21 November

Bible In 365 Days                  

Acts 21-23

Acts 21

Passing on toward Jerusalem, Paul and those with him reached Tyre. There the disciples urged the Apostle not to go to Jerusalem; but, having received from the Spirit a revelation of all that lay before him, he pressed on.

Presently Caesarea was reached, and here we get another glimpse of Philip the evangelist. Living at Caesarea he had four daughters who were devoted to the work of the Lord. While tarrying there Agabus arrived and uttered words of prediction. This prediction harmonized with the Apostle's own conviction that he was on his way to suffering. Once again he was urged not to proceed, and once more his devotion overcame all human urgency.

Arrived at Jerusalem, he was received by the elders, and rehearsed the story of the wonderful triumph of the Word among the Gentiles. Here there were those who were opposed to this very work. It was at this time that Paul took the vow of the Nazarite. It is impossible to escape the conviction that in doing so he was mistaken. The only purpose of his action was to maintain peace, which was not achieved.

Acts 22

Paul's defense as here recorded is a rare and perfect example of Christian argument. He was defending his devotion to work among the Gentiles. In that defense the last word he was permitted to utter was the word "Gentiles." Immediately the fury of the crowds burst out. In that moment of crisis Paul broke once and forever with the trammels of the Judaic system.

At this point we have a remarkable view of the condition of affairs in the church at Jerusalem. Quite evidently there were many who still observed all the forms and ceremonies of the Jewish ritual. They were attempting the policy of compromise.

In connection with the frenzy of the mob we have another case of Paul claiming his rights of earthly citizenship. Suffering for Christ's sake is a holy privilege, but no man has any right to court martyrdom in order to allow men to sin when a protest may prevent them. Paul gloried in the stigmata of Jesus, but he did not fail to prevent scourging when it was in his power legally to do so. Thus it is seen that meekness is not foolhardiness, and courage may express itself in preventing suffering as much as in enduring it.

Acts 23

By action of the Roman governor, Paul was arraigned before the Jewish Sanhedrin. Hardly had he commenced before he was interrupted and insulted. It was a most trying ordeal for the apostle. It is easily conceivable that he would be dejected in the loneliness of the following night. It was then that the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer," and assured him that in spite of all opposition he would bear witness also at Rome.

So fierce, however, was the opposition to the Apostle that certain men vowed to destroy him. Again God overruled and made the fact known to Paul, through his nephew, as the result of which Paul took action which led to his protection and deliverance. Under Roman escort he reached Caesarea, and was presented to the governor, who placed him under guard until his enemies arrived.