Acts 22:1-21

 A real turn around

Paul gives testimony to the people who know his previous life intimately. Persecuting the way, zealous for God without knowledge (Rom 10:2) A pharisee of pharisees (Phil 3:5). It would seem he always knew what to do, and who to do it to. But when he meets the risen Jesus, he doesn't know who he is or what he (saul) should do. 

Previously one who says they can see but is blind (John 9, Isaiah 43), full of independence and resolve, but is now undone, blind, dependent, and helpless before Christ Jesus. How beautiful to receive his sight by the word spoken by Ananias and to receive his commissioning. Formerly an instrument of darkness, Saul is baptised, and his sins are washed away, calling on the name of the Righteous One. 

If you've ever known someone to be fixated, resolute, goal oriented or really focused, it's a total shock if they give it up. I know that from how people reacted to me giving up cycling after 20 or so years of being obsessed with cycle commuting. But this is worse, he's turned to the opposition. I think the story is about to get spicy!

But what is at the root of it? Paul recognises Christ Jesus. He repents and is baptised. Same story for you and I. There may be different sins. There may be different consequences. But you and I who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. 

Paul writes:

the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Acts 21:17-40

 Frenzy fueled by lies.

The followers of Jesus, when they act publicly, are bound to face hostility. Hostility from traditionalists, hostility from the mob, hostility without the full story. Paul has basically a lynch mob out to get him for the claim that he is leading Jews astray, whilst he was in the middle of fulfilling jewish customs with 4 of the people from his group.

The weird part about this is that Paul providentially finds protection in the Romans, as he is a Roman citizen from Tarsus. Sometimes the Lord will use the things about us which we assume are of no account to the benefit of his Kingdom. Sometimes the Lord will use violent opposition to confirm the message and the gentle character of his servants. In any case the Christian must be solid with integrity in all these circumstances. To not be ashamed of associating with Gentiles, to not be opposed to the unity of the Faith. 

God does great things in the chaos. Hold the truth, live not by lies, fulfill the mission he gives you. The frenzy of lies got Joseph to the position where his dream interpretations became known. The frenzy fueled by lies lead our Lord to the cross in some part.  We should expect this, but greater is He that is in you.

Acts 21:1-15

 Posture

And kneeling down on the beach we prayed and said farewell to one another.

What does your posture say about you? Shoulders back, stand up straight, stooped, looking aside, arms crossed...

Kneeling?

Who kneels for anything? Kneeling in some circumstances is now seen as a sign of defiance and a show of some kind of injustice.  Kneeling is a mockery in public now.

But twice now, we see Paul and his beloved company united, on their knees, in dependent, thankful, petitioning, and earnest fellowship of prayer.  Maybe they looked silly on the beach, but they don't care. 

We kneel to show with our bodies the meaning of the Authority, worthiness of worship (that might be a tautology) and Sovereignty of God. Regardless of the impending danger, the prophecy, the grief at missing one another, the importance of their journey, they stop, kneel and pray.

We either have God say to us "thy will be done" and we run off into eternal separation, or we say "thy will be done" and run into dependence upon him. To be saved from God is to run to him. We cannot save our own lives, we live or die by his providence. Paul is ready for this. There are those who cry for the rocks to fall on them because of the justice of God coming, but Paul cries that the power of God in all suffering comes so that He gets the glory, and that His will is done.

Are you ready for whatever God uses you for? What kind of vessel are you in preparation for his purposes. Kneel, be purified, be ready.

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 

-- Paul in his 2nd letter to Timothy

Acts 20:17-38

 Twisted words and commendations

This must have been a special time that Paul had spent with these folk at Miletus, and the elders from Ephesus. His departure is significant enough for a specially prepared address.  He has loved them and served God with tears and trials. Always sticking to the declaration of the truth, repentance, and the glory of Christ Jesus in his grace to us.

He knows what will come after, and wants them to be prepared for trials such as he has seen, and wrote to Philippians about (1:29). He uses words like "admonish" and "testify" and "declaring the whole counsel of God".  Paul has taken his responsibility so seriously and so resolutely, filled with the passion of the Holy Spirit. 

Some departures are a relief, because we're glad to see the back of someone. Some departures are a bitter sweet sorrow for we love those who are leaving, but expect there to be joy in their journey. Other departures are resolutely hard because the destination and journey will be a difficult and painful one, like sending sons to war. Or like Paul's departure, the precious bond is weighed down with heaviness knowing what will happen in Jerusalem. 

What about me then? As people come and go and as I come and go, what will the departure be like? Is it my responsibility to bear the ambassadorship of Christ with honour. What about the trials? What about the destiny? When the people of God send loved ones to serve Christ in other dangerous places, will we kneel, weep and pray with and for them? What are our commitments to the bond of fellowship in Christ?  What will we be commended for? And in what power will we do anything worthy of this kind of commendation? I must pray for the Holy Spirit to fuel my guts, my courage, my willingness to be spent. Most of us would not be poured out for anything except our own entertainment or comfort or image.

Are we sold out together for Jesus, regardless of the road some of us have to take?

The twisted words will distort the future, they will come from among you. Wolves drawing away people to be devoured. This is why he says to pay careful attention, why he says that he worked for 3 years admonishing with tears, why he declares the whole counsel of God to them. The danger to the flock is very real. The Wolves will come. The warnings about the world, the flesh and the devil, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, are all things that the wolves would have you follow after to dilute your commitment to Christ.

Without this vigilance for yourself and the flock, you will not be able to identify these wiles. So whether it's the state interfering in the life of the church, or the culture, or the media, or false teaching or divisive people or any number of things, without maturity and discernment these wolves will start tearing apart the body. 

Paul seeks of himself and of the rest of the body of Christ a sold out obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ where each individual holds their own life of no account. May I grow in this conviction and you also.

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,  engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

-- The Apostle Paul to the Church in Philippi 

Acts 20:1-16

 Fellowship

This band of brothers from Asia, Berea, Israel, and all over are fixed on the Glory of Jesus together. Late night fellowship, teaching, and eating. Taking up every moment, every travelling option, sold out and hungry for the work of God in the church everywhere.  Poor Eutychus, keen enough to be and stay with everyone who is soaking up Gods word as Paul teaches, but exhausted from the day I presume or the heat of all the bodies and lamps in the room, finds the cool of the night in the window, and then becomes the subject of gravity.

Like Elijah raising the widows son, the providence of God here shines in his protection of people who are close to his will and serving his purposes. You might be worn out and exhausted but still want to be near Him, and bad things may happen to you too. God who raised Christ from the dead will bring you through your exhaustion, and through whatever peril you face. 

Paul preaches on. Eutychus is going to be OK. It's not a reason to pack up and go home. 

Paul hikes 50km from Troas to Assos. I imagine there were as much wonderful things talked about on the road!

Acts 18:23-19:20

Reasoning, Refutations and ripoffs.

It looks like the message has gone ahead, but not in completeness. Apollos and others in Ephesus don't have the full story yet. And this happens with us too. Our exposure to the grace and truth of the Lord Jesus Christ sometimes unfolds through the help of different people along the path. "one sows, another waters, and God gives the increase". These hearts are prepared by God to receive His full counsel by Priscilla and Aquilla, and Paul. The baptism of John was a baptism of repentance and preparation for devout people who are seeking God.

Paul writes later to the Corinthians - "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God". Part of the role of showing Christ to the world is rebuttal of bad arguments, and refutation of wrong ideas about God by declaring the truth. This may not be palatable to some people who are not prepared of heart to hear this. But Paul preaches boldly anyhow. 

The counterfeit claims of the jewish exorcists stand in contrast to the true persuading power of the truth.

And this exposure by evil spirits lead to people having even more fear and reverence for the name of the Lord Jesus, bringing about even deeper repentance as they realised the spiritual depth of the purifying that they needed.

On reflection, knowing the fear of the Lord do I know how to persuade men (2Cor5)? Am i assured and in stewardship of the truth in its completeness? Do I boldly proclaim what is right and Holy about God and what is wretched and filthy about men? Or am I mouthing counterfeit words that I don't understand, nor recognise the source of their power. 

1 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his Word;
in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.

2 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age the same;
his holy name, the Lord, the Mighty One.

3 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

4 Tell out, my soul, the glories of his Word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children's children and forevermore!

Timothy Dudley Smith

Acts 18:1-22

The loud music next door.

Some people really are put out when their neighbours have a party. Admittedly, if it goes on late into the night and I need sleep, i do to. But when the synagogue leader Crispus went next door because the music of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ was better than the music of the lifeless traditions he used to follow, the neighbours got very upset!

Jealousy drove the people of the synagogue to attack Paul and the church again. No surprises here, as in previous chapters the Jews accuse Paul of teaching worship contrary to the law, but really just appear to be jealous of him for they have lost their leader and the following of the local gentiles and some of their own.

Paul may have anticipated this opposition as it was becoming a pattern. But we read God's assurance to Paul - 

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”

His encouragement under this trial of conflict is that there are many who are God's people here. His struggle is worth the pain, discomfort and tension because of the reward. The Grace of God has come to us because of people enduring this kind of conflict to bring us the truth. 

Our lives are enriched and renewed because of those proclaiming the truth. We are beneficiaries of the blood sweat and tears of the saints who toiled through these conflicts to keep bringing the grace and truth of Christ.

1 The Church's one foundation
is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the Word.
From heav'n he came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.

2 Elect from ev'ry nation,
yet one o'er all the earth;
her charter of salvation:
one Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with ev'ry grace endued.

3 The Church shall never perish.
Her dear Lord to defend,
to guide, sustain, and cherish,
is with her to the end.
Tho' there be those that hate her
and strive to see her fail,
against both foe and traitor
she ever shall prevail.

4 Tho' with a scornful wonder
the world sees her oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder,
by heresies distressed,
yet saints their watch are keeping;
their cry goes up, "How long?"
and soon the night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.

5 'Mid toil and tribulation
and tumult of her war
she waits the consummation
of peace forevermore
till with the vision glorious
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great Church victorious
shall be the Church at rest.

SJ Stone.

Acts 17:16-34

 how to know the unknown.

Perhaps we might feel our way towards him and find him? Men are without excuse regarding is power, and divine nature. But the only way he can be actually discovered is by revealing himself to us.

Paul says He is closer than you think. He has given commands, he has revealed his Son. The stamp of authenticity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. So repent.  

The true and living Lord God does not need a temple to dwell in, nor an altar for ignorant worship. No, He has made known to us the Judge of all the earth, the Son whom we are to worship with our whole being. (Romans 12:1)

The mercy of God is that he has given us a way to be reconciled to God, for sin to be forgiven. In response he deserves not just occasional prayers or offerings at an altar in vain hope of something we do not know, but our whole life changed by meeting him. We have to hear more. We have to be joined to his people.

Acts 17:1-15

 Agitators vs Acceptance

Paul proclaims Christ Jesus, and many greeks accept Him, even the prominent, not being attached to their position, but coming instead under the Lordship of Christ. The Jews however are not said to be opposed to Christ for 'reasons' other than Jealousy. Clinging to power, clinging to tradition. Their bitterness toward Paul is because he's stealing their 'converts'.  Jesus said that these people tithe their herbs, and forget their parents, that they put burdens on the greeks that they cannot bear, and go far across the world to make a convert and make him twice as much a son of hell as they are. They interfere and agitate the ministry of Paul, and want to destroy its effectiveness by using a mob of angry people.

But grace and the knowledge of God comes to those who are truly seeking Him. In any place and time, God seeks such worshippers and reveals himself to them, like the samaritan woman at the well. 

This is where Timothy starts a more practical side to his traineeship. He is left there with Silas, and has the opportunity to continue to teach these greeks and the Berean Jews the truth. He's the perfect candidate for this. His humility, his mixed heritage, the things he has seen God do in his life till now.

Lord Jesus make us open hearted like the Berean jews and the Greeks that Paul and Timothy brought the truth to. Help us to seek the Lord while he may be found, to forsake wickedness. Help us identify and forgive agitators and to pray for them. 

Acts 16:16-40

 The slave, the state and salvation

You're just asking for trouble being followed around with announcements of unwanted attention. Perhaps not all publicity is good publicity. Under demonic influence this poor girl, a fortune telling slave, cannot help but declare the kingdom of God. 

Realising that the jig is up, the scheme has been foiled, and the mainstream media of demonic doom is uncovered with the authority of Christ Jesus, the only option left is force. Just as it is in our day. The economic fortunes of those who would suppress the truth of Christ are under threat. The conspirators are given cause to attack His messengers. 

But then something beautiful happens. As the bruises start to show, as the body starts to ache from the awkward position in the stocks, as the joints start to swell in pain, they sing. The testimony comes to those in prison. The inspiration of Paul Furlong, put in prison in melbourne for holding church services during the plandemic, these guys are a real blessing.

The rule of law does occasionally still hold sway and favour the innocent. And for shame, occasionally it reveals the injustice of people in power, using it for their own ends.  Our citizenship here may hold some protection, as it did for Paul, but our citizenship in heaven needs to be our primary card to carry, to answer our accusers, to represent his Kingdom and its light and law and grace and truth in this dark world.

Acts 16:1-15

 Touring, Teaching and Training

Imagine being Timothy, the young man, taken along with Paul, instructing the churches. Imagine him soaking up the teaching, thinking it through, and then getting to the next town, taking a turn at instructing, and improving his communication and understanding at each opportunity.  It would be an exciting opportunity to follow along, and be trained in this way. 

I can feel the excitement of hearing from Paul that they had been instructed by Christ to travel to Macedonia. I don't know if Timothy had traveled much before, but it does seem like its turning out to be an amazing adventure in a natural sense, going to so many different places. But also, as a divinely directed adventure it is the more amazing. Jesus instruction to them directly to do one thing or not another, and to have their journey providentially weaved through circumstances He had orchestrated is a real confidence builder for Timothy. 

Paul may have had smaller trip in mind to go down to Asia to Ephesus, but is given the command to go across to Macedonia to extend his journey.  The people of Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea receive the Word of God, and Pauls letters to them later become the blessing to us. 

When Timothy observes Pauls pattern of looking for people like Lydia at places of prayer, and seeing that he finds someone prepared of heart to receive the good news, it must have encouraged him in preparation for his own ministry, as it ought to encourage us to do the same. 

Lord Jesus grant me real following grace to follow you through to unfamiliar difficult and distant places if required and to be prepared of heart to see you do amazing things through your providential care and intervention.

Acts 15:1-21

 You cannot be saved. All the external and ceremonial activities of jewish law do not provide salvation. All the traditions of men in any religion do not afford salvation. What can a man give in exchange for his soul? 

The fervency of debate and dissension among the disciples as they wrestled through this, being witnesses of the Glory of Christ, gives weight to the importance and difficulty of dealing with this. In all generations since, the same challenge has been on the church and individuals of tradition, that we are somehow made worthy by what we do. It is our natural expression of self. It is the response of Cain to God requiring of him something different than he thought best to provide as an offering. 

The heart of the pharisee in me wants to press on others the kinds of traditions that i think are getting me in the door. But my witness or expectation in a natural sense does not give light to God's way of dealing with us. 

God who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit.  The testimony of the gentiles is not external. It is the witness of the Holy Spirit.  Their faith is no different to the faith of the Jews who trust the risen Jesus Christ. We are saved just as they are through the grace of the Lord Jesus.

The wonder of the assembly as they silently listened to the amazing things God was doing through signs and wonders have been thrilling.

The calling of the gentiles, opening the promise of eternal life, Jesus who loves me, calling me to repent, to be purified from sin, to be brought into loving fellowship, to have eternal security. I should be grateful. I should dwell on it often. I should rejoice in how he loves me.  You can be saved. By the Grace of the Lord Jesus. You are known, you can be rescued through faith in him.  You may have to have a challenging debate internally to unravel the reliance on your works.  You're not good enough. But He is perfectly Good. You're not holy, He is.  Whatever you're banking on, it better be the bank of Heaven, for all our traditions, observances, are filthy rags, but Jesus is the one we can call on to set us free into His Love, to give us an eternal inheritance, to fill us with joy. Jesus saves.

Nothing in my hands I bring,

Simply to Thy cross I cling;

Naked, come to Thee for dress,

Helpless, look to Thee for grace:

Foul, I to the fountain fly,

Wash me, Savior, or I die.

Rock of Ages - Augustus Toplady