Acts 21:1—22:21: Facing Opposition
FIVE YOUNG MEN sang:
"We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
And needing more each day Thy grace to know:
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing;
We rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go.
"We rest on Thee our Shield and our Defender!
Thine is the battle, thine shall be the praise
When passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
Victors—we rest with Thee, through endless days."
as they went to their death, taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Auca Indians. Like Paul, knowing that death was a very real possibility, they did not turn aside from what they knew God wanted them to do.
Warming Up to God
There are times when we do not feel courageous about our faith, but question it. However, God is just as real when we doubt or fear as when our faith is strong. Let him come to you now in the midst of your fear and allow him to stretch your vision of how powerful he truly is.
Read Acts 21:1—22:21. »
Discovering the Word
- Describe the warnings to Paul concerning going to Jerusalem (21:4, 10-12).
- How did Paul respond to these warnings (21:5, 13)?
- Paul arrives in Jerusalem, is greeted by the elders and reports what God has done through his ministry. What are the elders concerned about for Paul (21:20-25)?
- How does Paul demonstrate his desire to be at one with the Jewish Christians (21:26)?
- Note how Paul was treated with mob hysteria, assumption and false evidence (21:27-36, 38). How does he respond to all of this (21:37—22:21)?
Applying the Word
- Think of a person you know who is focused on obeying God. How are you affected by his/her obedience?
- How do you usually respond when you find yourself in conflict with others as a result of your obedience to God?
- What have you seen in this passage that will help you become more single-minded in your obedience to God's will?
Responding in Prayer
Tell God of your desire to be obedient, but admit the difficulties you face because of your sin. Ask him again to cleanse you and help you run the race with fervor.
For Further Study
Surrender to Love by David G. Benner