Paul. Were they receptive? The words he spoke--did they appeal to them more since they were in Hebrew?

Can we be as brave?