Acts 21:15-22:16
Here, we focus on two brief phrases - ‘the things that God had done’(19) and you will be a witness for Him’(22:15). In the work of God we must learn to hold these two things together - divine power and human witness. Without the power of God, no one will come to faith in Christ: ‘It is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness”, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’. How does God work? - He works through human witnesses: ‘we preach... Jesus Christ as Lord’. How are divine power and human witness related to each other? - ‘We have this treasure in earthen vessels to show that the transcendent, superior, all-surpassing power belongs to God and not to us’(Corinthians 4:5-7). Let God speak - through you!
Acts 22:17-23:35
A Jew, ‘praying in the temple’ at ‘Jerusalem’, Paul was obedient to God’s call - ‘I will send you far away to the Gentiles’(22:17,21).The racists would not hear of this - ‘Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he ought not to live’(22:22). This was not simply dislike for Paul. This was hatred directed against the God who, in Jesus Christ, offers salvation to all nations. Paul was a ‘Roman citizen’(22:25-29). God was protecting Paul for his future ministry - ‘you must bear witness also at Rome’(23:11). Paul was giving his own testimony when he wrote the words, ‘All things work together for good to those who love God’(Romans 8:28). Serving the Lord is never easy. Sometimes, it can be very difficult. When we face violent opposition, we draw our strength from God’s Word - ‘Take courage’(23:10-11).
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Blessings in Christ
Christ in all the Scriptures
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